All the rough plumbing is DONE!

Hello again. Thank you for following our story on our project building Casita Torrente de Agua.

In January we returned to Costa Rica with a primary task of completing all of the rough plumbing. We had left this project in a partially done state when we left from our October trip where we had hoped to complete this. In preparation, we did a lot of shopping at Home Depot in the USA, to make sure we had certain elements for working that are just not available in Costa Rica. Because we had to think ahead, we actually spent the time after our October trip beginning to amass a host of things to take down with us as we travelled. It is fortunate that for international travel we are allowed to carry on two bags and to check two bags as well. So this allowed us to bring 8 bags for our January trip.

We brought with us four of the five ceiling fans we bought - the fifth one comes with us next trip. Two in large suitcases, and the two largest wrapped with a handle fashioned. With the two smaller fans were a variety of plumbing items to allow us to finish the plumbing project.

In October all of the SUPPLY plumbing was in place when we left. All we had to do for that was to put the filter itself into the water filter system down in the bodega on this trip. We had intended to complete all drain in October, and indeed we did complete all the second floor systems to allow those walls to be closed up. So our big objective was to complete all of the drain plumbing UNDER the building. Jim underestimated how challenging that would be. The plumbing itself of course was pretty simple (from our warped point of view) - just a pair of drain lines; one for black water from toilets, and one of grey water from sinks, showers, laundry. Venting was done using a closed vent end that only allows the system to pull air IN (see first photo). We did this because we did not want to be penetrating the roof down there in a rainy climate as we do here in the states. That would just make sealing the metal roof all the more challenging. What we were able to do for this though was to share a common vent for the separate drain systems. That required us to ensure we had traps strategically placed so that sewer gas would not get back into the house. Note that the venting pipes are the ones closest to the "ceiling". Air comes in from above, water goes out below.

The big challenge was working on a 45 degree slope with limited headroom, and screwing the support hangers and straps into steel overhead. Since it is dry season, the ground was dry and a bit crumbly, so our challenge was to keep from slipping. The result was that what we thought would take one day took a day and a half. While we were able to attach the vent pipes with the J hooks; waste water had to hang lower and result in a slope. We used a nice vinyl strapping that won't rust, and which is strong and flexible. If you look closely, it is the grey colored strapping.

Some of the detail then in the various photos reveals subtle details. For example, that yellow pipe attached overhead is the USA type gas pipe to connect our big propane tank stored in the bodega with our gas range up in the cocina (kitchen). You can also observe the difference in keeping lines on a grid vs cross structure (blue lines) as our now fired electrician did.

In the fourth photo, you'll see some angled pipes. What this does is allow for a merger of grey water to black water. There is valving which allows our grey water to flow into the grey water holding tank for local treatment in a bio-garden (yet to be built). Or the grey water can divert into the black water, and be treated by our septic system. This is a one way conversion, so we prevent black water from entering the grey water system...

Both the white grey water pipe, and the black colored black water pipe exit under the dry bodega (that angled wall you see in the last photo). When Gerardo's crew installs the grey water tank, it will be located just below the generator room. The septic will be put in the much flatter land downhill from the casa.

Doing all this helped reveal to us some details that ultimately will help us. For example, we had assumed we would complete the retaining wall off the entry patio all the way to the building (last photo). But instead, we will alter this so against the house we can build a walkway - and a stair way cut into the hill leading downhill with some sort of concrete blocks surface as a maintenance path to the water treatment systems. We have some ideas to slightly modify our concept of the outdoor shower that we'll firm up during our next trip (we think). BTW, this final photo not only shows where the outdoor shower/boot wash will be; but the windows you're looking at are (close to far) bathroom #2, first floor entry (laundry is the first room; bedrooms off of that), laundry window, and bathroom #3 window. Bathroom #3 will be the last one done, since that is our access to the back of the electric panel, and thus our opportunity to do generator transfer switch wiring; A/C wiring, etc. We don't expect to complete bathroom #3 until late 2009 soonest, and perhaps even as far away as Q1 2009.

Thanks again for visiting;

Ricardo y Jeeeem

Flooring done upstairs

First, please accept my apology to not posting in so many weeks. My weak and wimpy excuse was that my computer crashed on return, and so I spent a good amount of time pulling that together, while spending the extra time needed whenever returning from vacation to catch up on work.

So I've some catching up to do, and since my ability to upload photos is limited for each blog, I'll spread these now over the next couple of weeks - posting about every five days or so.

We visited again in January doing part of our time work and planning, and part of our time enjoying Costa Rica and starting furniture shopping. So some postings to anticipate.

During the holidays our former tile man had taken this pretty far, but not quite to the end. The holidays took him back "off the wagon" - and so Gerardo replaced him with Marvin. Marvin does beautiful work very efficiently. In the main Alazan homeowners blog site (http://alazanhoa.blogspot.com/) there is a post where roadway improvements are going in - a pair of concrete strips with other material on either side, making a stable place for vehicle wheels to track on. Marvin built the newest one which is really well done!

