Otis in the Suburbs (2 Viewers)

[James Daulton]

-- New masonry guy coming in Saturday AM to give us an estimate on a new front stoop and tearing out the rotten wood deck in the back in favor of a patio/walkway. If he can get started soon, expected completion, I am assuming, is probably 2 days or so given scope of work. My ballpark, in-my-own-mind estimate is around 6-8k for everything (5k for the patio, 2k for the front stoop, give or take).

square feet for the patio? with a 10x10 patio and a stoop im betting $7,500 to $10,000. 2 days seems awfully light on the labor imo.

I had a 10 x10 covered patio/steps/stoop added to my house 2 years ago and it was $10k.

I'm having a 600 sq ft stamped concrete patio with steps put in right now. Costing me about $7k or a little less than $12/ft. Don't know if this matters, but my land is super flat with easy access for the concrete truck. Not much dirt had to be moved.

 

[lumpy19]

-- New masonry guy coming in Saturday AM to give us an estimate on a new front stoop and tearing out the rotten wood deck in the back in favor of a patio/walkway. If he can get started soon, expected completion, I am assuming, is probably 2 days or so given scope of work. My ballpark, in-my-own-mind estimate is around 6-8k for everything (5k for the patio, 2k for the front stoop, give or take).

square feet for the patio? with a 10x10 patio and a stoop im betting $7,500 to $10,000. 2 days seems awfully light on the labor imo.

I had a 10 x10 covered patio/steps/stoop added to my house 2 years ago and it was $10k.

I'm having a 600 sq ft stamped concrete patio with steps put in right now. Costing me about $7k or a little less than $12/ft. Don't know if this matters, but my land is super flat with easy access for the concrete truck. Not much dirt had to be moved.

Jesus these patio prices are ridiculous, I had a 28x20(560 sq ft) stamped concrete patio(colored dark gray) done for $4500

 

[Reaper]

-- New masonry guy coming in Saturday AM to give us an estimate on a new front stoop and tearing out the rotten wood deck in the back in favor of a patio/walkway. If he can get started soon, expected completion, I am assuming, is probably 2 days or so given scope of work. My ballpark, in-my-own-mind estimate is around 6-8k for everything (5k for the patio, 2k for the front stoop, give or take).

square feet for the patio? with a 10x10 patio and a stoop im betting $7,500 to $10,000. 2 days seems awfully light on the labor imo.

I had a 10 x10 covered patio/steps/stoop added to my house 2 years ago and it was $10k.

I'm having a 600 sq ft stamped concrete patio with steps put in right now. Costing me about $7k or a little less than $12/ft. Don't know if this matters, but my land is super flat with easy access for the concrete truck. Not much dirt had to be moved.

Jesus these patio prices are ridiculous, I had a 28x20(560 sq ft) stamped concrete patio(colored dark gray) done for $4500

Yeah, I was under the impression that stamped concrete was a lot cheaper than Pavers.....

Seems like a ton more manual labor hand laying every single ####### Paver.

Love to see you Stamped patio pic.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

-- New masonry guy coming in Saturday AM to give us an estimate on a new front stoop and tearing out the rotten wood deck in the back in favor of a patio/walkway. If he can get started soon, expected completion, I am assuming, is probably 2 days or so given scope of work. My ballpark, in-my-own-mind estimate is around 6-8k for everything (5k for the patio, 2k for the front stoop, give or take).

square feet for the patio? with a 10x10 patio and a stoop im betting $7,500 to $10,000. 2 days seems awfully light on the labor imo.

I had a 10 x10 covered patio/steps/stoop added to my house 2 years ago and it was $10k.

I'm having a 600 sq ft stamped concrete patio with steps put in right now. Costing me about $7k or a little less than $12/ft. Don't know if this matters, but my land is super flat with easy access for the concrete truck. Not much dirt had to be moved.

Jesus these patio prices are ridiculous, I had a 28x20(560 sq ft) stamped concrete patio(colored dark gray) done for $4500

our migrant workers have to travel farther.

 

[mr roboto]

-- New masonry guy coming in Saturday AM to give us an estimate on a new front stoop and tearing out the rotten wood deck in the back in favor of a patio/walkway. If he can get started soon, expected completion, I am assuming, is probably 2 days or so given scope of work. My ballpark, in-my-own-mind estimate is around 6-8k for everything (5k for the patio, 2k for the front stoop, give or take).

square feet for the patio? with a 10x10 patio and a stoop im betting $7,500 to $10,000. 2 days seems awfully light on the labor imo.

I had a 10 x10 covered patio/steps/stoop added to my house 2 years ago and it was $10k.

I'm having a 600 sq ft stamped concrete patio with steps put in right now. Costing me about $7k or a little less than $12/ft. Don't know if this matters, but my land is super flat with easy access for the concrete truck. Not much dirt had to be moved.

Jesus these patio prices are ridiculous, I had a 28x20(560 sq ft) stamped concrete patio(colored dark gray) done for $4500

our migrant workers have to travel farther.

Those gas prices are a #####.

 

[James Daulton]

-- New masonry guy coming in Saturday AM to give us an estimate on a new front stoop and tearing out the rotten wood deck in the back in favor of a patio/walkway. If he can get started soon, expected completion, I am assuming, is probably 2 days or so given scope of work. My ballpark, in-my-own-mind estimate is around 6-8k for everything (5k for the patio, 2k for the front stoop, give or take).

square feet for the patio? with a 10x10 patio and a stoop im betting $7,500 to $10,000. 2 days seems awfully light on the labor imo.

