Th 7/23/15
This was the day that Ernie and I would move the eight stand-alone bookcases to the new house. I called him Wednesday after the book club meeting and he told me that he had another job Thursday morning, but he would meet me at the house around noon or 1pm.
I started the move alone around 8am on Thursday. I moved six of the cases to the patio before I picked up the van at 930am at U-Haul on Bruns Lane. I moved five of the cases and books for those cases to the house before he joined the move around 1pm.
At 11am I was muscling one of the cases into the bedroom when I heard a knock on the door. A guy walked in from the breezeway and asked if I was the contractor and I told him that I was the owner. He was kind of brusque and surly and acted like someone was trying to pull a fast one. Eric arrived about five minutes later and got caught up in a lie. Eric thought that I was aware that I was supposed to be doing the work, but he never made this clear, and I had just told the inspector that I had a contractor do the work. But there was no way in the world that I could have convinced a five year old, let alone this city inspector, that I had done any of the work. The upshot was that the job was shut down until I got a city permit.
Around 430pm, as Ernie and I were at the house finishing up for the last haul of the day, Lucas Patterson, the electrician showed up. He came to pick up his equipment and was mad at Eric for the way that he handled the permit. He thought that he was off the job, and Ernie volunteered the services of a Jacksonville electrician that he works with. As the dust clears, it becomes obvious that I shouldn't have involved the city inspectors in any of this. Now, it's going to be more expensive.
On Saturday morning 7/25 Eric called and said the permit issue has been resolved, but the job will now require arc-fault breaker switches that are four to five times more expensive. This might add a grand or more to the total price, but I contacted Lucas later and found that it will only be an additional three hundred. Lucas will call me back tonight with the final cost and the job is to be completed by Monday night, and the final inspection will occur later in the week.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Overview of the last couple of days
On Monday 7/20/15 I got a call from the house by my new electrician, a friend of Eric's. He said he needed a minimum of $300 to complete the wiring in the new space, but he said that it would be best to replace the whole electrical box. There was not enough space on the existing unit to accommodate any new fixtures and the way that it was wired it would probably trip breakers if fully used.
Nothing about the old wiring was against code of the 60's, it was just that people didn't have as many electrical appliances as they do today. He called about 630pm and I talked on the phone, and then went over to the house so that he could show me the situation.
He has a full time job with B & B Electric and lives in Rochester and does electrical work on the side. Eric uses him for his remodeling jobs, so I guess he must be reliable. And his work will not slow down any of Eric's work.
I was supposed to do the bookcase Move Job with Ernest on Monday, but I felt that the weather looked too bad (on Sunday evening), so I cancelled and he can't do the job until Thursday, 7/23. As it turned out, it really didn't rain on Monday so I should have just gone ahead with the original plan.
On Tuesday morning 7/21 Eric came over to the condo and I paid him for the work on the living room floor and hallway at the new house. $875 plus $40 for the wood trim. $915 total.
During the last week I've been experiencing tooth pain, and I thought that it might be brushing too hard that has aggravated my sensitive teeth. However, it's gone on too long and now I feel that the last tooth filling by Dr. Floyd probably requires a root canal. I called Cigna on We 7/22 to find out about my coverage and found that he is not on The Network. I connected with Cigna and found Westside Dental Group (near Smash Burger on Chatham) and made an appointment for 10am Monday. They had one available for noon tomorrow, but that's the day that I have to move with Ernest.
On Tuesday, 7/21 I dismantled the book case in the basement. I thought that I would have to rent a skill saw to take it apart but it basically fell apart when I tipped it over. Then, I used the two wheeled dolly to put it in the dumpster. This was a major problem, but it turned out to be nothing.
Earlier in the week I spoke with Bill and Jan and found that they were very much interested in my old encyclopedia Britannica. I had already moved it to the dining room of the new house, but I took the trouble to move it back, and we put it in their basement. Their daughter, who lives in Middletown really appreciated it.
Nothing about the old wiring was against code of the 60's, it was just that people didn't have as many electrical appliances as they do today. He called about 630pm and I talked on the phone, and then went over to the house so that he could show me the situation.
He has a full time job with B & B Electric and lives in Rochester and does electrical work on the side. Eric uses him for his remodeling jobs, so I guess he must be reliable. And his work will not slow down any of Eric's work.
I was supposed to do the bookcase Move Job with Ernest on Monday, but I felt that the weather looked too bad (on Sunday evening), so I cancelled and he can't do the job until Thursday, 7/23. As it turned out, it really didn't rain on Monday so I should have just gone ahead with the original plan.
