House Construction

[GreenMonster]

Some of you know, we've been building a new home and shop this year. We sold our house over the winter, and we're renting while this place is being built.

It's been a very busy and tiring season, as we've been relatively busy, plus we've been at the house lot every weekend working. I'm about as exhausted as I've ever been, and we still have a ways to go.

My bro-in-law works for a large construction outfit, and that's where all the large equipment came from for the site work. Our equipment, although it sometimes seems large in a customer's backyard, amounted to very little on this project!

Here's a few real early pictures... April I think just starting to get the driveway, well, a road really, cut. It didn't help early on that there was SOOOOOO much snow last year. the lot slopes and the driveway cut essentially ended up being a drainage ditch for all the run off. very very frustrating early on

[GreenMonster]

the driveway to the house is about 600' long. In hindsight, that may have been a little extreme, but it is the highest point of the property where it's very dry, and we anticipate views of the White Mountains, specifically, Mt. Washington.

Half way up the driveway, the road splits and goes out to the shop.

we've had a CAT 330, Volvo 240, Volvo 290, Dresser TD9, Dresser TD15, Dynapac rollers, and several 10 wheelers here throughout the construction

[Mbella]

Mark, are you living in an igloo, or is there a house we can see?:)

BTW, very exciting being able to purchase property and build a home.

[GreenMonster]

Underground utilities up the right hand side of the driveway. What a PITA the electrical trenches were this summer. everytime we opened a trench, it rained for a week and collapsed them.

we also dug a small pond that we generated driveway gravel with.

[GreenMonster]

Mark, are you living in an igloo, or is there a house we can see?:)

BTW, very exciting being able to purchase property and build a home.

it's coming, it's coming.

very exciting, yet frustrating, stressful, overwhelming and aggravating at the same time.

this isn't your typical home lot either. the addition of the shop added a lot, and a 600' driveway I will tell you, is not something to be taken lightly.

The house is framed now. windows, roofing and siding to start (i think) next week.

the shop is all but finished. a little trim work and finish work on the doors. electrical as well. here's some shop construction pics.

the shop area we found to be really wet. The finish grade is cut down 8' from original grade, plus 6' frost walls put the footer in the water table. the perimeter drains have been running all summer. It was a real bitcsh to excavate as well, as the wall kept collapsing.

[GreenMonster]

more shop and the pond after it grew a little.

the shop is 30x60

[Mark]

Mark
You better save all those boulders so we can have some fun with them when it comes time to landscaping that place. Looks awesome!

[GreenMonster]

ok mike, here is the house. on the front there will be a farmer's porch. we're going to have 8 columns that we will veneer (right, Mark? :)) there is a poured slab which I am currently planning on covering with irregular bluestone

here's front and back shots of the house, and building up the front yard.

I'd like to think that back would walk out to a pool, but i'm pretty confident that's no longer in the budget

[Mbella]

Mark, what is the purpose of that solid pipe running around the perimeter of the footer?

[GreenMonster]

Mark
You better save all those boulders so we can have some fun with them when it comes time to landscaping that place. Looks awesome!

boulders?!?! did you say boulders????

I have a mountain of boulders behind the shop. I don't think I will EVER have to search for boulders again for a landscape project.

not to mention all the small scattered piles all over the place.

I've been stocking up on trees as well. Northern has been marking down trees. I have hoops blue, fat albert and foxtail spruce, all nice trees, that were marked down from $500 to $50.

[GreenMonster]

Mark, what is the purpose of that solid pipe running around the perimeter of the footer?

Mike, that's perf. It's a perimeter drain. It was surrounded by stone, covered with fabric, and backfilled.

wouldn't usually put a perimeter drain around a frost wall, but there was just so much water, we had it in temporarily for the form guys, and decided to keep it in cuz there was so much water. again, it's been running all summer, and I looked at it today... still running.

we put radiant heat in the shop floor, which will be heated with an outdoor wood furnance.

[Mark]

Yeah...I thought you were calling about sunday? House looks good! Did you anticipate the site work on that level?

[Mark]

boulders?!?! did you say boulders????

I have a mountain of boulders behind the shop. I don't think I will EVER have to search for boulders again for a landscape project.

not to mention all the small scattered piles all over the place.

I've been stocking up on trees as well. Northern has been marking down trees. I have hoops blue, fat albert and foxtail spruce, all nice trees, that were marked down from $500 to $50.

Like I said....you better save all that stuff so we can make that place look like a real landscaper lives there! You'll definitely need my help with accomplishing that! :pound:

[Mbella]

Mark, couldn't tell it was perf.

Damn, you're doing it right. Everything looks really nice. Amazing how far you have come in a few years.

[GreenMonster]

sorry Mark, builder went away for the weekend, and the columns aren't marked out, although the slab is poured. keep next weekend open, huh???

even after planning out site work with Tam's brother, we still didn't anticipate as much as it took. In hindsight, we were so anxious to get started, mainly so the builder could get going, we really should have waited longer for the spring thaw to happen instead of dealing with so much slop. it cost us time and money, and we did lots of things twice.

to get through site work for this year, we still have to put in the septic, grade driveway, and hopefully finish the pond. all in all, we still saved A LOT of money on the site work vs. hiring out a contractor to do it all.

[GreenMonster]

Like I said....you better save all that stuff so we can make that place look like a real landscaper lives there! You'll definitely need my help with accomplishing that! :pound:

oh don't worry, you'll have your chance to put your signature on the landscape here! I won't hesitate to call you!


Mark, couldn't tell it was perf.

Damn, you're doing it right. Everything looks really nice. Amazing how far you have come in a few years.

well, we bought/built our first house very young. It was a waterfront property, so after 12 years of ownership, we were able to turn a very nice profit to finance this endeavor.

This is a 24 acre prop. the only bad part, is we're about 300 yards or so down a class 6 road (not town maintained). so it's a little bumpy, and we have to take care of winter maintenance. there are 3 of us on the class 6 section, and I don't see it as a prob.