I had a 10 x10 covered patio/steps/stoop added to my house 2 years ago and it was $10k.

I'm having a 600 sq ft stamped concrete patio with steps put in right now. Costing me about $7k or a little less than $12/ft. Don't know if this matters, but my land is super flat with easy access for the concrete truck. Not much dirt had to be moved.

Jesus these patio prices are ridiculous, I had a 28x20(560 sq ft) stamped concrete patio(colored dark gray) done for $4500

Yeah, I was under the impression that stamped concrete was a lot cheaper than Pavers.....

Seems like a ton more manual labor hand laying every single ####### Paver.

Love to see you Stamped patio pic.

The only extra thing I can think of is that the price includes two large steps up to our sunroom. That and everything in Maryland seems to be more expensive than most of the country. Our 1st pool quote (pre-crash in early spring 1998) was $90,000. We had them out in the Fall of 2009 and they came off $25,000 off that price for the same pool + a gas heater + a few other bells and whistles. Still way more expensive than say Texas, but compared to prices in Maryland we thought we got a deal. I'll take pix of all once the stupid patio is done.

 

[AAABatteries]

Now, if Otis is doing it himself, I'm guessing it's not all that hard, but... well, you know

- I just assumed Otis was the type that loved to take care of it himself.

 

[lumpy19]

-- New masonry guy coming in Saturday AM to give us an estimate on a new front stoop and tearing out the rotten wood deck in the back in favor of a patio/walkway. If he can get started soon, expected completion, I am assuming, is probably 2 days or so given scope of work. My ballpark, in-my-own-mind estimate is around 6-8k for everything (5k for the patio, 2k for the front stoop, give or take).

square feet for the patio? with a 10x10 patio and a stoop im betting $7,500 to $10,000. 2 days seems awfully light on the labor imo.

I had a 10 x10 covered patio/steps/stoop added to my house 2 years ago and it was $10k.

I'm having a 600 sq ft stamped concrete patio with steps put in right now. Costing me about $7k or a little less than $12/ft. Don't know if this matters, but my land is super flat with easy access for the concrete truck. Not much dirt had to be moved.

Jesus these patio prices are ridiculous, I had a 28x20(560 sq ft) stamped concrete patio(colored dark gray) done for $4500

Yeah, I was under the impression that stamped concrete was a lot cheaper than Pavers.....

Seems like a ton more manual labor hand laying every single ####### Paver.

Love to see you Stamped patio pic.

Here's a link to the pics, the sidewalk added another 2k to the project.https://picasaweb.google.com/lumpy19/Patio?authkey=Gv1sRgCIHCuIb6ofzWIA&feat=directlink

 

[Reaper]

-- New masonry guy coming in Saturday AM to give us an estimate on a new front stoop and tearing out the rotten wood deck in the back in favor of a patio/walkway. If he can get started soon, expected completion, I am assuming, is probably 2 days or so given scope of work. My ballpark, in-my-own-mind estimate is around 6-8k for everything (5k for the patio, 2k for the front stoop, give or take).

square feet for the patio? with a 10x10 patio and a stoop im betting $7,500 to $10,000. 2 days seems awfully light on the labor imo.

I had a 10 x10 covered patio/steps/stoop added to my house 2 years ago and it was $10k.

I'm having a 600 sq ft stamped concrete patio with steps put in right now. Costing me about $7k or a little less than $12/ft. Don't know if this matters, but my land is super flat with easy access for the concrete truck. Not much dirt had to be moved.

Jesus these patio prices are ridiculous, I had a 28x20(560 sq ft) stamped concrete patio(colored dark gray) done for $4500

Yeah, I was under the impression that stamped concrete was a lot cheaper than Pavers.....

Seems like a ton more manual labor hand laying every single ####### Paver.

Love to see you Stamped patio pic.

Here's a link to the pics, the sidewalk added another 2k to the project.https://picasaweb.google.com/lumpy19/Patio?authkey=Gv1sRgCIHCuIb6ofzWIA&feat=directlink

NICE!!! I really like that Stamped concrete look and the fact that you have so many options....

I couldn't find a guy to do it a few years back I think it's rising in popularity. IMO, it's a lot easier and concrete guys are realizing they can charge Paver-Like pricing.

My parents are looking at doing something on the scale of what JerseyToughguy has... I wonder how that would be stamped.. Then again, when I think of Stamped I think of the outside of Vegas Casinos where anything is possible.....

 

[Otis]

In my spare time I've been replacing all the light switches and outlets, one at a time, with new Z-wave controllable outlets, and hooking them up to our wireless home automation network. Right now I've only got about 5 or 6 lights set up, but they're working well. Also have the front door deadbolt automated like this as well -- nice to lock the door on the way out with the push of a button, or unlock it from the iphone in the car before coming in with the baby and packages and not having to fumble around for keys, or to check from the iphones while we are away or from bed at night to make sure it is locked. Need to do the same with the back door as well now. Also need to get the rest of the lights installed (I haven't electrocuted myself yet, but give it enough time...), as well as the sprinkler system, and a couple other odds and ends...

We will be fully operational soon gang. Just in time for mid-summer.

Finally something useful!!! Is this through an alarm company or can I install something for this? I already have a standard alarm.

