May Mechanicals/ Water Returns/ LEED Incorporates

March and April came in with a splash. Although the sump pump had not run for 8 months, the winter thaw and rain found it's way back into one wall of the crawl space. Although the new self leveling topping reduced the risk of hydrostatic seepage trough the mud slab, the intersections at the floor still provides a weak point for water to find its way in. Water stop has been utilize to help plug the holes. A dehumidfier and fans help keep the area as dry as possible. On the exterior, a vertical trench/ curtian drain and additional sump pit was installed to capture water at 18" deep, which was finding its way into the new driveway stone and under the garage. Although the basement has drain tile inside at the footing, the crawl space does not.

LEED elements starting showing up. Low VOC Adhesives, Material cut-off reuse wood pile, Recycling, and protection of ductwork.
A marker board at the entry is used for logging hours and remind people of the basics of LEED for homes rules. Each contractor is breifed on what they need to do to meet compliance.

Framing and reinforcement of the existing structure continues, while HVAC and Plumbing are beginning installation. Its expected that the house will be near drywall installation at the end of May. Cabinets start fabrication at teh end of this month.

Spring brought beautiful flower into the west garden to be enjoyed during break time.

With the rain came growing grass and the hassle of maintain 5 acres. Although future plans is to incorporate native prarie grasses, this year the lawn is going to remain the same so finishing the house is kept as the focus. During permit review question were brought up about our property was in a a wetlands. Although the McHenry County GIS map reflected a wetlands foot print, a paid inspection to the Storm Water Management Person determine that the wetland indicated was not present when pyhsically inspected by the county. The next task is contacting the Army Corp of Engineer to make a correction to thier master GIS map for future reference for the new mortgage. The good news is the interor permit was approved as result of the stormwater inspection.

Rear NE Corner shot looking Southwest of yard after cutting the grass in the back.

West Gardern

Craw space with seepage. Cross indicate leaks. There nothing satanic going on here or grave. It was just markings by Mike on the wall.


The curtian drain installation along the West side of the driveway has helpped relieve pressure. We thinking there is a farmer drain tile comming from the adjacent neightbor to the West (but can't find it yet). Were still looking and waiting for the next storm to test our solutions. This continues to be our biggest unknown right now.

May is dedicated to finsihing the plumbing Pex water piping and installing the electric on the second floor. Much of the electric outlet on the first floor is existing and will remain. First floor ceiling light of LED's will be installed this month. Temporary electric provides light at night.