Weeks 36-39: Basement Floors and More

As in the previous weeks, these weeks have held some back and forth with engineering and design specifics.  There have been multiple areas around the property that weren't accurately represented in the plans for various reasons, which makes the number of on-site decisions rise.  This can lead to complications in communication, most of which will [hopefully] be solved with the reinstatement of weekly on-site construction meetings.

One area of confusion that needed some clarification was on the back patio where the new footings and posts were being installed.  Because of the direction of the beams in the balcony, the recessed outdoor heaters will have to change direction.  Also, some of the posts (not pictured below) detailed by the engineer posed a design problem as they didn't align with other lines with the house and exterior lattice work, but were able to be moved.  In addition, we have decided to use wood as the finish material on the 'ceiling' instead of replacing the stucco, adding more warmth and that modern touch.

Footings have been poured and new, larger posts have
been put in place.  These posts will eventually be
wrapped to make them prettier.

This stretch will eventually have lattice work in the same
style and size as was existing.  The post in the foreground
was one that needed to line up with the planter box on
the other side of the porch.

In the basement, the floors have been poured and it is beginning to look more like livable space!  After months and months of watching the evolution of this area, it is nice to see it start coming together.  Of course, there is still much that needs to be done, but every step forward is a good step.  Ultimately, the basement will hold a theater, bar, wine cellar, and powder room as well as a mechanical room and electronics room.

The bar, wine cellar, and mechanical room all sit to the right of the stairway.

The theater, powder room, and electronics room lie to the left of the stairway.

More progress: the stairs between the kitchen and laundry room that connect the kitchen to the living room have been built.  If you have been to the house before construction, you will notice that the new stairs are built with an angle on one side so they are wider on the bottom.  This was Chris's idea as a way to fix the tunnel-like claustrophobia the previous stairs caused, and we love how open it feels!

No more tripping up the first step, either, as they will all
be the same height once flooring is installed.