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    • That's a Big Hammer!

      August 12, 2020

      With all permits finally in place, we’re underway with our demolition of an existing waterfront house and outbuildings in Eagle Bay, which, when complete, will make way for a stunning new home.

      Our clients, who hail from Calgary, have fond memories of the existing home, as they’ve been spending quality time here for years. But when they saw the stunning new home that we recently built for a neighbour, they knew it was time for them to do the same.

      Of course, what goes up always come down much faster—particularly when one of our prime excavation contractors, George Doyle of D & L Backhoe Services, gets one of his largest excavators into the mix. It’s an incredible experience to watch him demolish an old home like this (see photos below).

      Of course, it hasn’t been all about just smashing the old home to pieces. Asbestos and lead were discovered in the original home, and during a week-long process, we successfully removed it. It’s interesting to note that engineering inspections revealed the original concrete foundation failed our strength test, and while it contained no rebar, it did have plenty of lake rocks for filler. That made using the foundation out of the question.

      Another part of the process is ensuring no environmental impact occurs during demolition, which is whywe’ve engaged Triton Environmental to monitor our work. We also hired an arborist to assess potential root damage from the excavator to trees close to new building structure. As it turns out, no trees were harmed during the work.

      Meanwhile, we’ve also had a structural engineering firm reviewing the house plans and providing prescriptions for a steel “moment” frame on the lake side to strengthen walls of essentially glass, which will maximize the stunning lake views.

      Original lakeside concrete retaining walls were determined to be in poor shape and are being removed along with the original house and detached structures.

      Our foundation and framing crews are standing by to start as soon as possible, in order to ensure lockup before the late fall stormy weather. Design decisions and selections are well underway with our clients. Our thanks to them for allowing us the opportunity to build yet another signature lakefront home!