My Quandary

[Luva65wagon]

Just a quick update (since I didn't).

The sale was awesome. Easily made enough to recoup all we paid for that stuff. Probably not much in the way of profit, but certainly didn't loose money - even with the commission. Even still - it took over 30 loads to Goodwill and a few trips of kept items (too good for Goodwill) to empty out the place. Then I spent about 4 weeks doing a full repaint and grounds cleanup to get the house on the market. Finally got it listed on the 5th of December... and got an offer the following week and am in the middle of that sale; and hoping all goes well there. If all goes well closing is in early January!



On the garage front, there was that 750 sq ft thing I mentioned requiring a huge drainage assessment. Over a month has past since learning this and getting these builders to help me move this forward is like pulling teeth. It's very obvious they don't do anything until I call them. Then I get a note - then nothing until I contact them again. I don't often get mad, but I'm being pushed to the edge with this. If I didn't already have a contract and a large deposit I'd walk in a heartbeat. I wrote them a letter (of sorts) today telling them they are on notice. Probably won't help.

[Luva65wagon]

Just wanted to post an update about this garage thing. As some of you know I fired the previous garage builder because it was growing very clear they had zero clue what it takes to build in the city limits. A two year, $4000, error in judgment. I had talked to a builder during a Tacoma home show and he sounded very knowledgeable and so I called them up after getting a closure refund with the other builder. He came out and gave us a quote, telling us what we could and could not do, and after submitting these plans to us and getting our approval - he headed to the city... only to be turn ed around because he didn't draw the trees in the site plan. But adding those as of yesterday he went back and walked out with our permit!!! OMG, I'm beside myself. What going with the right folks can change. So, hopefully, in the next 10-12 weeks (the lead time of truss delivery) I may be able to work in a garage again! Or at least park in one. Power will come afterward, and here's a kick in the pants... new regulations require I setup the garage with the ability to charge an electric car! The next Ranchero upgrade, maybe?

[Gitanesteel]

So what are the measurements for the garage, Roger. We're looking to move to another place over here in Ellensburg and my requirement is it has to have a shop. Looking at a place tonight with three acres and, if it works out, I'll probably try to go at 30'X45' stick built. If I can get what I want with a pole structure and have space I may try a little bigger. My daughter really wants an indoor batting cage for the next three years and I have a 3/4 ton, Falcon, RV and 15 bicycle collection to put into a shop

[Luva65wagon]

Scott. you'll no doubt have far less hassle out there building whatever you need. Seattle has gone mad. I'm as large as I can go without added distress, which is what I was dealing with before, going larger than "an easy permit" permits. The maximum, which is what I'm going with, is 24x30. I'll add a lean-to and an outdoor room for the compressor so I should have plenty of shop space and car working space. More than I've ever had.

[Gitanesteel]

Found a contractor selling plans and a truss package for a 36'X48'. 10' ceilings in part and peaked in the other section which would work for a lift in the future. The apartment area in the floor plan will change to an office, 1/2 bath and storage room. On the left elevation I'll get rid of the right window and replace with a single 10'x9' overhead door

Shop elevation.pdf

sandeno main.pdf

[Luva65wagon]

Found a contractor selling plans and a truss package for a 36'X48'. 10' ceilings in part and peaked in the other section which would work for a lift in the future. The apartment area in the floor plan will change to an office, 1/2 bath and storage room. On the left elevation I'll get rid of the right window and replace with a single 10'x9' overhead door.

Scott, that's gonna be nice. I'd have loved a larger space as originally planned, but that was why I have nothing as of yet. I've been trying to get an actual schedule from these guys I'm using, but so far it's still vapor. I'm, of course, a bit shell-shocked from the last experience, so I'm sure it's gonna go smoother than the last.

[dhbfaster]

That is going to be such a great shop. When does the roof go up?
AND, holy cow those are huge trees. Are those like 100 years old?

[dhbfaster]

Almost ready to build!
When you get to the part where you’re doing your own work, let me know, my weekends are starting to slow down...happy to get out of the house to help out for a bit!

[Luva65wagon]

Don, Yes - getting close. I'll post pictures as they occur (the forms got removed last week, as seen). But delays are happening as we speak - of course. It's gone from 7-days from the pour for the framing crew to come, to 2-weeks, now the lead framer is sick, but lumber may arrive Wednesday or Thursday, but trusses are now out to November 3rd unless the contractor can pull in some favors. So, we'll see how it pans out. I'd like to get power in before the ground freezes (I'm told the conduit has to be buried), but may not make it. I've got a heavy extension cord, so I'll get something done in there one way or another.

[Luva65wagon]

Sorry, couldn't help it.

So the lumber has been sitting here for over a week as I waited for the framing crew (of two) to come and get this building raised. From the concrete pour to this phase was supposed to be 7 days, but ended up being nearly 25 days. Had me concerned it might snow before they got it built.

Had the owner drop by and introduce himself last Thursday and to apologize for how long it's been, but knowing the back-story, can't fault them... as much. He indicated the framer might be here that Friday, but he suspected more likely Monday (today). Well, he came last Friday and got two of the walls framed, but by then the rain and wind came and made it a treacherous day to lift "sails." So they came back today and raised the walls.

Trusses are due tomorrow, so it should be covered building in a couple more days. Not sure how quickly the rest will go, but after 2 years, my head is spinning at seeing progress!

Also found they were having fun with my name.

[eusdater]

Excited to see how it turns out.

[dhbfaster]

Roger our new shop looks great!
When is the tech day so we can help you finish it off?
I feel a sick day at work coming some time in December...

[Luva65wagon]

Roger our new shop looks great!
When is the tech day so we can help you finish it off?
I feel a sick day at work coming some time in December...

I didn't know I was building "our" shop there Don, but it will be outfitted nicely, so you'll be welcome here to use it anytime.

I'm getting the insulation wrapped up now (brother-in-law is helping with that) as I address other things. I'm just wrapping up the attic storage space and should be ready to rock and mud next week. 9' ceiling, so I'm getting a lift, which should make it goe pretty quick. If it all goes well, which I suspect it should, I should be building work-benches soon after that. Once I have all the construction bits done I'll be calling on Gene (with his trailer) and anybody else (willing to call in sick) to help me move my compressor and big tool chest out of the house and down the drive to the garage. So perhaps mid-Dec?

[Luva65wagon]

Time has certainly flown by, but as of yesterday I have all the (accessible) walls and ceiling done and primed and a few of the lights are up. Now I can begin making work benches and getting things into place. So early in January I'll start moving stuff (heavy stuff) out of the house and into place. Should be fun. I'm trying to be excited and motivated... but I'm exhausted.

[Gitanesteel]

Time has certainly flown by, but as of yesterday I have all the (accessible) walls and ceiling done and primed and a few of the lights are up. Now I can begin making work benches and getting things into place. So early in January I'll start moving stuff (heavy stuff) out of the house and into place. Should be fun. I'm trying to be excited and motivated... but I'm exhausted.

Looking great Roger!! That's a lot of work to get done.