Foundations

We struggled with the weather.  First it was a late snow, then just a relentlessly wet spring...

That last is our tiny cabin in the snow.  Our family of three has spent the last 3 years in here.  Finally, after weeks of waiting, we began the foundation work.  Our first surprise was poor soils near the creek.  We sank 14 helical piles under the footings, each rated at 50-75000 pounds capacity, before pouring footings on top.  Finally, after a break in the weather, we began laying block... 

That's our basement under the carport in the background, and our sunken living room in the foreground.