The Vortex of Doom

If you were standing next to it, you’d agree with the name! That’s right, The Vortex of Doom is what we’ve named the culvert that was installed to drain rain water under the road. We thought it would just be a simple metal tube that ran under the road. Doesn’t that sound simple?? Little did we know, it’s a huge process that involves grading all the ground around it into what looks like a giant funnel! Eventually, they’re lined with concrete or river rock (which is what we’ve opted for), but until then, it just looks like a giant vortex in the dirt that could suck you in if you get too close! Lucky for us, we get to have 2 of these giant car eaters! Ha! Maybe it won’t be so scary once the happy little river rock is in place. :)

In other news, I am happy to announce that our road is as done as it can be until we get all the dirt work done around the house build site. It look so amazing (minus the vortex!)! Once the leftover asphalt is moved off the road, I’ll take a video so you can all walk the property with me!

We had a little setback with structural engineering this last week. While finalizing our blueprints, our engineer happened upon some missing grade measurements on our surveying plans. Kris was able to get the measurements for him since our surveyor was not available, but once those measurements were plugged in, it revealed a major retaining wall issue. We both had the “joy” of heading back out to the property in the rain and mud, to brainstorm until dark. Yucky! You can look for some updated plans on our house tab soon, but essentially, our original 6-foot wall on the east side of the house will now be 9-feet and likely much longer (at least 35-feet). More concrete, rebar and money! Ugh! I guess we can be glad they found it now vs. later when we’re scratching our heads wondering why the dirt is so high! Just another day in construction land.