Our house is using a foundation system called ICF or insulated concrete forms. These footings shown in the pictures are the first step in placing the foundation.
(To learn more about ICF click here.)
We have taken a few more steps forward. The Mazur construction company knows how to keep up with mother nature.
Below is a of video of the land being prepared.
We do know that mother nature is going to play an important part in the building of our new home.
The contractors that our Building coordinator uses for excavation and earth moving also work for the local towns for snow plowing, snow removal, and road sanding. That said, this time of year we do expect delays. Currently our land has been prepared for access and is almost ready for the foundation placement.If all goes well, we will have the foundation footings placed on Wednesday, December 26th and the foundation poured and placed on Thursday, December 27th.
This is an exciting step and we will post pictures as soon as they are available.
Bob and Kathe Tortorice have built their home in Franconia New Hampshire to be a showplace for an EnergyStar efficient home.
| December 2007 | |||
‘Gold’ is reward for building ‘green’
Click here to see the photos of their home during all phases of construction.
While our home will not have all of the bells and whistles we do expect to score into the high 70’s on energy efficiency.
One day makes a big difference. Today we watched the Mazur Brothers remove tree stumps. After the stumps are pulled from the ground, they are gently placed in the dump truck in preparation for a trip to the “tree stump farm” where they will gently be added to the land fill. Maybe that is where new trees come from?
Yesterday was very busy. Excavation has started.
See Flickr (click on the picture) for the rest of the pictures. Details will follow later.
Tuesday, December 11th, we hope to see the next step in our new home building project take place. The area where the house, driveway, and septic system is going to be placed, needs to be cleared of trees and brush, etc.
Due to the vagaries of mother nature during this time of year, timing is everything.
The tradesmen that perform the excavation are Adam and Richard (Dick) Mazur.
At this time of year, brush and small trees can be burned or dragged to create a brush pile. We talked for awhile with the Mazur brothers and came to the conclusion that a couple of brush piles located on the back ridge behind our house would be the best option as this provides a natural habitat for small game, rabbits, birds, etc. to be protected from the larger predators, such as foxes or martins. As the result of this discussion, Adam told us the story about the time he was small game hunting in the woods and came upon a large brush pile. Realizing that this might be a great vantage point to see game coming in, he proceeded to climb to the top of the brush pile. By the time he got to the top, he heard a commotion from below and was able to see a black bear crawling out from under the brush pile and scampering away. Of course we hope not to attract bear and other such larger game to our brush pile. Perhaps we should post a sign on it: “No Bears Allowed in the Brogan Brush Pile” - think that will work?
Building Alternatives is the company who will ensure that our house is built as an Energy Star Home.
Bob Tortorice, President of Building Alternatives opens the house location plan. Adam and Dick Mazur will be in charge of clearing the land and excavation.
Steve and Adam check out the location of the front door.
The process is now official. We have a building permit.
We are dedicating this site to document our first and only attempt at having a home build for us with our specifications.
We are building an Energy Star approved home.
More on that and everything else that goes with it.
We will also be using a flickr.com picture site that will contain pictures of the entire process.
Steve and Diane Brogan
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