Driveway stone

The gravel hauler I called yesterday delivered about 20 tons of stone today. I had to hire a smaller hauler because one of the quarry's tri-axles would not fit into the driveway here. It took him 2 loads, but he was able to make the turn in from the road. 

 I had called Harry yesterday and he came down with his tractor when the gravel was delivered and spread it for us. He'll be back in a couple of days after it settles in a little bit to smooth out the edges, but it is ready to be parked on. I also picked up a couple more boxes of skirting this afternoon so I can get going on that again as I have time.

Skirting started

It wasn't exactly the best work bench, but it worked just fine for the skirting and mounting stuff. The sawhorses were a good height so the cut pieces didn't split or shatter at the end of the cutting.

I started here on the end - and yes, there is a short piece needed in the middle

Getting it around the corner proved more challenging with the downspout, but I got it figured out.

 I ran out of materials just about the kitchen window. This also cleaned up a lot of the disarray in the back yard where we had put all the skirting pieces when it was moved in. I still have plenty of ground strip and backing, but need to get some more sheets of the skirting.

Leveled up and ready

Allen and I spent yesterday finishing up the sewer drain line. We did have to make another parts run to Lowes to get some elbows to offset the second bathroom drop-in. It was about 1/2 inch off of the main branch line.

My neighbor Bennie came over and helped us get the jog in the line and final connections done. Everything is now connected and can be used.

This morning's project for Allen was adding a railing to the porch steps and replacing the front porch light. Both are done and looking good.

While he was doing that, I made sure the pitch on the sewer line was correct and put a gravel base under the line. Correcting the pitch also raised the line exit out of the end and required several wheelbarrow loads to even out the support.

More gravel was also needed along the line path out to the tank.

 After getting it graded, I took what remaining dirt I had and started covering the line. That will also help keep the pipe from moving and messing up the grade. More dirt is needed for smoothing it out.

water systems working

 

With the completing of the drain line, we could turn on the incoming water. 

There was a small leak in the kitchen faucet, but that was taken care of right away.

These are just the bathroom sinks, but the place is finally liveable. I still have work to do, like skirting and fencing, but the girls are getting moved in.

We finally have power & water

I got the incoming water line hooked up last week, along with the needed shutoff valve. It is partially insulated with foam, but I'll be adding some fiberglass to make sure it stays protected.

I had a bit of leftovers from the line, but it was cheaper to buy a whole roll rather than getting it by the foot. We might have a later use for it.

Finally! The power company showed up yesterday afternoon and got the final piece of the service hooked up. To be fair, most of the delays were because of the inspector not turning in the paperwork.

There were several trucks here, each bringing a couple of the pieces that were needed. The truck out on the road had the conduit and wire, while the boom truck had the lift and working tools like the drills.

 The power is now on. I switched the breakers on and the inside one on also and checked the lights. Everything lit up. We're getting closer! I have a plumber coming in the morning to see about building the drain line for the septic system.

Winter has begun

 Pardon the window screen, but this is our view this morning. We got 2" of snow last night. Winter has officially begun here. The girls' place is not yet livable, but is very close. They have already moved quite a bit of stuff over. Final power hook-up is scheduled for tomorrow or the day after.