In July 2007, we began contacting concrete contractors to pour the bond beam. The first five were either too busy or not interested in learning anything new. The sixth contractor came out but had no idea how to begin. The seventh contractor came out and was really interested. He took a set of blueprints and talked with his crew. They were excited about the project but wouldn't be able to start until the end of November at the earliest. The snow started around Thanksgiving and came with a vengeance. By February there was still 2 feet on the ground.

April 2008 -

In March we contacted Al Juliano of Juliano Concrete L.L.C. in Ridgway, CO to see if he and his crew were still interested in the project. Yes they were and started work on April 2. Al said that actually this isn't that much different from a lot of the jobs they do, except the concrete would be poured up on top of the tire bales instead of on the ground. Four guys came up with Al and after a short brainstorming session, they dug right in.

They will be able to use the forms we started on the south wall tire bales. We had cut the end boards to the shape the bond beam needs to be in. That seems to be helpful.

The first of the concrete is being poured. It's a low slump (very dry) concrete so the guys can form it into the proper shape. They also pick up the rebar and place it as they go.

You can see the shape in this picture: flat on top with the slope to the outside.

Ah, yes, springtime in the Rockies. The snow started to fly and that was about it for that day.

ALL DONE!

Next is the roof.

 __________