Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Foundation Prep

I cannot underscore the skill of the excavation and plumbing teams. The equipment is like an extension of their arms. 

If you need think kind of work - call Paramount!




Plumbing connection was easy peasy!!!

Plumbing progress

Sewer connection - done

Water connection - done

Trench from the house to ADU - 90% complete

This is a big deal for an older house. Our cast iron plumbing hasn’t see the light of day for 126 years and it looks good! Quality work back in the day! 

Look how near the hole is for new plumbing. 

We asked the plumber if we should flush out the sewer pipes or take a peek at the water line outside. He said, “If it’s working, don’t look for problems. If the systems are working - leave them alone!”

Yes Sir!

Now onto inspections!



STOP: Soil Test

When you are building in Alexandria, ALWAYS order a soil report. Even if you are told it’s not needed. Order it anyway.

We were ready for the inspection of the ADU footers before concrete prep started and we had to stop to check the soil. The City recommended a local company and they scheduled us within 2 days so this should be a very short delay.

Why? Alexandria is built on marine clay and that isn’t idea for stable structures. Marine clay does not absorb water well had has a lot of movement. Our reno was ok and the clay was strong enough for our house and addition without extra reinforcement. 

Initial reviews by the soil engineers look good - they dug 11ft and no water! Now we wait for the report to see if we need to make the footers deeper or add additional supports.



Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Clean Slate

 Now it’s time to start anew! The yard looks so big - for now!




Plumbing Talents

 Now the hard part! Connecting 1910 plumbing system to a new ADU! We hired the best - BrownLee plumbing to tackle this part of the job.

He calculated the drop as he walked the property. Send pristine plumbing thoughts as he digs up the old and connects the new in very small spaces!





DEMO DAY

 Dan and I watched our old garage disappear in a matter of moments.

There were so many memories packed into the small space!

  • Holiday Card Lane Workshop: The site for hundreds of holiday cards IG @holidaycardlanealex
  • Home for so many gardening tools!
  • Projects galore from new porches, Odyssey of the Mind creations, Scouting things
  • Chip was lost in a snow storm - he was locked in the garage!
  • Blaze hanging out during his walkabout
  • Wayne Street Party location
  • John’s Citizenship Party
  • So many birthday parties!







Saturday, October 24, 2026

Before

Demo day is coming....this is where we started 

Video of the inside before