Weeks 26-28: Waterproofing and Drainage Systems

 After the basement walls were finished, the next task was to backfill and waterproof the exterior sides of the walls.  Many wheelbarrows full of dirt were redistributed from the resting place around the great pepper tree.  It was a slow process due to the level of compaction needed, as well as other issues dealing with installing the french drain.  While we don't get too much precipitation in Long Beach, our drainage systems will see us (and our neighbors downhill from us too, perhaps) through the 100 year storm.

In the past (and in the future) this is the view of the front door, bridge
walkway, and further on into the dining room.

A straight on view of the front porch, with the area of Timothy's bedroom
on the right.

Our future dining room with the basement below...this picture is taken from
an area that was once quite the jungle!  

Moving on around, this picture is taken from the
area of the master bathroom/trash can area.  Once
we are finished, the basement will be covered
with a patio area.

When looking from inside the house, you can see the trenches dug for the
french drain, as well as much of the piping.  In the far back you can just
make out the tops of two large drums that any excess ground water will
be collected in.

Another view of the main trench for the water-
proofing of the basement.

And that's where the herb garden used to be.  Now it's a blank slate.

The dirt is mostly removed from the base of the
pepper tree, hopefully it makes it through this
stressful time without too much damage.

Another view of the pepper tree.  Fingers crossed.