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Quality in Every Detail Let construction commence! With building permits now in hand, we have been able to begin installing foundations for Phase 2 homes. This is a critical step in the homebuilding process because any movement or issues with the foundation can affect the house built on top of it in many (expensive) ways. This is a primary concern for us in southwest Colorado as much of our land here consists of clay-rich expansive soils. These soils swell when wet and shrink when dry and those fluctuations can put an immense amount of pressure on the structure above it leading to sticking doors, uneven floors, cracks in the drywall and even cracks in the concrete foundations. With this in mind, we have designed the Phase 2 foundations with features that create a stable base and shed water to keep the house from moving. Design work starts with soil testing by a geotechnical engineer that gives us a picture of the exact composition of the soil we will be working with and how deep the bedrock is underground. This information is used by the structural engineer to determine what type of foundation will be necessary. For Phase 2, we are able to use conventional, rebar-reinforced footing and stem wall systems for all the houses and have added some unconventional features to create foundations that will not move for generations to come.  Structural fill is installed and compacted to make a solid base for the foundation’s footings. Not all dirt is alike The first step in ensuring a solid foundation is making sure the soil underneath it is stable. In the case of expansive soils, the clay-heavy soil must be excavated and replaced with compacted structural fill. This structural fill does not expand when wet and is buried below frost line to keep it from freezing. This fill is tested for compaction by the geotechnical engineer to verify that it will not settle once the weight of the building is bearing down on it. Once the fill is compacted and level, the site is ready for the concrete foundations to be poured. Much like soil, concrete is not all alike. Different mixes of the base materials in concrete result in different strength ratings, or the pounds per square inch of compressive pressure the concrete can resist. This strength rating, combined with the tensile strength rating of the mesh of steel rebar reinforcement, is used by the structural engineer to design a foundation that will hold up the weight of the home, snowy roofs, cozy furniture and happy occupants. As a part of our efforts to build the highest-quality homes possible, we have upgraded to 4000psi concrete from the 3000psi mix required by the structural engineer to make sure that the new foundations stand the test of time.  Steel rebar reinforcement ties the foundation together and gives it tensile strength.  Juniper foundation stem walls formed up and ready to pour concrete. A waterproof foundation is a happy foundation. Water is concrete’s nemesis. Not only does it cause the soil expansion we are designing the foundations to mitigate, but it can also degrade concrete over time and erode the soils that support it. We have therefore thrown every tool at our disposal at keeping water away from Phase 2 home foundations: waterproofing, insulating drainage paneling, comprehensive drainage and ground skirting. All of these play a role in preventing water from reaching the foundation and draining any water that gets close. First, the exterior of the concrete is sealed with a waterproofing membrane, which is standard practice. We upgraded this protection with an additional, insulated drainage board that helps keep the basement warm and captures any moisture that makes its way to the foundation wall, giving it a path to drain away. That drainage is captured in a french drain that surrounds the entire foundation and carries water away to drain into an arroyo or drainage ditch. Lastly, a waterproof membrane skirting extends 5 feet out all around the foundation at ground level to shed rain and snow melt away from the house before it can begin to seep down towards the foundation. All of these considerations leave us with a solid base to start framing structures, which will begin within the next couple weeks!  Insulating drainage board on the outside of the concrete helps manage moisture around the foundation and helps prevent condensation issues in the winter. Why Join Now? As construction progresses, we need to decide which options and upgrades each home will receive. Certain home features have an optional upgrade available, such as the window package, cabinet package, wood interior doors, wood paneled ceilings, flooring, etc. The builder needs to know these selections so he can place orders and have the materials arrive on time. If you have been considering moving into Phase 2, now is the time to act so you you won't miss out on being able to choose your home's options and upgrades. The sooner you become a committed Phase 2 Homebuyer, the more choices you will have. There will be more lots available to choose from. There will be more carports to choose from. You will be able to select your home's options and upgrades. Current committed Phase 2 Homebuyers have already selected their models, lots, carports, and options and upgrades. If you are the next household to commit to being a Phase 2 Homebuyer, you will be the next one to choose your home, lot, and carports from those still available. Maybe the most important reason to get off the sideline and into the game is because we are building only 14 more homes. Once all 14 spots are taken, the opportunity window closes. There will not be a Heartwood Phase 3. See our About Phase 2 webpage for details. Yours in Community,
Colton Phase 2 Assistant Project Manager
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