Several weeks ago we doubted whether the barn guy would even honor his commitment. He never showed up despite his statements he'd be here. But we are doubting no longer.
That 4 wheeled Bobcat drove in this morning with our barn whisperer at the helm. It will be used to move sand once that's delivered.
Before that can happen the foundations have to be rebuilt of stone and pressure treated lumber. And at some point the precast pier or footer resting on the back of this truck needs to be placed between the two bays which requires a four foot hole to be dug.
The barn whisperer brought in help today - a young man who he mentored as an Eagle Scout. He definitely has the biceps to help. As I write he is leveling stones under the barn sides for the foundation.
6 x 6 pieces of pressure treated lumber are being hammered on top of the stones to support the barn.
In other developments the carpenter has not shown up all week though has been communicating by email.
Apparently he had a deck to finish for the 4th which he didn't plan his time well for.
Below is the step out of the slider.
We have shortened the length of the deck but rather than replacing only the decayed decking we are redoing the whole top. The supports are fine.
In opening up the stairs on the deck rotted wood was found on clapboards and foundation that hadn't seen the light of day since deck was constructed 30 years ago. That has been partially fixed.
All the potted plants I had on the deck are gathered together in that patch to the left of what was the stairs.
All we can do is wait as we do for the tree/landscape company who did come and trim trees along the driveway a week ago. There is so much more that we contracted for them to do.
And the flooring repair we have been promised for more than a month. I wrote again this morning but heard nothing back.
Is this the downside of being relatively patient nice customers?
...contractors in your area get to things in due time!
ReplyDeleteIt must be so frustrating just not knowing whether they will turn up or not.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have multiple projects going on and to answer your question about being patient customers, perhaps too patient?
ReplyDeleteIsn’t it something how one home improvement project always leads to another? There is always something behind or below the target that needs fixing first — surprise! Looks like they have a good start on your barn renovation.
ReplyDeleteI haven't worked with repair people in a long time, but they do kind of have you over a barrel, don't they?
ReplyDeleteBuilders of all kinds in the UK had a sudden influx of work after the main Covid lockdown ended. Obviously they didn't want to turn any chance of work down, even though they couldn't take it all on at once. I suspect something similar has happened on your side of the ocean.
ReplyDeleteYou are keeping the local tradesmen in business. This must be so different than your previous setup.
ReplyDelete