[Mark]

sorry Mark, builder went away for the weekend, and the columns aren't marked out, although the slab is poured. keep next weekend open, huh???

even after planning out site work with Tam's brother, we still didn't anticipate as much as it took. In hindsight, we were so anxious to get started, mainly so the builder could get going, we really should have waited longer for the spring thaw to happen instead of dealing with so much slop. it cost us time and money, and we did lots of things twice.

to get through site work for this year, we still have to put in the septic, grade driveway, and hopefully finish the pond. all in all, we still saved A LOT of money on the site work vs. hiring out a contractor to do it all.

So did Tami's bro do the work for you or did you have to hire the company he works for? How big is the pond? Will you use it for irrigation?

[GreenMonster]

1. house from road to shop, in front of pond
2. backfilling elec trenches. the work/cost involved with underground electric is definately something I underestimated
3. out towards shop from lower end of front lawn
4. front lawn, pond, driveway from house. when all the leaves fall, the mountains will be in view

[GreenMonster]

So did Tami's bro do the work for you or did you have to hire the company he works for? How big is the pond? Will you use it for irrigation?

Tammy's brother was there most weekends helping with either clearing trees, running pipe, running a machine or coordinating. he runs lowbed for his company, so he would deliver all the equipment for the weekend, and when necessary, haul back on monday morns. we would pay an hourly fee for the machines, then hire some of their operators and put fuel in the machines. our fuel bill to date for the site work is over $5K!

Um, I'm not sure of the pond dim's as they are now. it will get a little bigger, as it is too steep right now, so the sides need to be sloped better. we will be using it for irrigation.

[Pro Cut]

very impressive!

[cgland]

Seems to me that someone is making too much money! LOL! Looks awesome, I can't wait until Mark does the landscaping.

[4seasons]

That's a huge @ss driveway!
Definitely my type of shop.

[Mark]

Mark
You getting any work done this week on the house or are your carpenters sitting in the john all day reading their stack of newspapers. You see the stash of reading material they have in there?

Seriously, have you done anything with finalizing caps? Veneer selection?

[Colonial]

thats gonna be a nice lookin house!.
Congrats!

[GreenMonster]

Mark
You getting any work done this week on the house or are your carpenters sitting in the john all day reading their stack of newspapers. You see the stash of reading material they have in there?

Seriously, have you done anything with finalizing caps? Veneer selection?

yup, after much struggle and debate, we have come up with our choices for veeneer and farmer's porch design.

We'll use a New Hamsphire sawn fieldstone veneer, 3" granite cap, and irregular bluestone for the decking. Probably use Swenson's Old Yankee steps, which are rough with exposed drill holes. The last remaining decision is whether I will (we) just continue the irregular bluestone up to the edge, or if I'll use a granite or bluestone tread to overhang the deck, between the columns.

Tammy was unsure of all the different product choices, then I showed here this picture of an outdoor kitchen I did, and it's all the same materials I'm proposing for our porch! :) I looks great here doesn't it?

[Mark]

yup, after much struggle and debate, we have come up with our choices for veeneer and farmer's porch design.

We'll use a New Hamsphire sawn fieldstone veneer, 3" granite cap, and irregular bluestone for the decking. Probably use Swenson's Old Yankee steps, which are rough with exposed drill holes. The last remaining decision is whether I will (we) just continue the irregular bluestone up to the edge, or if I'll use a granite or bluestone tread to overhang the deck, between the columns.

Tammy was unsure of all the different product choices, then I showed here this picture of an outdoor kitchen I did, and it's all the same materials I'm proposing for our porch! :) I looks great here doesn't it?

HA HA HA - Always using another man's work to make your wife happy! Geez! So are your caps Caledonia as well??? Or did you go with standard Swenson Gray?
Don't know if you got my message....the inlaws will be in town friday through sunday! Hope I get my $50 soon so I can just drink the weekend away!

[GreenMonster]

caps are standard (and heavy!)

Hey, she's not easy to please, so if you think you can handle it, don't let me stop ya.

[Mark]

hey, just found out the inlaws are leaving saturday.....maybe we can do something sunday!???

[GreenMonster]

hey, just found out the inlaws are leaving saturday.....maybe we can do something sunday!???

yup. give me a call. anyone else want to do some veneer?

[CaptainsLS]

You guys are doing this on Sunday of this week? By "veneer" you mean having a couple beers on your tab....right?

[GreenMonster]

You guys are doing this on Sunday of this week? By "veneer" you mean having a couple beers on your tab....right?

oh, I would certainly believe that beers would be available for those willing to provide their expertise. You've been wanting to take a trip to NH anyway, right Capt?

[CaptainsLS]

NH and the foliage does sound nice...What exactly are you veneering over?

[GreenMonster]

NH and the foliage does sound nice...What exactly are you veneering over?

we have 10 columns supporting the farmer's porch roof. they are blocked up with 16x16 chimney block, 28" high each, with a 3" granite cap.

Oh, it's gonna be a good ol' time. sounds like a good oppurtunity for PH get together, huh?

[Mark]

we have 10 columns supporting the farmer's porch roof. they are blocked up with 16x16 chimney block, 28" high each, with a 3" granite cap.

Oh, it's gonna be a good ol' time. sounds like a good oppurtunity for PH get together, huh?

Oh that'll be great....I'll be left with a couple dozen people taking credit for my work instead of just one. :)

Although, I bet we'd get alot done with some extra hands. Do you think these guys are all as good as us though GreenMonster? You know we'll make it look fantastic and this is your house....would you really want to reduce your workforce to this level? God forbid Rusk shows up he'd fire you from your own job at your own house!!!

[GreenMonster]

Rusk can come, he just has to leave his 1" mortar joints in NJ, and promise not to ask me to move my driveway.

I talked to Capt today. I think he's in (and excited) for next weekend. I'm pretty stoked too! A handful of good talented guys we can probably make some good progress quickly. Heck, with you experts, I'll probably just be mixing mortar :)

I'm wondering if the fireplace might be framed up for next weekend. that actually takes precedence over the columns.

[mrusk]

I don't know if the beemer will make it down that driveway.

[Mark]

I don't know if the beemer will make it down that driveway.

