Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 16 to 29 of 29

Thread: NJ Shop Build – Finally Started Work

  1. #16
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Location
    N CA
    Posts
    1,279
    Taht is a nice space Sal, but looking at the pics seeing the guys with the wheelbarrows of concrete I just groaned. To much of that work is why i feel like I do today I hired a pumper. In looking at the top deck area I would think that a nice screened in porch would fit really well. In our MA house we had a nice deck, but you couldn’t use it evenings because of the bugs. In order to maximize the view from the elevated porch I set the sills at 18” and made mahogany grids up to the 36” height for safety purposes, but it allowed us to see the ground close to the house so it worked out well. The screened porch allowed us to actually be outside and it became the best room in the house.

  2. #17
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    72
    Thanks Jack and that is a good idea to consider. We certainly have our share of bugs in NJ...

    Being now 66 and watching these masonry guys work was truly impressive. I can see how doing that overtime can take its toll.


    Best,
    Sal

  3. #18
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    72
    Jim,

    I give up some wall space; but a main driver was having good light and aesthetics. Especially since much of the time is spent at the bench.
    I have an area behind this new addition for machinery and it will compensate.

    We installed the 60mil EPDM membrane. Will do flashing around the adjacent walls next. Hopefully this stuff stays watertight!

    Sal

  4. #19
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    72
    Well - here's a pic of the membrane on the roof. At least we will have a good test with the rain yesterday and today.

    Sal

    membrane.jpg

  5. #20
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    SE PA - Central Bucks County
    Posts
    65,675
    Yea, with as much as 3" of rain before this storm is done...real good test of that membrane!!
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  6. #21
    Join Date
    Mar 2018
    Location
    Piercefield, NY
    Posts
    1,657
    The membrane looks great. Now you have a reflecting pool too, which is always a nice feature.

  7. #22
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    72
    Seems like it takes forever to schedule each sub in succession!

    Some progress:
    - Siding primed and installed.
    - Rough electrical done
    - Installed gas line and electric to the deck
    - Outside hose bib
    - alarm
    - water proofing and sealing

    next we need to finish brick detail and terrace
    some insulation will be done next week; but spray foam is backed up 6 weeks. Looking for alternatives

    pic.jpg
    Thanks,
    Sal

  8. #23
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    SoCal
    Posts
    22,492
    Blog Entries
    1
    Looking good. Exciting stuff.
    "A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".


    – Samuel Butler

  9. #24
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    South Dakota
    Posts
    1,627
    I did my own general contracting on my home addition and shop build. Well, the lumberyard manager and me. He had all the supplies and really employed all the subs on the projects that were run thru the lumberyard. He said if I pay the subs directly I could save the 3% he would charge if the labor billing went thru him. After getting to know the subs I realized that they just talk between themselves and really just scheduled themselves. They were all working on multiple jobs and would bounce around so none of the subs were at a standstill. But, this did optimize things from a sub workload it didn’t necessarily optimize my project from a timeline point of view. I understood this very well and really was okay with it. I got along great with all the subs and even today I can call any of them up and likely get them here within a day or two for a small project. It took about 3 years (it was a much bigger project than just a shop) but I really could not be much happier with the entire project. I pulled the lumber yard manager aside and told him how happy I am with all the subs and lumberyard staff. In my career I managed a lot of engineers and I learned that if you are willing to acknowledge good work you will get great respect and work ethic in return. In the end I saved way more money than the 3% billing.
    I even sold my ATV to my carpenter and my Mercedes to my plumber.
    I bought my concrete guy a beer last week, he’ll be here next week to pour my kennel slab!

    it’s like having an entire construction crew on a retainer.
    Last edited by Leigh Betsch; 06-05-2022 at 9:03 AM.
    The Plane Anarchist

  10. #25
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    72
    great points Leigh

    I am hoping for the same opportunity to work with the sub contractors in the future. Although the scheduling is frustrating; we are really almost done! Just need an alternative for the backed up spray foam.

    Sal
    Thanks,
    Sal

  11. #26
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    72
    Some more progress...

    Retaining walls, blue stone patio, brick trim are now done. Need final details and walkway down to the new addition.

    p2.jpg

    Inside we completed the sub floor and closed cell for the ceiling. We got lucky and the sub for the foam came in earlier than their delayed schedule which now allows the finish of drywall and other dependent steps.

    p1.jpg
    Sal

  12. #27
    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    NJ
    Posts
    72
    Other than the deck, which is delayed for too many reasons, I am done with the shop. Now starting the process of moving in. Good to finally be able to start using it.

    p1.jpgp2.jpgp4.jpg
    Thanks,
    Sal

  13. #28
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    SE PA - Central Bucks County
    Posts
    65,675
    That's going to be an amazing space to work in, Sal! Congratulations!
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  14. #29
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Location
    Lancaster, Ohio
    Posts
    1,346
    Very nice!

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •