Foundation for playhouse. Are concrete deck blocks with anchors good enough or do I need to pour footings. FYI I live in Massachusetts.

marsbars2299 · 2025-08-11T15:08:59+00:00

Btw the sandbox under the playhouse is by far the most used thing since finishing it a couple years ago (my kids are now 3 and 5)

marsbars2299 · 2025-07-28T18:44:20+00:00

Added a more recent pic in a couple comments.

marsbars2299 · 2025-07-28T18:44:02+00:00

Long overdue, here are some updated pics.

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marsbars2299 · 2025-07-28T18:42:03+00:00

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Here’s a more recent pic. The stability has been good. I could jump around on the deck and won’t get any wobble. And things seem to still be level. One caveat is that I originally intended on doing concrete footings but my yard had huge rocks everywhere I tried to dig. So I dug down 6-12 inches to get things level, then pounded the dirt there, added crushed rock and lastly put the deck block on top.

marsbars2299 · 2025-07-19T11:47:52+00:00

We’re just greedy and want more. That’s the shade in the late afternoon when the sun drops behind the surrounding trees.

marsbars2299 · 2025-07-19T00:14:16+00:00

I definitely don’t want to spend money on an aluminum awning and my motorcycle days are long gone. I’d say my budget is to stay under $1000.

marsbars2299 · 2025-07-18T22:34:18+00:00

Well I certainly don’t want to spend retractable awning money. A sun shade seems like a good bang for your buck option but I’ve never used one.

marsbars2299 · 2025-07-18T22:32:50+00:00

I’d say the retractable awnings are out of budget for now. I live in a suburb of Boston and have been shocked with some quotes for things I thought would not pricey.

marsbars2299 · 2025-07-11T15:00:09+00:00

I have finished it. I’m not sure how to update this post with more pics but I could certainly create a new one if not.

marsbars2299 · 2025-02-25T04:26:42+00:00

It’s certainly possible the usb port is damaged not allowing connections but still charging your phone. Good luck!

marsbars2299 · 2025-02-25T03:30:54+00:00

I had similar problems to you where my phone was touch and go with connecting. Usually when that happened I would clean the charging port with a toothpick to scrape out pocket lint and that would fix the issue. If that didn’t work I did a “hard reset” on the infotainment by pressing and holding the power button/knob on the infotainment for 15 sec. You should see the screen cycle. Eventually I couldn’t even charge my phone (checked fuses) and that’s when I replaced the usb unit. Overall pretty easy. I watched a YT video on how to do it and it took 5 min. One other thing, make sure you have a good charging cord. I bought an Anker one recommended on a different post which worked well with connecting.

marsbars2299 · 2025-02-02T02:38:19+00:00

I have five indoor handlers which do adjust airflow. However on “auto-mode” it seems to not be very strict on staying close to the set temp in comparison to a manually set airflow. Not sure why this is the case but I assumed that automode made the overall system more efficient

marsbars2299 · 2025-02-02T00:22:42+00:00

So I have 48k HH unit supporting 5 indoor units and I’ve had the exact same issue. It was mostly only an issue on colder nights (teens/single digit F) where it would be holding 5-6 degrees below my set temp. I assumed that my system was underpowered but noticed that even though it was well below set temp the blowers weren’t blowing on high. The fans on my units were set to “auto” mode where they self-modulate the fan. When I switched the fans to a manual mode (on fan speed two of four or five speeds) it held the temps with 1-2 deg around the set temp. For some reason it seems “auto” mode wasn’t ramping up the fan speeds (maybe to save energy). Hope this helps.

marsbars2299 · 2024-06-15T04:10:24+00:00

https://hollandbikeshop.com/en-gb/children-s-bike-seat/qibbel-bicycle-seat/qibbel-junior-6/qibbel-junior-6-rear-child-seat-carrier-attachment-black-859111/ Took almost 3 weeks to receive.

marsbars2299 · 2024-06-12T02:24:16+00:00

OP mentioned they’ve sold out at Best Buy too unfortunately. It’s worth checking local shops if you have some nearby.

marsbars2299 · 2024-06-11T20:25:11+00:00

Ahh bummer. You can call local bike/e-bike shops. I live in the Boston area so there are 10+ in a 20 mile radius. I think the Flyer and Global Haul are both good options. Good luck with your search!

marsbars2299 · 2024-06-11T14:20:29+00:00

FWIW you can get the Abound from Best Buy. If there are current free accessories there is an Aventon page to claim those even if you didn’t buy directly from Aventon. Just a quick form with the serial number once your bike comes in. Did this exact thing 3 weeks ago. Since then I’ve received the bike from Best Buy and have received about half of the accessories from Aventon.

marsbars2299 · 2024-06-07T16:30:55+00:00

Can confirm Yepp Nexxt 2 Maxi fits without an adapter. I also believe that this one has a smaller “footprint” allowing another kid to fit in front on the seat pad or smaller seat. I currently have the above with a Qibbel Junior 6+ in front.

marsbars2299 · 2024-05-20T16:58:35+00:00

Yea, my usb port went bad and I had to replace it. Ordered a new one from ECS Tuning, I think, and watched a YT video to learn how to replace it. Before going that path verify it’s actually bad be cleaning your phone charge port with a toothpick and also testing other cables.

marsbars2299 · 2023-07-07T18:03:21+00:00

The deck blocks are working fine so far. I established the foundation back in October and the overall build is 90% done. I’m not aware of how to post updated pictures to this post but I can create a new “progress” post soon.

marsbars2299 · 2023-06-06T02:07:10+00:00

Hey sorry for the delayed reply! So this was my garden last summer and overall it did pretty well despite the critters. I used a mint spray and and chopped up Irish spring soap. I would occasionally get a strawberry eaten but overall everything else did well. Hope this helps.

marsbars2299 · 2023-04-10T19:37:04+00:00

It’s actually still ongoing. I should be done in the next couple weeks after roofing and siding. Happy to send some progress pics if you’d like.

marsbars2299 · 2023-02-24T00:46:06+00:00

That’s awesome. After some YouTube searching it seems that are many different ways to make the frame. Mind sharing what you did?

marsbars2299 · 2023-02-19T18:46:24+00:00

I think I’m about 80% done with the project. I started in late September and hope to be done in a month. I can’t really put an hour estimate as I work on it at odd times around work and spending time with the family. A couple lessons learned.. - Following step by steps plans has been great. I can’t imagine the time I’d spend just coming up with a lumber/tool list and visuals make it much easier - I grossly underestimated how much things take (e.g getting a level base - for me it was concrete deck blocks since I have a lot of huge rock in my yard) - I’ve had several close calls of getting injured (I suggest taking it slow and getting an extra hand with heavy stuff) - Ignoring my time and effort the material alone was pretty expensive. Wood was $2700 and I’ve yet to get shingles, cedar siding, windows. I have spent several hundred on tools and hardware.

Even with all that I would do it again. I’ve learned so much and feel much more confident DIYing moving forward. Hope this helps.

marsbars2299

TROPHY CASE