I've been DIYing this one (this is the one job I can actually handle -- I'm sort of an electronics and software ). If you try to get a company to come in and do this, it can cost thousands. If you're just talking about the door locks, you can DIY but I'm not sure how you control it wirelessly unless you do the software yourself too -- they may have some kind of remote etc. There are a bunch of options for this stuff, but I've really liked HomeSeer's software/products.

 

[corpcow]

Now, if Otis is doing it himself, I'm guessing it's not all that hard, but... well, you know

- I just assumed Otis was the type that loved to take care of it himself.

Welcome to the thread. What we've learned here is that Otis likes paying other people $5k to do things for him.I am not handy... I'm not COMPLETELY helpless, but I'm not particularly skilled either. More than that, I'm terrified because our house is mostly new and we paid a lot for floors, paint, etc. The last thing I want to do is "experiment" on my house and hear it from my wife

 

[Otis]

Get em oat!

Tell me more about those door locks, sounds pretty cool. Can you put the garage door opener on such a system as well?

Link

There's more to it than that, since I also have a server set up and HomeSeer software (www.homeseer.com) set up to control/program all the home automation tasks, and also I've been using their HSTouch software to separately design interfaces for the iPhones (and later our iPad). I'm pretty sure there is a "basic" way to use these Kwikset locks (Schlage makes a similar one) without all this hands-on software setup, but I'm just not sure how that works.

The thermostat sounds like the most useful thing - how is that working out for you? Which brand, cost, etc?

bumpity. I'm curious about this too...

Oh yeah, got both thermostats up and running on this too. They only control the heat in our house (until I eventually get some central air or somesuch nonsense installed), and I have them off now, but they were working great up until the time that I shut them down for the summer. Also had those enabled via iPhone. I have two of these.

 

[Otis]

-- New masonry guy coming in Saturday AM to give us an estimate on a new front stoop and tearing out the rotten wood deck in the back in favor of a patio/walkway. If he can get started soon, expected completion, I am assuming, is probably 2 days or so given scope of work. My ballpark, in-my-own-mind estimate is around 6-8k for everything (5k for the patio, 2k for the front stoop, give or take).

square feet for the patio? with a 10x10 patio and a stoop im betting $7,500 to $10,000. 2 days seems awfully light on the labor imo.

I had a 10 x10 covered patio/steps/stoop added to my house 2 years ago and it was $10k.

Holy crap.

 

[lumpy19]

NICE!!! I really like that Stamped concrete look and the fact that you have so many options....I couldn't find a guy to do it a few years back I think it's rising in popularity. IMO, it's a lot easier and concrete guys are realizing they can charge Paver-Like pricing.My parents are looking at doing something on the scale of what JerseyToughguy has... I wonder how that would be stamped.. Then again, when I think of Stamped I think of the outside of Vegas Casinos where anything is possible.....

The biggest pain is fixing all the damage they do to the yard. I'm in upstate NY(buffalo/niagara falls) we have stamped concrete guys coming out our asses up here(large italian population in niagara falls ). I got $500 off the quote by paying cash.

 

[corpcow]

In my spare time I've been replacing all the light switches and outlets, one at a time, with new Z-wave controllable outlets, and hooking them up to our wireless home automation network. Right now I've only got about 5 or 6 lights set up, but they're working well. Also have the front door deadbolt automated like this as well -- nice to lock the door on the way out with the push of a button, or unlock it from the iphone in the car before coming in with the baby and packages and not having to fumble around for keys, or to check from the iphones while we are away or from bed at night to make sure it is locked. Need to do the same with the back door as well now. Also need to get the rest of the lights installed (I haven't electrocuted myself yet, but give it enough time...), as well as the sprinkler system, and a couple other odds and ends...

We will be fully operational soon gang. Just in time for mid-summer.

Finally something useful!!! Is this through an alarm company or can I install something for this? I already have a standard alarm.

I've been DIYing this one (this is the one job I can actually handle -- I'm sort of an electronics and software ). If you try to get a company to come in and do this, it can cost thousands. If you're just talking about the door locks, you can DIY but I'm not sure how you control it wirelessly unless you do the software yourself too -- they may have some kind of remote etc. There are a bunch of options for this stuff, but I've really liked HomeSeer's software/products.

Wait, are you a software dev? I thought I was the only lawyer/developer

 

[corpcow]

-- New masonry guy coming in Saturday AM to give us an estimate on a new front stoop and tearing out the rotten wood deck in the back in favor of a patio/walkway. If he can get started soon, expected completion, I am assuming, is probably 2 days or so given scope of work. My ballpark, in-my-own-mind estimate is around 6-8k for everything (5k for the patio, 2k for the front stoop, give or take).

square feet for the patio? with a 10x10 patio and a stoop im betting $7,500 to $10,000. 2 days seems awfully light on the labor imo.

I had a 10 x10 covered patio/steps/stoop added to my house 2 years ago and it was $10k.

I'm having a 600 sq ft stamped concrete patio with steps put in right now. Costing me about $7k or a little less than $12/ft. Don't know if this matters, but my land is super flat with easy access for the concrete truck. Not much dirt had to be moved.

Jesus these patio prices are ridiculous, I had a 28x20(560 sq ft) stamped concrete patio(colored dark gray) done for $4500

Yeah, I was under the impression that stamped concrete was a lot cheaper than Pavers.....

Seems like a ton more manual labor hand laying every single ####### Paver.

Love to see you Stamped patio pic.

Here's a link to the pics, the sidewalk added another 2k to the project.https://picasaweb.google.com/lumpy19/Patio?authkey=Gv1sRgCIHCuIb6ofzWIA&feat=directlink

NICE!!! I really like that Stamped concrete look and the fact that you have so many options....

