June 30 Update

Hola Amigos!

We're here in Costa Rica. With the wonderful help of our friend and project manager Rob Hunter, we headed to a plethora of locations in and around San Jose today.

We looked at EPA - the Costa Rica version of Home Depot for stock type kitchen cabinets and other materials. We found a roofing option that is a coated steel, which will be quieter than plain steel, but will pick up some of the look of a tile roof. We also picked out the outside paint color. Will leave it a surprise for now, but we're pretty doggone excited about it. Since we're nicely tucked away, it won't compete with other casas, but will be distinctively ours. We also picked out a whole house water filter system, and a big single tankless water heater which we will get during Jim's next trip down here.

The one thing we did NOT like at EPA were the kitchen cabinet options. Selection was limited and quality was not very good. We didn't want the high end option Rob and Kent purchased for their kitchen(Poggen Pohl), so went to a great middle grade store called Euromobilia. Sylvia was EXCELLENT! She spent time with us talking through options, so it was easy to make selections. She has a sketch layout, needing some facts from me once we are actually AT CasitaTDA and can verify some measurements for her. In turn, Sylvia will work out the layout for us so Jim can finalize the placement of the kitchen window. There are some great cabinet options that take off of European designs, even though our cabinets will be made in Costa Rica. We're pretty excited as how this kitchen will likely work. Some seating places for casual meals, and/or helpers during cooking.

Afterwards we went to ConstruPlaza - another awesome place when one is looking for building details. We picked out a great selection of Moen faucets. True, not the highest end, but not low end either. Moen faucets last a long time, an are easy to replace cartridges on - which Jim will like. The look though is awesome. Moen clearly doesn't sell these in the US. While TOTO toilets would have been great, the expense is huge. We bought American Standard ultra low water, high flushing strength toilets. We also bought the lav sinks, a very modern design of a bowl on a countertop - also by American Standard. We purchased the kitchen sink and a large stainless utility sink for the laundry. And finally, adding on to our tile selections from Jim's last trip, we picked out shower floor tiles (stones), vanity top tiles (also stones, but different color), laundry countertop tile, and bathroom wall tiles. Once we complete measurements this week, we'll order all that material as well.

Finally; we got a Costa Rican cell phone - so you're welcome to call us while we're in Costa Rica. Just ask, we'll be happy to give you the phone number. Not willing to post here as this is a googleable public site.

On July 1st we head to the coast with Kent and Rob, and check into the Hotel Wilson in Parrita. News Friday night when we get back to San Jose, and I can save pictures for you.

Ricardo y Jeeem

ps - Jim set up a NEW BLOG which will set about to give the history BEHIND this construction project. Part 1, 2 and 3 are posted; others to come over the next several weeks. Link is: http://jimdicktdacasainthebeginning.blogspot.com/

June 25th Update

Hola amigos!


Just a brief update today as I am traveling and am doing this from San Diego. As you can see, the ceiling structure is going in; in preparation for the roof structure. Now the pictures show a lot of ceiling, and I expect in the end much of this will be removed so that we can enjoy the inside shape of the roof, and the wood inside that. But I suspect that Gerardo is insuring a stable platform for doing the roof.

What I like about this first picture is that you get a better idea of the view that level will enjoy.

This second picture just shows the span across rooms. The kitchen bump out is not done yet...

Thanks for visiting. Dick and Jim head to Costa Rica on June 29th, so will be there in person, and hope to update our blog during that week. If for whatever reason internet is less than adequate, will update upon return.



Ricardo y Jeeem







ps - Jim set up a NEW BLOG which will set about to give the history BEHIND this construction project. Part 1, 2 and 3 are posted; others to come over the next several weeks. Link is: http://jimdicktdacasainthebeginning.blogspot.com/

June 21st update

All of Gerardo's hard work continues. All of the essential X's are done, and work to build the second level floor structure is underway.



Rob took some FANTASTIC pictures in his update to me. I think this first one really shows the entry patio. Putting this in perspective, you can see the new casita, and just to the right the lip that will be the bottom of the stairs going up. Then, about 45-degrees to the right is where the step off will be for the stairway going down to the bonus level.



Once again, we want to solicit ideas on what to do with that space. We could make a separate rentable living unit out of it. Or we can make something like a screened room (eg: HUGE). Or we could add a fourth bedroom and bath, along with bodega down there, and change the first floor bodega to a bathroom for the second downstairs bedroom.





This second photo shows our guys building. Honestly, I'm not sure what the tarp is for, but suspect that it has to do with dealing with the rain. As our northern summer continues, down in Costa Rica the days will continue to have more rain until the high point; October when one can 'enjoy' rather amazing quantities of rainfall.