You're a jersey boy, you couldn't make it down that driveway in a 4WD!:pound:

[CaptainsLS]

Heck, with you experts, I'll probably just be mixing mortar :)

Dont worry GreenMonster, my mortar mixer wants to come up and join the fun. His name is Marcello, you will like him.:dance:

On second thought, Mark sounds like an un-needed expense, and he might not leave any beers for the actual "workers". After all...it's your house, and with his dry-stack veneer, you’re just asking for water to creep in and pop off that expensive veneer.....:croc:

[GreenMonster]

On second thought, Mark sounds like an un-needed expense, and he might not leave any beers for the actual "workers". After all...it's your house, and with his dry-stack veneer, you’re just asking for water to creep in and pop off that expensive veneer.....:croc:

well, let's not be too quick to push Mark out. I mean after all, he did offer some deeply discounted rates (read: free). Let's at least get a few days of free labor out of him before we chitcan him :boink:

[Mark]

That's it I don't want to play with you guys anymore :hurt::brick:

[GreenMonster]

Ok ladies, quit bitchin'.

The caps are on. Be ready for veneer next weekend. What kind of beer do you like?

[Mark]

you get your lights figurred out yet? I definitely like the 3" cap although I'm still confused as to why the builder wanted so many posts. I'm in sunday and MAYBE 1/2 day saturday if that's your plan

[Mark]

how bout the angle and have you a conclusion on blocking out for the bump out yet?

[GreenMonster]

how bout the angle and have you a conclusion on blocking out for the bump out yet?

yeah, I'm working on that. lights too

[CaptainsLS]

Are we using a cut veneer? I see no shelf for the full size stuff?

[GreenMonster]

yes, it's a cut veneer. We have to build a bump out underneath the columns.

Mark, weren't we last talking about just putting up a 2x ledger? Then, after it's set, it can come down.

[Mark]

Captain
The client has been making decisions on a whim and has made no provisions for his desires in the earlier stages of construction. An old boss of mine use to call it prior proper planning (PPP)
It is sawn back

[Mark]

yes we've talked about alot of stuff

[GreenMonster]

Hey quit bein such a douche. we all aren't blessed enough to have ONE, yes ONE little project on our plate for the ENTIRE season.

some of us are being pulled in a couple different directions... ALL AT ONE TIME!

so, anyway, Marky dearest, what do you think is the best approach for bumping out the columns? Remember, they only need to go down another 12"-15".

[GreenMonster]

Capt, I'm mad at Mark now. What is your opinion for bumping out the columns against the foundation face? Do you see what we're talking about?

[CaptainsLS]

I don’t follow…. You want them to appear larger at the base than the top? As well as extend below 12” on the foundation face?

[GreenMonster]

I want them to look like columns, so, see how the blockwork is overhanging the foundation about 2"? We need to make the columns bump out off the face of the foundation 2" as well, about 12" down. So, no, they won't look larger at the bottom, they'll look the same as the rest of the column.

[Mark]

Captain
The area between the columns on the foundation will be veneered as well to the tune of about 15" down from the slab. The columns should be proud of the veneer in between each column about 2-3"

[Mark]

The block work was installed overhanging the face of the concrete foundation in order to do this but this leaves a void of space that we need to veneer that does not have block work that sticks out enough

[CaptainsLS]

Hrm. 2” is a pain in the arse. Off the top of my head I’m not sure, we could cut up a piece of lintel, drill it into the slab reversed and used CMU wall caps (2” I think?) blocked off the lintel, then veneer off the block work????

[GreenMonster]

Hrm. 2” is a pain in the arse. Off the top of my head I’m not sure, we could cut up a piece of lintel, drill it into the slab reversed and used CMU wall caps (2” I think?) blocked off the lintel, then veneer off the block work????

use the lintel as a ledge?

[Mark]

Hrm. 2” is a pain in the arse. Off the top of my head I’m not sure, we could cut up a piece of lintel, drill it into the slab reversed and used CMU wall caps (2” I think?) blocked off the lintel, then veneer off the block work????

Yes, my thoughts were the 3" x 5" angle and 2"x8"x16" block off that and the the veneer over that.

Mark was asking about using 2 x 4 PT as a ledger and then go off that...I like the angle better

[CaptainsLS]

Yes, my thoughts were the 3" x 5" angle and 2"x8"x16" block off that and the the veneer over that.

Exactly what I was saying. 2"x8x16 is cap block right? The area where the lintel sits....will that be exposed?

[CaptainsLS]

If we are using cut veneer, there will be a severe overhang from those caps? Is that accounted for in the design?

[Mark]

would you just mud the 2 pieces of cap block in place? You are speaking of angle iron correct?

[Mark]

I think the caps he got were 26"x26"....he'll end up with about 2.5" of overhang

[GreenMonster]

It looks like there will be about 2" overhang, max.

[CaptainsLS]

I bet they would be fine without the angle iron. They will just need temporary support till the mud stiffens up a little. GreenMonster should get started on this soon so things can cure before the “pro” hardscapers get there….

[Mark]

Captain
do you ever get into situations like this on a job? So, you would just mud these block in place off a temp ledger? Would you have any concerns with frost

another option thrown around was PT nailed to the foundation covered in durarock

[GreenMonster]

my thoughts on frost were to keep some clearance from the ground with either mulch or decorative stone in what will be a bed in front of the deck.

I just don't see why it needs permanant support. When we do cultured stone on a foundation, it's set on a 2x4 on the ground, and after everything sets, the board is pulled out. Of course, I don't have the masonry experience you guys do.

Also, Capt, here's one more suggestion to think about. Another mason pal suggested 2x4 construction with 1/2" durarock, tar paper and wire lathe.

[Mark]

come on I said dura rock......you would only need tar and lathe if you used ply

[CaptainsLS]

I have never encountered anything similar to that, which is probably why the lintel was my immediate idea. How does frost become a factor in this situation? If frost pops the block off than we did something wrong to allow water to penetrate?

[GreenMonster]

come on I said dura rock......you would only need tar and lathe if you used ply

oh yeah. you're right again!

[Mark]

not water penetration but soils pushing up on the block and veneer as it heaves from frost penetrating the ground. I'm just asking if you ever encounter these things in jobs because we occasionally do come up with these crazy situations. The answers are never ideal, we just need to make the best of a situation.