I couldn't find a guy to do it a few years back I think it's rising in popularity. IMO, it's a lot easier and concrete guys are realizing they can charge Paver-Like pricing.

My parents are looking at doing something on the scale of what JerseyToughguy has... I wonder how that would be stamped.. Then again, when I think of Stamped I think of the outside of Vegas Casinos where anything is possible.....

Wow... I agree. We have this awful just concrete slab in the back and wanted to rip it out and put in a paver patio... but I really like that stamped concrete look (with stone-looking sections, etc). Much much better than just "normal" concrete.

 

[Otis]

In my spare time I've been replacing all the light switches and outlets, one at a time, with new Z-wave controllable outlets, and hooking them up to our wireless home automation network. Right now I've only got about 5 or 6 lights set up, but they're working well. Also have the front door deadbolt automated like this as well -- nice to lock the door on the way out with the push of a button, or unlock it from the iphone in the car before coming in with the baby and packages and not having to fumble around for keys, or to check from the iphones while we are away or from bed at night to make sure it is locked. Need to do the same with the back door as well now. Also need to get the rest of the lights installed (I haven't electrocuted myself yet, but give it enough time...), as well as the sprinkler system, and a couple other odds and ends...

We will be fully operational soon gang. Just in time for mid-summer.

Finally something useful!!! Is this through an alarm company or can I install something for this? I already have a standard alarm.

I've been DIYing this one (this is the one job I can actually handle -- I'm sort of an electronics and software ). If you try to get a company to come in and do this, it can cost thousands. If you're just talking about the door locks, you can DIY but I'm not sure how you control it wirelessly unless you do the software yourself too -- they may have some kind of remote etc. There are a bunch of options for this stuff, but I've really liked HomeSeer's software/products.

Wait, are you a software dev? I thought I was the only lawyer/developer

BS in computer engineering, partway to a MS in EE. Worked as a software engineer for a short while before bailing for law.

 

[corpcow]

In my spare time I've been replacing all the light switches and outlets, one at a time, with new Z-wave controllable outlets, and hooking them up to our wireless home automation network. Right now I've only got about 5 or 6 lights set up, but they're working well. Also have the front door deadbolt automated like this as well -- nice to lock the door on the way out with the push of a button, or unlock it from the iphone in the car before coming in with the baby and packages and not having to fumble around for keys, or to check from the iphones while we are away or from bed at night to make sure it is locked. Need to do the same with the back door as well now. Also need to get the rest of the lights installed (I haven't electrocuted myself yet, but give it enough time...), as well as the sprinkler system, and a couple other odds and ends...

We will be fully operational soon gang. Just in time for mid-summer.

Finally something useful!!! Is this through an alarm company or can I install something for this? I already have a standard alarm.

I've been DIYing this one (this is the one job I can actually handle -- I'm sort of an electronics and software ). If you try to get a company to come in and do this, it can cost thousands. If you're just talking about the door locks, you can DIY but I'm not sure how you control it wirelessly unless you do the software yourself too -- they may have some kind of remote etc. There are a bunch of options for this stuff, but I've really liked HomeSeer's software/products.

Wait, are you a software dev? I thought I was the only lawyer/developer

BS in computer engineering, partway to a MS in EE. Worked as a software engineer for a short while before bailing for law.

Had no idea. I was CS undergrad, still in software engineering (run a startup) and never practiced law. Decided startup world was my scene I'll probably take bar now that I'm settled somewhere.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

This thread needs more lumberjackin' and less lipsmackin' imo

 

[urbanhack]

In my spare time I've been replacing all the light switches and outlets, one at a time, with new Z-wave controllable outlets, and hooking them up to our wireless home automation network. Right now I've only got about 5 or 6 lights set up, but they're working well. Also have the front door deadbolt automated like this as well -- nice to lock the door on the way out with the push of a button, or unlock it from the iphone in the car before coming in with the baby and packages and not having to fumble around for keys, or to check from the iphones while we are away or from bed at night to make sure it is locked. Need to do the same with the back door as well now. Also need to get the rest of the lights installed (I haven't electrocuted myself yet, but give it enough time...), as well as the sprinkler system, and a couple other odds and ends...

We will be fully operational soon gang. Just in time for mid-summer.

Finally something useful!!! Is this through an alarm company or can I install something for this? I already have a standard alarm.

I've been DIYing this one (this is the one job I can actually handle -- I'm sort of an electronics and software ). If you try to get a company to come in and do this, it can cost thousands. If you're just talking about the door locks, you can DIY but I'm not sure how you control it wirelessly unless you do the software yourself too -- they may have some kind of remote etc. There are a bunch of options for this stuff, but I've really liked HomeSeer's software/products.

Wait, are you a software dev? I thought I was the only lawyer/developer

BS in computer engineering, partway to a MS in EE. Worked as a software engineer for a short while before bailing for law.

skill set?

 

[Otis]

In my spare time I've been replacing all the light switches and outlets, one at a time, with new Z-wave controllable outlets, and hooking them up to our wireless home automation network. Right now I've only got about 5 or 6 lights set up, but they're working well. Also have the front door deadbolt automated like this as well -- nice to lock the door on the way out with the push of a button, or unlock it from the iphone in the car before coming in with the baby and packages and not having to fumble around for keys, or to check from the iphones while we are away or from bed at night to make sure it is locked. Need to do the same with the back door as well now. Also need to get the rest of the lights installed (I haven't electrocuted myself yet, but give it enough time...), as well as the sprinkler system, and a couple other odds and ends...

