concrete and trench

Finished forming the slab for the solar shed. I had a gravel truck come and place about 6 inches inside the forms so I would end up with about a 5 1/2 inch slab (about 12 inches thick around the edges.)

I ordered 8.5 yards of a special concrete called self consolidating concrete. It is normally used for bridge beams and costs about $15 more per yard than regular. The concrete supplier has never seen anyone use it on a slab before and they were interested in trying it. It is very fluid and was very easy to place and finish. I completed finishing before the truck driver pulled away. No screed, bullfloating or vibrating needed. I just used a simple two by four with a handle, jiggling  it up and down in the top inch or so of concrete across the entire slab.

It worked great and produced a smooth finish.

I was careful to keep the dogs away but Smokey managed to get his initials in it.

Yesterday I rented an excavator and dug a trench and hole for the propane tank and lines.

Progress

Progress has been slow but steady. I spent most of the summer working on the woodstove alcove and the back roof over the porch and mud room.

I hired someone to do the stone veneer on the exterior and I did the interior masonry.

This weekend I formed a slab for the solar shed. This is a 16x20 shed that will have the solar panels mounted on one roof and it will house the backup generator. More on the solar system later.

Inside, the log ceiling joists are in place..

For months I have been trying to get roofers to put the metal on. Finally got some to show up and they worked one day. They need about 2 more to finish. That was almost two weeks ago. No wonder I do most things myself!

The homestead:

Enjoying the fall!