So post holidays, Marvin finished the stairs, and the upstairs. So these photos are to show that progress. The first one is showing the tiled steps. The rest of the metal work need the final paint, and the outside walls need finishing, but this is the glimpse of the final view. It was our intention to keep the stairs lighter in appearance and function so that air can flow over them for both cooling, and drying the steps.

The second photo in this post if from standing in the kitchen area looking out. All along we've not concentrated on clearing the vines hanging down from the trees. In this trip we finally talked through doing so; so that when we return in April this should finally be opened up. I do need to discuss with my friend John who is an acknowledged photo nut what I need to do so that the bright distance can actually be clear as we shoot photos from under the jungle canopy out across the coastal plain; we can actually see detail.

In the third photo, having stepped forward and expanding the view you can see both the living room and the bedroom doorway. We are trusting that once all the jungle vines have been removed this will appear very open. It is very easy to see when standing there. And the view DOWN from the veranda is stunning.

The final photo in this post is looking across the upper veranda. Gerardo, our contractor and Jim are in the photo. Jim was as exhausted as he looks in the photo. In our next blog, we'll talk about why that was the case!

Of course, in all of these you can see the tile floor is completed, and that was the object of this particular blog. The progress you can't see is that we worked with Marvin on setting the installation detail for all the upper bathroom tile. I am really looking forward to being able to share that post. Marvin is also working on the stucco wall finish in and out, as well as lower level floors which I know has been started as I write this.

Thanks for reading.

Ricardo y Jeeeem

Christmas Post number two....

Like the other Christmas Blog, this one shows the guys prepping the floor so that tile can be applied. This allows them to set angles or slopes so that water will run off.

This photo shows tile just peeking out onto the veranda. In this photo, all the 'inside' space is done.

In this photo you can see floor tile up to the beginning of the upper bathroom shower pan. That large window you see really is that big. A nice floor to ceiling window so that you can wave to the monkeys when you step out of the shower! Seriously, we'll probably make the lower window panes frosted to emit light, but allow for some privacy.

This is a good photo looking across the 'living room' into the 'kitchen' - really all one big room. In the corner on the right will be a tall thin cabinet. Left of that the refrigerator; then some countertop, stove with microwave above, and more counter around the corner. The sink will be on the wall on the left (out of sight for this photo).

This final photo shows the stairs going down. That wire on the right will be an exterior outlet. I honestly don't know what we'll plug in there, but the glass door on the veranda spans all the way to the end; so in order to put in a table lamp, or radio or such the plug would have to go around the corner to plug in here. Then too, Ricardo is famous for his holiday lights and this might prove to be the right place for them.

Thanks for reading our blog. More coming after the 5th of January. Right now the crew is on holiday break.

Ciao!

Ricardo y Jeeeem

Merry Christmas (2 back to back posts)

The first two photo's begin to transition from "the teak issue" to prepping for floor tile.

I don't really have any words to add since my nearly daily phone contact with our PM Rob has been slowed due to his own travels. But I think the photo's pretty well paint the situation well.

This first photo is looking from the "living room" across the upper bedroom into the bath. Yes, up there is a very open plan. On your right is the wall dividing 'inside' space from 'outside' space while remaining under roof. The cupola feature is above our heads here but you can see the teak applied onto the underside of the upper roof.

What needs to go in up there now are windows...

You can see in this photo, and the second one the scratch coat in preparation for the tile. There is a coat above this one before tile is applied.

This is a great view of the upper veranda. It would appear that only some of the varnish has been applied to the teak, so some work needs to be done there.

Dick and I have fans to take down with us that will provide air movement when breezes aren't enough. This space is about 9 feet wide. So while not huge, it is a generous outdoor space.

What will go in on the left are sliding glass doors to divide 'inside' from 'outside' - a distinction that is sometimes very fluid in Costa Rica.

In these next two photos, the undercoat is being applied for the floor tiles. This first one is at the top of the stairs. The second photo shows part of the living room/kitchen area done. The pipes you see against the wall across the room are hot/cold supply. Between them is a drain pipe.

This final photo you can see the texture applied to the outside wall. This is the wall along the stairwell. That window opening is for the lower "bedroom 2" shower space in its bathroom. Those two wires are for two things. One is a switch to turn on the lower bodega (closet or basement) lights. The other one is to turn on lights along the stair wall to light the way.

I have exterior switch covers for these.

Thanks for visiting our blog!

Ricardo y Jeeeem

Happy Thanksgiving, The Teak Issue...

Hola Amigos!

For the most part, this is a photo edition of our blog. Rob and Kent have been in Hawaii for the past two weeks, and will be there another week. The flow of photos has slowed down, and there may very well be updates to what you see in this collection. However, some of these are through Rob via another Costa Rican friend.

I'll explain the photos in order. This first one is while standing on the upper veranda, looking into the Living Room towards the stairs coming up to this level. You can see a bit of American Beam on the left, which marks the outer edge of the building (and hence outer edge of the stairway too). The roof past that is the overhang to shed water further away during rain. Looking up, you can see through the opening where the upper veranda windows will be located, and above that to the cupola feature. Teak will be applied to the outer overhang of the cupola roof. Right now the teak ends where the windows will go.