We will be fully operational soon gang. Just in time for mid-summer.

Finally something useful!!! Is this through an alarm company or can I install something for this? I already have a standard alarm.

I've been DIYing this one (this is the one job I can actually handle -- I'm sort of an electronics and software ). If you try to get a company to come in and do this, it can cost thousands. If you're just talking about the door locks, you can DIY but I'm not sure how you control it wirelessly unless you do the software yourself too -- they may have some kind of remote etc. There are a bunch of options for this stuff, but I've really liked HomeSeer's software/products.

Wait, are you a software dev? I thought I was the only lawyer/developer

BS in computer engineering, partway to a MS in EE. Worked as a software engineer for a short while before bailing for law.

skill set?

Limited. Some lumberjacking and gardening. I also now know how to change locks. I'm very good at farming out work to others.

 

[The Commish]

-- New masonry guy coming in Saturday AM to give us an estimate on a new front stoop and tearing out the rotten wood deck in the back in favor of a patio/walkway. If he can get started soon, expected completion, I am assuming, is probably 2 days or so given scope of work. My ballpark, in-my-own-mind estimate is around 6-8k for everything (5k for the patio, 2k for the front stoop, give or take).

square feet for the patio? with a 10x10 patio and a stoop im betting $7,500 to $10,000. 2 days seems awfully light on the labor imo.

I had a 10 x10 covered patio/steps/stoop added to my house 2 years ago and it was $10k.

I'm having a 600 sq ft stamped concrete patio with steps put in right now. Costing me about $7k or a little less than $12/ft. Don't know if this matters, but my land is super flat with easy access for the concrete truck. Not much dirt had to be moved.

Jesus these patio prices are ridiculous, I had a 28x20(560 sq ft) stamped concrete patio(colored dark gray) done for $4500

Yeah, I was under the impression that stamped concrete was a lot cheaper than Pavers.....

Seems like a ton more manual labor hand laying every single ####### Paver.

Love to see you Stamped patio pic.

Here's a link to the pics, the sidewalk added another 2k to the project.https://picasaweb.google.com/lumpy19/Patio?authkey=Gv1sRgCIHCuIb6ofzWIA&feat=directlink

You'll spend more on landscaping than you did on the concrete....that's probably the most blank canvas I have ever seen.

 

[offdee]

This thread needs more lumberjackin' and less lipsmackin' imo

Let's make this clear right now. Are we calling it Lumberjacking or Logging?Serious bizness.

 

[Ned]

Get em oat!

Tell me more about those door locks, sounds pretty cool. Can you put the garage door opener on such a system as well?

Link

There's more to it than that, since I also have a server set up and HomeSeer software (www.homeseer.com) set up to control/program all the home automation tasks, and also I've been using their HSTouch software to separately design interfaces for the iPhones (and later our iPad). I'm pretty sure there is a "basic" way to use these Kwikset locks (Schlage makes a similar one) without all this hands-on software setup, but I'm just not sure how that works.

The thermostat sounds like the most useful thing - how is that working out for you? Which brand, cost, etc?

bumpity. I'm curious about this too...

Oh yeah, got both thermostats up and running on this too. They only control the heat in our house (until I eventually get some central air or somesuch nonsense installed), and I have them off now, but they were working great up until the time that I shut them down for the summer. Also had those enabled via iPhone. I have two of these.

I have a boner.

 

[lumpy19]

Limited. Some lumberjacking and gardening. I also now know how to change locks. I'm very good at farming out work to others.

Sounds like you're qualified for management

 

[belljr]

In my spare time I've been replacing all the light switches and outlets, one at a time, with new Z-wave controllable outlets, and hooking them up to our wireless home automation network. Right now I've only got about 5 or 6 lights set up, but they're working well. Also have the front door deadbolt automated like this as well -- nice to lock the door on the way out with the push of a button, or unlock it from the iphone in the car before coming in with the baby and packages and not having to fumble around for keys, or to check from the iphones while we are away or from bed at night to make sure it is locked. Need to do the same with the back door as well now. Also need to get the rest of the lights installed (I haven't electrocuted myself yet, but give it enough time...), as well as the sprinkler system, and a couple other odds and ends...

We will be fully operational soon gang. Just in time for mid-summer.

Finally something useful!!! Is this through an alarm company or can I install something for this? I already have a standard alarm.

I've been DIYing this one (this is the one job I can actually handle -- I'm sort of an electronics and software ). If you try to get a company to come in and do this, it can cost thousands. If you're just talking about the door locks, you can DIY but I'm not sure how you control it wirelessly unless you do the software yourself too -- they may have some kind of remote etc. There are a bunch of options for this stuff, but I've really liked HomeSeer's software/products.

Well luckly I AM A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER!!!yeah I was on the site looks pretty cool, not sure how I can change my alarm. No need to spend the $$ on this now for me but if things start to go then maybe I'll "switch" over. The alarm would be my biggest one I would want.

 

[corpcow]

Limited. Some lumberjacking and gardening. I also now know how to change locks. I'm very good at farming out work to others.

Sounds like you're qualified for management

The ability to delegate effectively is a good skill to have.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

This thread needs more lumberjackin' and less lipsmackin' imo

Let's make this clear right now. Are we calling it Lumberjacking or Logging?Serious bizness.