Would you see a prob with the durarock answer

[CaptainsLS]

I got ya, I didn’t realize that finish grade would be almost at the foot of the pillar base. I’m not keen on using the 2bys. If you are going to go though all that, why not just run the lintels as the shelf for the block? If anything the lintel will provide the maximum protection from the soils expansion and the most secure foundation for the veneer.

[Mark]

I got ya, I didn’t realize that finish grade would be almost at the foot of the pillar base. I’m not keen on using the 2bys. If you are going to go though all that, why not just run the lintels as the shelf for the block? If anything the lintel will provide the maximum protection from the soils expansion and the most secure foundation for the veneer.

See Greenmonster....stop being such a cheap pr*ck and by the angle!!! :)

[GreenMonster]

See Greenmonster....stop being such a cheap pr*ck and by the angle!!! :)

ugh. it's got nothing to do with the $$$, well it does, but the big problem is ordering, picking up, and getting it in time.

[Mark]

ugh. it's got nothing to do with the $$$, well it does, but the big problem is ordering, picking up, and getting it in time.

I hear ya.....for some reason the past few months it seems there's just never enough time in a day. Too much to get done in short periods of time. Like I told you today, I just had to get out early and breath for the afternoon. Before you leave wolfcity you should come visit our site. I'll give you the grand tour

[GreenMonster]

there hasn't been enough time in the day for quite a while now. I've never wanted to see a season come to a close as bad as this year.

I'll love to see the place. I hope I can find the time.

[musclecarboy]

How's everything coming along another month down the road?

[GreenMonster]

we should be in the house in about 4 weeks. I just realized I don't have any recent pics of the outside so I do need to get some more.

We have made some progress with the farmer's porch bluestone, but have moved onto the fireplace as inside is priority. My step dad will be helping me with tile this week.

Here's a weekend into the fireplace. lath and scratch coat on Sat and a little stone up on Sun.

[GreenMonster]

we'll have a nice view of mt. washington too, with a few more trees cut.

this is the view coming down the road to our house lot.

[Mark]

So, what do you think of working with the sawn back stone? Are the joints as tight as you wanted? Did you do much grinding??? I think those timbers are AWESOME! Especially the detail on the ends of the mantle. You have staging to keep going up?

[cgland]

More! More! More!

[GreenMonster]

So, what do you think of working with the sawn back stone? Are the joints as tight as you wanted? Did you do much grinding??? I think those timbers are AWESOME! Especially the detail on the ends of the mantle. You have staging to keep going up?

the stone ain't bad to work with. it can be shaped fairly easy with a rock hammer, unless you get one with a real thick edge. I decided against the real tight joints, for a few reasons 1) I just don't have enough time to spend on getting them that way 2) too much grinding to do inside, or to bring outside 3) it's hard getting the free help to be that detailed. :)

the timbers are very cool indeed.

the staging will be up until the very end of the job.

[GreenMonster]

More! More! More!

Ok, ok!

these pics were taken today. the bluestone goes pretty good when we actually have some time to work on it.

does the flatwork look familar? I was actually lucky enough for Mark to get permission to come over for a day a few weeks ago.

How about a PH get together in NH next weekend? free seminars on a) "interior stone veneer with natural materials" b) "tight fit bluestone in a wet lay application"

I won't even charge for the seminars!

[cgland]

Nice work! Isnt it getting a bit cold up there?

[GreenMonster]

f'in right it's getting cold -- way too fast.

oh yeah, seminar 3: Staying busy in the winter -- tenting in work sites for productivity and comfort!

[Mark]

Mark
Who dry set off of what we started? Looks good! Warning...when you heat the space on the porch......don't get it too hot in there. I'll explain later...it has to do with melted window parts! Oh and always vent if you're using propane heat....if you don't you're destined for some sweet headaches/migraines.
Ready for the snow?

[GreenMonster]

Mark
Who dry set off of what we started? Looks good! Warning...when you heat the space on the porch......don't get it too hot in there. I'll explain later...it has to do with melted window parts! Oh and always vent if you're using propane heat....if you don't you're destined for some sweet headaches/migraines.
Ready for the snow?

me and Greg. ouch, melted windows... speaking from experience?

no, not ready for snow. I'll be up at 3:00 checking it out.

[Mark]

I was up early as well....just a dusting in Gilford...maybe less than 1/2"

Call me today so we can look at those accounts.....maybe.

[musclecarboy]

The window in the middle dormer looks so lonely

[Sodking]

OK now I know why I haven't seen you much this summer....Outstanding! When can I fertilize the lawn?

[Mark]

Updates please!!!!! Let's see the fireplace

[cgland]

more pics please!

[Mark]

dude, we want to see the pics

[CaptainsLS]

Aren’t you guys encrusted with ice right about now and without power? Everyone ok up where you guys are? Maybe transitioning from masonry to ice sculptures?

[Mark]

Aren’t you guys encrusted with ice right about now and without power? Everyone ok up where you guys are? Maybe transitioning from masonry to ice sculptures?

yes there is a hell of a layer of ice over everything right now and many folks will be without power through mid week. Over 200,000 people lost power. Scary thing is....we're digging for a pool install on tuesday! Hopefully Mark is still okay up there at the mansion on the hill!!!

[GreenMonster]

all is good here, happy holidays all. We didn't fair badly with power -- we paid our dues in the 1998 storm when we were out for 10 days.

Here's a few finished pics of the fireplace. lighting sux, I'll try to get some more pics.

[bcwsport]

Really, really nice

[cgland]

Nice work!

[joeymaze]

Man that is reaaly nice. It looks like you don't have any corners. Everything flows.
Joe

[GreenMonster]

We veneered the kitchen island too. Needed a little more than just the stone, so I split up these granite posts from a pile of used curbing I have, and added the hitching rings. We also did the tile work in the house.

obtw, yes, we are finally in the house. moved in officially on Dec. 31

[cgland]

Hhhmmmm, mental note.......start landscaping company in NH, rake in money, build awesome house......got it!

[CaptainsLS]

Looks awesome GM. I especially like the hitching posts. That will give ya somewhere to tie up the kids during dinner:ballchain:

[GreenMonster]

Hhhmmmm, mental note.......start landscaping company in NH, rake in money, build awesome house......got it!

ha ha. yeah, well, our first house was a small modified cape we built on the lake. when we sold it last winter, we almost tripled our investment over the 12 years we were there. that is really why we were able to do this.

the money is in real estate, not landscaping!

