Potential build in DFW
- Thread starter Hdtheater
- Start date
Crusher47
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TechnoMayor
Well-known member
That's what I did. Is working out great.
I know they are putting in footers and using post tensioning for the slab as opposed to standard rebar.
Progress to today:
After some strong language, an excavator came out so the plumber can begin doing rough in. Weather permitting, they should be doing that tomorrow.
-Eric
MikeN
Well-known member
Nice... I'm not too far either. Live in Allen, my office/shop is in Plano (near Ave K/Plano Pkwy). I own a wide format printing/sign company too 
Glad you are getting things under way!
Glad you are getting things under way!
Sounds like we have a nice cluster of us in Collin Co., we are in Allen (Star Creek) temporarily until our house in Lucas is done.
Eric, let me know if I can help out this weekend will be abbreviated for me due to international travel for next week but I'd be happy to lend a hand. Just drop me a PM.
Eric, let me know if I can help out this weekend will be abbreviated for me due to international travel for next week but I'd be happy to lend a hand. Just drop me a PM.
JDishong
Well-known member
Even though I have hired a contractor to build the shop, I have to run all the data lines from my house to the shop.
I ordered some CAT5e buriable cable that should be here today or tomorrow. I am trying to figure out if I should punch through the brick of the house or drop some conduit through the soffit.
Here is a pic of where it will exit the house and go in the trench.
All other services went through the brick, but it was done before the drywall went up in the garage.
Each way has its own pros and cons. How have the rest of you handled data runs to detached buildings?
Thanks,
-Eric
When the electricians ran power from main house, I came in and placed a conduit with CAT5 in the same ditch.
Here is today's progress:
Plumber came out and roughed in everything under the slab. I have drains for the shower and the toilet. I will need to add the one for my sink when I get ready to finish the bathroom. They ran a 3/4" PEX supply line to the bathroom. I will need to run the individual lines from that as well as one to a water heater, up in the attic space.
Next up is to get the inspector to come out and sign off on the work so the thy can build up the pad for the concrete.
-Eric
Plumber came out and roughed in everything under the slab. I have drains for the shower and the toilet. I will need to add the one for my sink when I get ready to finish the bathroom. They ran a 3/4" PEX supply line to the bathroom. I will need to run the individual lines from that as well as one to a water heater, up in the attic space.
Next up is to get the inspector to come out and sign off on the work so the thy can build up the pad for the concrete.
-Eric
I just noticed all my pictures on my last post are upside down. I'll need to fix that.
Here is current progress:
Had a couple trucks dropping off sand the last two days and the crew got busy today.
They should be finished up with the prep work for the slab tomorrow. The electrician needs to come out and run a grounding rod and then we need the inspector.
We should have been pouring the slab Friday, but my money is on Monday or Tuesday next week. Depends on the weather and the inspector at this point.
This week things have started picking up. Contractor has been proactive at keeping me informed.
Hoping we turned a corner.
-Eric
Here is current progress:
Had a couple trucks dropping off sand the last two days and the crew got busy today.
They should be finished up with the prep work for the slab tomorrow. The electrician needs to come out and run a grounding rod and then we need the inspector.
We should have been pouring the slab Friday, but my money is on Monday or Tuesday next week. Depends on the weather and the inspector at this point.
This week things have started picking up. Contractor has been proactive at keeping me informed.
Hoping we turned a corner.
-Eric
JDishong
Well-known member
I'm a little surprised the city didn't require an Engineered foundation (using beams) with our soil conditions here in North Texas.
Have you considered perimeter irrigation (once the construction is done) to help regulate soil moisture?
Making progress!
Have you considered perimeter irrigation (once the construction is done) to help regulate soil moisture?
Making progress!
How do you mean beams? Like steel or something? I haven't seen anyone do anything like that in Texas. just the standard slab with footings.
This one will add post tensioning to the slab in addition to the standard rebar and footings. Architect wanted it that way due to the soil.
