How exciting Sara! It's cool to see how fast things move once they get started building. Sounds like things are looking up in the permits/money realm...that's great.

Sara - this is so great to see. Now once the permit breaks loose how long is it going to take to get your foundation in there?

Well, we have the contractor all lined up, I think (hope) all he really needs is a couple weeks lead time from the day we get our permit.

I'm amazed how fast Irontown is building our modules. Gotta get moving!

I guess I should elaborate on the foundation process too.

If it's timed well, I imagine the trenching (6 feet deep for flood scour) might take 2 days, then another two or three for steel reinforcement.

Then, probably wait a day or two for the inspector to show up, and then pour the following day.

Now, this is a two-step process. The first pour gets us up to grade. It will be earth-formed so we don't have to screw around with formwork below grade.

Once we're up to grade level, then we start on the portion above grade. This will be formed (duh) and not as thick as the bottom part of the foundation. Also, this is where we worry about embedments, straps, anchors, etc.

I'll figure maybe another 5 days for this to get done.

So, now we're up to 2 weeks minimum. And I think that's even quite optimistic.

Then, we hurry up and wait for the whole thing to cure enough to set the modules. Probably another 2 weeks minimum.

So, if we absolutely hurry, we might have the foundation ready for setting a month after breaking ground.

wow, it looks like walls and stuff! fun fun fun. that's great to hear about the $$ stuff. i know my bank said there could be up to 3 appraisals done, to get somewhere toward the correct number. i think it should be worth more since it's built off site, because that lumber will not be sitting out in the rain (or sun) while the framing is being done, and neither will the workers who are putting it together. i know that won't convince an appraiser today, but maybe some day...

have you guys said somewhere what kind of siding you are using?

Thanks Zach,

We're using Hardiplank and Hardiboard in combination, just like the above renderings.

Also, we're painting the two flat roof units a earthy yellow, like bamboo, the family unit will be a dark charcoal and the bedroom unit will be a light gray. We played around with lots of colors, but we had to decide on the exterior as we planned the interior, so it would flow.

-Sara