[GreenMonster]

Looks awesome GM. I especially like the hitching posts. That will give ya somewhere to tie up the kids during dinner:ballchain:

the hitching posts have been a big hit. they weren't in my original plan. but, as we started sticking the stones, I was dissapointed and was thinking we should have ordered the back panel (like my wife said). So, in order to give the work a little more flavor, I came up with the post idea. It's kind of a spin off of the outdoor kitchen posts Mark posted here before.

the posts proved to be a lot of fun, drilling, splitting, adding the rings, etc. actually took me 3 posts to get it right.

[HRLand]

That's a great idea! Chain your wife to the kitchen.

[Sodking]

Whens the house warming party?

[GreenMonster]

Whens the house warming party?

whenever you want to come by! matter of fact, you can come up and measure my lawn so you can price out treatments. (hint: free is good ;) )

here's a few more new pics of the stonework with good lighting. we tented in the farmer's porch the other day, and hopefully will get going on that as soon as we're through this cold snap. 5 degrees here today, and supposed to get colder. brrr

[cgland]

Looks awesome Mark.

[MuirView Design]

Yeah, definitely looks awesome! Is that all stone from the property? Do you saw cut everyone?

The only thing I think I would've done different would be the curbing on the island. I think it would look more balanced to have the splitting holes either both facing in, or both facing out. Seems like it would be aesthetically more balanced that way. It's still a 10 out of 10 overall!

[mrusk]

I am digging the fire place but not the kitchen island. The stone just does not go with the cabinets or the ceramic tile. BUT the workmanship is good.

[Pro Cut]

I am digging the fire place but not the kitchen island. The stone just does not go with the cabinets or the ceramic tile. BUT the workmanship is good.


I disagree with the island. I think it looks great, especially with the counter top and flooring!!!

[GreenMonster]

Adam, the stone is purchased as saw cut. the holes were originally both going to face out, but the second post didn't split as clean, and I liked the shape better with the holes in. I figured it was supposed to look rough and rustic, so I kinda let the symmetry slide.

Matt, true, the stone doesn't really go well with the ceramic tile, but the countertop although foreign granite, it's a salt and pepper and "looks" native. I would have went with bluestone floor, but my wife wasn't digging that :)

edit after pro-cut: Matt's comment was the first negative feedback I've had on the island yet (although I respect it). I was going for something unique and "cool", and I think we pulled it off

[mrusk]

Adam, the stone is purchased as saw cut. the holes were originally both going to face out, but the second post didn't split as clean, and I liked the shape better with the holes in. I figured it was supposed to look rough and rustic, so I kinda let the symmetry slide.

Matt, true, the stone doesn't really go well with the ceramic tile, but the countertop although foreign granite, it's a salt and pepper and "looks" native. I would have went with bluestone floor, but my wife was digging that :)

edit after pro-cut: Matt's comment was the first negative feedback I've had on the island yet (although I respect it). I was going for something unique and "cool", and I think we pulled it off



I'm a tuff critic.

[joeymaze]

Matt is tough. It is very unique. You have given me some great ideas for a bar setup in a home theather room I am setting up.

[Mark]

So Mark....How am I doing on your stonework? Where are some updated pics? See you at NE Grows

[GreenMonster]

So Mark....How am I doing on your stonework? Where are some updated pics? See you at NE Grows

huh??? wtf are you talking about? Last time I heard from you on the stonework, you said (I'll paraphrase here) "My wife won't let me come over and play anymore"

We have a few more hours of dry fitting, then some trimming of bluestone for the granite coping. Then, another day + for the rest of the wet set. It's gonna be a nice weekend, and I hope to have the flatwork all wrapped up by the end of Sunday, save for mortaring the joints maybe.

Maybe you can drag the whole fam over Sunday, grab a beer, sit back and watch us work?

[Mark]

boy you know that sounds like a great offer....I'm there!

[Mark]

let's see the blue!

[GreenMonster]

ok, ok, patience huh?

the bluestone is complete, and the granite coping between the pillars. the pillars are roughly 50% done. We're working 6 of them right now, but none of them are completely finished. When all is complete, we will mortar the bluestone joints. we sure had a nice few days for veneer. wish it would have lasted a few more.

We have a new friend too. Oscar showed up during the house construction in the fall, and calls this home now. He's warmed up to us humans and doesn't seem frightened anymore. not sure where he came from, but we're pretty sure he was domesticated at one point. guess we're gonna lure him into a kennel and get hime some shots and a check-up. BTW, his name is Oscar because before he warmed up to us, he was spending most of his time in the dumpster down by the shop. Maddi wants to call him "Chip", but Oscar, or chitty kitty seem much more appropriate to me

[Mark]

okay veneer time....how's it look?

[GreenMonster]

the columns are complete, just have to veneer the foundation, about 17-19". we're gonna use granite to make it look sorta like an old foundation. We still have a little pointing to do, and need to grout the bluestone joints, but the boss was sick of looking at the plastic, so I tore it down and we'll do the remaining work soon when we get a few nice days with overnight temps above freezing...... or spring will come, I won't get to it, and I'll be racing around this fall to finish it before freezing temps come again :ohwell:

[cgland]

Beautiful work Mark. The house looks great

[CaptainsLS]

not water penetration but soils pushing up on the block and veneer as it heaves from frost penetrating the ground. I'm just asking if you ever encounter these things in jobs because we occasionally do come up with these crazy situations. The answers are never ideal, we just need to make the best of a situation.

Would you see a prob with the durarock answer

Hey Mark, the house looks amazing! Curious how you are going to handle the above question from mark? I have a project where a veneer is spec'd to run down to the soil.
Not so much worried about soils pushing up the veneer, but the veneers ability to wick moisture from the soils up into the mortar joints? Gravel bed wrapped in filter fabric?

[musclecarboy]

Now THATS a porch! Wow very nice work.

[ZX12R]

I have been catching up on some reading and saw this thread.As others stated,nice house and great work.I think the bluestone floor on the porch is beautiful.Much luck to you!

