Riverside, CA - Backyard Overhaul

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Well, I'll start with the bad news so that I can finish on a high note....

As I was backfilling, I caught one of the post anchors out of the corner of my eye so I went to take a closer look. I sure blew it on this one. When I had the strings set up to position the anchors, I placed the bracket on the wrong side of the string :brickwall: It probably wouldn't have been a big deal except this was a corner post that ties into the house and it would have been completely obvious.

I poured the footings with 1" aggregate and what a pain that was to hammer out. A few hours later and it was as it should be. Here's the offender:

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So I continue on with the backfill and then I notice something else.... My wife and I were in Vegas this last weekend and I had my block guy show up to build the raised planters. Apparently I needed to be there since I'm the only one that owns a tape measure.

The closest wall is supposed to be parallel with the far wall but it's 10" out of alignment :scratch:

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And for the good news.... The trenches are gone and the yard is actually walkable again

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I hoped to be framing this week but my wife has other plans. It's a tough month with all the Christmas necessities.
 
So how many brick walls did you knock down with all that head banging? You must have had quite a headache when all was said and done. As for the block wall guys, clearly the tool they were missing was your trusty T-square ;)

Still looks fabulous, bro!! It’s going to look awesome when it’s done and the homeowners will not even think about these little hiccups.

Oh, and you’re a great contractor because 99% of the numbskulls out there that call themselves “contractors” would have tried to paper over the mistakes.

Good job!! :thumleft:
 
At least you owned it and got it fixed!

:shock: now will your block own HIS mistake and fix it????

I bet they are liking being able to walk around back there again. The kids on the other hand will miss the dirt mountains to play on!

Kim:kim:
 
Pool equipment installed. I went with 2 Intelliflo XFs, Quad 100 filter, Raypak 406A heater and an Easytouch 8 with IC60.

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The block planter was redone and looks as it should have from the beginning.

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Wanger and I started framing the patio and got a good amount done today. A couple of the beams weighed close to 400 pounds :shock: but we got them up with nothing but armstrong power!

I didn't get around to taking pictures until the sun went down but I'll try to do a better job next time.

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Is it just me or did one of those patio footers look like it was redone recently ..... :scratch: :laughblue:

I have to admit, I love staring at your .... equipment pad .... and your Wanger does impressive work as well ;)

Really, blue handled PVC ball valves??? Come on, splurge for the Jandy shutoffs....
 
B, Is your favorite game Twister? I hope it is going to be easier to get to the filter and pump basket then it looks like in the pic.

That patio is off to a good start. I can only imagine the adult words that were said as you two lifted those beams! :shock:

Did the planter guy kick up much a fuss about having to redo it?

Kim:kim:
 

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GregInClaremont said:
That Patio is going to look great! Nice work!
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Thank you! :goodjob:

JoyfulNoise said:
Is it just me or did one of those patio footers look like it was redone recently ..... :scratch: :laughblue:
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:rant:

JoyfulNoise said:
I have to admit, I love staring at your .... equipment pad .... and your Wanger does impressive work as well ;)

Really, blue handled PVC ball valves??? Come on, splurge for the Jandy shutoffs....
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The ball valve are to equalize flow and they will never be touched again. Had I used Jandy valves, the pad would have been widened by another 24" which would have put it inside the city's setback....I didn't have much of a choice.

All the other valves are Pentair FullFlo Xfs...

thi5guy said:
Awesome build. So fun to watch!
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Thank you! :party:

kimkats said:
B, Is your favorite game Twister? I hope it is going to be easier to get to the filter and pump basket then it looks like in the pic.
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There is more room than it seems

kimkats said:
Did the planter guy kick up much a fuss about having to redo it?

Kim:kim:
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He did initially and still somewhat seems to think its my fault but its done now. I'm just glad he got it right and I didn't have to it :roll:
 
A little more progress... The coping is completely formed and was scheduled to be poured today. After talking with the homeowner early this morning, we decided to hold off due to the strong winds that are planned for the next couple days. I hate to postpone anything but that's a lot better than having to redo the coping.

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Me and Wanger hit the patio pretty hard today and got a lot done. I'm thinking it should be ready for the framing inspection once we finish tomorrow. This thing is massive!

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I caught Wanger in the act busy doing nothing!

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What is the worry with pouring coping with high wind? I am thinking stuff/junk being blown onto it but wanted to see if I am wrong.

That patio is HUGE! They are going to love it. It being higher will make it even better than the other one.

LOL on Wanger being caught doing nothing! There is a first time for everything..........at least he makes up for it when he is working!

Kim:kim:
 
The wind will blow a bunch of junk in the concrete but the bigger issue is that the wind will cause the surface of the concrete to dry faster than what's on the inside and that leads to shrinkage cracks and a non-uniform finish. That's a big problem with this type of coping since it's going to have a sand finish that needs to get washed shortly after its troweled.
 
Hey, don’t be so hard on your Wanger. The little guy needs a rest every once in a while or you’ll wear him out.

That deck is massive. Seriously nice work!! There better be a smoker going in the ODK somewhere. Pool looks ok too....
 
Coping going in and a little closer on the patio.

The BBQ island will get a 40" Lion BBQ, a sink, a refrigerator and the Kegerator. It will also house a receiver and amp to power the 14 speakers spread throughout the patio and yard.

The patio will have 16 LED recessed lights and 4 - 60" ceiling fans. The roof will be tile to match the existing on the house.

Once the patio framing is wrapped up I'll get started on the forms for the fireplace. The two columns on either side of the fireplace are going to be 32" SQ solid concrete :shock:. It's going to be a challenge to make them strong enough so they don't blow out!

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kimkats said:
Oh I like how the patio will have matching "coping"! That will tie everything in nice!

Can't wait to see what you come up with to contain all of the cement! That is going to take come wood and work :shock: to do!

Kim:kim:
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The stuff you see under the patio are the footings for the columns and the BBQ island. None of that concrete will show.

I poured those today to take advantage of the truck and pump being there today... That and colored footings are super custom!
 

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