This final picture shows the second level floor structure build underway.



A week from now Dick and Jim will be in Costa Rica again - and work will begin building the roof. It is also on this trip that we have to select and order and/or purchase the water heater, appliances, air conditioning system, kitchen cabinets, sinks, toilets, faucets, bath cabinets (or design for build) - etc... We have selected the floor tile, but on this trip will need to place our order to ensure it is on hand when needed.



We will stay in Parrita this time - in a hotel Rob and Kent have suggested. So we're in for quite an adventure this trip! We'll be able to stay with Rita and Steve at the beginning of our trip. We're looking forward to that - and their dogs Topo and Rata. Make a note to yourself that http://www.casabellarita.com/ will take you to their B&B website. We can't recommend it strongly enough as your arrive in Costa Rica!



So, all for this post. Jim travels to San Diego this week - then returns just in time to repack, enjoy Brian and Mia's wedding, and then hop our Continental flight to San Jose, Costa Rica. Our very best to all of you!





Ricardo y Jeeeem


ps - Jim set up a NEW BLOG which will set about to give the history BEHIND this construction project. Part 1, 2 and 3 are posted; others to come over the next several weeks. Link is: http://jimdicktdacasainthebeginning.blogspot.com/

June 18th Update - The X'es....

Surprise, surprise, surprise (Jim's best Gomer Pyle immitation)!

Oddly, it was my suggestion to our Project Manager Rob that we install the X bracing in between strategic posts down below the first floor before building above the first floor.

The rationale is that X bracing helps ensure we have a more stable floor during construction above. My belief is that doing that now, means that as Gerardo builds above - all remains level and true. The alternative is that adding this later, might result in some shifting of structure above.

Gerardo was concerned about having second floor walls done in time for our July first trip there. Goal of that trip is to frame the roof while we're there. I acquiesced; and agreed to not push my view so that the second floor would essentially be built. Then, suddenly, I see pictures of the X bracing going in. What a surprise! Turns out the 10x10 steel tubing is out of stock at the local Ferriteria, and so Gerardo is making progress on stock that IS available.

So, these pictures are of some of those going in. I'm a little concerned as in just 13 short days we'll be at the construction site...

Please help us figure out some good options for that lower (zero level) floor I asked about in the prior blog. Thanks!

Finally, here is a rough rendering of the second floor space. I had to take some liberties that obscure the real view due to limitation of the design software. So that long rectangular box on the right is actually representative of the stairwell from entry patio to second floor. In reality, it is open on the right side, except for a rail. But the dark line you DO see is the support beam holding the roof, making that point the edge of the structure. Beyond that will be another meter or so of overhang; ensuring that even though one is "outside" walking down the stairs in a driving rain, they are actually under cover and well protected. The large and wide space on top is the outdoor seating area. Covered, but still outside. The great room, bedroom and bath are all in the climate controlled space - essentially with AC sized to dry the air more than cool the air.

Hope you enjoy this post, more in a few days!

Ricardo y Jeeeem

ps - Jim set up a NEW BLOG which will set about to give the history BEHIND this construction project. Part 1, 2 and 3 are posted; others to come over the next several weeks. Link is: http://jimdicktdacasainthebeginning.blogspot.com/

June 12th update

Hola amigos!


Today's message from our Project Manager Rob stated that support posts for the second floor are all in place, and so building that floor can start.

He included some excellent photos that not only let all of us enjoy the structure, but also the setting for Casita Torrente de Agua. This first picture does a great job, I think, of capturing the first floor view as it currently stands. Much of this vegetation are wild vines that tend to close off the view. Once the casa is done, and we're past the October heavy rains, we'll have our talented crew open up the view by pulling out all the vines, and then selectively pruning the other remaining branches to create an enjoyable vista.

This next photo shows both the support posts (and wall structure) going in. Ceiling height downstairs will be about 8 1/2 feet - so a bit more generous than typical US homes. We are doing this to allow more room for ceiling fans in the two bedrooms on this level. The white material on the floor has been temporarily placed so that Gerardo and his crew can walk safely while doing all this setting and welding. Once this basic frame is done, there is considerable work welding in big X's at corners, and other points between posts to add rigidity to the structure and make it a more stable place.


This final photo of this blog appears to me to be a morning photo of the substantially completed field of posts which will be the primary support of the second floor (bath, master sleeping area, great room and very large outdoor veranda).