[GreenMonster]

Hey Mark, the house looks amazing! Curious how you are going to handle the above question from mark? I have a project where a veneer is spec'd to run down to the soil.
Not so much worried about soils pushing up the veneer, but the veneers ability to wick moisture from the soils up into the mortar joints? Gravel bed wrapped in filter fabric?

We're gonna use 4" granite for the foundation veneer, and leave a couple inches from the soil, which we will cover with geo and drip stone

[danf]

You all don't realize that Mark put those hitching rings there on the kitchen island so that he's got somewhere to tie up my son the next time we come to visit. I think Mark's arms are still sore from getting the marker off of the wall in the rental house. :eek: Long story.... :D

Mark, house looks GREAT!

[GreenMonster]

well, well. where were we anyway? ah yes, bluestone porch. well, went to finish the grouting on July 4th and ended up on my hands and knees with a kidney stone attack. 7/4 is great day to visit the ER. and I wouldn't wish a kidney stone on anyone.

Props to my wife for the fine grout job on the bluestone, which I apparantly have no pictures of :noidea:

well, the front planting was done in the spring, but we never did get a lawn in this year.

[danf]

Don't tell me you have NO pictures from the last month? ;)

[GreenMonster]

Don't tell me you have NO pictures from the last month? ;)

lol. ok.




















really though, I don't. I plan to take some tomorrow. Got in the planetree, okame cherry, and a handful of hydrangeas in today. Was gonna drop in the firepit, but Tammy said YOU are helping with that.

[Sodking]

Mark, I had a kidney stone a couple years ago...Cutting off my finger hurt less! Glad you are well now. Hopefully you will have a law I can work my magic on soon....

[GreenMonster]

so yeah, a pool in the back. we sold our house which was on the lake, and didn't want to be without water. Got a nice price from the pool contractor we've done a few projects with. Nice clean canvas to work with and couldn't keep myself from freelancing and deviating from the design much more frequently than I should have.

[GreenMonster]

once the gunite was done, I realized the rest was up to me. ugh. basically, we picked at it here and there, whenever there was a little time.

[GreenMonster]

we took advantage of the Techo program, where they offer product at 50% retail for a home or shop display. Also, some of the product was from their home show program (5 free pallets a year).

coping is muro natural cap (which I think makes a VERY nice coping), deck is Athena and Blu, Elena on the walkway, and Allegro banding. Mini Creta seat walls. As you can see, the pool was open for business long before the landscape was ready.

[GreenMonster]

as of now, the pool deck is done, one short wall needs to be capped, and we're working on a fire pit in the shop that will be cut into the Blu portion. Walkway will go in from the garage to the pillars. That'll be Hera 9x9's.

[GreenMonster]

Boy, when I first started cutting in some of the inlays and banding, I was really butchering it. I haven't done much of our paver work this year, and it took me a little while to get back on my game. My awful back sure was helping matters

[danf]

I had NO idea you took a picture of my ugly mug while I was busy crop dusting!!!

[danf]

I was really butchering it.
Have you forgotten what I tell you? Seems like butchers have at least some skills..... :pound:

[CaptainsLS]

Mark… that’s one hell of a pool deck, I love it! And there you are trying to play off like you used scraps and extras to build it….

[joeymaze]

GM,
What is that on your cutoff saw Dan is cutting with? Is that a homemade wheel guide for the saw. Pretty cool!

[GreenMonster]

the hole is to pour a pad for outdoor grill. see if I can teach a flatlander how to lay some stone over the winter:D And no, it won't be Indianer limestone

the stream bed is where the water sheets off the patio

[GreenMonster]

GM,
What is that on your cutoff saw Dan is cutting with? Is that a homemade wheel guide for the saw. Pretty cool!

yes, it's a homemade saw guide. takes some of the strain off your back. pretty nicely made actually. I used to work for an outfit that did machining and welding as a by-product of the service we provided. A good old-timer friend did a few up for me.

Captain, not only did we pull the deck off with scrap pavers, most of the plants we got for next to nothing. Our nursery is blowing stuff out so they don't have to winter it over. See the big 10' Alaskan cypress in the back? That was $175. Went back a few days later and bought the sister tree for $25. Lots of specimens, Redbud, paperbark maple, Okame Cherry, Jap Stewartia, Montgomery Blue, Swiss Stone Pine, Kousa Dogwood, Weeping Norway, all at a fraction of the regular cost.

[danf]

Yeah, the "training wheels" are nice, especially on a long cut. I'm not entirely used to them just yet, but they do work well when the curves aren't too obnoxious.

Mark, I'm still waiting for you to show some more detail in the pics...

[CaptainsLS]

Funny how some guys get so proud of one specific block, lol.

[GreenMonster]

Yeah, the "training wheels" are nice, especially on a long cut. I'm not entirely used to them just yet, but they do work well when the curves aren't too obnoxious.

Mark, I'm still waiting for you to show some more detail in the pics...

I've had them at the ready, I was just waiting for you to beg:dance:

[GreenMonster]

Funny how some guys get so proud of one specific block, lol.

jeez, no kidding. he's been bragging about that block for a week now.

That one block is nothing though, you should see this special stone I put in the streambed. It's only about 1"x1", but I really placed it just right, and brings the whole stream bed together. Very reminiscent of a crisp fall day, driving along the Kangamangus highway, admiring the gentle flow of the swift river.

[danf]

I've seen it, and that ONE stone makes the stream bed. Without it, the rest of the rocks in there just look entirely out of place. :D

And it hasn't been a week- it's only been about 4 days, but who is counting? :pound: Got any of that cap that I cut on the other side? You know, the one that looked GREAT until it was glued down.... :rolleyes:

[CaptainsLS]

What is the plan for the landing area behind the granite steps?

[GreenMonster]

Dan, sorry no close-ups. you'll have to do another worthy on the other side.

Chris, I'm not sure, but I was thinking A couple large pieces of stand-up broken blue. what do you think?

[CaptainsLS]

Broken blue would be nice. Or if you really wanted to get creative, you could feather and wedge some of the massive boulders and sink them in tight. Doesn’t look like you have skidsteer access anymore though…

[danf]

It might be reachable with the John Deere 120 excavator though. ;)

[GreenMonster]

Broken blue would be nice. Or if you really wanted to get creative, you could feather and wedge some of the massive boulders and sink them in tight. Doesn’t look like you have skidsteer access anymore though…

Chris, you ever feather and wedged large boulders? I tried a big one late this summer, and all I can say is I picked the wrong rock to phuck with.

