Patio Pavers and Plants Started

Some serious work last week on the patio area. Pavers are nearly completed, would have been done but the saw the contractor was using gave out- should have something to work with in the coming week to get finished up. Since they weren't able to continue on the pavers, they started prepping and digging holes for the plants. They're not all in but what a difference! Although we are on shale which makes it very rocky, there does seem to be some dirt mixed in. We had a number of plants in the same area that we moved that were doing quite well- contractor is hopeful and is supplementing the dirt as he plants. We're using mostly hardy varieties of plants that should work in this area. Here are some pictures of the progress.

From deck by front door

Firepit almost done

View towards driveway

Dome over patio!

 

 

 

 

Next week we should see most of the work completed. Roofing metal is cut and ready for install and then the 1x6 pine ceiling will go up in the pavilion. Hopefully, the rest of the paver work will complete and then the final plantings and ground cover can go in.

I finished running the water and electric in to the pavilion and the contractor also has a low voltage wire ready to go for some accent lights that will be on the support posts. I'll use the electric for a utility outlet and a ceiling fan. Water will only be used in warm weather, have a valve in place to allow the line to be drained once freezing temps set in.

Hopefully more to show next week.

Patio Work Continues

Making progress on the outside patio despite quite a few days lost to rain. The framing is up for the pavilion and hopefully it will be completed early next week- the metal roof and tongue and groove ceiling are left to do. The fireplace and fire pit look good, should be fun when the fire season comes back this fall. Most of the pavers are in place and waiting to be finished after the pizza oven base is done on the left side of the fireplace- that should be ready early next week as well. Here are some pictures of the work as it was moving along.

Framing for Pavilion

Roof work starting

Roof rafters almost done

Ready for roofing

Fire pit pavers nearly done

Fire pit in place

And finally, here's a picture of the overall site.

Looking down from the top of the driveway

Fireplace Finished

Here's a picture of the fireplace that was finished yesterday, looks great and we really like how large it is. Work also started on the pavilion that will cover the fireplace and pizza oven. The contractors are pouring the concrete for the footings. Enjoy.

Outdoor Fireplace Build

Our contractor continues to work on the outdoor patio area and has made progress on the fireplace. Here area a couple of pictures of the fireplace under construction.

There will be a counter to the right of the fireplace with a sink and the contractor will build a stand/support for the pizza oven to the left of the fireplace. It will be from the same pavestone as the fireplace. Once the stand is completed, I'll be able to start with the pizza oven build.

Here's a picture looking over the entire area, you can also see the astronomy dome has been moved from behind the house on to the new deck area.

Work on the pavilion that covers the fireplace area will start later this week or next, here's the white pine lumber that will be used for the support structure. The roof will be green metal.

Looking forward to seeing it all come together.

Alpaca Shearing

Our alpacas were sheared in early April, here are some before and after pictures, quite a change! About a week or so after shearing, it turned cold here and we didn't have coats for all the guys so after a run to JoAnn fabrics for supplies, Donna made up coats for everyone. Have some pictures of her making the coats but haven't found any pictures of the boys wearing them, thought I had taken some. The silver grey alpaca in the pictures is Legend, our latest addition. He's the friendliest of all the boys. Likes to chew on your hat and will walk up to you to be rubbed. He was shown in the ring for a year or so and this led to him being handled quite a bit so he learned to like humans! Oh well, enjoy the shots.

Deck & Patio Work

Work continues on the deck and patio for the front of the house. The deck handrails required by code are on so hopefully, we'll get the inspection done next week so I can use the new deck and  move the astronomy dome. Contractors were here this week to dig out the patio area and have a gravel base in place for most of it. The pad where the pizza oven stand, fireplace, and counter will be built was poured yesterday. Pad will be ready for Tuesday after the holiday when the stone and block work will start. Here's a picture of the area with the pad- the stairs are the ones from the new deck expansion that empty in to the area.

Pad and gravel base from porch

Deck Expansion

We've decided to add a deck extension on the front of the house that will let us move the Astronomy dome out from behind the house where it partially blocks the view. We're also going to add a set of stairs down to ground level where we're having a new patio area with a pavilion and fireplace built. And even better, the pavilion will have a place for a pizza oven!

Here are some pictures of the deck work going on, nearly done, the builder will need one more trip back to finish the railings down to the ground and then install a smaller, handrail that is required by building codes, inside the railings.

You can see the dome in the second picture where it sits behind the house. Right now, the house limits me to seeing about 180 degrees of the sky, once moved to the new deck, should have over 270 degrees and will be able to have views to the north and northwest. 

First Framing Going Up

Framing Nearly Done

Deck Boards On and First Post Up

Framing for Landing in Stairs

Stairs Added

Complicated Cut to Add Post on Stairs

It Fits!

Nearly Completed, More Railings to Come