Bella Terra: Electric and Plumbing

From Bella Terra of Gulf Shores, Foley, Alabama      Wednesday, August 2nd marked the end of the fourth week of our contract construction. The sheathing inspection by the City of Foley was done today and passed -- I don't know what "sheathing" is. Framing is nearly finished but I was wrong (in the last post) about the next phase of casita construction. My final sentence in that post was that we'd be getting roof, doors and windows next. In reality, the electric wiring, plumbing and roof would be next.  That's whats covered here.

July 31st. See the light coming through the roof? That plywood gap resulted in Steve firing of one of the framers. Surprisingly, he didn't see to the remedy right away. I sent this picture to David who will see to the remedy.
Guess the inspector will catch it if it isn't repaired properly. 

The casita roof is covered in a product that has thick black adhesive to hold it onto the plywood.
A TV will be mounted in the shaded corner of the porch. Another will be inside the casita.
This will bring our total TV count to six -- seven if we put one in the gazebo. Way too many.
 I cannot operate any of them.

The electrician began stretching electric wire through the rafters and down the walls August 2nd. I made an executive decision to determine location of the porch TV. Considering bar, grill  and window placement, seating and late afternoon sun, I chose to forfeit one porch light and hang the TV in the eastern corner. As always, Wayne isn't interested in making the decisions, but expects I'll make the right ones.

August 2 -- The Island Electric truck remained on site this evening.

On August 2  the recessed can lights were mounted into the vaulted ceiling of the casita. 

August 2  inside the garage. I suppose the electric box will be to the right on the white paper. 

Wayne is standing in our single closet August 2.
 The tiny closet measures  just 2.5' x 2.5' and opens from the bathroom.

We will forgo the porch light on this side of the door to mount the television.
Two windows will be cut into the wall and an exhaust fan will be mounted in the center over the grill.

On Monday evening, David sent a text to say plumbing would commence Thursday and the roof installation was scheduled for Saturday. HVAC work is expected sometime in the next few days too.

We enjoyed a string of three days without rain but the next four days brought showers, including a near full day of steady rain on Friday, August 4th.  It would be Saturday evening before we stopped in to see the progress. Here's what we found....

Saturday, August 5 - Here's what's cooking on the porch...
Water, electric, sewer and gas lines for the still-to-be-built bar. 

August 5 - electric box has been installed.

Washer and dryer connections are complete by August 5 too. 

Kitchen plumbing - also August 5

August 5 Lexie and Ozzie join me for a visit to the location of the toilet. 

August 5 - The exterior is covered with Hardie Board.
A light mounted on the southeast corner will show onto the wooded area behind us.
There is an ever growing coyote population in this preserve.  They howl when emergency sirens go by.

August 5 - two fan mounts and six recessed lights are mounted in the porch ceiling.
NOTE: The gap in the roof plywood appeared to have been remedied when this picture was taken.

The roofing crew came in on Saturday, August 5, despite the 70% threat of rain which finally gave way to fair weather. Appears the job requires just two guys, accompanied by two pre-teen boys who look to be more trouble than worth. Nevertheless...

Saturday, August 5th -- Sheets of metal are going onto this side of the roof.

The front has roof panels a few hours later

August 5 at the end of the day.  Still incomplete though.

The view across part of the lake from our site

A 40% rain chance remains for the next two days, followed by three days of 30% chance. It keeps the grass green anyway.

At this point we are pleased with David Thompson of Gulf Construction in Fairhope. The construction pace seems steady and well managed.  We are approaching the point of the first construction draw which occurs once the utilities are roughed in. Not to be confused with the first payment to the contractor: A deposit was made prior to commencement of construction.

I am happy... hope to remain so.