New Home Begins

[955Lincoln]

I was wondering about that. I saw the sand, but no mound. I have never seen one where it did not look like a submarine was buried in the yard. I have always wondered why they don't allow the removal of a large area of original soil and replacing it with sand. That type of system has become very popular in our area. The standards to meet the perc tests have gotten so restrictive that it is often the only way to get a system. It also happens in our area when it is time to replace an existing system. There are people have been in their house for 40 years and suddenly end up with the unsightly mound in their front yard. Do you have any idea how much more that system costs than a conventional drain field? We have had pumped fields at the last 2 houses so that the system can exist in the highest and driest part of the yard. I wondered if the premium (short and long term) of the pumped system is the same or higher than the sand mound. I think our pumped system cost us a $5500 premium!

Lee

The reason they are mounded up has to do with the depth of suitable soil to clean the effluent, 7' was mentioned in my area. The sand even has to be certified for this use.

 

[tkappeler]

They use that type of drainage tunnels around here, in single trenches.

Are you required to have a filter before the drain feild?

Dave

I am not sure about required by code, but there is a filter in the tank that needs to be pulled out and hosed off quarterly.

 

[tkappeler]

The reason they are mounded up has to do with the depth of suitable soil to clean the effluent, 7' was mentioned in my area. The sand even has to be certified for this use.

Same here. The sand for septic systems in south jersey pretty much comes from one place. It even has to be tested and certified regarding pesticides and other contaminants.

 

[tkappeler]

Lots going on but I have been too busy to take photos. All hardwood flooring is in. Kitchen cabinets, spacers, appliances are all in. Only a few electric circuits left to hook up. Granite countertops are in. All permanent lighting is finished. Toilets and vanities are in but still need to hook up the faucets.

 

[ENG18LT]

I really like the granite, great color and patterning!

 

[Tororider]

I agree. That granite is really cool.

 

[jinman]

The granite is very cool. Tom, will you put a granite backsplash on also? If not, what will you use that won't clash with that granite? All the pieces are sure coming together nicely. I am a little surprised that you didn't opt for a double sink, but if you rinse and go straight to the dishwasher, a single sink may be plenty. It does leave you with more counter space.

 

[tkappeler]

The granite is very cool. Tom, will you put a granite backsplash on also? If not, what will you use that won't clash with that granite? All the pieces are sure coming together nicely. I am a little surprised that you didn't opt for a double sink, but if you rinse and go straight to the dishwasher, a single sink may be plenty. It does leave you with more counter space.

Thanks! Yes, we will be putting in a backsplash after we get in and see what will work best. As for the double sink, there was no room. There is a 36" corner lazy susan, 2" spacer, 27" sink base, dishwasher then refrigerator. There was no way to work in a wider sink. We love the D sink too.

 

[tkappeler]

Today, we got the water hooked up. Well manifold to water filter, filter to cold supply, 80 gallon electric hot water heater. I had to run new electric line (10-2) since I only ran a 12-2 for the water heater as we wanted a propane water heater. Unfortunately, a power vent hot water heater requires 4' clearance to operating windows and that side of the house is all windows and doors. We would be pushing the limit to run 3" PVC venting all the way to the other end of the house. We also installed the main bath vanity top, caulked the main bath, installed the kitchen faucet.

Tomorrow's task include drill through the basement wall to connect the 4" main drain to the new septic system. If time allows, get the kitchen sink drain installed and main bath faucet and drain.

We are pushing to have the final plumbing inspection on Wednesday.

 

[tkappeler]

It's been awhile but we are getting to the finish line. We received the final electric approval as well as the final plumbing. Propane is to be installed on Monday and I will request the inspection for that for Wednesday. (M-W-F only for plumbing). Once I have that, I can request the fire inspection.

Still to do:

Well testing - Monday
Pour the front steps - Tuesday.
Porch railing - Wednesday
Baseboard and door/window casings.
Grading and stone for driveway - later in the week.

We installed all of the interior doors this week. Two panel, arched top, V-groove knotty pine.

We built the railing protecting the stairs today. Cedar posts and rail, wrought iron balusters. Sorry for the poor quality pictures but that's the difference between a real camera and a smartphone.