You know what I think I will do is take some granite curb that I have, and use that for flatwork in that spot. I did a patio with some of it a few years back and it came out pretty nice.

[CaptainsLS]

Yeah, I’ve never tried with anything real huge. I don’t have the right size feather/wedges. The granite stock is a nice idea.

[Mark]

WOW!!! Mark I have to say that everything looks amazing! I had not seen this thread for quite a few months...in fact the last I saw was the front porch and temp steps. Someday I'll decide to actually be a friend and visit! Here's an idea...my b-day is next week....can I reserve your pool for my friends and I for the afternoon? You can cook us burgers and dogs and cater for me!
Seriously though....I'm impressed!

Question.....when you build a block wall into a boulder like you have shown do you do any base prep under the boulder to help resist uneven movement between the 2 elements????

[GreenMonster]

Thanks Markus. Seriously, you guys should come over before winter hits. We can have a PH Northeast get together! Not sure the pool is such a great idea. Running a cool 45 degrees right now. I don't really believe you have enough friends for a pool party anyway.

We generally set boulders on gravel base in a manner similar to wall or pavers. Only problem is, boulders are usually buried to some degree. I guess to some degree, they move somewhat differently, as the frost hits the paver or wall block first? To date, I haven't really seen any significant movement on anything we've done this way. As far as the base prep under these boulder, near the house, they are on stone.

BTW, I gotta talk to you about wing walls, and footer prep. try answering one of my calls for a change :boink:

[Mark]

What am I tech support??? You want me to get myself a 24/7 1 800 number for you to reach meon all the time!!! Come on now......the bigger problem here is that you live in an area with shotty cell service therefore everytime I actually call you our call gets dropped! From now on when I call you you need to park your truck and stop until the conversation is finished! Call me tomorrow between 8 and 9 or so.


Thanks Markus. Seriously, you guys should come over before winter hits. We can have a PH Northeast get together! Not sure the pool is such a great idea. Running a cool 45 degrees right now. I don't really believe you have enough friends for a pool party anyway.

We generally set boulders on gravel base in a manner similar to wall or pavers. Only problem is, boulders are usually buried to some degree. I guess to some degree, they move somewhat differently, as the frost hits the paver or wall block first? To date, I haven't really seen any significant movement on anything we've done this way. As far as the base prep under these boulder, near the house, they are on stone.

BTW, I gotta talk to you about wing walls, and footer prep. try answering one of my calls for a change :boink:

[GreenMonster]

actually, I'm pretty sure it was your chitbag phone that went out of service this afternoon when you were on your way home from a long day at a seminar and free lunch.. I bet you even had a chauffer bring you over there.

Actually, yes an 800 number would be very handy, although I wouldn't expect you to have it just for my needs. Dan might need to call you from time to time as well.

[Mark]

:) It was a great lunch and yes we were chaufered around the track and into the owners suite where I won $25 and tickets to a race next year! Ever been to one? I have not


actually, I'm pretty sure it was your chitbag phone that went out of service this afternoon when you were on your way home from a long day at a seminar and free lunch.. I bet you even had a chauffer bring you over there.

Actually, yes an 800 number would be very handy, although I wouldn't expect you to have it just for my needs. Dan might need to call you from time to time as well.

[CaptainsLS]

I'll take a copy of this 800 number as well. If you really want to get dropped I'll call you from my Sprint hybrid clusterfunk phone.

[Mark]

with all the technology you would think "dead zones" should be a thing of the past! I don't get it....my blackberry can get internet and email everywhere but still loses cell service on the same sections of the same road every day!


I'll take a copy of this 800 number as well. If you really want to get dropped I'll call you from my Sprint hybrid clusterfunk phone.

[GreenMonster]

finished up walkway this weekend (cept compact/poly)

We were gonna just place the boulders in the beds, but Dan thought we outta try the zedostyle and build into a few of them. It was also his idea to bring the solider across the walkway, which I thought was a pretty cool idea.

However, the next time somebody designs that many cuts into a walkway, that certain someone can bet his ass he will be there to do them!

[danf]

I assume you left the cuts around the boulders for me?

Damn, that banding turned out even better than I expected!!! :D As you might recall, I had to leave to meet Marcus about some other "hardscaping" the other night. ;) Not my fault a tornado came through last year.

[CaptainsLS]

That walkway is awesome. If someone ever asks me to lay pavers I just might have to ask dan for permission to use that little idea.

[joeymaze]

GM,
Just a beautifull piece of work. With all the combinations it will definetely be a one of a kind. Something to be proud of at your new house. :thumb:

[danf]

Heck of it is, had the supplier not screwed up and sent two pallets of Hera rectangles instead of a pallet of squares and a pallet of rectangles that idea may not have come about. The walkway was originally intended to be entirely a herringbone in the chestnut brown, with the oceana banding. Since we didn't have quite enough of the rec's to do the entire walkway, we had to improvise. :D

[GreenMonster]

That walkway is awesome. If someone ever asks me to lay pavers I just might have to ask dan for permission to use that little idea.

well, actually, Dan came up with that idea on Friday, which means he was on the clock, which means you have to ask me for permission, which is hereby granted :D Chris, I thought of you when I added the cobble between the pavers. A little touch of the cape, huh?

I cut in the pavers next the boulders too. Only thing left to do is compact and sand. I'm giving the sand a little time to dry out. It stayed fairly dry under cover, but water did work it's way in a few spots.

[GreenMonster]

GM,
Just a beautifull piece of work. With all the combinations it will definetely be a one of a kind. Something to be proud of at your new house. :thumb:

Thanks. We intentionally did lots of combinations and colors so we could have potential customers come look at it, and see the product availability in a real setting. We had our first visitor today, and the plants helped us talk them into planting this year as opposed to waiting until next year.

Of course, we'll also get lots of enjoyment from it as well. :humble:

for those of you that aren't aware, if you're Techo Pro, 50% off for you or any of your employees for shop/office/home display or home projects.

