Irrigation, Sod, and One Happy Pup

What’s up everyone,

Welcome back to the 2nd edition of the Builder’s Notes. If you’re back for round two, I must not be doing too badly with this writing thing.

Last edition, we tackled the initial steps of getting our backyard ready for a transformation. This week? It’s all about taking that empty, sandy space and bringing it to life with irrigation and sod.

This week: irrigation and sod install + one happy pup

💧 The Project — Irrigation + Sod Install

What we did:

• Finding and Replacing
  The existing irrigation system had been neglected for too long. I had to dig up the entire front yard just to locate the lines, repair several sections of PVC, and install new swing pipes and sprinkler heads. The front yard looked like something out of Caddyshack.
  
  

• New Zone Indexing Valve

  Installed a new zone indexing valve—crucial for determining which zone gets water. Shoutout to FIMCO Manufacturing in Jupiter, FL. Had some issues (user error on my part, lol) but the owner jumped on a call and we got it sorted.
  

  

• Trenching for New Lines

  The trench for the new lines had to be dug by hand, and let me tell you, the roots were relentless. I bent a couple shovels in the process, but hey, we made it through.
  

  

  Least fun part of the entire project

• New Lines for Sod Coverage

  To make sure the sod gets the water it needs, I ran new lines to provide a direct water source. I tapped into the existing irrigation line, added a ball valve, and installed an irrigation valve box. If we run into any water pressure issues, we can easily choke the line and divert the flow where it’s needed.
  

  

  
  

• Install the Sod

  So funny story on this one… our neighbors down the street were getting some landscaping work done. Kasey and I were headed out when I decided to swing by and talk to the crew. Next thing I know, the guy’s in the back seat of my car, heading to our place to quote us for installing the sod (2 pallets). I negotiated on the spot and that was that. If you know me, you know I love a good deal—and let me tell you, this was a deal.
  
  

• Water, Water, Water

  After the sod was down, it was time for the fun part—watering. We gave it its first drink right after installation, but the real trick is making sure it gets the right amount of water without overdoing it. In South Florida heat, it’s all about balance—too little, and the grass struggles; too much, and it drowns. We’re currently on a morning/evening schedule, and so far, so good.

What went wrong:

• 73 trips to Home Depot

• Leaks on leaks—fix one, find another

• Sod delivery fail—installers almost bailed

• PVC glue mishap—blew the index valve off the PVC pipes, had to buy another

• Flooded backyard—tracked down an old buried line. Total needle in a haystack

What went right:

• Successfully installed sod and repaired + expanded the existing irrigation system—no prior experience, but we got it done. This project was a labor of love and a lot of long hours, but they don’t ask how…

💭 Builder’s Lesson

When you scope out a project and think it’ll take X amount of time, you better multiply that by 10. Everything takes time. Nothing ever goes as planned, but that’s part of the game. The key is to stay patient, roll with the punches, and just find a way.

🕰 Stories From the Archives — September 2024

South Florida is notorious for floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and I figured we could take this one down ourselves. I wasn’t wrong… but the mirror shattered, and chaos ensued.

Kasey ended up with a serious laceration on her arm and I qualified for the Indy 500 after driving to the ER. I’ll spare you all a picture of the cut (peep the blood in front of the door).

👋 Until Next Time

That’s it for this week. Appreciate you following along—one house, one weekend, one project at a time.

— Wes