Building Our Home~Soil

July 20, 2015
I believe that we can safely say the builder has begun prepping the home site in preparation to build

our home!

It all sounds like so much work and waiting and let me tell you, it is and that is a fact.

I may have mentioned earlier that we had record setting rains in May which threw a kink in things,

and then combine that with an architect who pushed us to the back burner but kept telling us he

was working on the plans. (We did get another fantastic one)

Time has seemed to stand still.

But on this beautiful blue sky filled day we finally are seeing some changes and it is exciting.



I would like to introduce you to  Henry, he and I have never met before and I am pretty sure he

thought I was a bit  very nutty, as I tromped across the home site with my camera around my neck

waving anxiously and shouting "Good Afternoon!"

He truly does not look too thrilled, but he was congenial, humored me along and even

tolerated me taking his photo.



Sometimes I am a bit like a  "bull in a China closet," especially when I get excited.

I truly think that this oak tree was wrapped in Poison Ivy or Poison Oak, because as I was

hanging this vintage basket, the words "Leaves of three let them be," rang in my ear...


Happy to report that my olive skin tone seems to repel chiggers, ticks and evidently poison

whatever!



Henry, also went along with an impromptu sort of interview, me asking him what this tractor,

with this attachment actually does.



This attachment has pipes that sink down up to fifteen feet into the soil and water is injected through

these pipes into the ground where the house is going to sit.

They go over the site repeatably for 4 days with water, then 2 days with a chemical.



The water is pumped from a Fire Hydrant through this tubing into this tank and then from the

tank to the attachment.



You may be wondering why this process is even done, because it does seem rather peculiar,

doesn't it?

It is done because soil materials play a important role in the success of construction and the

type of foundation that will be used for our home.

About one month ago, the builder ordered a soil test.

Another machine came out and bored two holes 25 feet in depth into the soil where the house is

going to set.

These soil samples were then sent off to Geo-technical engineers, these engineers interpret the

results and made recommendations based on their findings.

Our home site is made up of clay and shale, both of these elements have a tendency to shift and

heave, which can lead to foundation troubles.



By filling the clay and shale up with as much water as they can hold,

then immediately injecting Terra Chem Soil Stabilizer into the soil, the stabilizer changes the

soils shrink/swell characteristics.



Isn't that so nifty, hopefully no foundation troubles for us, and our French Country Home.

I think Henry will really do a wonderful job, I truly do.



This will be a first in a series of Building Our Home, I look forward to sharing this journey with

you.  Please feel free to leave me any tips,thoughts, or inspiration, I will welcome your ideas!

For a link to the building process just click HERE!







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Comments

  1. I asked about this.

    Aaaaaahaaaa! And it sounds like a very, very wise thing to do.

    Eliminating shifting and heaving, ahead of time, sounds beyond wise. It sounds like common sense too.

    You have an exciting process ahead of you. Thank you for telling us, that you will bring us along with you.

    Tessa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tessa, my dear,you did! So, even though we had read the soil reports and googled everything we could find, I went to the source-Henry- and he was a wealth of information.
      Thank you for joining in on the journey!

      Delete
  2. So happy for you and envious at the same time! I would love to build a dream house that meets all of our needs . A french country home sounds amazing and I cannot wait to follow you on this adventure!! xo K

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, goodness, well if you lived closer I would beg you to come help me decorate!
      xo

      Delete
  3. The flowers are lovely! Tell Henry I said to be careful with those chemicals! You never know with chemicals where they might end up. But then the word "chemical" dredges up thoughts of bad things, doesn't it? I know you're real excited about your new home, and I'm excited for you.
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brenda,
      Thank you! I had fun playing with those flowers and I am no worse for the wear...hehe.
      Well, I will tell Henry, because you are spot on-chemicals are bad news, lets hope they stay 15 feet under the ground and don't work their way upwards. I am excited and you know it!

      Delete
  4. Hello Jemma, so happy to see progress is starting on your new house. I am sure this process with the soil is important and must be done. Thanks for sharing, have a happy week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Eileen,
      Wondering how your sister is doing with the sale of hers?

      Delete
  5. I did have to laugh at the expression on Henry's face ! :)

    So happy for you!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello to Henry! Wonder what he went home and told his wife?

    This is fascinating! I've never heard of this before. I read it off to my husband.

    I'm really looking forward to seeing this exciting process, Jemma. Keep snapping the pics and taking notes.

