Monday, June 04, 2007

Oh No, Not Again

Yeap, another construction project. This time it is the patio. We're taking out the old wall fountain that was backed with WHITE tiles and besides not being able to keep the tiles clean, the darn thing was sitting at the very end of the long wall of the patio. I have no idea why they chose that location for a fountain. The location related to nothing, absolutely nothing in the patio. A new fountain will go in. It is a round cantera pond with a cucucha pot in the center for the fountain. We'll also have a raised bed to add some interest (and because the cistern is under a little piece of that part of the patio.)

I should have taken pictures this morning when Memen and his helper were measuring with a water filled tube to set levels for the floor of the patio. Ancient method but it works. This is important because one side of the patio is lower and doesn't drain toward the drain that takes water out to the street.

We think the hardscape will take about 3-4 weeks and then bringing in the soil and the plants shouldn't take too long. But who knows, this could still be going on when family comes at the end of July.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Actually, the water level is still used by some of the older mechanics even here in Austin when there is no room for variance.
Whereas a laser level can get out of calibration, which you usually don't find until the mistake has already been made, the water level is governed by gravity. It will always be true...unless gravity changes. Then you will have a lot more to worry about than a level patio. Sometimes the tried and true method is the best, both in Mexico and in the USA.

Construction Son

Billie Mercer said...

Dear Construction Son, I didn't realize that this method of leveling was still being used in the USA. But you know it brings up and interesting point about how some of the technological advances really don't get the job done any better but they cost more.