Dear Post and Beam Rep,
I expect to have Zoning Board approval by January 13, which means I could have final CRMC permission by February to erect as early as possible in spring. I already have DEM, planning board, historic district, preliminary CRMC approval.
It's time to start scheduling. I would like ideally to put the frame up in April, but fear that weather may push me into May. I heard about the foundation problem with your other house on the island. Obviously, in terms of crew and crane, it would be better financially for both you and me to have your two projects back-to-back, but it's hard to rely on that--witness what happened with the other project.
I am leaning towards your company, as I told you. Your bid is competitive and you are local, which weighs with me. I have a few questions.
What is your turnaround time for cutting the frame?
Who does the panel erection?
Who supplies the two-by stock for nailers? Nails?
What is the design cost if I supply the Timberworks design? (The Architect is also helping me.)
Am I required to have an engineer's approval, and if so do I do that through you and how much does it cost?
Is there sales or other tax on the frame and panels?
Can I provide housing on site for workers to cut costs? (I won't stay in house with workers)
How quickly does the exterior have to be trimmed out and shingled when using OSB panels?
Are there any other costs not enumerated in your letter that I have to cover?
Is there any way I can cut costs?
I see that you have gotten a quote from Loewen for the windows and doors. Is this the only company you have a relationship with? I don't know anything about them, but I do know that I am required to have hurricane-resistant glass with a high "wind load". I have to find out how many pounds per square inch the windows have to be able to take, but I understand the buildings official has begun enforcing this. I also need factory installed mullions and windows that will pass muster with historic district. I am not way into aluminum cladding, either. Must do more research.
Also, I am a little concerned about tractor trailer access. A truck could get down, but not sure it could get back up. I could send photos or video of access.
I am also concerned about providing the "large flat area" to assemble. Due to coastal restrictions, i am trying to disturb as little of the surrounding foliage as possible. There will also be hay bales around the area--not to mention a fresh-water pond, a tidal pond and the ocean. So it's a confined space. Perhaps a site plan or visit would help.
By the way, I am considering setting up a meeting with the editor of This Old House to see if they are interested in a story or blog (or both) about this project. Would you be willing to participate if it works out?
I have to come to RI to deal with my driver's license next week. If you think we should have a meeting, let me know.
You may fool all of us into thinking you are going to build another house. But guess what??? YOU WON'T HAVE TIME!!!
ReplyDeleteYour biological clock, and your leisure time stopped when you adopted Moxie.
You walk him. You play with him. You TALK TO HIM! You clean up his poop. You even fed him my Zabar's brie!
You let him get on your bed. You have "Dog Mommy" written all over you.
Have leash, will travel. But to the park, babe, not the lumber yard.
And then come the grandpuppies...just you wait. You'll be knitting sweaters in no time.
ReplyDeleteAhem, getting back to the original purpose of this blog, Claudia, thank you for posting this letter. It is most informative. Maybe some day I'll have the ways and means to build a house on a landmarked, waterfront estuary -- or whatever the hell it is. Complicated, that's what it is. And maybe some day (Yeah, right.) I will have the stomach for debt that you seem to have. Right now I have the stomach for stuffing. Any left?
ReplyDeletep.s. "I am not way into aluminum cladding, either" Classic Claudia-ese!
p.p.s. By the way, I am considering setting up a meeting with the editor of This Old House to see if they are interested in a story or blog (or both) about this project. Would you be willing to participate if it works out?
Clever girl! By the way, the helpful carpenter would do wonders to liven up the pictures and generate blog hits. You GOTTA cast him. I mean it! And write about him in your id blog. Do it! It would be so much fun.
I am so, like wanting to know what it is with you two girls and these Irish carpenters.
ReplyDeleteI mean, all these lightly and not so-lightly veiled carpentry innuendoes..nailing, panel erections??
Desperate Housewives, make way for the The Young, The Restless, the Desperate Reporters.
Just make sure you find a mick who likes dogs.
BTW CBA, don't forget that you and I are both Irish! Even if not carpenters. And don't you all think my handsome bro would be enough sex appeal? He's Irish too. . .
ReplyDeleteWhoa, baby. I thought I was the one who was hot for my brother.
ReplyDeleteThe truth is revealed!
But, I'm like, Chris doesn't look at all like Elvis.
you are really getting serious about building this old house and that is really exciting..lots of matterial for the blog world ....good luck again you irish lassie
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