Talked to the contractor for a while this morning. I sent the concrete guy pictures of what I want the patio finish to look like. He is pouring the house part, the lift pads, and the footers Thursday. The patios and garage will be a few days after that. About five, 10-yard loads total. Contractor was out there this morning with the concrete rebar inspector so that's done. He is also working on getting the power out to the pad and well. Said it should be towards the end of the month, which will work out for the framing and very good for me and the RV. With power to the pad and well, a porta-potty and dumpster, I will only have to go into town for supplies. I can drain the gray water tank like I have been, with a 75' hose over the side of the pad. It's legal and encouraged in Arizona.
I told the concrete guy I want the patios to look like the first picture, but with minimum seam cuts like the second picture. The patios, peeler posts and giant timber truss are the first things any visitor sees when they drive up. The patio will be where I spend the majority of my leisure time. It's the focal point of the house. I also told him I want everyone to ask me who did my concrete work. The contractor said the concrete guy will do it how I want without me being there.
Something I did not know is the outdoor BBQ will have to have it's own propane source. Code prevents a gas line to be buried under concrete, even outside. I have an adaptor to fill bottles off of a residential propane tank, so it's a minor inconvenience.
The spec houses are moving right along. Same concrete guy has a crew over there. They should have them railed by tomorrow and ready for the plumber, and electrician to do their thing.