The masons have finished the fireplace. The wood in the wall is the placeholder for the real mantel that is not in yet. It will be 4" x 8" x 56" with some small corbels under it. Sorry for the tilted photo.

 

[dstig1]

Nice to see the progress. It is as ton of work and a really long slog to get it all done, but you will appreciate it when you get there!

 

[wmonroe]

Everything looks great, I especially like the stone fireplace.

 

[tkappeler]

We are nearing the end of this journey. This week we have:

1) Final grading began but was halted by rain
2) Stained all doors, poly on most
3) Had the propane installed - 100 gallon tank up against the house
4) Completed the front steps.
5) Water testing results should be back at the beginning of the week

To be done this weekend:

1) Finish about 100 square feet of siding around the french doors and fireplace.
2) Finish about 25 feet of soffit, install facia trim there. It's already formed and ready to put up
3) Finish front porch railing

We have the final inspection on Monday. I am sure he will find something but it will give us a punch list. We will ask for a temporary CO as we have to be out of our rental by 9/1

I have enjoyed sharing our experience with you all. I will finally get back to looking at all of the posts and enjoying a somewhat slower pace.

 

[s219]

Sounds like you are closing in -- it moves fast at the end. Be sure to update us with some new pics!

 

[jinman]

We are nearing the end of this journey. This week we have:


2) Stained all doors, poly on most

Tom, it's an exciting time for you and your family, especially since so much of your home represents your own hard work. I'd give you a big round of applause, but it doesn't carry well over the internet.

One thing on your doors. I have ThermaTru fiberglass doors on my house. The original painters pooh-poohed the manufacturer's own paint finish kits and used their own. What a horrible mess that was just one year later as it peeled and chipped off. I bought a stain and finish kit from ThermaTru guaranteed for 5 years if it was applied according to instructions. I removed the old finish and applied the ThermaTru kit. It is top notch. It's expensive, but worth every penny. Good stuff! If your manufacturer sells their own kits, I'd get one and give it a try, especially if you have issues with the original paint.

 

[tkappeler]

We had our final inspection today!!! The punch list is not long and not difficult:

1) Final grade not complete and stabilized - the bulldozer was at work when the inspector was there but was not complete yet. It will be by end of the day today.

2) Install splash blocks or drains - we knew about that and will have them in tonight.

3) Guards and handrails not complete @ front stairs - we may scrap this entirely as we would prefer to NOT have a railing at all and the inspector said that we can skip it if we change the grade so that the porch is 30" or less above grade. It may be better to just do that and remove the rail we started to install.

4) Seal line set to siding for AC compressor - Missed caulking there.

5) Secure/lock out rear doors to future deck - the french doors lead to nowhere right now as we do not want to put steps in as we will be building a deck in the spring. We can secure them so they cannot not be opened by simply removing the star pin on the deadbolt (Andersen lockset) and they wont open until replaced.

6) Rock under stairs in basement - this was missed by the drywall guys. Code calls for the steps to be protected by either rocking the bottom of the steps or the wallls on either side of the steps on the BASEMENT side. The stairwell side is already rocked. I have a call into them to come ASAP.

7) Glass doors or rod in both bathrooms - the shower rods were not put up yet but we have them.

I am sure we will have this done in the next two days and plan on moving on Saturday!

:cool2:

 

[ENG18LT]

Good for you guys! That is a nice short list as far as punch lists go. Good luck and may you have many happy years in your new home.

 

[Dr Dave]

Congratulation, sounds like you did it right the first time! To bad about the sheetrock contractor's slip up. If you cant get him back right away, I would do it yourself.

I hope the move goes good!

Dave

 

[Dr Dave]

Congratulation, sounds like you did it right the first time! To bad about the sheetrock contractor's slip up. If you cant get him back right away, I would do it yourself.

I hope the move goes good!

Dave

 

[tkappeler]

Congratulation, sounds like you did it right the first time! To bad about the sheetrock contractor's slip up. If you cant get him back right away, I would do it yourself.

I hope the move goes good!

Dave

Sheetrock guy is coming out today. He said that this is a local requirement, not the code and we can come to some "understanding" about it. I am sure he will try to charge some nominal fee. Still better than me taking time out to get sheetrock and do it myself. He knows we want it done by tomorrow to have reinspect Thursday.