The Waypoint Construction Process: Case Study #3
Construction Process Companion Podcast
From Excavation to Completion.
Project cir. 2013 in John’s Creek, GA
Original SOW: Pool Renovation/Deck Renovation. Homeowner had a concrete pool deck and concrete coping and wanted to convert to natural stone pavers, natural stone coping
Clearing Out.
Excavation.
We had to excavate 12 inches down into the ground for the project. We you start moving this much Earth, which is common in most patio and pool projects, the weight to move builds in a hurry. Even with an expert construction company, the process is very invasive.
Pathway to the job site.
In addition to the deep excavation, this project would feature heavy stone work. Our experts assessed the site, and came in from the side of the house with machines and materials. Getting from a delivery drop to a site on the opposite requires a precise plan to ensure minimal disruption for the homeowner.
Clearing under the deck.
An important objective in our trade is simply, “How well do we play with others?” In this instance, there were different trades working at the same time. The deck is being rebuilt as we are focused on the pool deck. Communication with multiple trades keeps a project on schedule.
Creating the Vision.
Removal of the existing pool deck.
The original pool deck was a concrete patio. The homeowner wanted to convert to a natural stone pool deck with stone coping. The existing concrete has been removed, prepping the site for the natural stone pavers.
The cut stone compiled at the site.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Seating area, outdoor fireplace take shape.
As the coping is cut and refined around the pool, the stone fireplace and seating area are constructed. This project moved in a linear fashion: Begin with the pool and patio, work out to the seating area, retaining wall and pathway. When doing a stone coping around a pool, important that the pieces are as congruent in weight as possible.
Finishing the Space.
The elements come together in the finished project.
The pool turned out beautifully. A big, natural Tennessee flagstone bolder for a diving rock to match the Tennessee flagstone pavers. The dried in kitchen has a cedar look, everything blends perfectly into the “vanishing feel” of a mountain house.
Finishing touches from what nature provides.
A 700-pound piece of flagstone that is the cap to the firebox. This was an idea from the homeowner, the single piece was hoisted using straps. Great “a-ha” moment, incorporation of the un-used piece of stone to create a unique one-off to the project.
Paving and smoothing.
New retaining walls were constructed on the side of the house that was fully excavated in the beginning. The landscape architect created new flower boxes, planted new evergreens, so the homeowner really gets the vanishing feel as they enter the patio area.