The stairs going up will be from the foreground concrete (turning a reddish color due to natural staining of the local soil). It will start there, and go up that wall you see on the right. Technically "outside", but well under the roof structure. Remember that it never, ever gets either too hot or too cold. If this building site were in easy sight of other structures, we might have wanted a sort of mesh wall outside of it with some privacy louvers, but that is really unnecessary - but could be added later. The stairway will be one meter wide. Immediately to the right of the stairway going up, will be concrete stairs going down to the lower floor level.

PLEASE HELP US out by suggesting what we might do with this 5 x 9.5 meter (about sixteen by thirtyone feet of floor). We have plans to create a small bodega - essentially a cage - to hold the backup generator and most likely the AC compressors. But the rest of that floor will remain unfinished until we figure out how we want to make our best use of it.

So please friends, post your comments to THIS BLOG on what you think we should consider for this lower level floor... Feel free to return to this blog, and add ideas as you think of them... Thanks in advance for your ideas!!!

So, that's today's blog. We hope to hear from each of you.

Gracias!

Ricardo y Jeeeem

ps - Jim set up a NEW BLOG which will set about to give the history BEHIND this construction project. Part 1, 2 and 3 are posted; others to come over the next several weeks. Link is: http://jimdicktdacasainthebeginning.blogspot.com/

June 7th Update

Hola amigos! Thanks for visiting for this update. I'm told that the cleanup in Parrita has gone very well. Most homes are swept out - so mostly what remains is a layer of dried river mud on the roads and sidewalks, that traffic kicks up. And speaking of traffic, with the Pan American highway closed due to its own washout, all traffic going to southern Costa Rica is routing through Parrita - adding not only to the dust problem, but also making even more horrendous backups at the single lane bridges. Those suckers cannot get completed too soon!

Progress on our casita is excellent! While I don't have pictures of it, progress on the road repairs within Alazan are also moving along. Both Kent and Rob are sure working hard though! You can see in the first picture that the first floor structure is COMPLETE. Gerardo did forget to provision for our step DOWN shower pan, but Rob assures me that is in the process of being corrected. The second picture shows our first floor WALLS starting. I imagine this fairly speedy process will be done within just a few days, and then Gerardo will start on the second floor structure.

Rob, our project manager, took a couple of photos looking out towards the Pacific (South, Southwest) from the first floor level. You may recall a couple blogs back I included a rendering of the first floor layout? There are two bedrooms on that level and the views in these photos are what people staying in those rooms will enjoy.

The first one is looking directly out towards the Ocean. Camera don't catch what eyes do when you're standing under the canopy of trees. But where the land ends, the ocean begins!

The second one is gazing a little left, and gives a great view of part of the Parrita River valley. So friends, when you're staying downstairs, and sitting out on the veranda enjoying the sounds of frogs, birds, monkeys... This is the view you'll enjoy.

Thanks again for visiting our blog site. Please feel free to click on the COMMENT button, and add comments.

Ricardo y Jeeeem

ps - Jim set up a NEW BLOG which will set about to give the history BEHIND this construction project. Part 1 is posted; others to come over the next several weeks. Link is: http://jimdicktdacasainthebeginning.blogspot.com/

June 3rd Update - much of the first FLOOR structure built

Even with the horrible weather caused by Alma, the project continues. Gerardo has been hard at work welding in all the cross pieces which make the floor structure. Concrete panels will be layed on top of this after the walls have been welded in place.

In this first picture, I'm attempting to focus attention on just how far off the GROUND this actually is. You can see the outer posts that have yet to have floor structure welded to them. And while that is happening, Gerardo wants to begin working on the walls so as to get up to the second floor sooner. We head to Alazan on June 29th, and the purpose of that trip, aside from some core shopping for materials needed during building; is to be there when we frame the roof which will be an interesting, two level design with what will appear to be a giant cupola.

Now while our workers have been hard at work not only on Casita Torrente de Agua; but also significant road repairs due to Alma's damage; Jim has been rolling over options on a floor BELOW the first floor. Clearly some good potential options will emerge from a potential 5 by 9.5 meter space with easily 2.5 meters headroom. This could become a casa we could rent to an on-site employee. Or it could be fashioned into a nice studio with forest view for a guest who wants a lower cost accomodation. Or it could become a lower lounge area with bodega to hold the backup generator. Lots of options!


In this final photo, you can see one of our workers, I presume Gerardo, walking across some additional steel for use in completing the floor and starting the walls. Our trusty BADGER (so Wisconsin a name!) generator is under the tarp staying dry.

