DRYWALL DELEMA  “The drywall job sounded easy said the customer. A job I can tackle myself. ”  After awhile what looked easy on TV turned out to be a much bigger adventure than they where willing to make.

The first part of getting the boards on the wall must have been inspiring. Now the task of finishing became overwhelming. It is not as easy as it looks. Few contractors are willing to come in after another has started a job. More often they will say remove it all and start over. That is not a cost our client is willing to make. Actually after a close look. I don’t see why we can’t clean up where there are mistakes and move forward. This will save money.  I feel for young families. It is hard on them. Maybe that is why I put a cap on the cost of this repair. $1000.  Not a very good business man but I’ll take that. Better to be a good man.

PORCH .COM   Partnering with Lowe’s . My next step is contracting through Lowe’s in Saratoga. This makes the 3rd web site I have had to set up in as many weeks… Never going to get this done! I am looking forward to working with them.

Ceramic Tile – I’ve recently quoted a kitchen and adjoining areas to be tiled. The project is a fairly typical installation. I was given this referral through a new service called Thumbtack.  Some thing like Angie’s list. Over all I just wanted to be sure that I get a good review on this site. So I have kept the bid at a very reasonable $1200 for installing 550 s.f.

This is limited to the labor for installation and all materials are provided by the clients. There are several side charges involved which are at my normal rate.  It will be a challenge to get everything done in 5 days.

SUNROOM- As of last week the 10×16 raised deck finished just within the 10 business days. BUT! the starting bid was $4800.  I came in about $3800 and made a major repair of the house foundation as well.  When a job gets big Time and Materials can save you money…. Many times this can be a trap for home owners. It all depends on whom you have working for you. If your tradesman is honest , experienced, and dependable you will do well.  If the tradesman is listless or unskilled you are in trouble.

This did happen on this job. The old deck was installed improperly. Leaving a situation where the water seeped into the house and ruined the floor and foundation boards. Now it cost more money to correct the first guy’s screw up.

I’ll add photos when I can…. Working too late now.