On Tuesday morning 7/21 Eric came over to the condo and I paid him for the work on the living room floor and hallway at the new house. $875 plus $40 for the wood trim. $915 total.
During the last week I've been experiencing tooth pain, and I thought that it might be brushing too hard that has aggravated my sensitive teeth. However, it's gone on too long and now I feel that the last tooth filling by Dr. Floyd probably requires a root canal. I called Cigna on We 7/22 to find out about my coverage and found that he is not on The Network. I connected with Cigna and found Westside Dental Group (near Smash Burger on Chatham) and made an appointment for 10am Monday. They had one available for noon tomorrow, but that's the day that I have to move with Ernest.
On Tuesday, 7/21 I dismantled the book case in the basement. I thought that I would have to rent a skill saw to take it apart but it basically fell apart when I tipped it over. Then, I used the two wheeled dolly to put it in the dumpster. This was a major problem, but it turned out to be nothing.
Earlier in the week I spoke with Bill and Jan and found that they were very much interested in my old encyclopedia Britannica. I had already moved it to the dining room of the new house, but I took the trouble to move it back, and we put it in their basement. Their daughter, who lives in Middletown really appreciated it.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Living Room Floor/ Garage-Shutters-New Lock
Monday, 7/12
Eric and his team removed the living room carpet and installed a new lock on the breezeway door.
Stains on the floor were unacceptable and we agreed that the living room and hall needed to be sanded and restained.
Wednesday he called and wanted me to view the floor. Because he was unable to get the correct grade of sanding paper, the floors must be resanded and stained. If he was to put the shiny coat on top, it would only highlight the unsmooth surface. The stains were less of a problem than the unsmooth surface.
Wednesday he redid the work, and it looks like he will be finishing up with the upstairs by Thursday morning.
Ernest started work on the garage door, shutters, and new lock on the garage/breezeway door 930am, Wednesday morning. I had picked up more boxes at County Market, talked with both crews, and went for the first run from the house on Westview. After the run I drove to Walmart and got a new lock for the garage breezeway door. Ernest will install it for five bucks. Then I went to FitClub for a workout and returned to check on the progress. Eric was working on the basement and his helper was redoing the sanding. It looked much better and they'll go ahead with the final treatment tomorrow morning.
Ernest said he would need until early this evening to complete the job. He called at 645pm and said that he would need more time for the paint on the garage door to soak in and he messed up one of the new black shutters. He failed to measure, and he will replace them. He's coming back on Saturday at 11am to finish the job.
Eric and his team removed the living room carpet and installed a new lock on the breezeway door.
Stains on the floor were unacceptable and we agreed that the living room and hall needed to be sanded and restained.
Wednesday he called and wanted me to view the floor. Because he was unable to get the correct grade of sanding paper, the floors must be resanded and stained. If he was to put the shiny coat on top, it would only highlight the unsmooth surface. The stains were less of a problem than the unsmooth surface.
Wednesday he redid the work, and it looks like he will be finishing up with the upstairs by Thursday morning.
Ernest started work on the garage door, shutters, and new lock on the garage/breezeway door 930am, Wednesday morning. I had picked up more boxes at County Market, talked with both crews, and went for the first run from the house on Westview. After the run I drove to Walmart and got a new lock for the garage breezeway door. Ernest will install it for five bucks. Then I went to FitClub for a workout and returned to check on the progress. Eric was working on the basement and his helper was redoing the sanding. It looked much better and they'll go ahead with the final treatment tomorrow morning.
Ernest said he would need until early this evening to complete the job. He called at 645pm and said that he would need more time for the paint on the garage door to soak in and he messed up one of the new black shutters. He failed to measure, and he will replace them. He's coming back on Saturday at 11am to finish the job.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
The Days After The Closing 7/9- 7/12
by Sunday evening I had moved three small bookcases and numerous boxes of books into the basement area of the house.
On Saturday, 7/11, I bought a $158 lawn mower at Walmart on the eve of a brutal thunderstorm (it passed us by). Grave doubts about whether the machine would start after adding oil and gas, but it turned right over when I mowed the lawn the next morning. I was really movings, and it took a solid hour (hot and sunny- high 80's with a fair degree of humidity).
Also, on Saturday I jammed the lock from the breezeway to the kitchen. The deadbolt seems to work fine, it's the knob lock that seems to jam. I bought a new lock at Walmart when I purchased the lawn mower. I also bought a chain to lock up the mower (I had to return this on Sunday because the links were too narrow to accommodate the width of the lock), and a plastic gas can.