"logger"

 

[Battles]

-- New masonry guy coming in Saturday AM to give us an estimate on a new front stoop and tearing out the rotten wood deck in the back in favor of a patio/walkway. If he can get started soon, expected completion, I am assuming, is probably 2 days or so given scope of work. My ballpark, in-my-own-mind estimate is around 6-8k for everything (5k for the patio, 2k for the front stoop, give or take).

square feet for the patio? with a 10x10 patio and a stoop im betting $7,500 to $10,000. 2 days seems awfully light on the labor imo.

I had a 10 x10 covered patio/steps/stoop added to my house 2 years ago and it was $10k.

Holy crap.

These numbers are outrageous. I pay ~$4/sf for small concrete jobs. Stamping probably adds $2/sf. I pay $10/sf for cut limestone/stone patios and porches.

 

[gmbacm]

These numbers are outrageous. I pay ~$4/sf for small concrete jobs. Stamping probably adds $2/sf. I pay $10/sf for cut limestone/stone patios and porches.

Serious question - why does stamping add $2/sf. I would think thats the easiest part of the job - not worth a 50% increase?

 

[Battles]

These numbers are outrageous. I pay ~$4/sf for small concrete jobs. Stamping probably adds $2/sf. I pay $10/sf for cut limestone/stone patios and porches.

Serious question - why does stamping add $2/sf. I would think thats the easiest part of the job - not worth a 50% increase?

It's an extra step requiring extra care and stamping forms. It's not easy to get it right.

 

[corpcow]

-- New masonry guy coming in Saturday AM to give us an estimate on a new front stoop and tearing out the rotten wood deck in the back in favor of a patio/walkway. If he can get started soon, expected completion, I am assuming, is probably 2 days or so given scope of work. My ballpark, in-my-own-mind estimate is around 6-8k for everything (5k for the patio, 2k for the front stoop, give or take).

square feet for the patio? with a 10x10 patio and a stoop im betting $7,500 to $10,000. 2 days seems awfully light on the labor imo.

I had a 10 x10 covered patio/steps/stoop added to my house 2 years ago and it was $10k.

Holy crap.

These numbers are outrageous. I pay ~$4/sf for small concrete jobs. Stamping probably adds $2/sf. I pay $10/sf for cut limestone/stone patios and porches.

You live in TX, yes?I live in Pittsburgh. Although many immigrants are Steelers fans, they are much less prevalent here. I'm not saying.... just saying.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

-- New masonry guy coming in Saturday AM to give us an estimate on a new front stoop and tearing out the rotten wood deck in the back in favor of a patio/walkway. If he can get started soon, expected completion, I am assuming, is probably 2 days or so given scope of work. My ballpark, in-my-own-mind estimate is around 6-8k for everything (5k for the patio, 2k for the front stoop, give or take).

square feet for the patio? with a 10x10 patio and a stoop im betting $7,500 to $10,000. 2 days seems awfully light on the labor imo.

I had a 10 x10 covered patio/steps/stoop added to my house 2 years ago and it was $10k.

Holy crap.

These numbers are outrageous. I pay ~$4/sf for small concrete jobs. Stamping probably adds $2/sf. I pay $10/sf for cut limestone/stone patios and porches.

Not in the sticks in Michigan they aren't.

 

[ODoyleRules]

I'm a CS guy & I know a little about wiring because I had to take some EE courses, but that was a long time ago, I was probably pretty drunk, and my hands are too damned big to wire that #### anyway... so stupid question:How hard/easy is it to replace outlets, lighting fixtures and dimmmers? Do I need an electrician or can I do it myself? Do I need anything other than wire strippers? Anything special other than just turning off power at the box?Trying to decide if it's worth trying to do the 4 external lights, Z-Wave outlets (definitely want some automation!), and dimmers myself... or just to buy them and get someone in to install.Now, if Otis is doing it himself, I'm guessing it's not all that hard, but... well, you know

I've replaced every outlet and light switch in our house (hated almond, wanted white). I just changed our Liberace style chandelier this weekend. It is pretty easy and I can change in outlet in about 5 minutes start to finish now. The simplest directions I can give are to (1) turn off the power at the box, (2) check that electricity is out using a cheap electric tester, (3) open up outlet or fixture and (4) remove it and put the new one (fixture, outlet, switch, etc) the same way the old one was installed. Fixtures are the easiest except for supporting the fixture while working with the wires (ie. if it's on a wall or ceiling, a second person has to hold the fixture). Wiring is dead simple and requires no tools. You just need a screwdriver to remove or replace the new fixture.Outlets and switches are also simple, but will depend on the age of the house. Anything built in the 70's and later is easy, older houses are a mixed bag on what's behind the plate. Light switches require that you have the right replacement - there are 2 way, 3 way and 4 way switches depending on the number of switches for the same light. Dimmers are only a pain in so much as there are a lot of wires to cram into a small space. I've got my outlet kit down to an electric circuit tester, cordless screwdriver with slotted and phillips, and bottle nose pliers.

