宇宁: Renovation in 2020

Renovation in Mexico

After renovation

2020 is a year that everyone will remember when the entire world shut down for at least 3 months from Feb to May due to the pandemic.

This blog is about the renovation that we did in 2020 so that we can improve our getaway.

After Bill and I were able to go down to check the house, we realized that we acquired a new neighbor (if they ever move in)

And we also realized we need to do an official survey of the house to confirm the exact coordinates.

Before renovation

Since we are trapped with no travel during the pandemic, Bill and I decided that we shall add a patio to increase and improve our outdoor area

Final patio

The whole adventured started with Alex realizing we have to repaint the exterior of the house as the plaster is peeling.

Before: Removing the plaster from the back of the house

After : When Alex put back the plaster to the house

We decided to also bury the water tank in the ground and use the shed as part of the patio area. So it started with Alex digging a VERY big hole to bury the water tank.

The start of the hole

As it keeps getting deeper and deeper ...

And nestling the big blue tank into its new home

Building a rebar support on top before pouring concrete

He made sure the plumbing works before its encased in a top concrete layer.

As the dirt has to go somewhere, Alex helped to clean up the pickleweed and filling up the drain at the back of the house

Pile of dirt getting accumulated during the digging

Filling the back of the house with the dirt to create a better walkway

After the water tank is buried, Alex had the concrete poured to form the base for the patios , followed by building the wooden roof

Concrete work 1

Concrete work 2

Concrete work 3

Concrete pour of patio is done

We also added planters on the side to keep the succulents away from the raving rabbits.

Adding the side pillars for the planters

Adding rebar for the planters

Installing the cinder blocks that forms the planters

After installing the sail shade and extending out the roof, the patio portion of the house is done!

The patio area with sail shade

Alex then proceed to work on the driveway. Our plan was to put geometric concrete blocks with rock pathways in a design that still allows car to drive through.