Ernest Cummings, the handyman from Waverly, was supposed to paint the door on Friday, but I cancelled because severe storms were predicted for the area. Very threatening in the Springfield area, but not much fell, and he said that Waverly got a couple of inches in just and hour. He says that he would like at least two days for the paint to dry, and he's hoping he can paint on Wednesday. I told him that he could leave the door 'up' even if it did rain, and he seemed to feel that this would work. He seems committed, and I still think he's and honest guy and legitimately concerned about the quality of the work.
I left the key in the mail box and Eric and Anderson Construction will begin work tomorrow morning (Mo 7/13). He's going to replace the lock for the door which I also bought when I got the lawn mower on Saturday. Then, they'll remove the living room carpet. Hope the floor is in good condition, but I'm going to go the the 'hardwood look' regardless.
On Saturday, 7/11, I bought a $158 lawn mower at Walmart on the eve of a brutal thunderstorm (it passed us by). Grave doubts about whether the machine would start after adding oil and gas, but it turned right over when I mowed the lawn the next morning. I was really movings, and it took a solid hour (hot and sunny- high 80's with a fair degree of humidity).
Also, on Saturday I jammed the lock from the breezeway to the kitchen. The deadbolt seems to work fine, it's the knob lock that seems to jam. I bought a new lock at Walmart when I purchased the lawn mower. I also bought a chain to lock up the mower (I had to return this on Sunday because the links were too narrow to accommodate the width of the lock), and a plastic gas can.
Ernest Cummings, the handyman from Waverly, was supposed to paint the door on Friday, but I cancelled because severe storms were predicted for the area. Very threatening in the Springfield area, but not much fell, and he said that Waverly got a couple of inches in just and hour. He says that he would like at least two days for the paint to dry, and he's hoping he can paint on Wednesday. I told him that he could leave the door 'up' even if it did rain, and he seemed to feel that this would work. He seems committed, and I still think he's and honest guy and legitimately concerned about the quality of the work.
I left the key in the mail box and Eric and Anderson Construction will begin work tomorrow morning (Mo 7/13). He's going to replace the lock for the door which I also bought when I got the lawn mower on Saturday. Then, they'll remove the living room carpet. Hope the floor is in good condition, but I'm going to go the the 'hardwood look' regardless.
THE CLOSING- July 9, 2015
Cool and cloudy. Temps never got out of the low 70's.
I arrived at Chicago Title Company around 920am for the 930am meeting. Joe and Cindy, the seller's' realtor, were already in the conference room. She was telling Joe that the house on Westview was involved in an Internet scam. Someone was offering the house for sale and they had bilked a few people of down payments and first month's rent money. That's why there were 'Not For Rent' signs on the windows.
The Nabbs, Julie and her husband, arrived right on time, and we were entirely done with the paperwork in about fifteen minutes. Apparently, if it hadn't been a cash deal, this would have gone on for much longer.
I talked with Joe for a few minutes in the parking lot, and then went for a workout at Fitclub South. After the workout, I stopped by the house to make sure that the keys worked. They did (for a time).
I arrived at Chicago Title Company around 920am for the 930am meeting. Joe and Cindy, the seller's' realtor, were already in the conference room. She was telling Joe that the house on Westview was involved in an Internet scam. Someone was offering the house for sale and they had bilked a few people of down payments and first month's rent money. That's why there were 'Not For Rent' signs on the windows.
The Nabbs, Julie and her husband, arrived right on time, and we were entirely done with the paperwork in about fifteen minutes. Apparently, if it hadn't been a cash deal, this would have gone on for much longer.
I talked with Joe for a few minutes in the parking lot, and then went for a workout at Fitclub South. After the workout, I stopped by the house to make sure that the keys worked. They did (for a time).
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
THUMBTACK Website
On Monday, 7/6 I found an Internet site that specializes in 'handymen'.
I immediately found three Springfield firms that wanted $200 to paint the garage door and put up new shutters at the house on Westview. I called them back and they all would also put up the shelving in the basement at the completion of the renovations (for more money).
Then, I got a quote on Thumbtack from a man in Waverly who would do the same job for $100. I called him, and it looks like I'll go with his outfit. He wants me to buy the paint and shutters and then contact him later in the week.
Ernest Cummings 435 2116
Today, Tu 7/7/15, it's cool and rainy, so I'll be going the Fitclub South and then I'll visit Menards and buy paint and shutters. First I'll stop at the house on Westview and measure the existing white shutters. I think I can buy new solid black ones wider, but no longer. I was surprised at how cheap you can get new shutters, and it would have been a waste to have the old ones repainted black. I can finally use my 'store credit' at Menards that dates back to the installation of the new kitchen counters at the condo from last year.
