Swales (or Swalls?), Electricity, and Landscaping

One of the major items for final permit sign-off was the grading permit. We got it last week but in order to do so the inspector asked that swales (or is it swalls) be constructed to run water off into the drain/street. Here Rene and Santos are preparing the dirt for a concrete swall (or is it swale?).

Here it's finished. At the far end of the picture is the drain it leads to which runs in the ground out to the street. It had to be built so that it slopes toward the drain.

Another swale (or is it swall?) had to be created along this downslope wall for the entry courtyard.

Last week Rafael tested the electrical system and I saw for the first time the house lit up! The fan also worked but no one can find the remote control for it which is kind of strange because there are five of these fans throughout the house. How can five be lost?

This hallway lamp, a gift from a friend who wishes to remain nameless, was hung and tested. It comes in a zillion pieces and had to be assembled. Assembler Mike did it on site but as you can see, it hangs off-skelter. Mike has to create a new part for it to fix that.

The kitchen backsplash shines brightly in the lights.

I have twelve of these outdoor sconces. I scoured everyplace I knew and didn't like any (especially the prices) so we decided to put these cheap four dollar ones in the interim to pass inspection.

The plan is to have gutter guy Claudio create a simple silver metal cover like the one modeled below using a manila folder.

After making my second trip to a landscape wholesaler last week I'm designing on-the-fly how the landscaping. For the area in the crack next to the pool there will be black stones to match the pool tile. In the foreground there will be a green hedge and thin reedy flowering plant that creates a border (sample shown in the following picture).

I like the contrast between the two plants. I'm not going to have the flowering border, instead if there is room I want a red Wandering Jew, which will also match a red Plum (?) tree nearby.

I need the landscaping for the final Certificate of Occupancy because of local zoning. I have a landscape plan but I'm modifying it. As long as I have six "significant trees" at least eight feet I'll be fine. I've given landscaping a lot of thought and am heading toward more hardscape.
The following pictures illustrate areas next to the house where I wanted to break up the concrete with landscaping. However Mateo has warned me against putting too much watering next to the foundation so unless the landscaping can be seen from inside the house I'll go with stones.

The long stip below will be stones, not sure about the color, however the larger area will be planted.

This area right up against the house can be seen from the living room so except for the thin strip I will landscape fully in order to enhance the interior view.

This is the other side of the room, the pool side, where landscaping can be seen from the inside, so again, except for the narrower strip, I will landscape fully.