 

[corpcow]

I'm a CS guy & I know a little about wiring because I had to take some EE courses, but that was a long time ago, I was probably pretty drunk, and my hands are too damned big to wire that #### anyway... so stupid question:How hard/easy is it to replace outlets, lighting fixtures and dimmmers? Do I need an electrician or can I do it myself? Do I need anything other than wire strippers? Anything special other than just turning off power at the box?Trying to decide if it's worth trying to do the 4 external lights, Z-Wave outlets (definitely want some automation!), and dimmers myself... or just to buy them and get someone in to install.Now, if Otis is doing it himself, I'm guessing it's not all that hard, but... well, you know

I've replaced every outlet and light switch in our house (hated almond, wanted white). I just changed our Liberace style chandelier this weekend. It is pretty easy and I can change in outlet in about 5 minutes start to finish now. The simplest directions I can give are to (1) turn off the power at the box, (2) check that electricity is out using a cheap electric tester, (3) open up outlet or fixture and (4) remove it and put the new one (fixture, outlet, switch, etc) the same way the old one was installed. Fixtures are the easiest except for supporting the fixture while working with the wires (ie. if it's on a wall or ceiling, a second person has to hold the fixture). Wiring is dead simple and requires no tools. You just need a screwdriver to remove or replace the new fixture.Outlets and switches are also simple, but will depend on the age of the house. Anything built in the 70's and later is easy, older houses are a mixed bag on what's behind the plate. Light switches require that you have the right replacement - there are 2 way, 3 way and 4 way switches depending on the number of switches for the same light. Dimmers are only a pain in so much as there are a lot of wires to cram into a small space. I've got my outlet kit down to an electric circuit tester, cordless screwdriver with slotted and phillips, and bottle nose pliers.

Ok, fine... I'll man up

 

[Otis]

Well crap.

Got a letter today from the insurance company. They came by for some nonsensical inspection last week.

Apparently the flat roof over our den, which has a door leading out to it from the bedroom, either requires a railing around it, or the door from the bedroom needs to be removed. If we don't correct it in 30 days, they will put our mortgage company on notice and threaten to let the coverage lapse. We need to send them proof that a contractor has installed a railing, in the form of an invoice from the contractor.

OH GOOD, SOMETHING ELSE I HAVE TO PAY SOMEONE TO FIX.

In the one sense we looked at it and wondered why they didn't have a railing up there -- most houses with that kind of design have it, and it looks nice. But on the other hand, it's not something I expected I would have to pay a bunch of money for right now. What's a ballpark estimate on what it's gonna cost to have a wrought iron railing installed up there? I'm certain it will be thousands. Like everything else.

:moneypit:

 

[Reaper]

Well crap.Got a letter today from the insurance company. They came by for some nonsensical inspection last week. Apparently the flat roof over our den, which has a door leading out to it from the bedroom, either requires a railing around it, or the door from the bedroom needs to be removed. If we don't correct it in 30 days, they will put our mortgage company on notice and threaten to let the coverage lapse. We need to send them proof that a contractor has installed a railing, in the form of an invoice from the contractor.OH GOOD, SOMETHING ELSE I HAVE TO PAY SOMEONE TO FIX.In the one sense we looked at it and wondered why they didn't have a railing up there -- most houses with that kind of design have it, and it looks nice. But on the other hand, it's not something I expected I would have to pay a bunch of money for right now. What's a ballpark estimate on what it's gonna cost to have a wrought iron railing installed up there? I'm certain it will be thousands. Like everything else.:moneypit:

5k Hmm, nice to have a roof deck to hang out on.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Well crap.Got a letter today from the insurance company. They came by for some nonsensical inspection last week. Apparently the flat roof over our den, which has a door leading out to it from the bedroom, either requires a railing around it, or the door from the bedroom needs to be removed. If we don't correct it in 30 days, they will put our mortgage company on notice and threaten to let the coverage lapse. We need to send them proof that a contractor has installed a railing, in the form of an invoice from the contractor.OH GOOD, SOMETHING ELSE I HAVE TO PAY SOMEONE TO FIX.In the one sense we looked at it and wondered why they didn't have a railing up there -- most houses with that kind of design have it, and it looks nice. But on the other hand, it's not something I expected I would have to pay a bunch of money for right now. What's a ballpark estimate on what it's gonna cost to have a wrought iron railing installed up there? I'm certain it will be thousands. Like everything else.:moneypit:

You had an inspector inspect this house before you bought it?? Seems like something that obvious would have been pointed out for sure. That sounds like an easy code violation. No-brainer.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Shouldn't your inspector have told you that?

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

I had the same thing re: railing on my front steps (3 step stoop).

I ignored it. If some ####### fell off my front porch/stoop and sued me, I might have been in trouble.

But, I just ended up changing insurance companies a few years later. They didn't seem to have an issue with it.



A rail on the steps would look really, really bad. :style:

(p and s, I don't think they can yank all coverage. Just coverage if some freak climbs out on your roof and falls and makes a claim).

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

I had the same thing re: railing on my front steps (3 step stoop). I ignored it. If some ####### fell off my front porch/stoop and sued me, I might have been in trouble. But, I just ended up changing insurance companies a few years later. They didn't seem to have an issue with it. A rail on the steps would look really, really bad. :style:(p and s, I don't think they can yank all coverage. Just coverage if some freak climbs out on your roof and falls and makes a claim).

glll with that

 

[Otis]

Shouldn't your inspector have told you that?

Told me what? That my insurance company was a stickler for safety issues? I'm not sure that it's even legally required, it may just be a requirement of my insurance company.

 

[The Commish]

Shouldn't your inspector have told you that?

Told me what? That my insurance company was a stickler for safety issues? I'm not sure that it's even legally required, it may just be a requirement of my insurance company.

You'll have to check local building code, but around here anything 20+ inches off the ground requires a railing.

 

[corpcow]

Shouldn't your inspector have told you that?

