More remodel fun:update post 24 (1 Viewer)

[parasaurolophus]

So we are having a second story added to our house. Guy comes to deliver the dumpster and completely destroys one of my trees. I was home when it happened. Hear a huge crack, ran outside to see this guy literally flooring the gas wondering why he is stuck. I can see immediately why he is stuck and know why I heard the loud crack. I take pictures right away and actually film him pulling away to get unstuck. The tree is toast and was leaning so far over my driveway I had to cut it down immediately for safety sake.

It was a healthy tree. It was about 40 feet tall. There is no disagreement about what happened. I wrote it on the delivery ticket that the driver signed and I have all sorts of evidence. They are not disputing.

Dumpster company has asked what do I want as compensation for the tree?

I was thinking about saying why don't we just call it even. I don't pay for the dumpster, you don't owe me anything for the tree. Does that sound fair?

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Make them plant a healthy, 40-foot tree.

 

[eoMMan]

This is treason.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I'd research this one... a forty-foot tree might have a pretty big number attached to it.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Make them plant a healthy, 40-foot tree.

 

[mr roboto]

Make them plant a healthy, 40-foot tree.

This would be awesome to get their reaction.

 

[TheIronSheik]

How did you cut down a 40 foot tree by yourself?

 

[johnnycakes]

Tell them they owe you stump grinding, tree removal, plus free dumpster service for some fixed period of time... and no crap about how much stuff you put in the dumpster, either, so long as you put nothing prohibited in it.

 

[mr roboto]

How did a truck back into and bend a 40 ft tree? Or is it really a 20 ft tree?

 

[playin4beer]

Pics of the 40' tree with a penny next to it

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Make them plant a healthy, 40-foot tree.

This would be awesome to get their reaction.

Exactly

 

[dozer]

Last time I rented a dumpster it was about 300 bucks. You might check with a landscaping company and find out the cost of a replacement tree and the removal of the stump, just so the dumpster company knows what a good deal they are getting.

 

[parasaurolophus]

How did you cut down a 40 foot tree by yourself?

The top of the 40 foot tree was only about 15-20 feet off the ground after the truck pulled away. I actually couldn't believe it didn't come all the way down on its own. I think the only reason it didn't is because it was on the downslope of a hill and it was leaning to the upslope. It was pretty easy to determine exactly which way the tree was going to fall though so it was an easy bring down. I normally would never attempt to fall a tree so close to my house, but honestly couldn't see how it wouldn't fall the exact way it was leaning. One cut and it was down.

 

[TheIronSheik]

How did you cut down a 40 foot tree by yourself?

The top of the 40 foot tree was only about 15-20 feet off the ground after the truck pulled away. I actually couldn't believe it didn't come all the way down on its own. I think the only reason it didn't is because it was on the downslope of a hill and it was leaning to the upslope. It was pretty easy to determine exactly which way the tree was going to fall though so it was an easy bring down. I normally would never attempt to fall a tree so close to my house, but honestly couldn't see how it wouldn't fall the exact way it was leaning. One cut and it was down.

OK. That makes sense. I pictured a huge tree and you out there just cutting away hoping it missed all the important stuff.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

Serious answer: Tell them you want the bill waived and them to pay for stump removal/landscaping. Tell them you're willing to work with them for a reasonable estimate from a landscaper.

 

[glock]

What kind of tree?

 

[mr roboto]

They probably have insurance and probably do not want to submit a claim on their insurance for this. Therefore, if you make it less than $1000 you will probably just get a check from them. If you really want reimbursement for the value of the tree I would imagine that would be harder to get without them going through insurance.

 

[parasaurolophus]

How did a truck back into and bend a 40 ft tree? Or is it really a 20 ft tree?

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/hburgers/IMG-20140918-00590_zps33c14c43.jpg

It was a 40 yard dumpster tilted up and it is on a big platform. I think my estimate of size is pretty fair. The point it hit the tree was at least 10-12 ft high. You can see there how it is dug into the tree. That lighter color stuff is all wood fibers shredded around. It dug into the tree a good 4-5 inches and was just stuck. He had to practically Austin powers it to get unstuck.

 

[TheIronSheik]

How did a truck back into and bend a 40 ft tree? Or is it really a 20 ft tree?

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/hburgers/IMG-20140918-00590_zps33c14c43.jpg

It was a 40 yard dumpster tilted up and it is on a big platform. I think my estimate of size is pretty fair. The point it hit the tree was at least 10-12 ft high. You can see there how it is dug into the tree. That lighter color stuff is all wood fibers shredded around. It dug into the tree a good 4-5 inches and was just stuck. He had to practically Austin powers it to get unstuck.

No way that dumpster is 40 yards.

 

[parasaurolophus]

They probably have insurance and probably do not want to submit a claim on their insurance for this. Therefore, if you make it less than $1000 you will probably just get a check from them. If you really want reimbursement for the value of the tree I would imagine that would be harder to get without them going through insurance.

