cgallagher

It's a little less than $100 a month + $35 delivery fee. They'll probably take a credit card over the phone. Aztec is pretty reliable. Just check the "Maintenance log" that's posted inside the unit. They will sign and date it every time it gets cleaned. If it doesn't get cleaned, they must have realized that you are a woman . Just kidding - they skip cleanings on men too.

You could also try PDQ, Waste Manangement, Gainsborough.... You may want to look for something that's already in the neighborhood and call the number on the potty. That way you know they're going to be in the area anyways.

Radiant barrier roof deckings are a must and work great. I wouldn't build a home without them unless I was installing foam in the rafters.

Different foams have different fire spread ratings. The open cell foams are safe. Some of the closed cell are not. Fiberglass batts have a very high resistance, being that the batts are made of thin glass strands.

Wow. Normally I wouldn't associate with a Redskin, but I guess this forum can bring old rivalries together (Cardinals class of '97). But seriously, I like RedScares Idea. Structurally it is easier to do, and it will bring the costs way down.

3' wide by 6 feet tall is probably the largest casement you would want to go. Otherwise they get too flimsy. There are some companies that make double folding doors that sound like what you're talking about, but you'd lose you're curved wall. Keep in mind that when you increase the width of the openning, you're going to have to increase the size of the header above that openning, and that can turn out tricky when you've got a floor above you.

Fortunately your new balcony is over the garage, so it makes the installation of the canteliever a little easier. Also, I would recommend only removing the two center windows and replacing them with 1 door, that will help keep the same curved look. All in all:

Framing 1-2 days $2000

Frame Material $1000 - $1500

1 divided light french door $450 - $2000

Sheetrock $600 - $800

Trim carpentry and material $400

Paint $300

I assume no plumbing or electrical work needs to be done

Decorative Iron Railing $3000

Add $1500 if outside is to be tiled instead of wood deck.

Looks like $10 - 12k for a quality job

Your builder usually gives you a 2 yr warranty on all AC issues. The manufacturer usually provides a 5 yr or more equipment warranty. The catch is when you try to go through the manufacturer and it's the middle of June, they usually tell you they'll be out there in a week or two. Anyone sit around for two weeks for AC this summer? So, the manufacturer's warranty is essentially worthless.

I always answer any calls that I get from old Homeowners. Even out of warranty, I still try to point them in the right direction for repairs and sometimes fix things at my cost. Call it personal pride - every builder is different.

If you can put a building on the lot, the only increase should be the drilled footings for the foundation. Normally the footings are 8-12 feet deep, but depending on the soil report, you can expect them to be much deeper and more difficult to drill, therefore increasing foundation costs. Otherwise, the overall construction costs should be comparable to a normal home.

It depends on how fast you want to go. If this is something you're going to do a little at a time and you do mind finding your own subs, then you don't really need a contractor. Although, I do recommend that you have someone you know that knows the business to come by and check everything for you every once in a while.

Otherwise, if you want to go quickly and only deal one person, then go with the contractor. Go to the GHBA website under member search and find remodelers. Check references of course. Be wary of the guy in the old pickup, sometimes you get what you pay for. Good luck.

I believe that you should pay them based on how hard they have worked. I think what works best is to tell them that you'll pay $65 per guy plus lunch, but if they work hard you'll pay them more. And I always do if I see them working hard - sometimes $100 per guy.

The "pay by the job" method can backfire. If you take them all the way to the job and they decide it's not worth the money, and you can't come to an agreement, then you're supposed to take them all the way back? Big waste of time. However, I do know a plumber that makes them walk back if they decide they don't want to work.

2x6x24? No thank you. I like adding the 1/2" rigid foam board to the exterior. This gives you a continuous insulation barrier all around the home. It works well on siding and brick. I use it instead of housewrap whenever I can.

$65 is a reasonable price. The prettier the van that they pull up in, the more they cost. Does the problem only occur after someone uses the shower, or is it a constant drip? If it's only when someone uses the shower, the caulking will probably fix it. Otherwise, it may be more costly.

Does anyone out there know where I can find "Cedar Bayou" brick? Not the recent stuff from ACME or another manufacturer, but the vintage handmade that they used to build most of the homes in the 50's. Comes from the old brickyards that were in Baytown. I need a lot. Would be willing to take it down for you if you have any that you need to demo. PM me. Thanks!

Green building can mean many different things, so you need to be specific when talking to a builder about what you want. An example: reusing old floor boards and framing in the old home to make wood floor or cabinets in the new home is considered green. Using high effeciency AC units. Reusing old sinks and faucets - most old toilets won't get past code. Positioning the windows so that they receive more sunlight in the winter and less in the summer is another example. And on and on and...

You first need to find an architect that can incorporate these ideas into a good design. Most small custom builders would be excited to take on that kind of project, but you'll know him when you find him.

Assuming you're building straigt up, you could salvage any beams and joists in the ceiling and reuse them for the new ceiling. Also, the first floor walls should be OK. You need to have a good framer that can do this quickly, and he needs to have all the material onsite and ready. Consult with the original engineer who recently designed the one story garage, this should save time and money. 70K for redo? - The teardown should be around 4-6k only and the buildout can be as little as 40k with kitchenette and bathroom - get another quote.

Real Hardwoods feel much better. There is no substitute. Engineered flooring looks good but a custom stained wood floor is very satisfying to walk on.

I built homes for these architects, they are very well respected. And the designs are beautiful:

Sullivan Stevens Henry Ogee Architects

Porterfield Marshall Architects

Hollenbeck Architects

Numbers can be found on the web. All have designed many homes in the Memorial Area.