At Harmon Builders, every home we create is a reflection of our family’s passion for craftsmanship. Behind the Build is a series of blog posts written by Emerson Harmon, a high school senior, who will bring you a closer look at the Harmon Builders process and share what he learns along the way.
This week, Harmon Builders continues to make steady progress on our Workshop & Art Gallery Project in Sharpsburg, Maryland.
Solution to a Problem
The excavation for the footers was slightly problematic due to the amount of bedrock that had to be excavated. As you can see in the pictures (see gallery below), a lot of rock was unearthed.
Dad (Paul Harmon) recommended using the bedrock to help sculpt the area along the new driveway and the homeowners liked this idea. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing to their property and future workshop, it also helps direct rainfall and ease water permeation into the ground (learn more about permeability). Excess debris and rainwater can be problematic. This project is situated on a knoll above the Potomac River, approx. 100 meters from the property so when earth and debris are displaced during excavation, they can end up in the river. Using the bedrock is one way to help divert rainfall and contain construction debris from the project.
Getting a Foothold
We poured the concrete foundation footers last week, and passed the county permit inspections. Today, our crew is finishing up the setting of forms to pour the concrete foundation walls. We plan to do this Friday so framing can start next week.
We’ll have to keep an eye on the weather and cooler temperatures since that will affect progress on concrete pours and framing. Although we’re still accounting for some lost time due to rainy weather and complications with getting permits, progress is still being made, and the work so far is going smoothly.
Dad, Mom (Melani) and Kirke (Kirke Martin, owner of M4 Studios) met with the homeowners this week to discuss and finalize exterior design, material/color selections for windows, doors, siding, trim, and the like.
Next Up
I’ll be back to do an update on the upcoming construction, including the framing and installation of exterior materials, as these phases begin.
Stay tuned,
Emerson Harmon
November 12, 2025
Watch the process of another of our builds – an Industrial Cabin in the Mountains See the property on Airbnb
About Emerson’s Journal
A behind-the-scenes look at Harmon Builders projects through the next generation’s eyes. Emerson Harmon documents the craftsmanship, process, and creativity that go into every custom build.
