contractor – The Artesian Project

(lessons in concrete)

Foundation Pouring | www.theartesianproject.wordpress.com — (day one of foundation pour)

While we had a great meeting with our contractor on Monday, we left feeling a bit apprehensive as to when the actual construction would begin because of two factors: 1. The building permit had not yet been approved at the time (the City of Chicago is not an easy place to build) and 2. the weather (with recent newspaper headlines scaring everyone about the return of the Polar Vortex next week, our chances were looking slim).

Low and behold, the foundation was actually poured on Thursday and to our luck – my brother, the civil engineer/concrete specialist, happened to drive by the lot just as they finished. Here is what he taught me about concrete that you are more than welcome to steal for tonight’s party conversation starter – I mean, right? Knowledge is power!

Pouring concrete is actually a chemical reaction of the water mixing with the concrete and, therefore, the temperature has an effect on the reaction. The lower the temp, the slower the reaction/crystallization, the weaker the concrete is.
Thus, you do not want to pour concrete if the weather is under 40 degrees or you will have a pretty crappy foundation. We sneaked by on Thursday with a 43 degree temp – huzzah!
After two hours of curing (drying), concrete can hold the weight of a human.
After ten days of curing, it can hold 90% of the structure’s intended weight.
Concrete does not fully cure until months later.
Based on the reinforced steel bars sticking through the foundation walls, this will be what is called a “two part pour.” I know you will be on the edge of your seat to see what THAT looks like.

So please keep your fingers crossed that this polar vortex does not show its face for at least another eight days. Hey, the more you know…

Happy Friday, y’all! Now Imma go get me a new winter coat.

Around Chicago, Construction, Progress, The New Digs

(It’s going down, I’m yelling TIMBERRR)

Hey youuu guuyysss… We scored some major progress!

Yesterday, the construction crew got to work on the demo of the existing structure on the lot – which is HUGE (as in a life step, not size)!

Here is the pic our contractor sent during the day. I’m sure your first thoughts are the same as mine: DANG THAT IS NARROW, but hey, that’s city livin!

As a lover of old things I was concerned about demoing a home, but the existing house was just not salvageable – but, I am going to try and scavenge some of the pieces to recreate into furniture so that a part of the original house lives on.

I was off in lovely Vancouver earlier this week (it really is an awesome city), so I rushed straight from O’Hare over to the site once I landed, hence the mucky night photo.

This called for a celebration, so Matt & I popped some bubbly and cheers’d to the new digs. We then continued on – with champagne in hand – to one of favorite neighborhood spots 90 Miles Cuban Cafe (such a fun place: Byob! Patio! Great food! FUN!).

We had a chance to meet our future next door neighbor as he was parking in his garage, which was great, but I think we scared the bejeezus out of him, you know, hanging out in the alley at night and bursting out of the car excitedly to say hello. I, for sure, staked my claim as the neighborhood Kimmy Gibbler with that move – hey there neighborino!

Have a great weekend!

P.S. credit to my mom on this title, who is apparently a Kesha fan?

The New Digs

(the waiting is the hardest part)

Cue the Tom Petty and the smallest violin in the world…

After leaving a meeting with our contractor a few weeks ago we were under the impression we would be breaking ground any day now. So, naturally, in my mind I was already moving in. Pottery Barn is having a sale – we need to go get a couch! NOT.

Turns out, we have until November 1st to look forward to – and a terrible winter (Polar Vortex part 2) that should surely bring about buckets of excuses as to why the house will not be finished on time. Gotta love winter in Chicago.

We have been under contract since April and will be breaking ground in November. Seven months of deliberation and anticipation building is KILLING ME (and probably Matt since this is all I can talk about).

full house animated GIF So when we were supposed to have our follow up meeting yesterday, which was changed to today, and then cancelled and pushed back five more days, you can imagine the steam coming out of my ears. We are trying our best to keep a positive relationship with our contractor, but man he is not making it easy. Anyone have tips on how to politely keep your contractor on schedule? Me and Stephanie Tanner are all ears.