[joeymaze]

for those of you that aren't aware, if you're Techo Pro, 50% off for you or any of your employees for shop/office/home display or home projects.

Hmm!! Interesting I just started using techo this year. Put three projects under my belt. I will have to look into getting certified as the wife and I built a new house 3 years ago and I have to say you have inspired me to get my butt moving on it. You know the hardscapers house is always the last to get done.LOL

[Mark]

I assume you left the cuts around the boulders for me?

Damn, that banding turned out even better than I expected!!! :D As you might recall, I had to leave to meet Marcus about some other "hardscaping" the other night. ;) Not my fault a tornado came through last year.

I have to say there is more to what Jess does than I would have expected! And never knew a cemetary was something that was positioned to the east. Always a learning experience at "bedrock"

So, when you guys tuck boulders into the path as you did I assume the boulder acts as your edge restraint??? Probably inpossible to put edging in there at all.....ever have any problems with sand migrating at these points????

[cgland]

Actually Mark if you are Techo Pro they will give you 5 free pallets for any display and anything over that is 50% off retail.

[danf]

And never knew a cemetary was something that was positioned to the east.
I never knew that either. I did know a cemetEry was though. ;)

Yes, it is impossible to get edging in, and the boulders are acting as the restraint. As long as the boulder doesn't move significantly and the edging along the pavers is tight to the boulder, I don't see how much, if any sand migration can/could occur.

Chris, I'll let Mark say for sure, but I'm pretty sure he has taken advantage of the 5 free skids of material- they were used at a home show this year and if I'm not mistaken, some of those materials are in the back yard.

[Mark]

I never knew that either. I did know a cemetEry was though. ;)

Yes, it is impossible to get edging in, and the boulders are acting as the restraint. As long as the boulder doesn't move significantly and the edging along the pavers is tight to the boulder, I don't see how much, if any sand migration can/could occur.

Chris, I'll let Mark say for sure, but I'm pretty sure he has taken advantage of the 5 free skids of material- they were used at a home show this year and if I'm not mistaken, some of those materials are in the back yard.

and the spelling bee winner of 2009 goes to........DAN!!!:)

[mrusk]

Are those boulders along the walkway from onsite or were they trucked in?

[custom patios]

Mark that walkway is sweet!! great ideas. I think your going to see alot more walkways with boulders in them.lol

[danf]

Are those boulders along the walkway from onsite or were they trucked in?
Trucked in?? :pound:

If Mark needs a boulder, he usually disappears with a machine for about 10-15 minutes and comes back with one. It's putting it lightly when I say he won't be hurting for boulders for at least a few years. :)

[GreenMonster]

Actually Mark if you are Techo Pro they will give you 5 free pallets for any display and anything over that is 50% off retail.

Yes, that is true. we've gotten our 5 pallets the past two years. much of the creta, the pillars, some of the Blu, and the circle pak were all show materials. much of the other show material was sold on jobs.

Thanks for the compliments on the walkway. I love the banding, it was a great idea on Dan's part. When he saw the finished product monday morning, even he was surprised how well it came out. I finished the poly yesterday and it really makes the boulder cuts look good. I was a little skeptical -- sometimes I'm not the best guy for that detail work. I tend to get a little impatient sometimes. I'll snap a few close ups at some point soon. I think Mark might have a point with sand migrating. I think it's a possiblity, as it's impossible to get the boulders to sit completely true.

Custom - as far as more walkways with boulders, I guess it's a possibility, but it sure adds a lot of work. Definately gotta add time into the estimate for that. Even just that fancy banding created an extra run of cutting.

Every boulder you see was from right here on site. We had a huge pile the beginning of the season, and have used quite a few on several installs, including the boulder project I had posted about. There is essentially an endless suppy here. Crawl out in the woods, pick a spot say 50'x50'x5' deep, and you can probably get another 2 or 3 years supply.

[Mark]

Mark
Had you posted pics of the boulder job???

[danf]

http://prohardscaper.com/showthread.php?t=2377

[GreenMonster]

details, details, details.

I can't believe Zedo does this on every job. It's a real pain in the azz.

[GreenMonster]

and the firepit. it will be capped with 2" granite tread stock which we'll cut into wedge caps pieces.

[joeymaze]

details, details, details.

I can't believe Zedo does this on every job. It's a real pain in the azz.

He does have a lot of patience doesn't he.

[CaptainsLS]

Ok, so what’s up with the pit? Did you veneer to a precast cylinder?

[GreenMonster]

yup. 48" well tile.

same veneer stone as my fireplace, columns, kitchen island.... I've had enough of it. I think I'll find something different for the grill.

I got the firepit idea from one of the guys at Mark's outfit. Or it may have been Mark.... not sure, but his co. for sure.

[GreenMonster]

btw, the boulder cuts were traced with a contour gage.

[Mark]

Marko
Boulder paver interaction looks flawless! Sweet homie.

I see on the firepit you let the pavers go under the veneer........I would think you're going to get some unbalanced winter movement between the pit and the pavers don't you think??? Won't those pavers end up buckling under there unless you left 1/2" of room for frost movement that I just can't see in the pics.

Looking sweet though..........I still need to visit soon to check this out.

[GreenMonster]

Mark, there is about 1/2", a little less in some places between the top of the pavement, and the bottom row of stones. The pavers and the pit are all on the same base, so I would think that movement would actually be fairly balanced....??? yes?

[CaptainsLS]

I’m sure you have a reason, but I can’t figure it out. Why the height difference between the firebrick and veneer? Do you want the course of brick showing behind the cap?

[GreenMonster]

the cap will butt up against the brick, and be a little higher. We'll parge over the top of brick, to the top back corner of the cap. This way, the cap is protected with the mortar as well.

[cgland]

Looking great Zedo.......I mean Mark! Work looks flawless. I don't forsee any problems with the flatwork and pit interaction. Can't wait to see more!

[Sodking]

Lawn .....where is the lawn?? I need to fertilize something, though I could probably make even dirt grow....:)

[GreenMonster]

Lawn .....where is the lawn?? I need to fertilize something, though I could probably make even dirt grow....:)

lawn? we're gonna pave the world! actually, 2010 hopefully there will be some lawn.