The second photo is similar shot, but closer so you can see the teak.

The third photo is taken by turning around and looking across the upper veranda. Marlon is applying oil to the teak. You can see how the color is becoming more vivid with oil. As that soaks in, that vividness just become richer. The camera was tilted so that you can see more of the teak and not just a level view which, because of limitations of the camera itself would not capture as much. On the upper left you can see the other end of the cupola feature as well as the other end of the upper veranda windows.

The fourth photo is taken by stepping closer to the railing, and then looking through those upper veranda windows to the cupola. If you imagine an ocean breeze blowing in, and the effect of the sun on the cupola roof creating a chimney effect, you can imagine how this will be naturally cool. Dick and I have purchased three Hunter fans suitable for tropical climates which we'll hang from the veranda ceiling.

This fifth and final photo for this post shows teak, but the focus here is looking up from a few feet out from

the bottom step going up. All of that underside will be teak. Above the wall and behind the worker you can see the teak ends. At that point above the wall will be glass. This is over the kitchen cabinets. Teak will extend outside to the edge of the roof. BUT the other reason for this photo is to show the gutter in place so that when you're walking to the stairs during a driving rain, there isn't a waterfall on ones head. We are liking the color of the teak against the green of the gutters (which match the roof).

All for now. Dick and Jim hope you had a happy thanksgiving!

Ciao!

Ricardo y Jeeeem

The bodega is secured!

Hola amigos!

Our apology for delaying so very long on updating our construction blog. Wow, how did two weeks pass so quickly!

First, some have asked Jim, "what the heck is a bodega"? "Is it a basement in Spanish"? So let's get clear on this bodega thing. Essentially it is a storage space. In our little casa the space that is becoming bathroom #2 (of 3) was initially intended as the bodega - a place where we could store owners supplies, and supplies for our staff to use when we're away - so they can put clean sheets and towels on the beds, and get some cleaning supplies.

As the project evolved and it became very clear that we could add a third floor downhill from the first floor - hanging between some of the structural posts which hold up the house - we revamped our plan slightly, and decided to make the first floor bodega into a third bathroom so that each bedroom had a private bath, and use the new third level as a storage level.

As it turned out, there is a HUGE amount of space provided by doing this. Our quick calculations figure this at about 33 square meters or about 330 square feet of total space. We really don't need a 330 square foot closet. But we're not sure just how the total space will ultimately be used. But we did know we had two immediate needs. First, we needed a secure equipment room where we can store the propane tank, the generator, and compressors for air conditioning. We allocated about 6.25 square meters to be a secure space just for that. In this first photo you can see the generator room behind the guys on the right.

Then we wanted a dry room to replace what would have been the dry room on the first floor. With Costa Rica's humid climate, it is important to have a space where we can run a small dehumidifier. It was in this space, which turned out to be about 7.5 square meters, that we created two sub rooms. The back secured owners closet, and the front employee space. In the second photo you can see the secure owners portion of the dry room, with the mesh door to allow the entire space to be dried. That little window is just to allow some natural light to come in - and it can be opened to allow for fresh air flow when we want to clean that

space.

In the third photo, you can see Gerardo fitting a solid metal door he built so that fresh humid air is kept out of the room.

And in this fourth photo, you can see the completed door to the dry room. If the generator room door was closed, you would see it closing in on the edge of the dry room door. All of these doors have secure locks to prevent petty theft. It does seem like that would be unlikely, but Alazan is the new wealthy gringo community in what is otherwise agricultural areas - so security just makes sense.

All of this fits into the "back" of the bodega level, leaving quite a generous amount of undeveloped space. We will wind up securing that third large room as well with some sort of chain link material. At the moment, that larger third room contains the water filter (at the corner of the dry room) and the plumbing is in place to add a simple wash sink down there as well. So it will be important, but not urgent, to secure the rest of the bodega. Besides, that creates several layers of locked gates - and material to keep the enterprising monkeys who make their way past our casita at least twice a day.

Thanks for reading our blog. Once again, our apology for such a delay.

Regards,

Ricardo y Jeeeem

Stairs Built Photo Blog

When Rob and I spoke this week he had mentioned that Gerardo had removed all the steps and was doing something to secure the left riser to the building. As heavy as the metal is, I didn't think that was necessary. But Gerardo has been doing metal work for decades - and I trust his judgement.

Best I can tell, that first step looks like a short step. I'm hoping he isn't assuming I won't tile the concrete...

A view from the distance of the stairs going up. As you can see, all is well under the drip edge of the roofline.

So this is looking UP.

Another example of Gerardo's excellent work, making this angle in the rail going up.

Now, to finish these steps, they need to be filled with concrete to the level of the metal, then get tiled with the same tile that will be used on all the floors. We brought back samples of everything; and at a point we'll publish a blog of just finishes. But for now this is what will go on the steps and floors.

Here is what we are apt to see when Gerardo comes visiting...