The time has come... (roofing)

[perc-o-prince]

Here's what the roof looks like now (compare w/ the pic in the beginning of the thread). We think it looks better than expected! And even though the guy's people were negligent in buttoning-up the job earlier in the week and caused all that damage, we've already spoken to him about additional work (driveway sealing, etc.). It was a mistake, however simple and/or stupid, and it remains that they did good work at a fair price.

A cute aside... one of the Brazilian workers knocked at the back door while the owner, Rich, and I were taking care of the final payment, and thanked me in combo Portuguese/English for keeping cold water available for them throughout the job. I had thanked him the other day in very basic Portuguese for the work he and his buddies did, so I think he may have thought I had some knowledge of the language. If nothing else, it keeps them from talking about you while you're around! Anyway, I thanked him again in P'guese, and the owner just looked at us (not knowing what was going on!). Since the three of them (the Brazilians- sorry, but I don't remember all their names) worked past time today to be sure the job was completed before the weekend, I slipped each of them a $20 when I shook their hands to thank them.

Now, I just have to deal w/ the insurance company re: the damage. At least the day ended on a good note there, and Rich took me for a great Thai dinner!!!

Chuck

 

[perc-o-prince]

Whoops! Forgot that there wasn't a pic of the original roof in the thread, so here it is. BTW- we have to get going on some landscaping in the front... we know.... but we got quite a bit behind last year while Rich was sick.

Malcolm- nice roof and a nice house! There's something about the look of red brick mixed with white....

Chuck

 

[frigilux]

Chuck---Roof looks great, and you seeded a lot of good karma in the way you treated the workers. A class act!

 

[earthling177]

Chuck and Rich, sorry to hear about the problems, hopefully the insurance company will help fix everything -- the roof certainly looks good now. Good luck!

Malcolm -- your home is looking good too, congrats!

 

[perc-o-prince]

Here's where we're at:

The various trims have been taken down in the mahoghany bedroom and hallway waiting for the demo crew. However, for whatever reason, I haven't been able to get in touch with the demo manager today! What this means is that the demo won't happen until at least Friday morning.

OK. I don't like that because of the potential mold issues, but it does have two benefits: 1) a day that I don't have to co-ordinate people/calls/appointments, et al, and, 2) Bobby D and I can go to Brimfield tomorrow for a well-deserved day out and about!!! Yeah, I expect my cell to ring a few times, but it'll be worth it to just mindlessly shop Brimfield looking for things to re-sell, or things we don't need but I'll buy anyway!

We'll see! At least the dumpster is out of here (but I don't have any word on when a manager will be here to check out the damage to the driveway)!

Chuck

 

[perc-o-prince]

The demo began today! Their lectrician arrived to remove the chandelier in the hallway, and 10 minuts later the 3-man wrecking crew came in! They took a lot of time wrapping things and putting up plastic, then the banging began. Here's where they're at now. Toggle- don't look at the wires in the ceiling please. Those were run 40-years ago! Once the insulation's out, I'll have a day before the plasterer comes in to give an estimate, and hope to have them properly run by then (through joists w/nailing shields instead of under them between lath strips!).

The crew is expecting 2 days for the demo, today and Monday.

Chuck
p.s.- so far, no mold!!!

 

[perc-o-prince]

Figures.....

The demo was actually done, and cleaned up, Friday by 7pm! YAY!

Unfortunately, there is some mold. Not real bad stuff I guess, but it's got to be taken care of. The crw chief said he didn't expect rafters to have to come out, but they'd have to disinfect and encapsulate it. I know. This means basically spraying it w/bleach or another disinfectant, then painting (sealing) over it. He estimated about $1200-1500 over the phone, but will come out tomorrow to take a look for himself.

The good news is that he's worked w/ the field agent assigned from our insurance company, and thinks he might be able to have it covered under the December loss. If not, we'll go after the roofer in some way.


The fun never ends!

Chuck

 

[perc-o-prince]

The bedroom ceiling...

 

[toggleswitch2]

oh kids, what a PITA mess.

Best of luck with all. Hardest is when these occurances are preventable...........

Sarcastically: Oh my do I remember the "joys" of home ownership!

I was in my new/first house for three weeks when the main heating pipe sprung a leak!

Well, if there is a plus side, it is that you many now insulate to the hilt!

 

[perc-o-prince]

As if we don't have enough going on....

The roofers had to take down 2/3 of the ceiling on the porch to put the skylight in, so I'm taking the opportunity to re-run the electricity out there, put in switches for better control, etc. Rich took down the clapboard that was on the house in that area (the rest of the house is vinyl) and we'll be putting up Tyvek and cedar shakes.

Here's a partial pic from yesterday.

BTW, the mold work is done. Turns out our insurance did cover it since it was pretty obvious that it was from the december damage and not the more recent leak. The roofer's insurance is covering everything else so far. Now, it's a matter of getting a couple of estimates for the insulation, plastering and painting tht needs to be done. Our carpenter (a cousin-in-law) recommended someone Tuesday. I called the guy and set up an appointment for 6pm Thursday. No call, no show. Thursday, I happened to be talking to the salesman from the roofing co. about the damage in the driveway (dumpster ruts) and mentioned needing someone. He asked if I wanted a recommendation, I said "yes," and he contacted the guy. I got a call w/in the hour to set up an appointment for 9am the next day. The guy came, saw, and then returned a few hours later w/his plasterer to show him the job. I should have the estimate early in the week. Meanwhile, one of Rich's patients gave him a referral after showing Rich the work the guy did for them. Rich called him Thursday and he was supposed to call Friday late morning to make a time to come over. No call. Rich called him about 4pm to see what was up (the guy's work was that good, apparently). He got held up, and would try to call/stop on his way home (has to just about pass the house to get home). Nothing.

This is life in New England trying to get contractors!

Chuck

 

[scott55405]

One would think you would have the world at your feet when it comes to contractors at this particular time. I can only imagine what it must then be like during "usual" times.

Best wishes with getting everything back together and putting this difficult situation behind you.