Getting Closer to Teardown

In the past week, the big news was the perk test for the septic. Although we could build the new house with the existing septic, it's time to replace the current one. Two of our neighbors replaced their leach fields this year, and their houses went up about the same time, so we're guessing that ours may be reaching its end of life. If we're going to tear everything up, it makes sense to do it once, and build a system with more capacity. Massachusetts Title V, which covers septic systems is fairly rigorous, but our town gets even more conservative. We dug test holes in January/February to see the soil type, water level, etc. Water runs about 1.5' to 2' below the surface - as a result, our leach field will rise about 4 or more feet above the normal ground. We had to wait until August for the water level to be at 6' so the percolation test could be run. Anyway, we should have the results of this soon and be able to get underway with a design that the crew can have in mind as they start working on the land.

Progress has continued on other fronts. Most of the permits are in place - still need a few to authorize the demolition, and it those require proof that the electricity has been disconnected, the oil tank removed, etc. The boxes are getting packed and a move-out date is scheduled. I finally started taking some pictures of the current place - at least on the outside.

Here's a shot of the current house. Have I said I can't wait to see it come down?