Link to Thumbtack-
https://www.thumbtack.com/?utm_source=cma-google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=snVc8AACX-dc_pcrid_46822307384_pkw_thumbtack_pmt_e_&utm_term=thumbtack&network=g&position=1t1&devicetype=c&gclid=CjwKEAjw8e2sBRCYte6U3suRjFESJAB4gn_gJ6FrPjfKnjZxcmLWIdumfq9vDr2CuWMSeqEgvJfEwBoC2BPw_wcB
I immediately found three Springfield firms that wanted $200 to paint the garage door and put up new shutters at the house on Westview. I called them back and they all would also put up the shelving in the basement at the completion of the renovations (for more money).
Then, I got a quote on Thumbtack from a man in Waverly who would do the same job for $100. I called him, and it looks like I'll go with his outfit. He wants me to buy the paint and shutters and then contact him later in the week.
Ernest Cummings 435 2116
Today, Tu 7/7/15, it's cool and rainy, so I'll be going the Fitclub South and then I'll visit Menards and buy paint and shutters. First I'll stop at the house on Westview and measure the existing white shutters. I think I can buy new solid black ones wider, but no longer. I was surprised at how cheap you can get new shutters, and it would have been a waste to have the old ones repainted black. I can finally use my 'store credit' at Menards that dates back to the installation of the new kitchen counters at the condo from last year.
Link to Thumbtack-
https://www.thumbtack.com/?utm_source=cma-google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=snVc8AACX-dc_pcrid_46822307384_pkw_thumbtack_pmt_e_&utm_term=thumbtack&network=g&position=1t1&devicetype=c&gclid=CjwKEAjw8e2sBRCYte6U3suRjFESJAB4gn_gJ6FrPjfKnjZxcmLWIdumfq9vDr2CuWMSeqEgvJfEwBoC2BPw_wcB
Furniture Shopping on The Fourth
On Saturday, the Fourth of July, I went to LA Fitness, and after the workout I went in to see the furniture at Macy's. I was to attend a housewarming party at Jon and Whitney's new home in Sherman at 530pm.
Macy's had a sofa, ottoman, and chair that I was somewhat interesting. The woman told me that although the sale ended on Sunday, she would give me the sale price until at least the end of the week. She gave me some color swatches so that I could select a color that would go with the rug.
When I was in Sherman Whitney told me that they got their new sofa/recliner at Furniture Row. I had never heard of this store but it was very near Ashley Furniture, south of Rt. 72 off of Vets. On Sunday I visited the store and just happened to speak with the salesman that sold The Brandenburgs their furniture piece. This sofa/recliner had been sold three times because it was so big that they were unable to get it into the house. I saw some pieces that sort of interested me, but the sale ended that evening, and I would only be saving $36. Not really a sale.
I then went over to Ashley Furniture and I think I found the stuff for me. She took 15% off and I have a three year interest free loan on the merchandise. It's a sofa, chair, and ottoman that is an older design and will look sharp in the 'new' 1960's house on Westview. The color is rust and it should highlight the area rug perfectly. The saleslady works on commission and I said that I would make sure that she was there when I signed the deal.
On Monday I got an email from Joe telling me that the closing will happen on Thursday, 7/9 at 930am at Chicago Title. This is a block north of Allen near Staab Funeral. This is right off on of my most used bike routes.
Macy's had a sofa, ottoman, and chair that I was somewhat interesting. The woman told me that although the sale ended on Sunday, she would give me the sale price until at least the end of the week. She gave me some color swatches so that I could select a color that would go with the rug.
When I was in Sherman Whitney told me that they got their new sofa/recliner at Furniture Row. I had never heard of this store but it was very near Ashley Furniture, south of Rt. 72 off of Vets. On Sunday I visited the store and just happened to speak with the salesman that sold The Brandenburgs their furniture piece. This sofa/recliner had been sold three times because it was so big that they were unable to get it into the house. I saw some pieces that sort of interested me, but the sale ended that evening, and I would only be saving $36. Not really a sale.
I then went over to Ashley Furniture and I think I found the stuff for me. She took 15% off and I have a three year interest free loan on the merchandise. It's a sofa, chair, and ottoman that is an older design and will look sharp in the 'new' 1960's house on Westview. The color is rust and it should highlight the area rug perfectly. The saleslady works on commission and I said that I would make sure that she was there when I signed the deal.