I've got tons of trees, so I am not really upset about the tree. I was more annoyed by the fact that I had to spend a huge portion of my Saturday cutting it down and into pieces and stacking it. I just didn't want to seem greedy. Sounds like my plan to just call it even is on the low side so I am ok with that. I don't want the driver getting fired or to turn this into a huge issue that takes up too much more of my time.

 

[parasaurolophus]

How did a truck back into and bend a 40 ft tree? Or is it really a 20 ft tree?

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/hburgers/IMG-20140918-00590_zps33c14c43.jpg

It was a 40 yard dumpster tilted up and it is on a big platform. I think my estimate of size is pretty fair. The point it hit the tree was at least 10-12 ft high. You can see there how it is dug into the tree. That lighter color stuff is all wood fibers shredded around. It dug into the tree a good 4-5 inches and was just stuck. He had to practically Austin powers it to get unstuck.

No way that dumpster is 40 yards.

8 feet tall by 8 feet wide by 20 feet long. You really trying to say that a dumpster that is obviously longer than the truck rails delivering it, obviously wider than the dump truck and has 4 visible rungs on the side of it is not similar to those dimensions? Really?

 

[TheIronSheik]

How did a truck back into and bend a 40 ft tree? Or is it really a 20 ft tree?

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/hburgers/IMG-20140918-00590_zps33c14c43.jpg

It was a 40 yard dumpster tilted up and it is on a big platform. I think my estimate of size is pretty fair. The point it hit the tree was at least 10-12 ft high. You can see there how it is dug into the tree. That lighter color stuff is all wood fibers shredded around. It dug into the tree a good 4-5 inches and was just stuck. He had to practically Austin powers it to get unstuck.

No way that dumpster is 40 yards.

8 feet tall by 8 feet wide by 20 feet long. You really trying to say that a dumpster that is obviously longer than the truck rails delivering it, obviously wider than the dump truck and has 4 visible rungs on the side of it is not similar to those dimensions? Really?

I was joking. I meant 40 yards long. Tough crowd today.

 

[parasaurolophus]

How did a truck back into and bend a 40 ft tree? Or is it really a 20 ft tree?

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w33/hburgers/IMG-20140918-00590_zps33c14c43.jpg

It was a 40 yard dumpster tilted up and it is on a big platform. I think my estimate of size is pretty fair. The point it hit the tree was at least 10-12 ft high. You can see there how it is dug into the tree. That lighter color stuff is all wood fibers shredded around. It dug into the tree a good 4-5 inches and was just stuck. He had to practically Austin powers it to get unstuck.

No way that dumpster is 40 yards.

8 feet tall by 8 feet wide by 20 feet long. You really trying to say that a dumpster that is obviously longer than the truck rails delivering it, obviously wider than the dump truck and has 4 visible rungs on the side of it is not similar to those dimensions? Really?

I was joking. I meant 40 yards long. Tough crowd today.

Missed the sarcasm, my bad.

I was like wtf? First a guy questions my accounting of the size of the tree then somebody else questions how big the dumpster was. Now I see you were just poking fun at the previous questioning.

 

[parasaurolophus]

Would like to point out that the HVAC, Electrical, and plumber all got their stuff finished and complete within one week of the rough framing being complete. They were all great to work with. We actually accidentally overpaid the plumber and he brought us cash the next day.

Will post some pictures tomorrow as it is starting to look really cool and will almost double my square footage. Would love to get some ideas for how to tile the bathroom.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

[SIZE=12pt]Upstairs finally got rough framing approval. Inspector had to come out 5 times. The framers somehow incorrectly installed the trusses. The upstairs walls do not line up with the outside walls of the downstairs. According to code they could be off by up to 8 inches. They somehow managed to be off by 11 inches. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Inspector notices right away and demanded they recalculate and fix. He didn’t force them to take the whole thing down. He made them add some headers and some more beams. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]No big deal. I lose a little ceiling in a few spots. Except of course this delays the project over two months, but I figured oh well. [/SIZE]

I'm having a hard time picturing what you're saying with the bolded.

 

[Sabertooth]

Would like to point out that the HVAC, Electrical, and plumber all got their stuff finished and complete within one week of the rough framing being complete. They were all great to work with. We actually accidentally overpaid the plumber and he brought us cash the next day.

Will post some pictures tomorrow as it is starting to look really cool and will almost double my square footage. Would love to get some ideas for how to tile the bathroom.

In my experience the plumbers and electricians are basically the best contractors. They charge their money up front for their services. You know they are going to bend you over. But at least they aren't dishonest or hypocrites about it. I have no tolerance for #### heads like your framer. Good on you for pinning him.

 

[(HULK)]

Be sure to share your experience w/ this scammer on Angie's list, Yelp, and anything else.

 

[Sabertooth]

I wouldn't have paid that guy a nickel. #### him. He likely ruined your resale value.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

[SIZE=12pt]Upstairs finally got rough framing approval. Inspector had to come out 5 times. The framers somehow incorrectly installed the trusses. The upstairs walls do not line up with the outside walls of the downstairs. According to code they could be off by up to 8 inches. They somehow managed to be off by 11 inches. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Inspector notices right away and demanded they recalculate and fix. He didn’t force them to take the whole thing down. He made them add some headers and some more beams. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]No big deal. I lose a little ceiling in a few spots. Except of course this delays the project over two months, but I figured oh well. [/SIZE]

I'm having a hard time picturing what you're saying with the bolded.

