A Form We Don't Mind Completing
As a cost-saving exercise, we had arranged to build the forms for the garage foundation and do all the prep work so that the concrete crew just had to come in for the pour and do the finish work on the slab. But, one of the lessons that we've already learned through this process is to not schedule inspections so tightly with other events. And we learned this after our very first inspection! Quick learners, we are. We worked hard towards the Friday inspection of the foundation, and we had to pass before we could bring the crew in to pour the slab. But, uh, the crew was scheduled for early the next morning. And Bill was leaving on his annual canoe trip to Missouri on Sunday. Everything had to fall in place like clockwork. Everything.
In the weeks before the inspection, we had some wonderful help from neighbor Scott, who seems to know how to skillfully operate just about any piece of equipment. We also received super help from friends Ken and David in the days before the inspection. Bill had scheduled the inspection for Friday afternoon, but we got a call early on Friday morning before breakfast that the inspector would be at the house sometime between 10:00 a.m. and noon. Yikes! We were not close to being ready. Annette was working at home that day, and immediately dropped her computer mouse and ran to grab shoes and help out in any way possible.
"Grab those dobies and tie them on here and here."
"You got it." -pause- "What's a dobie?"
Everyone put their heads down to focus on their tasks and worked intently and quickly to be as ready as possible for our honored visitor, being mindful of the possibility of accidents when rushing too much.
When the inspector arrived at 10:30, we had been hauling you-know-what for a good three hours. He asked questions, spoke with Bill and Scott, and poked around as inspectors are known to do. Meanwhile, Ken and Annette kept busy doing whatever they could to support a positive outcome. All of a sudden, the inspector said something to Bill and then strolled down the driveway and out of the back yard. Did we pass? Do we really get to pour the slab the next morning? Annette leaned over to Ken and said, "Well? What's happening?" Yikes, Ken didn't know. Haven't been that tense since don't know when. Then Bill's grin and big exhale told the story. Whoop whoop whoop! We all came together and did it! Time for lunch!
The forms begin to take, uh, form. |
Digging down to the Jurassic period. |
David and Ken lend a hand during a very busy week. Thanks, guys! |
Annette begins to see just how many steps are involved in a foundation.
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Got to allow for plumbing, or you'll be really, really bummed! |
Bill and Scott take five (or twenty) after passing the inspection.
Woo hoo! |