On Monday I got an email from Joe telling me that the closing will happen on Thursday, 7/9 at 930am at Chicago Title. This is a block north of Allen near Staab Funeral. This is right off on of my most used bike routes.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Moscardelli Movers appointment 7/1/15
We 7/1/15
Meeting at 4pm, She arrived 415pm in a torrential downpour. She was here about fifteen minutes and said that for what I required it would be about three hours or $330. I was not impressed.
I called Two Men And A Truck earlier and they don't require a home inspection, but you fill out an email request. And, their rates are ten dollars per hour cheaper. I'll probably go with them, but I'll have to check out the form.
Meeting at 4pm, She arrived 415pm in a torrential downpour. She was here about fifteen minutes and said that for what I required it would be about three hours or $330. I was not impressed.
I called Two Men And A Truck earlier and they don't require a home inspection, but you fill out an email request. And, their rates are ten dollars per hour cheaper. I'll probably go with them, but I'll have to check out the form.
Carpet Tiles
On Tuesday 6/30/15 I went back to Lowes and put in an order for the carpet tiles. I wanted to get under or equal the $1.99 per square foot. I couldn't do it except when I factored in the 5% discount, and this still put me a few cents above, but by that time I was just sick of it. The total was $1,300.
On Wednesday 7/1/15 I thought the offer at Flooring Depot might be better. It was all $1.99 a square foot and there was no waiting. I called Flooring Depot after the meeting with Joe (10am at his office. I took the bike. He went over the results of the home inspection report and I gave him a copy of the insurance policy which he didn't need) and made sure that the carpet tiles were NOT adhesive backed. Eric said it works better if you glue them down. They aren't adhesive backed but they are rubber backed either. The salesman said it would be fine for a basement floor. I told him I'd be in tomorrow with my credit card and I called Lowes to cancel the order from yesterday. I noticed two calls from Lowes on the answering machine asking me 'Why'?
On Wednesday 7/1/15 I thought the offer at Flooring Depot might be better. It was all $1.99 a square foot and there was no waiting. I called Flooring Depot after the meeting with Joe (10am at his office. I took the bike. He went over the results of the home inspection report and I gave him a copy of the insurance policy which he didn't need) and made sure that the carpet tiles were NOT adhesive backed. Eric said it works better if you glue them down. They aren't adhesive backed but they are rubber backed either. The salesman said it would be fine for a basement floor. I told him I'd be in tomorrow with my credit card and I called Lowes to cancel the order from yesterday. I noticed two calls from Lowes on the answering machine asking me 'Why'?
Home Inspection Report, Mo 6/29/15 and State Farm Insurance Tu 6/30/15
I scheduled a report with B-Safe on Monday 6/29. Dave got there around 1030am to do the report and Joe, Janny, and I would arrive around 1230pm to review his findings.
Janny and Joe were already there when I arrived at 1230pm. No major problems whatsoever. Small amount of condensation on an AC pipe at the furnace. Minor electrical issues at the box in the basement. Windows are basically tight and sound, but some of the windows need painting. Some cracks and settling on the sidewalks, especially the walk nearest the garage. Overall he seemed to feel it was a good buy.
However, in his written report most items were rated as 'satisfactory, marginal, fair.
The report will take a couple of days to process and Joe and I received an email copy late Wednesday afternoon. I agreed to meet Joe on Thursday at 10am to sign the contract with BSafe although I paid the $380 fee at the inspection.
Tuesday 6/30/15 11am meeting with Dan at the State Farm office. He told me on the phone several days earlier that $840 would be the price on the new homeowners policy. However, I was pleasantly surprised with a quote of $598 per year. I paid my six month fee on all policies. He said that I'd need a copy of the homeowners policy for the closing, but Joe said it wasn't necessary since I paid cash. Went for a workout at the 'Y'.
Janny and Joe were already there when I arrived at 1230pm. No major problems whatsoever. Small amount of condensation on an AC pipe at the furnace. Minor electrical issues at the box in the basement. Windows are basically tight and sound, but some of the windows need painting. Some cracks and settling on the sidewalks, especially the walk nearest the garage. Overall he seemed to feel it was a good buy.
However, in his written report most items were rated as 'satisfactory, marginal, fair.
The report will take a couple of days to process and Joe and I received an email copy late Wednesday afternoon. I agreed to meet Joe on Thursday at 10am to sign the contract with BSafe although I paid the $380 fee at the inspection.
Tuesday 6/30/15 11am meeting with Dan at the State Farm office. He told me on the phone several days earlier that $840 would be the price on the new homeowners policy. However, I was pleasantly surprised with a quote of $598 per year. I paid my six month fee on all policies. He said that I'd need a copy of the homeowners policy for the closing, but Joe said it wasn't necessary since I paid cash. Went for a workout at the 'Y'.
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