With footers cured, the crew began constructing the 4-course concrete block stem wall. Stem walls raise the house above grade for flood protection and termite prevention — especially important in Florida’s high water table areas.
Pro tip: In Florida, stem wall height is not just about aesthetics — it’s about keeping your finished floor elevation above the base flood elevation shown on FEMA flood maps. Verify your required FFE before the stem wall height is set.
Met with Orange County to initiate easement vacation — utility no-objection letters, neighbor notification, and public notice signs all required.
Electrical bonding inspection passed — 20-foot ground rod bonded to footer rebar creates the structure’s complete grounding system.
Final site plan approved after multiple revisions — wetland buffers, stormwater, setbacks, and driveway placement all confirmed.
Footer reinspection passed — rebar, forms, and dimensions approved, concrete pour now authorized.
First footer inspection found minor deficiencies — corrections made same day, reinspection scheduled next morning.
Under-slab MEP rough-in complete — waste lines, supply runs, and conduit sleeves must be installed before stem wall cores are filled.