How to find 199 Branch Drive

Here are some Google Earth shots showing where we are in relation to our city of Slidell.

The elevation on the lot is at ~ 15.5 feet. It is in Flood Zone C (that's good).

Roof totally covered, Porches as well - 07 May 2009

Wow, now it is really looking like a house with the roof covered and the porches covered as well! Inside more carpentry is occurring. Our consulting architect is quite pleased with how strong the house is being built. I can't believe how much lumber is being used. The guys are starting the process of sealing the window and door openings. Energy-Star rated windows and temporary construction doors have been delivered and will be installed soon. The next phase will be when the plumber, electrician, and A/C guys go to work. The power company, CLECO, has connected power to the site -this makes my builder happy. I am posting shots from the inside. We have been very lucky with missing rain.

Roof rafters and porch form the house - 30 April 2009

A good meeting today. Our consulting architect arrived before Ellen and I could be there, but according to our builder he was quite happy with the way the framing has proceeded. Roof rafters and overhangs over the porch and their supports provide a good idea of the final shape of the house. Choices need to be made on roofing type and interior items. Doors and windows could go in as early as next week. Good weather this past week kept progress on track.

Roof line and dormers begin to form - 23 April 2009

Thursday again and time for our on-site meeting with the builder and consulting architect. Vaughan couldn't make it so I am sending him this link to help him keep up-to-date as well.

Framing crew have been working hard and making fast progress. Now the roof line is taking shape and we can see a couple of the living room dormer windows. Plywood begins to enclose the living space.  Decking will come later. Decisions have to be made soon on interior finishes, insulation, roof type, etc. I need to go to CLECO the utility company with the right of way documents signed. Joe, our builder was wondering why CLECO hadn't installed the power line yet - oops my fault.  I have next Monday off and will get it done then. 

Warm day to day - a high of 92F!

House beginning to take shape - 20 April 1009

Ellen and I caught a couple of boys unwrapping some tar tape and maybe had broken a long piece of lumber. We scared them away. We hope they don't come back and cause more trouble. We decided to check up on what work was done today - quite a lot!  The framing crew were still tidying up at 6:30 pm.

The framers arrive and get to work - 16 Apr 2009

Our builder's framing crew arrive and  waste no time in getting busy! Hopefully the weather will cooperate and there aren't any big surprises to come.

Pole/Pier blocks go up - 12 Apr 2009

The block was able to put in his blocks - 4 blocks per pier for 100 piers =  400 blocks. Next will come the floor joists and base floor. Then Regions Bank will disburse the remainder of the first draw. However, we did get the bill from the Earthworks guys - they charged us an extra $38,000 for all that fill dirt, etc.  This will come form the 10% contingency fund in the loan, but it makes everything else going forward beheld close to the budget.