"The Base of it All"

"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him" -- David Brinkley 

As I just finished 3 hours of working on my Social work portfolio due in a few weeks, I decided a little blogging was allowed.

The Non-Stop Puddle

My insurance adjuster is coming out again Friday and my independent contractor will be here as well, to show her just what he had found. This claim was started back in March, with a little tear out here, and a big fix there. My foundation. Yes, a very important component of my house needed some attention. It made that known with a leak, a puddle coming out from under the subfloor of the back of another room's closet. This winter sure did a number on a lot of people, with the constant freeze and thaw. But I am pretty sure the previous owners new of this little gem when they sold it to me and decided to put new lino down, etc. Nothing like putting a bandaid over a gaping wound.

The Thaw 

As per suggestions of what the 'cause' was from a company recommended by my insurance company, I shelled out a lot of money in July to have my foundation excavated, patched, waterproofed, and weeping tile and sump pump installed, since a crack in one spot is likely indicative of cracks elsewhere. Well, almost 2 months after the 'fix' there is still moisture in the same place. Hence, the call to the insurance adjuster again, agreeing that a bit more tear out is reasonable and under the same claim. But alas that construction company has not returned, though we spoke about it last July 26.

Thank goodness for my independent contractor from Timeline Construction. I had consulted him on doing an estimate for my basement bathroom and informed him of my situation. He brought out his water meter, and not sure if its good or bad news. I'll have to see Friday once the insurance adjuster comes back.

Some more tear out is indeed necessary. To see if the found 'cause' is actually the cause, or did someone else not do such a great job with the 'fix', or is it a whole other issue? We shall see.

Bye Bye
Below Grade Concrete

On the bright side, I now have an extra R10 insulation all the way around my house. Window wells on all 10 basement windows, proper drainage to hopefully help my house last another 65 years. And my landscaping being done to address a very poor grade.

R10 Insulation and
Drainage Assist

So much done and so much more to continue on. The new eaves with screens match the original colouring of the house trim in navy blue, new  soffits and facia done too, so I never have to paint and makes it so sharp.

Downspouts to match the colour of the house stucco so it blends in better, so you see house not random white lines traveling everywhere. Now landscaping to finish, fence and gate, and my next DIY project of revamping the stair case. Already took the wire brush out last night to attack that rust. Primer coat tonight?