Martin

I am a licensed landscape architect and an urban planner who practiced in California over the last 35 years. My wife who went to the Keys for over 20 years with her family has always been in love with the Keys. We have decided to move there to enjoy the Keys lifestyle.

Landscaping is Last, Part 2 – July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

Martin

Landscaping (latest), Updates (latest)

Another month has gone by and the pace has slowed dramatically. After I was talked into allowing the gravel and filter fabric to be placed BEFORE I finished my irrigation and planting,the pace has slowed dramatically. After they were finished I realized that I did not take pictures of all of the irrigation locations! Now it hunting for pipes and irrigation heads which are under filter fabric and a few inches of coral gravel! Every time I cut the fabric…

Landscaping is Last, Part 1 – June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

Martin

Site Work (latest), Updates (latest)

The city required us to install a larger gravel “swale”. Usually a swale goes somewhere, this is more like a sump. The water just goes…

Almost Finished – May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

Martin

Updates, Updates (latest)

After 5 years of 3 designers and 2 contractors, we are nearing the beginning of enjoying the effort. It’s been an interesting few years I would not like to repeat! There has not been any designer or contractor who has met the deadlines. The deadlines are set by end dates of expensive construction insurance. I’ve paid it 4 times! We have been working on wall texturing and painting. Most of the cabinetry is installed, still need the bathroom cabinets designed…

Getting Official! – June 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

Martin

Approvals (latest), Updates (latest)

The next step is official acceptance of the work. We need to get an Elevation Certificate. This entails a surveyor to certify that the house is at +8.00 feet above sea level. This elevation allow us to supposedly buy flood insurance at a lower price. That is why I raised the lot elevation to allow for an elevation of +8.00 feet. The other part is to make sure the house is not taller than the legal limitation of 40 feet…

Are We Done Yet? – March 16, 2025

March 17, 2025

Martin

Drywall & Trim (latest)

Nope sorry, we are not done!!!! But getting closer. The drop-dead date is May 1, 2025. Six weeks away. Are we going to make it? Who knows? The new contractor is working very hard to get things done. There needs to be people working inside and outside, at the same time. Not always happening…. We have drywall, painting is complete, doors are going in but everything needs constant oversight by me. Even if I pay a General Contract to do…

We Start Building Again! – January 15, 2025

January 15, 2025

Martin

Consultants (latest), Updates (latest)

After 6 brutal months of not building, we are going again! I felt the need to replace my general contract with a new one. I probably waited to too long to do so, but I did it. I’ve learned the downside of delays. Some of what I have learned by all of this is, that a project cannot be allowed to slow down, if possible. There are so many moving parts that can affect the progress of the project. Insurance…

Can It Go Any Slower? – July 7, 2024

July 7, 2024

Martin

Flooring (latest), Updates (latest)

As impatient as I am I moved forward on some items that are out of sequence, but DONE, unlike other issues! City of Marathon requires approvals for an inspection of rough plumbing, electrical and mechanical work before I can move forward. I had gutters installed, so we can feed the cistern (required for my PBAS permit) of reclaimed water. I got a used cistern, one of the only deals I could find now here. The biggest news is…

Still Slow Going – April 17, 2024

April 17, 2024

Martin

Exterior Wall Finishes (latest), Flooring (latest), Insulation (latest), Insulation (latest), Plumbing (latest), Updates (latest)

Well it’s been a difficult few months. The contractor has NOT picked up the pace, at all! So I’ve been reluctant to sit here and write about nothing happening. If I know then, what I know now, I’d choose differently, that’s for sure. In the interim I’ve been ordering things for the house, such as who will I sub out work to. I’m doing it because the contractor is so slow and is not to be moved! Too much other…

Well, Some Things Are Happening, But Slowly – Nov 12, 2023

November 12, 2023

Martin

Framing (latest), Insulation (latest), Walls (Latest)

Before the insulation for the walls is installed the room studs must be installed. The choice was wood or steel. Surprisingly to me, the cost is the same. I went with steel, as it is resistant to mold and termite proof. The door frames are encased in wood 2 x4″ lumber to decrease the chances of the steel, at the doors, from twisting out of plumb. The second floor ceiling is insulated with SealTite PRO Open Cell insulation. The R…

So far… from being finished! – August 22, 2023

August 22, 2023

Martin

Flooring (latest), Roofing (Latest), Updates (latest), Walls (Latest)

Working is so rare around here, that when it happens, they put up a sign! After the stud lines have been placed on the concrete floors, the rough plumbing was installed. Due to the inefficient design, the second bedroom shares common walls with two bathrooms. I am hoping to add insulation or a double layer of sheetrock to deaden the bathroom sounds. I also delivered the 3 bathroom fans and kitchen fan to be fitted as…