    Dewena

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Dewena,
      I too wondered what story Henry told his wife-the look on his face tells so much doesn't it?
      I will keep snapping and writing and we will see how it all turns out!

      Delete
  7. What an exciting start! Very interesting with the soil and how they prep it for the foundation. Thanks for sharing all of this with us - much to Henry's chagrin. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Our Henry, thank goodness he took it all in his stride:)

      Delete
  8. I'm so excited for you! We've never built a house but I'll bet it's hard. But how marvelous. Now that other stuff is just over my head! ;) You, a bull in a china closet? :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is quite the adventure, I dragged my feet in the beginning, because you know it is a bit daunting. But now I am actually beginning to "see," it and that is really making a big difference.
      Yes sometimes I march through things with too much enthusiasm!

      Delete
  9. I had no idea of the process of building a home from scratch. I don't think they tested our soil here. I have a friend in Texas - she has to water around and under the house during the summer. If she doesn't the soil will crack and the house shift. Then they have to put risers (?) in. Is this the process you are trying to stop? Is it just in Texas? Can wait till the next step - very interesting on your French Country Home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, I don't believe I did either, it is much more than what it seems. You see this region of Texas also sits on top of the Barnett Shale which is where there is a huge vein of Natural Gas, it is the largest natural gas play in North Texas. Combine shale, clay and our dry weather and there is heaving in the earth. Yes, we are trying to prevent the house from shifting prior to building it.

      Delete
  10. This is an interesting post...never heard of anything like it. I wonder if they do that procedure everywhere or just certain places?
    Don't forget to keep us updated, Jemma!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it is a regional thing, Marigene due to clay, shale and our climate.

      Delete
  11. I've never heard of this before. That's a pretty cool way of prepping the soil. I take it there's no chance of a basement!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We had vaguely heard of this process, but didn't know what it meant-now we do and we are ready to move full speed ahead.

      Delete
  12. I can imagine what Henry was thinking as you ran around putting flowers into trees and taking photos. Haha! What fun you'll have building your dream home. There are tons and tons of decisions to make, big and little ones. Sometimes you need to take a break and do something non house-related.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lorrie,
      You really do see the "real," picture-it was a rewarding and fun day!

      Delete
  13. Good morning! I so love coming to my favorite blogs early before the day sets in. Jemma, this is SO EXCITING!!!!!

    I had no idea that these soil tests even existed! I should have suspected because here in Minneapolis, or rather in the suburb where I teach, people are always knocking down old vintage homes to build newer ones....I suppose they must have the soil tested to treat it so that there are no foundation problems. I am so happy that your project is finally getting UP OFF THE GROUND! And I love what you said about your excitement; I am THE SAME WAY! HA! People think because I'm a bit on the petite side that I'm shy but when something strikes me interesting, I GO FOR IT! And I can just see you with your camera, so happy. We rejoice with you my friend, and as time goes on, we'll be right here to watch and cheer you on.

    HAPPY DAY! Anita

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was happy with my camera and all of the expectations and anticipations melding into one.
      It is such a learning process and it has come at just the right time in our lives.

      Delete
  14. Henry doesn't look too happy! How exciting your house project is moving along. Frustrations and excitement at the same time. You will be so busy designing and deciding. It can be fun as well. Enjoy your project Jemma. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am afraid I may have pushed Henry too far-he had work to be done and I was a chatter box.
      It will be a journey and we are just about to begin!

      Delete
  15. How encouraging that you are seeing some progress, Jemma! I can't wait to follow along with the new home posts!

    ReplyDelete
  16. How exciting to get started! Although the soil stuff is not as exciting as seeing real walls going up, I guess it is necessary! Looking forward to your progress.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Soil stuff is pretty boring, but I am doing my best to become knowledgeable in all aspects of the building process from the very beginning.

      Delete
  17. This has to be one very exciting time in your life; with watching the progress of the building of your new home. I wish you much luck that everything will go smoothly from here out and no more delays. The weather has been quite different this year it seems. I will enjoy seeing more of your pictures as things move along. I am so happy for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandra,
      The weather has been so odd and we actually set records for rain fall-even though it is beastly hot now, it is stable and will allow the building process to begin.

      Delete
  18. WHat a learning experience for me. I never even knew they could do that! Send good ole Henry over to my house.....LOL

    After he's done of course...

    XO,
    Christine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Christine,
      Hehe! I know right about now you could use Henry's assistance!

      Delete
  19. It all sounds so exciting, Jemma. I wish I had some olive skin to ward off those nasties. Unfortunately I am always the first one they find. xo Laura

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, Laura-you and my husband are probably kindred spirits because he has been devoured by chiggers this year. Not fun-guess they just do not like me!

