| Author | Content |
| rabidhunter66 Stockton Springs, ME June 17, 2007 | OK the housing market sucks so we have decided to renovate instead. Ne roof,gutters, siding, windows, insulation and if I can talk momma into it a deck off the back. We are in the middle of getting estimates right now and boy thats fun. The first roof guy that came showed up on time and was very personable but had a brand new ladder that I dont think had been anywhere but the roof of his truck. The magnet on the side of his truck was brand new as well as the tape measure he used and the little metal clipboard box. Also the price was too good....NEXT. But there have been a couple others and more comming this week. We would like to get someone to do the whole job, I dont do well playing general contractor. Anyway here is a before pic I will post as it progresses.
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| Bubba_MoCity Missouri City, TX June 18, 2007 | Ironically, I am assisting a friend and customer of our restaurant with most of the projects you mention. The house has been in the family for several decades, and the current decendants are committed to making it sound and energy efficient. Eventually would like to be self-sufficient - off grid. House must be 80+ years old on 200 ac. Land is leased to cattle rancher, house is leased to free-lance writer and family. Projects completed: Re-sided with closed foam and vinyl, Replaced broken stair treads (14), Repaired/replaced rodent/squirrel damage to electric wiring in attic, Removed all debris from attic - including rodent, etc. remains, droppings, New 14seer a/c heater, New 50gal hot water heater, 3.25" t&g floor damage repaired/replaced, Attic floor joists have add-on 2x4's to allow nearly 1 foot of insulation, Providing access panels/doors to attic spaces for storage. Current projects: Replacing 1x5 t&g ceiling boards that were damaged from a leaking roof, Expanding a 2nd floor closet, Decking attic spaces after insulation in installed. Future projects: New roof with ridge vents or solar powered fans, Passive solar for hot water, Active solar for electricity. Tenant has planted huge garden and already harvesting. Wants to refinish existing floors - quite handy and enjoys assisting - located a local supply of 60-80 year old replacement t&g boards. New tools are not necessarily a bad sign, but ask for references and go see the work and talk to other patrons. My friend knew of the amount and quality of maintenance/repair work I do for the restaurant. It allows me to add to my "toy collection" - DW buys me big tools every year - now all professional grade. |
| pepper23 KC Metro area, MO Zone 5b June 18, 2007 | We call my dad's tools his toys also. lol. |
| rabidhunter66 Stockton Springs, ME June 19, 2007 | Ya I am looking forward to the home depot trips for new tools. Hey wait someone else is doing all the work! Oh well I still need tools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Bubba_MoCity Missouri City, TX June 19, 2007 | Last purchase was a Skil mini-screwdriver - wonderful. Amazing torque for 3.9 volts. Lights for direction, and worksite - came with extension, drill bit, and lots of driver bits (all kinds). Lithium Ion battery keeps its charge for months. Needed to change out locks - fired an employee - and did not have any of my big Porter-Cable drivers with me. |
| rabidhunter66 Stockton Springs, ME June 22, 2007 | what to do what to do? We have that old asbestos siding. Should we cover it? The cost of removing it is between $3500-$8000. And has to be removed by men in little white suits and resperators. It is legal to cover it in the state of Maine. Some contractors say they can cover it with no problem while others balk at the job.I had one contractor say he would come down $50 per sq (23 sq) if it was removed. Also how about down the road when we go to sell it? We will have to disclose that it is there and what is that going to do to our value?
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| Bubba_MoCity Missouri City, TX June 22, 2007 | No easy answers - but if it were mine and I intended to live in it for 5-10 years, I would have it removed. BUT - is the value of the property sufficient to afford it? If you plan on "flipping" soon, you might not be able to recover the investment. Morally, I would rest easier if I sold it, knowing and revealing that it had been remediated, not just covered. |
| ecrane3 Dublin, CA Zone 9a June 22, 2007 | Covering asbestos siding is a common and perfectly acceptable fix, in many cases it's easier and less hazardous than removing it. Asbestos is only a danger if it can crumble and become airborne, so if you put a covering over if then it can't become airborne and is perfectly fine. You'd still want to disclose that there was asbestos down underneath if you sell the house, but if it's all covered there's no way for the buyers to be exposed to it (unless they go ripping off the stuff that's on top...which is why you want to disclose the asbestos to them so they don't go and do that!). Asbestos is in so many places, the only time it should impact property values is if it's in a condition where it could easily become airborne, in that case buyers will expect you to fix it but if it's covered then there is no problem. So the short answer is that if covering it is cheaper and will give you a look that you like, then that's a perfectly acceptable solution, people do it all the time. |
