Landscape redesign and kitchen remodel

This Summer we did work on a kitchen remodel & landscape redesign in a house with great charm. What started as an idea about relocating the septic tank at the front of the house became a reality when the tank gave out and there was no choice but to start the project. Job included a new wall and columns surrounding the property, a covered driveway at front entry and removal of old brick fireplaces.

The septic tank was probably the easiest part of renovation. Dig a hole large enough for a new septic tank, extend the piping to a new location and cover the tank. Old plants and old concrete driveway were dug up.

The owner designed all landscaping features, perimeter columns, as well as all details on kitchen renovation. Plans were drawn up, permits from county obtained and we got to work.

Landscape redesign

You would think building a small wall with columns would be an easy task but when it comes to obtaining permits, there are quite a few regulations to keep in mind as far as Clark County Building Department is concerned. Particularly if the property is located with a corner and two streets. It is best to always check with building department to ensure that all material and construction you use will pass inspection.

Job Progress

The proper conduits must be used for electrical wiring, metal boxes for electrical plugs, outlets or cameras have to meet ratings for outdoor use. Low voltage wiring must be separated from high voltage as well. We watered proofed the wall with a special material that will divert any moisture down the wall and into the ground. Even before wall is finished, a county inspector must sign off on completed work, prior to finishing with grouting of columns or stucco and paint.

Here you see the home with old concrete and shrubs removed. Grading (For water flow) was necessary before digging trenches for new wall. New covered porche is centered in front and partially covering new paved driveway. Walls will get new stucco covering while windows will get new pop-outs.

 

Windows with pop-outs being formed then covered with first coat of stucco. The home ended with a smooth stucco finish.

 

At this point, columns and wall are in place and conduits are in trench to allow for wiring of lights, cameras, door bells, gate controls. Columns have rebar within the cement blocks as required for strength and stability. The columns will serve as anchors for metal fencing all around. Colors on fence and on stucco will match new colors on house. The addition of tall trees and boulders throughout property added great features to the landscape design. Smaller rocks combined with sand in other areas completed the flow of the landscape.

Picture on left shows the finished porch with paved entry, gates and fences. The additional pictures show some of the detail involved in other areas.