-Eric
JDishong
Well-known member
No, I'm referring to concrete beams. These are same as your perimeter "footings" except they go "side-to-side" at the mid-points of the perimeters similar to how they did your home.
It was only an observation, I did post-tension and rebar as well.
Ahh! Got it! I thought you were referring to pier and beam under a slab or something. We are doing exactly what you said.
About your irrigation question. I do have some heads that I need to cap off where the driveway will be. Eventually, I want to landscape and put some drip irrigation around the slab and then some rotors in the back yard.
Today's progress is below:
They finished the prep work for the slab. All the sand is down and the footings and beams are dug, vapor barrier is in as well as rebar and post tension cables are in place.
Apologize for the quality on this shot. It was taken from a web cam I use to monitor the workers when I am not home. It provides a birds eye view of the progress.
They called the inspector this afternoon to come out. Hopefully, he can make it tomorrow and they can pour the slab on Monday. However, I think Tuesday or Wednesday for the pour is more realistic. Depends on the inspector's schedule and the backlog at the concrete supplier.
-Eric
MacTexas
Well-known member
I like the idea of a webcam to watch the progress. Things are looking good so far, good luck on the inspection.
Falcon67
Well-known member
Those ditches across the slab are the "beams". Same thing I did - way better than a flat slab. IMHO, give the pad more footprint and strength.
Nighttrain
Well-known member
It looks like they are planning on having a step up on the cement. Did the plan call for this or a level floor?
Nighttrain
Well-known member
I would chech with the cement crew, they are forming it like a step up garage floor.
bww_mnm
Well-known member
looks like you are underway. just saw the orig plans and you're unlikely able to make a change ... i'd consider a 2nd garage door on right side vs the door. for resale, someone comes in they can have an extra 3-4 car garage vs 2 car w/ shop space.
The garage will deep enough to go two cars deep if need be. So, a new owner could fit 4 cars in there if needed. Also, I already have a three car garage attached to the house. I do agree that 3 doors in the front could have helped resale, but it would have interfered with what I wanted.
Today's progress:
Like we had feared the concrete contractor thought I needed a step in the garage space and added framing for a step in there. His thoughts were wrong and the GC had him remove it. The preliminary electrical for grounding is installed. The driveway is framed up as well. The original driveway was not wide enough to match the width of the garage door. I decided to try to keep the curve going with a lazy S to flow up to the doorway. I thought it would be more pleasing to the flow of things. The left side of the driveway is a straight shot with the existing one. I hope it looks as good done as it does in my head. It took me a bit to translate what I wanted to the contractor. Eventually, I just broke out some marking paint to show them what I wanted.
Inspection came through yesterday. Lastly, you can see the lumber has arrived off to the side of the shop.
Weather permitting they are going to pur the slab tomorrow. However, North Texas is expecting some possible severe weather tomorrow afternoon and I am thinking Monday is more likely.
Today's progress:
Like we had feared the concrete contractor thought I needed a step in the garage space and added framing for a step in there. His thoughts were wrong and the GC had him remove it. The preliminary electrical for grounding is installed. The driveway is framed up as well. The original driveway was not wide enough to match the width of the garage door. I decided to try to keep the curve going with a lazy S to flow up to the doorway. I thought it would be more pleasing to the flow of things. The left side of the driveway is a straight shot with the existing one. I hope it looks as good done as it does in my head. It took me a bit to translate what I wanted to the contractor. Eventually, I just broke out some marking paint to show them what I wanted.
Inspection came through yesterday. Lastly, you can see the lumber has arrived off to the side of the shop.
Weather permitting they are going to pur the slab tomorrow. However, North Texas is expecting some possible severe weather tomorrow afternoon and I am thinking Monday is more likely.
Nighttrain
Well-known member
Glad you caught the step down. I think any curved edges on cement make it look so much better for really no cost.
JDishong
Well-known member
Nothing like soil stabilization right before the pour!