| claypa West Pottsgrove, PA Zone 6b June 22, 2007 | I used to do siding in Maine, and I'm one of the guys who would definitely balk at covering it... It's safe and sound to do it that way, as ecrane pointed out, but difficult (probably worth every bit of that $50/ square discount the one contractor offered) to do without damaging the asbestos and creating more problems. It's frustrating. Do you have any interest or inclination towards removing the asbestos siding yourself? As far as I know, the laws apply to people who are taking money for removal, and the federal laws only apply to dwellings of four or more families. Maine's DEP is not known for hassling homeowners... and the regulations for this kind of work are very straightforward. It's not very difficult work either. Even if they made you get the license, it might be worth looking into. That's what I would do anyway. |
| Bubba_MoCity Missouri City, TX June 22, 2007 | claypa, What would you recommend for skirting on a pier & beam house? Need to allow some ventilation, but want to keep the "critters" out - snakes and 4-leggers. There is 2-3' between ground and bottom of the building. Solid material? Lattice? |
| claypa West Pottsgrove, PA Zone 6b June 23, 2007 | Well, one thing I've learned here at Dave's Garden is how little I know about Texas... (especially the plants). So I'll try to avoid putting my foot in my mouth again. You could do both lattice and something solid... maybe solid would look better on one part of the house and you could get ventilation on another part of the house. Lattice looks great on some styles of houses. Without the major freeze-and-thaw issues that other parts of the country have, I think you'd have a lot more options in the solid skirting than I'm familiar with - aluminum, some newer concrete products, or even pouring a concrete wall. I've seen houses with non-bearing stone walls put in place as 'skirting'. A lot would depend on the style of the house. And money, obviously... I really don't like vinyl, but it is cheap and flexible. I really don't know what your up against for critters... Armadillos? I think their equivalent here is groundhogs. Around here you're doing good if you can exclude kids, pets, skunks, and raccoons and the like. |
| rabidhunter66 Stockton Springs, ME June 23, 2007 | OK thanks for all your advice and we have decided to go over it. I was told by the DEP that I could remove it and they would send me out a packet and the permit was issued on site by one of their inspectors. The process was that I had to do it just as an abatement Co. would, such as Tyvek suit, resperator, pieces had to be removed in one solid piece. If any were already broken on the side of the house I would have to seal the area off to remove them. All pieces had to be bagged and tagged. On top of that disposal fee was around $1800 they said if I had the amount I thought I had. NOT worth it, cover it!!! After several weeks of seeing contractors and getting estimates (5 of them) We have decided on a contractor. I was amazed how 3 diffrent people can look at a job and come within a few hundred bucks from one an other. Cost of the whole job, Roof (complete tear off of old roofing), Blown in insulation (fiberglass), siding (yes over the asbestos), 14 new windows, aluminum trim on all the fascia and the piece down the side(there is a name for that I cant remember) the windows they will probably be wood trim. Grand total $21,200. Now I know it will be more then that they will get into the job and find other things so we set our budget at $30000. If anything is left over it goes into some interier projects. The first job will be the insulation guys on July 5th and it will take them 2-3 days. I will get some pictures posted. |
| rabidhunter66 Stockton Springs, ME June 23, 2007 | before pics. I warn you this is ugly! [HYPERLINK@i9.photobucket.com] [HYPERLINK@i9.photobucket.com] [HYPERLINK@i9.photobucket.com] [HYPERLINK@i9.photobucket.com] [HYPERLINK@i9.photobucket.com] [HYPERLINK@i9.photobucket.com] This message was edited Jun 23, 2007 6:37 AM |
| pepper23 KC Metro area, MO Zone 5b June 23, 2007 | I see tons of potential!!! And pleeease either trim or cut down the trees that are right next to the house. That will help alot too. The pine tree looks a little too close to the house and the other tree from what I could see looks like it needs a trim. And speaking of trim, I love the trim that's on there. Or that style I should say. Gives the house so much character! |
| rabidhunter66 Stockton Springs, ME June 24, 2007 | LOL..ok the good news is the tree in front the big pine is comming out probably this week i hope. The other trees in the back will be thinned out at the same time. Their is an apple tree that is in there that we love when it blossoms out so we want to open that up a little. The window trim I am not sure we are going to follow. I think we want to go with standard window trim (1x6). I need to think about that one for a bit we have time.The roof trim will maintain the same shape the best we can but will be covered with white aluminum and also all the house outside corners will be white sort of post, vinal top to bottom the siding itself is a kind of middle of the road between dark and light sand color. The contractor will be here tommarow night so we will narrow down some of the details then. Thanks for your input!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| rabidhunter66 Stockton Springs, ME June 28, 2007 | LOL the contractor cancled due to "Some prior engagement" after I called him and reminded him that I wanted a copy of his insurance policy. He said he would call back and reschedual but never did....NEXT!!! The next guy was a little higher about $600 So I called him last night and he will be out here tuesday the 3rd WITH HIS INSURANCE!. The tree guy will be here monday ($350 removed and not stumped out) and the insulation guy will be here next thursday the 5th($4200). On a roll now and I already cant wait for them to all be done and gone! Neither can momma, she says I drive her more nuts over this then the contractors do. Can our marrige of bliss last through this? Stay tuned!!! |