      Delete
  20. Well Jemma, you KNOW how much I'm looking forward to seeing this budding process and living vicariously through you. Count me in as another person who never knew about this type of soil prep, but what a great idea! I'm the type who isn't really interested in the mechanics of building...the foundations, electrical, plumbing....I just want to decorate! Do you feel the same way? I suppose you're going to have to learn about these things to some degree, and it will all be worth it in the end, but wow, soooooo many decisions to make!

    Henry looks like a hoot, and yes, he probably went home and told his wife about the crazy lady who wanted to take pics of everything. lol

    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do just want to decorate, but I have made my mind up to know our home from the ground up.
      Henry was a hoot and I am certain he did have some opinion of just what I was up to.

      Delete
  21. Hi Jemma, So excited for you that your home building process has begun. It is an adventure and it will be so fun to join in your journey till completion. So glad you are having the soil prep and what a process it is. Henry sounds like the perfect professional. I know you are beyond excited and keep that camera rollin and sharin!! Wishing you the best experience going forward and God's blessings on your new home. From the soil to the floors,much success!!
    Have a wonderful evening and stay cool!! Hugs, cm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes, I will be rolling right along with a memory card and camera in hand-it's sort of fun to document the process! I will be sharing it all right here with my friends. Thank you for your sweet wishes and I sure will try to beat the heat-it is brutal right now, isn't it?

      Delete
  22. Hi Jemma, So excited for you that your home building process has begun. It is an adventure and it will be so fun to join in your journey till completion. So glad you are having the soil prep and what a process it is. Henry sounds like the perfect professional. I know you are beyond excited and keep that camera rollin and sharin!! Wishing you the best experience going forward and God's blessings on your new home. From the soil to the floors,much success!!
    Have a wonderful evening and stay cool!! Hugs, cm

    ReplyDelete
  23. This is going to be so interesting for all of us! Thanks for taking us along as you build your dream house! I know you'll take lots of photos to share! Sweet hugs, Diane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for joining in, and when you come to Texas you are just going to have to stop in for a visit!

      Delete
  24. WOW, have I been out of the loop...With a new grandbaby and knee surgery, I have not been on my computer too much. I am so excited about your new building project. I know it will be beautiful as you seem to make everything you touch so pretty....I will be watching with excitement.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nancy,
      Welcome back to the land of blog, good to see you and glad that you are doing well! Thanks for your sweet words too:)

      Delete
  25. I'm so happy for you...sounds like everything is very well thought out. The building of homes at our lake have very strict codes as the ground is so saturated and soft near the water. Sadly, older homes are having major structural woes. Better safe than sorry.

    Hurray for you and I hope things keep moving along smoothly! :)

    Jane xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jane,
      Absolutely! Better to be safe than sorry and I think this is something that builders have figured out throughout the years. We too have historical homes throughout the area that have major foundation problems-so sad...such beautiful architectural designs-falling apart.

      Delete
  26. Jemma,
    Finally! How very exciting for you to finally see some forward movement. Your dream home is one step closer to reality and I cannot wait to see the end result. I look forward to more photos along the way.....I am so happy for you Jemma! Enjoy the process......xoxo
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda,
      It is finally happening! We have been in this apartment since May!! Needless to say we are growing weary of the cramped space and at one point no hope of even beginning building because of the rain. Thank you so much for your encouragement!

      Delete
  27. Jemma, I hope Henry helps you and your husband along the way and throughout the whole process. I mentioned to you that I know a bit of the construction process and my husband is a builder, and you really have to have the patience and determination to finish this - two things which I know you will have. Oh Jemma, you are such a trooper, and I am getting excited right along with you. Thanks for sharing all the phases. It DOES look like a timely and tedious process, but one day you will be in your kitchen sipping a cup of hot coffee and looking out onto your beautiful surroundings saying......."this is home."

    love, ~Sheri

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi Jemma....I just love seeing your beautiful face and smile in your profile photo. You look so happy, especially with your new home project! I'm sure Henry gets a kick out of you.

    Around here, the neighbors are used to seeing me outside snapping things with my camera, in winter's blizzards and in the profusion of flowers in summer. Ha ha ha ha Bloggers are a creative lot (aren't we? hee hee)

    Hope you are enjoying each day of summer. Susan

    ReplyDelete
  29. Henry looked very skeptical lol I'm so excited for you!

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete

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