Concrete #LittleK

Underpinning is complete at #2308 #LittleK. Pictures below show concrete being poured for the narrow side addition as well as the “rat slab.” Rat slab you say, eh?

New terminology for me, this slab — located in the crawl space at the soon-to-be back addition (aka future storage space in #2308’s case)  — is actually a barrier meant to prevent burrowing animals from getting beneath your deck or patio. Despite its name, it is not solely geared towards rodents.  This slab, per my research, will prevent the entry of raccoons, opossums, groundhogs, mice, skunks, and anything else that burrows. That’s the goal, anyway!

Bonus feature at #LittleK: the back slab has foam insulation below. No need for a vapor barrier!

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Next up, framing!

 

 

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Laying a Foundation #LittleK

#2308 had its second round of inspections Tuesday (building inspection code 130 for anyone wondering). We passed! This time around, the DCRA inspector focused on the additions’ foundation; the first inspection evaluated foundation footings. Confused as to what is what?! I was, too. I continue to learn the terms, the processes, and the steps involved in building new construction, even if attached to an existing structure. What I’ve learned so far is outlined below, in pictures.

The first four pictures show footing construction, with vertical rebar being installed. Rebar, I’ve learned, needs to be grouted solid to become integral to the wall.

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The next set of pictures show the start of waterproofing. The black, tar-like material is used to prevent dampness. A drainage board (last picture) is also being installed to provide adequate waterproofing.

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More to come!

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Excavation #LittleK

In thinking about excavation as it applies to home construction, I did a little bit of digging myself (research-wise only, no manual labor here just yet). Excavation in and of itself is the process of removing earth to form a cavity in the ground. There’s topsoil excavation, rock excavation, muck excavation, and even ‘unclassified’ excavation.

In the case of #2308, excavation work will allow for building a back addition foundation and a side addition that will be of legal basement height. The latter will allow placement of the home’s mechanical systems while the former will one day boast #2308’s dining / den area on the first floor and master suite on the second. The original basement, for anyone wondering, will function as a bonus storage space. The ceiling height as it is now would otherwise prove too low to allow for a legal, habitable space.

p.s. Fun fact, while the Roman engineer Vitruvius gave descriptions of heavy equipment in Ancient Rome, until the 20th century (more or less), hand tools were the primary earthmoving ‘machine’!

Enough writing. Here are today’s excavation shots!

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Phase I Begins | #2308

Also dubbed #LittleK, this week marks Week 1 of #2308 lovin’ in the form of construction. Phase I will involve the following: excavation, foundation, masonry, underpinning, and waterproofing. The focus this week has been the excavation work needed to build the foundation for the property’s rear addition.

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And, in the week prior, #2308 had some leaning trees removed. Power lines, severe wind, and overgrown branches do not mix.

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Now, if only my professionally-landscaped yard with its brown grass looked as good as these weeds, trimmed. 🙂

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p.s. For those still reading, Miss Utility is a thing. 811 as 311. Call before you dig!

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Coming Soon! | 2314 Shannon Place SE

I am very excited to showcase 2314 Shannon Place SE as a COMING SOON listing, expected to hit the market on July 19, 2018. Just two doors down from my first home (purchased many moons ago), this little row home that could (and would) was in very, very bad shape when purchased by the property’s owner in 2017. See below for some photos of the property’s condition back then.

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Fast forward to now, July 2018, and the property’s restoration and transformation are complete and merit a visit. Please reach out to me at kl@urbanlandcompany.com should you not already have a buyer’s agent. (Redfin/Trulia/Zillow, etc. Browsers: COMING SOON properties are not publicly listed until they are live. If you want a head start, reach out now!)

The seller wants you (the occasional blog reader and/or potential buyer) to know the following:

(1)   “The property that greets you today did not look so good in 2017. Its rehabilitation has been a true labor of love. Ask K questions about materials used, or anything else that might come to mind.

(2)   #Anacostiarocks. Leaving the DMV was unexpected. Work obligations required a move … very, very far away. There is a vibrant community in Anacostia. From ListServs to group runs to community outings … it’s all pretty awe-inspiring. Home.

(3)   UrbanLand Company (ULC) hosts great Happy Hour Opens, with the first at 2314 Shannon Place SE on July 19th!”

While still one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Washington, DC, Anacostia home prices have risen 19 percent! Online data shows that sixty percent of sales in Anacostia were on the market for ten days or less, and that the median days on market for homes in the neighborhood during the first quarter of 2018 came in at just ten days — the lowest total on record for Anacostia.

Some more highlights, according to the Washingtonian’s Best of Washington:

— Waterfront City … Navy Yard, the Wharf, the Anacostia River
— Summer Venue … Nationals Stadium (one metro stop away from Anacostia station!)

And, it if I still have your attention. Beyond the up-and-coming, new development glitz and glam, Anacostia is about community and grit. We do an annual Nip & Sip Event to get to know our neighbors. Residents open their doors and prepare meals and drinks to share with each other. The 11th Street Bridge Park project continues to gain momentum, aiming to do more than connect disparate neighborhoods; the community-led process hopes to spur inclusive development. And, residents continue to hold the Mayor accountable, whether through the Historic Preservation of Derelict District Property Act of 2016, which bestowed four derelict homes that have sat vacant for years in the Historic Anacostia neighborhood to the L’Enfant Trust for rehabilitation, or the Big K project, and ensuring its special merit designation meet both the affordable housing and Class A retail needs residents deserve.

Buy 2314 Shannon Place SE and join our crew? I sure hope so!

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(Update: Under Contract) Hot Home in #Anacostia | 1137 Chicago Street SE

Hot Home Alert! Perfect opportunity to own just blocks away from the Anacostia metro! Ready for your creative vision or occupy as-is. Be a part of exciting neighborhood developments including the first Busboys and Poets east of the river, the 11th Street Bridge Park (first elevated DC park), and the MLK Gateway Project. Plan your visit ASAP, offers are due July 2nd at noon. Full listing details available here.

Open House this Saturday (June 30th) from 1-3pm.

 

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Displacement in D.C.

Take a moment to check out this great Op-Ed by Scott Kratz, vice president of Building Bridges Across the River. #Anacostia

“By working intentionally, early and with the community, we resolutely believe residents have a right to be heard, a right to stay and a right to thrive in this city that we call home.”

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