'Big Chill' coming to Richland Chambers

Rooter says "Bundle up!"

Like most of the country cold, cold temperatures are here at Richland Chambers Lake.  I actually saw a boat trailer at the ramp at  FM 2859 late yesterday afternoon.  The temperature was already in the upper 30's and the wind was blowing pretty good so talk about a hearty soul!  It takes true adventuresome spirit to be out on the lake in this weather.  

So we all know to take the necessary precautions in freezing temps, right?  Cover the outdoor spigots, bring in or cover the tender vegetation and make sure you have plenty of firewood.
What other things do you need to know about Lake Life in the extreme temps?  On Richland Chambers a lot of people have lake-fed irrigation systems.  The pumps are usually located in the boathouse or on the shoreline, normally in an enclosure.  These systems are susceptible to the freezing temperatures.  They need to be drained prior to freezing weather.  Usually a drain plug or drain valve is located somewhere in the system.  Removing the plug or opening the valve is all that is necessary.  The system drains and you're set.

Also it is common for a boathouse to be equipped with fresh water for fish cleaning and things like that. The water supply should be cut off and the drain valve should be opened to drain this system as well to keep from having to make costly plumbing repairs.
The low tonight is forecast to be around 21 degrees, wow that is cold for us!  Bundle up

Richland Chambers Lake Home Construction P4 - mechanicals

Construction on our house on Richland Chambers Lake moved along during the summer and into the fall of 2013.
After framing and sheathing we moved right into the mechanical items; electrical, plumbing, HVAC,  central vacuum and spider mister system.  The electrical work, like everything else is very important.  There are a lot of decisions to be made about receptacle and switch placement as well as how many, what kind and where to put light fixtures.

 Don't forget about things like under cabinet lighting, doorbell, communications, speakers and home automation. Be sure to take into consideration things like trash compactor, ice maker, microwave, floor plugs and areas that may have concentrated electrical usage.  The floor plug for the living room was one of those things I neglected and had to go back and cut the concrete to do.

While I'm on the subject another thing we had to go back and do was the control wires for the garage door openers.  Whoops!  It all came out OK and was not that bad to go back and do.

We  opted for pex pipe throughout the house for our water supply.  This is the blue and red high tech plastic pipe that runs through the walls and crawl spaces.  Also the water supply comes in to a manifold that allows you to individually control the water flow to every opening in the house and isolate it in the event of a leak. We are installing an on demand propane water heater sized large enough to supply the whole house.   Some other things to consider about plumbing are hose bib placement, salad sink, wet bar, coffee bar, utility sink, floor drains and garage sink. Obviously not every home has all these things but it is far easier and cheaper to do them in the rough in phase of construction that after.

HVAC systems are just as critical as any other thing. This one thing will determine the comfort and livability of your home. Choose a contractor that is experienced and does not cut corners. Multiple returns help move the air through your home more efficiently, thus creating more comfort and efficiency.  Also use careful consideration about the placement of your air handler units as this will affect you in the future every time you have to change the AC filter.

Richland Chambers Lake Home Construction part 3 framing

Framing a house is the exciting part. Watching the "bones" of the house go up and the shape of it coming together is fun to watch. Framing is dramatically important in several ways.  The structure must be solid and sound with everything properly supported and connected.  2x4's and 2x6's are usually used for studs in the walls and window and door headers are normally larger pieces.  Depending on the spans of a particular area an engineer can determine the size and type of beams or trusses needed to carry the load.  In our house in The Shores on Richland Chambers we have 24" laminated beams in a couple of places.  A good framer can really help develop the looks of the house in several ways.  Window heights, opening sizes and locations just to name a few.  Take into consideration locations for breaker boxes, water heaters, AC units and built in cabinets during this stage. 

 Most framers will also install the roof decking, wall sheathing and build the soffits. Different types of house wrap and vapor barrier sheathing can be used.  We opted for regular house wrap since we are planning on using foam insulation.

Richland Chambers Lake, try before you buy

Thinking about property on Richland Chambers Lake?  Maybe you would like to see the lake and spend some time checking it out?  How about staying a couple of nights or more in a house or condo on the water?  We have 3 waterfront residences available for short term, vacation lease.  You can come and enjoy the peace and quiet of RC lake and experience the beauty the Lake has to offer.  All 3 of our residences are located in the central area of the lake, just a little more than an hour south of Dallas. There are 2 vacation rental homes in the Hidden Oaks neighborhood and one condo in the new Northshore Harbor Condominiums.  All 3 residences are fully outfitted for a relaxing stay at the lake.  For more information visit the webpage: http://www.buyrclake.com/richland-chambers-lake-vacation-rentals.aspx

Pier at 407 Hidden Oaks

Living area 407 Hidden Oaks

Northshore Harbor Condos

Northshore Harbor Condos

Richland Chambers Lake Level, the day after Thanksgiving 2013

Our boathouse is not the prettiest sight right now, however the water under it is a sight for sore eyes.  Today Richland Chambers is Lake at 307.79 which is 7.21 feet low, up from 304.74 on October 12, 2013, 10.26 feet low.  Three feet gained in a little over 6 weeks.  The low mark this year was the 2nd lowest the lake has been in its 24 year history.  The recent rains have now saturated the ground, filled ditches, tanks and streams and closed up all the cracks.  We have rain again in the forecast for next Thursday and Friday and we are hoping for significant amounts.  Historic graphs show the lake fills between now and the month of  March - first of April or so.  Check out the lake level at http://www.buyrclake.com/richland-chambers-lake-level.aspx.  When the lake fills we will have 8.5 ft of water under the boathouse and it will look much better.

Ok it has been a month since my last post and a lot of things have happened at our house in The Shores and on Richland Chambers lake in general.
 The outside is looking good.  The stone guys are just about through and the garage doors are in.  We have been working on drainage and sprinklers in the flower beds.  On the inside the sheet rock is up, tape, bed and texture has been taking place and the walls are primed.  We have also begun putting up doors and trim and building the fireplace.  Our cabinets are going to be ordered Monday as we have gone through 3 different drawing revisions.  Our wood floors have been delivered and we have been getting light fixtures, door knobs and things like that.  The move in date is getting closer and we are beginning to get a little excited.

Time goes by, and life goes on

A lot of time has passed, about a month since I posted. Once again life deals you all sorts of cards.  No matter how ready you think you are for the inevitable passing of a loved one it affects you.  My Father passed away about 2 weeks ago. At 85 years old he had been under hospice care for some time and was not doing very well.  My mother, sister, brother and I thought his time was not far off and I personally thought I was prepared.  I can't say I've ever been depressed but this has sure made me feel ways I've never known.  My Dad was a good man who taught us the value of family and hard work.  Mom and he were married 64 years and we were raised in a loving, caring environment our entire growing up.  Mom is doing Ok and my brother and sister and I are getting back to regular life.  Thanks to everyone who gave me kind words and supported us through this time. It was truly enjoyable to see so many old friends and family even under the circumstances and the tenderness and kindness from everyone truly touched us.  We will miss our Dad and look forward to being with him again in eternity.