SImple graphic to show.

My entire second story was built off center by 11 inches.

I've been in construction for 30 years and I've seen some odd things, but........

Well, let me ask a simple question first: why was the plan to offset the upper floor walls there in the first place? Why didn't they just go straight up off of the first floor walls?

eta: were the trusses ordered incorrectly (wrong length) and the builder was trying to line the walls up below them?

 

[(HULK)]

How is that possible? Was the framer drunk?

 

[SWC]

eagle movers should definitely pay for the new tree and your builder sounds like a real piece of work i am sorry you are having to deal with this crap i think you might actually want to talk to an attorney on this one if he tries to come after you you could probably tack his you know what to the wall with the fraudulent billing and lies in e mail stuff man i am sorry you had to go through that but hey get it behind you and move it along take that to the bank brohan and merry xmas to you and yours good to see a guy in scanny doing well and adding on bam score one more for the badgers

 

[mr roboto]

Licensed plumbers and electricians have to, you know, actually know #### and get approved by the state. Anyone can be a framer or carpenter. That's why mechanical contractors are usually better to work with.

 

[parasaurolophus]

[SIZE=12pt]Upstairs finally got rough framing approval. Inspector had to come out 5 times. The framers somehow incorrectly installed the trusses. The upstairs walls do not line up with the outside walls of the downstairs. According to code they could be off by up to 8 inches. They somehow managed to be off by 11 inches. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Inspector notices right away and demanded they recalculate and fix. He didn’t force them to take the whole thing down. He made them add some headers and some more beams. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]No big deal. I lose a little ceiling in a few spots. Except of course this delays the project over two months, but I figured oh well. [/SIZE]

I'm having a hard time picturing what you're saying with the bolded.

SImple graphic to show.

My entire second story was built off center by 11 inches.

I've been in construction for 30 years and I've seen some odd things, but........

Well, let me ask a simple question first: why was the plan to offset the upper floor walls there in the first place? Why didn't they just go straight up off of the first floor walls?

eta: were the trusses ordered incorrectly (wrong length) and the builder was trying to line the walls up below them?

4 of the trusses were special to go around the chimney and have framing around the chimney which runs up center of the house, headers etc. and leave proper clearance. I know those were delivered and installed first. I know they really avoided moving these things because they had put them too close to the chimney on one corner which happened to be the corner that has the flue for the old oil furnace that is gone. Rather than move them, they smashed the corner of the chimney with a sledge hammer to round it and give the proper clearance. I confronted them about that when I saw it and their response was well the architectural plans call for new decorative stone facing anyway so that can be covered up no problem and because it is the unused flue, I have nothing to worry about. Only thing I can guess is that they installed those off and then moved the walls to adjust to allow the truss to extend 16 inches beyond the wall.

I have been crazy lenient with this guy because of the fact that my son and his son are friends, but no more.

 

[yak651]

How is that possible? Was the framer drunk?

No doubt, I hope that sketch is over simplified, because that is messed up if not

 

[parasaurolophus]

How is that possible? Was the framer drunk?

No doubt, I hope that sketch is over simplified, because that is messed up if not

it is a bit over simplified because if to scale that would probably off two feet, not 11 inches. dont forget there are eaves on the first floor part too which help mask it. I you didnt know it was there I doubt you would notice it. It is only clear as day when you look at it from the west side of the house. We kept the existing ranch gable line on the sides.

Here is one of the drawings from the plans. That is the west side. Those two peaks now don't line up. That is the only side you can see it, but once you know it is there, it is clear as day on that side. If the weather is nice tomorrow I will try and snap a picture.

 

[Britney Spears]

: (

 

[McGarnicle]

I recently put an addition onto our house. Did most of the work myself. I didn't have much experience with framing, drywall etc so I bought a bunch of those books from Home Depot. Got the permit from the county, all my supplies and top-grade lumber, and went to work. It was a difficult but a very satisfying project, although it didn't end well -- house condemned, neighbors suing, etc. I would definitely hire a contractor next time.

 

[Prince Myshkin]

Getting ready to possibly buy a fixer upper next week. It's the house my wife grew up in but her parents sold it after they divorced years ago. The last owners went bankrupt and it is up for foreclosure auction. I'm excited because it is a nice house in a great location for us (my wife's grandfather owns a farm and orchard directly behind it), but definitely not looking forward to dealing with contractors during the remodel process, assuming we are able to buy it.

This thread has not eased my concerns...

 

[McGarnicle]

PM me if you need advice.

 

[glvsav37]

Will most likely be going through an extension soon.....so

 

[El Floppo]

Doot

 

[mr roboto]

Wow. Didn't you say you were a contractor? How'd you decide to work with this guy?

 

[The Big Guy]

Just amazing what people will try to say to you when they think that you will not know any better. Having a bit of work done around here and all I know is what I have seen on the TV shows, which translates into enough to allow them to BS me at will. Scary.