If yesterday was all about breaking ground, then today was about precision. While I personally spent most of the day battling a stomach bug and couldn’t be on site, Mr. Right kept me in the loop with plenty of photos and updates. Building a home isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about being present for every step, even when you can’t physically be there.
Fast and Focused Work Crew
By the time Mr. Right arrived at the plot around 7:30 a.m., the three-man crew had already filled and compacted most of the foundation perimeter. It honestly looked like they had worked through the night! Later we realized the secret—these men moved with such speed and efficiency (maybe it was their upbeat radio playing in the background 😉) that foundations in their hands are done in less than a week.
This gave me hope that finishing by Thursday was actually realistic, even though I had my doubts yesterday.
Step 1: Filling and Compacting the Base
The crew began by raising the foundation base to the correct height using layers of gravel and fine crushed stone. Beneath it all, a layer of geotextile was laid to prevent the gravel from mixing with soil and to keep the structure stable over time.
Tip for new builders: Proper compaction is critical. If the soil and gravel layers aren’t compacted evenly, you’ll face problems later with uneven settling.
Step 2: Installing the L-Shaped Foundation Modules
Once the base was leveled and compacted, the workers began installing the L-shaped foundation modules. These modules act as permanent formwork and define the shape of the foundation. It was delicate work—everything had to be leveled perfectly, and the heights and pipe placements needed to line up to the millimeter.
At this stage, the ends of the sewage pipes were also placed into position, marking exactly where toilets and floor drains will eventually be.
Step 3: Preparing for Pipes and Cables
Today’s tasks also included preparing the groundwork for tomorrow’s work: installing underfloor heating pipes, water pipes, and electrical cables. For example, one cable will run right to the center of the kitchen floor to power the island outlets.
Tip for future homeowners: Think carefully about where you’ll need electricity. It’s much easier to run cables now than to add them later once the concrete is poured.
Step 4: Driveway Preparation
Mr. Right also spent part of the day digging out soil from the future driveway area, which will later be filled with gravel and compacted. This spot, between two large oak trees, will eventually become the entrance to our home.
Wrapping Up the Day
By the evening, we were both exhausted—me from the stomach bug and Mr. Right from the physical labor. Still, it feels like we’re one step closer to making our dream home real. Tomorrow promises to be just as exciting, with underfloor heating, water, and electric systems going in.
Even on the tough days, it’s amazing to see how quickly things are coming together.
Want to see how the foundation process started? Read about our very first day here. To know what happens next, read this.