So that's all in this post. We are looking forward to some new pics, and hopefully the beginning of walls.

Be well!

Ricardo y Jeeeeem

ps - Jim set up a NEW BLOG which will set about to give the history BEHIND this construction project. Part 1 is posted; others to come over the next several weeks. Link is: http://jimdicktdacasainthebeginning.blogspot.com/

Project Update

First another pair of photo's from the FLOOD update. The first one is of the overflowed Parrita River. The foreground is NOT supposed to be a river but rather, part of the roadway coming to Alazan from Parrita.

This second picture is of Maxi Ferriteria, our local building supply store in downtown Parrita (to which the river above is flowing). You can see the mud and muck on the floor there. Our hearts go out to our suppliers, many whose homes were also flooded, and whose families are displaced. Typical tico though, many are hard at work volunteering and helping their neighbors and community. If Dick and I were there we would be volunteering to lend a hand...

If you want to read more about what is happening in the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica please check out http://www.ticotimes.net/. Much coverage from there, and a good way to get a gringo perspective of Costa Rica in normal times.

This next photo is of our new generator, being put into its first service.
When Jim spoke to Rob earlier today, Sunday June 1st, we learned that much cell phone service was out and that explained why Jim had been unable to reach Rob for a few days. If it weren't for the just seconds of "hello" Friday night we were concerned Rob and Kent might have been injured somewhere. We are very grateful that they are fine.

You can see in this next photo that Gerardo is hard at work on the floor cross sections (that will form sort of an egg crate grid) which become the first floor structure. You can also gain some perspective on how high the outer edge is off the ground. The distance from the cement pad to the outer edge is seven and one quarter meters. The lower "outside" (but covered) space will be the building width (9.5 meters) by 1.75 meters. Not huge, but certainly big enough for those residing in the two downstairs bedrooms to sit outside and enjoy the weather.

This final photo is Gerardo welding the cross members between the "joists" which complete the floor structure. What I like about this photo is that it shows the precision Gerardo is using in placing the pieces.

We are down three workers who are repairing the Alazan roadway. But Rob tells me Gerardo hired another man who will start June 2nd. And it seems Gerardo has put Rob to work as well! Anyway, it is their plan to begin building the first floor WALLS this week. So progress is moving along at quite a pace, even with the foul weather and unfortunate local events.

Blessings upon all our workers, Gerardo, Rob and Kent. Thank you all.

So that's the update for now, more mid(ish) week. Thanks for viewing. Feel free to leave comments!

Ricardo y Jeeem
(Dick and Jim)

ps - Jim set up a NEW BLOG which will set about to give the history BEHIND this construction project. Part 1 is posted; others to come over the next several weeks. Link is: http://jimdicktdacasainthebeginning.blogspot.com/

Storms Ravage Puntarenas province, especially Parrita

Tropical storm Alma in Nicaragua sent storms across Costa Rica last week. The local damage was intense as the Parrita River overflowed its banks, flooding Parrita, and inland almost up to Alazan property. You can see from this photo of the Parrita bridge just how high the water was. Normally the water is several meters below the bottom of the bridge. Is clear now why the bridge appears during dry times to be so high above the water.

In the town of Parrita, just past downtown and on the way to the road inland to Playon Sur is a cemetary. This photo is of that cemetary.

We are blessed that none of our employees at Alazan had personal losses since their homes were on higher ground. Still the main water supply which provides water to all of Parrita region, including Playon Sur, was damaged by the storm and is at the moment out of service. Estimates are two to three months before it is restored. Fortunately, most have tanks to hold water, and so many of some potable water on hand for drinking.

With the early week events from our friends at ICE (eeee-say) Rob (our project manager) and I determined that purchasing a powerful generator made the most sense, not only so we can continue construction, but also as a whole house generator since our risk of losing power is significant. Rob picked up the new generator Thursday (you can see the rain in San Jose in the background). He was unable to make it to the coast due to flooding in Parrita and in many areas of the Puntarenus province.

I expect Rob will be able to pass on photos within the next few days of some of the damage to our road at Alazan. There is one portion completely washed out, and so part of our crew is currently working to stablize that area, and then repair the roadway.

For now, lets all hope for the continued safety of our fellow Costa Rican residents, and the restoral of normalcy to that area. As this is early in the rainy season, and judging from the storms hitting USA, we may be in for quite a stormy season.

Ricardo y Jeeeem

ps - since starting this blog, Jim started a new companion blog giving history behind the building of Casita Torrente de Agua. If you want to know the back story, go here: http://jimdicktdacasainthebeginning.blogspot.com/