Told me what? That my insurance company was a stickler for safety issues? I'm not sure that it's even legally required, it may just be a requirement of my insurance company.

You'll have to check local building code, but around here anything 20+ inches off the ground requires a railing.

Our inspector also "warned" us about a stoop that was too high without a railing. He said "just put some extra mulch there if you want".The insurance company didn't say a word though. That's odd. Even if you have to get it fixed, I would go get different insurance. Demand a refund and don't give them your business. #### that.

 

[DynOmite]

What ever happened to the kitchen remodel?

Put it on hold. Didn't want to spend all that money in one place right now -- too many other things needed help, and it's really all we would have been in a position to do. That's probably two-three years down the road. In the meantime we at least got new appliances in there and it will be painted, and I'm tempted to throw down some cheap vinyl flooring over what's there now, just to get by.I think ultimately when we do the kitchen, which will be serious work, we may also want to build out, so we may wait to do that all at once.

In the meantime, we're spending less money spread over multiple different things and addressing more problems.

Man this landscaping crew is still going at it, 4 hours later...

Out of curiosity, how many landscapers and how much did it run ya?I feel ya on the masonry. We're in Westchester and had two masonry stair cases rebuilt and walkway redone in blue stone and it ran us about $12k. In my opinion, of all the projects we've done since we moved in two years ago it was the second best money we spent after new windows. Nice masonry work outside does so much for curb appeal. Let me know if you want my guy's contact info and/or pics of his work. Not sure if he goes to LI, but he was very good and very well-priced compared to other estimates.

I'd definitely appreciate your guy's number and some pics of his work. $1200 to give the whole property a once-over, including the uprooted and cut down trees and bushes we stacked on the front lawn. He had 5 or 6 guys here initially, 4 later on. They started work at 9 and I think didn't leave until around three. It would have taken me all year to get this work done. Well worth it -- place looks great.

Here's some pics of the bluestone sidewalk (as well as concrete slab sidewalk "pre" picture) and the stairs we had done in Westchester. I just pulled the quote....it was $6100 for the stairs and $4500 for the sidewalk. I have no close-up shots of the stairs. Let me know if you still want his contact info.Masonry Pics

 

[Otis]

What ever happened to the kitchen remodel?

Put it on hold. Didn't want to spend all that money in one place right now -- too many other things needed help, and it's really all we would have been in a position to do. That's probably two-three years down the road. In the meantime we at least got new appliances in there and it will be painted, and I'm tempted to throw down some cheap vinyl flooring over what's there now, just to get by.I think ultimately when we do the kitchen, which will be serious work, we may also want to build out, so we may wait to do that all at once.

In the meantime, we're spending less money spread over multiple different things and addressing more problems.

Man this landscaping crew is still going at it, 4 hours later...

Out of curiosity, how many landscapers and how much did it run ya?I feel ya on the masonry. We're in Westchester and had two masonry stair cases rebuilt and walkway redone in blue stone and it ran us about $12k. In my opinion, of all the projects we've done since we moved in two years ago it was the second best money we spent after new windows. Nice masonry work outside does so much for curb appeal. Let me know if you want my guy's contact info and/or pics of his work. Not sure if he goes to LI, but he was very good and very well-priced compared to other estimates.

I'd definitely appreciate your guy's number and some pics of his work. $1200 to give the whole property a once-over, including the uprooted and cut down trees and bushes we stacked on the front lawn. He had 5 or 6 guys here initially, 4 later on. They started work at 9 and I think didn't leave until around three. It would have taken me all year to get this work done. Well worth it -- place looks great.

Here's some pics of the bluestone sidewalk (as well as concrete slab sidewalk "pre" picture) and the stairs we had done in Westchester. I just pulled the quote....it was $6100 for the stairs and $4500 for the sidewalk. I have no close-up shots of the stairs. Let me know if you still want his contact info.Masonry Pics

Makes a big difference and looks great. But ain't cheap! I have two guys coming Saturday -- if they don't work out I may hit you up for this contact info.

 

[shuke]

PROXY MR. PICKLES

 

[Otis]

PROXY MR. PICKLES

You love werewolf.

 

[Otis]

After weeks of slaving to make this place liveable, it was nice to come home after a long hard day of work to the first day of the painters being here, and this.

They uncovered some real gems, like for example this wallpaper hidden underneath a layer of sheetrock. I mean, if you don't like the wallpaper, why not just throw up a new wall over it?

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Well crap.Got a letter today from the insurance company. They came by for some nonsensical inspection last week. Apparently the flat roof over our den, which has a door leading out to it from the bedroom, either requires a railing around it, or the door from the bedroom needs to be removed. If we don't correct it in 30 days, they will put our mortgage company on notice and threaten to let the coverage lapse. We need to send them proof that a contractor has installed a railing, in the form of an invoice from the contractor.OH GOOD, SOMETHING ELSE I HAVE TO PAY SOMEONE TO FIX.In the one sense we looked at it and wondered why they didn't have a railing up there -- most houses with that kind of design have it, and it looks nice. But on the other hand, it's not something I expected I would have to pay a bunch of money for right now. What's a ballpark estimate on what it's gonna cost to have a wrought iron railing installed up there? I'm certain it will be thousands. Like everything else.:moneypit:

You had an inspector inspect this house before you bought it?? Seems like something that obvious would have been pointed out for sure. That sounds like an easy code violation. No-brainer.

And you should have 30 day window to go back to the seller on a serious violation like this. And your inspector sucked.