Final preparation for pouring the slab includes a layer of foam insulation and a grid of reinforcing wire.

Insulation and a wire reinforcing grid is laid on the crushed stone.

Detail of slab prep. Ready for concrete.

A couple of hours later, and voilà! Our slab has been poured. Stuff is getting real.

The slab has been poured!

Finishing the slab by hand.

The lumber package was delivered today, too. Now stuff is getting REALLY real!

The lumber package arrived today, too.

2×4’s, 2×6’s, sheathing, VERSA-LAM laminated beams, shingles, fasteners, etc.

As one of the workers said, we’re about to start going up.

Prep work begins for pouring the slab on which our new addition will be constructed. The first step is to clear away debris from the rough plumbing and the digging of the trench. When you see one of these in your driveway, you know something BIG is happening.

15 cubic yard refuse container — empty.

Among the items of debris is this massive chunk of an old concrete patio, estimated to weigh more than 1,000 pounds. The crew was very careful when handling it.

It was a struggle, but this huge chunk of concrete made it safely into the container.

This pile of crushed stone will be laid down as a base for the slab.

Crushed stone for the base of the slab.

After the soil is leveled, the stone is laid down and compacted. A form is built around the perimeter to define the edges of the slab.

The stone base for the slab.

Tomorrow: The slab is poured.