Since our GC didn’t dig the basement deep enough we have had to go with an alternative for our joist system/floor system to get us closer to the originally planned ceiling height throughout the basement. Being such there is a lot of nice joist material sitting on our property which we’ve been told will be trashed. I hate that, seems like such a waste. So, I asked our GC, Architect and Structural Engineer to see if they can find a way to utilize that material somewhere. I’m hoping that they’ll find a way to use them, seems as if it would be a win – win for everyone. We’ll see.
Author Archives: morningsiderenovation
There He Is
He responds, our GC let us know that the footings will be poured on Monday, foundation walls on Tuesday, plumber will be there on Wednesday and the slab will be poured on Thursday. He has no idea on when they will drill to make sure that they poured the necessary grade beams. Isn’t this pretty close to the same schedule as last week? I just looked, it is – seriously? What kind of Mickey Mouse crap is this? Aaauugh, I hate this feeling of being trapped and under the mercy of someone who we feel doesn’t even care, but we basically have no choice as he has our money and he’s told us that he doesn’t have the money to refund the difference. Also, I’m really getting a very strong feeling that our GC and his concrete sub are doing everything they can to delay drilling for the grade beams, maybe they know that they didn’t include them when they poured the slab.
Happy 4th of July!!!
Our nation’s birthday, one of my favorite days; fireworks, family, kids laughing and playing, flags flying, great food and in the company of good friends. Not this year though. Our plans to host a July 4th party at our new house were of course canceled being that we’re no further along than shortly after we bought it 7+ months ago. It certainly seemed possible when we were told in January that we would be in our new house in May but here we are putting on our happy faces and trying to make the best of it for our boys while basically feeling as if we’re being held hostage by our GC that rarely calls us back or returns emails. Outside of today and this past weekend (although other contractors work on the weekend), we’ve gone 3 days without anyone working on our house and there are absolutely no holdups on our end.
On top of that, my heart is breaking for Julie. Forget the 4th, this house was something that she was so looking forward to eventually turning into our home, however every day seems to bring another disappointment. What do I do? How can I properly correct everything? I can’t afford to replace our GC as the cost of removing all of his “improvements” and beginning again isn’t financially feasible? Pray, think, research. It seems as if that’s all that I ever do. I swear I feel as if I’m going crazy and I’m growing resentful for the time and energy that I’m expending on it which should be spent with my family.
Let’s Keep It Going
Our Structural Engineer has been trying to reach our GC for 5 days to find out when they will pour the remainder of the form walls, core the drainage holes, drill (check) the slab for grade beams – still hasn’t been done, and pour the remainder of the slab. A simple returned call, email or text would be appreciated.
(I did receive my Realtime Landscaping Plus 2012 software today and can’t wait to install it!! Ok, a little premature in the process but I’m looking forward to trying to design the play area in the back for the boys as well as exploring the possibilities for the front yard.)
Another Delay, Trying to Have Patience
Our GC informed our Structural Engineer that it will be Monday before they start back on the project – nothing like letting 2 great days of weather pass by without taking advantage of them. They’re suppose to do the rest of the underpinning on Monday, then move the incorrectly placed plumbing. He did say that they will be in touch about drilling for the grade beams on Monday – curious as to what they will find. Does anyone want to place a bet?
Ok, Seems as if We’re Moving Forward
The form walls were poured today and our GC says that they will pour the new carport slab when they re-pour the portions of the basement slab. I’m not holding my breath but that sounds good to me.
The Punches Keep Coming
After inspecting our new slab the Structural Engineer we hired feels pretty confident that the slab doesn’t have the necessary grade beams which were in the plans. How is this missed? My opinion, lack of supervision and possibly cutting corners. Question, what is to support the fireplace on the above floor? I think I know the answer, nothing. Glad that I caught it now instead of 5-10 years from now. And… the recently RE-POURED walls for the carport, well they’re actually foundation walls and not retaining walls. Meaning that our Structural Engineer will need to redesign our carport/deck plan – thanks Mr. Architect, great job. Oh, and I forgot to mention, the walls aren’t deep enough which means that we will need to redesign the plan since our GC has stated that he won’t dig it up. Totally doesn’t make sense with his stance, he screwed up so wouldn’t one think that he should replace it. Please make this stop, please!!!
Footings Poured
The footings which will eventually be part of the foundation wall system to connect the existing house with the expansion were poured today. Yes!!!! 
Our Structural Engineer says they look great, however you would think that after all of the other previous bad pours and mistakes our GC would have been there to at least supervise. Nope, once again he left it to his subs. It is no wonder why we have had so many issues.
At least Max enjoyed seeing the cement truck, he was even able to press a button to extend the boom – what simple things that can make a 3 year olds day. At least he’s loving all of this and thankfully he’s too unaware of the sh!t storm his mom and I’ve been through with our GC throughout this whole process.
Being positive, while I’m still highly frustrated, at least we’re finally taking a step forward. Next up, foundation walls and then the slabs!!
Morningside Renovation 