| pepper23 KC Metro area, MO Zone 5b June 28, 2007 | LOL. Sounds like you are starting to make some progress. Hope it continues!! |
| rabidhunter66 Stockton Springs, ME July 6, 2007 | It has started. The Tree is gone in the front. OMG the house looks huge without it!!! and the insulation guys showed up yesterday. The roofing/siding/window contractor talked us into getting rid of the asbestos siding. That will happen the 7/19 and 7/20 (ish). The windows have been bought. SOoooooooooooo it looks like my self imposed deadline of Sept first having all this done can still happen maby? Did I just jinx myself? Oh ya a couple pics SIDING MESS [HYPERLINK@i9.photobucket.com] TREE IS GONE [HYPERLINK@i9.photobucket.com] [HYPERLINK@i9.photobucket.com] This message was edited Jul 6, 2007 6:09 AM |
| pepper23 KC Metro area, MO Zone 5b July 6, 2007 | links didn't work. |
| rabidhunter66 Stockton Springs, ME July 6, 2007 | OOPS OK should be better |
| pepper23 KC Metro area, MO Zone 5b July 7, 2007 | House is looking alot better!! Now I keep thinking there should be a porch there. lol. It looks so bare with the tree gone. Bare but better!! |
| rabidhunter66 Stockton Springs, ME July 8, 2007 | HMMmmmmmmmmm....Porch??????? If i suggest that you had better have a couch or an extra dog house I can use for a while cause I am going to need it!!! |
| pepper23 KC Metro area, MO Zone 5b July 8, 2007 | LOL |
| zion_lover delhi (in) July 19, 2007 | The links are not working. I have also noticed. I think renivation is the most important part of the house just to increase the life of the house. So, just go for it and hire some good contractors. You'll be fine. cheers mate. |
| rabidhunter66 Stockton Springs, ME July 21, 2007 | Asbestos siding is gone now our home looks like the Adams Family house. GOD we cant wait for the siding!!!!!!!!! Roofing guy called he will be here next friday to start the roof weather willing. I did notice that the asbestos guys broke a window. Ofcourse this was discovered after they left so I called and left a message for them. You think I will get a call back or if they do they will calim responsibility? 16 windows I am removing and one of the 3 I am leaving gets broke... go figure!!! Most of my wifes plants have been destroyed but they will come back up next year so I wasnt worried about it. anyway I will try and post some updated pics. [HYPERLINK@s9.photobucket.com] Try this and view album at the bottom of the link. For some reason I cant get it to post an "IMG" file from photo bucket. let me know if it dosnt work. This message was edited Jul 21, 2007 6:29 AM This message was edited Jul 21, 2007 6:31 AM |
| rabidhunter66 Stockton Springs, ME August 12, 2007 | OK the roofing is going to be completed this weekend and the siding started hopefully monday. Its taking time but thats what I get for hiring a weekend contractor. He is good but limited on time but he took this week off of his regular job so things should move right along. Pictures will be comming shortly. |
| SoCal Huntington Beach, CA Zone 10a August 31, 2007 | Just found this thread and it's so interesting to watch. How are things progressing now? You only have a few more days until the Sept. deadline...lol Donna |
| rabidhunter66 Stockton Springs, ME September 6, 2007 | Here are the pics of the house before, during and after. We still have some trim to do around the big windows, the decorative moulding over the front door, around the front door and painting the porches and steps and replacing the back porch. We also have to install a new outside light and paint a bit of trim on the sunroom. But it is SO MUCH BETTER and the contractor is finished!!! Whohoooooooooooooooo. Best of all $3418 under budget. Total cost: Tree service: $350 Blown Insulation: $4200 Asbestos siding removal: $2300 windows/roof/siding: $18460 Extras time and mat: $1272.47 GRAND TOTAL: $26582.47 [HYPERLINK@home-and-garden.webshots.com] This message was edited Sep 6, 2007 1:50 PM |
| ecrane3 Dublin, CA Zone 9a September 6, 2007 | Wow! That looks great, what a huge improvement! And the price is very reasonable too considering everything you had done. |
| catgal77 Everett, WA Zone 8a September 6, 2007 | OK, I just discovered this thread, and while reading the saga became enthralled! I agree, that cost sounds very good for all the work, and the results look great! What type of siding is that? Neat, good luck if there is still more to be completed... otherwise looks great to me! |
| Bubba_MoCity Missouri City, TX September 6, 2007 | Nice job! Know you will enjoy it for a long time. |
| SoCal Huntington Beach, CA Zone 10a September 6, 2007 | Very, very nice. What an amazing transformation for a good price. I really hope you all enjoy your new home. :-) Donna |
| pepper23 KC Metro area, MO Zone 5b September 6, 2007 | Wow!! I barely reconized it!! Great job!! |
| rabidhunter66 Stockton Springs, ME September 7, 2007 | Thankyou everyone. This was the first thing I have had done to this extent and it was an experience. Mostly a good experience. The siding and roof are Certinteed (spelling?). Momma is happy so everyone is happy. The next projects are land scaping and there is a TON of inside work this should take 30 or so years to complete (did I tell ya I am 41y/o). Thanks again and I will use this site alot for ideas and post more projects from time to time. |
| Photographer Moxee, WA Zone 4a September 9, 2007 | rabidhunter66, The asbestos siding detracted from the home's appearance and value. The new siding makes the home look to be almost new construction. This is one heck of a great "make-over". Wow. Your lot looks to have warranted the near $30k investment. I'd bet the place is worth close to $30k more now than before you began the re-do. |
