This is the front porch getting a makeover. The client (my mom) thought it looked too plain, and wondered if I could dress it up some.
(this thread was begun in a different folder, but has been moved, since it belongs in the photo Gallery folder)
“…craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit.” – P. Korn
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The porch was cracked in the Northridge earthquake some years back, but appeared to be stable, i.e., not moving anymore.
View Image
"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
The client wanted the crack "fixed", and the porch raised 2". The step-up into the house is about 4", and she wanted that amount reduced. 2" was the max. we could go without raising the security door, which I wanted to do, but she didn't.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
I started by glueing down a "slip-sheet" - or isolation barrier - of heavy felt, using outdoor carpet glue.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
My plan was to raise the outside edge about 2", which would still leave 1 1/2" drop over 5', and to shorten the run of the steps so that the rise (5 1/2") plus the run (new dimension 12 1/2") would total 18". My mom is short, and said she had a hard time negotiating the steps when going down.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
I wrapped the side with expanded metal lath, attached with shot pins with washers. When I troweled the lath with cement, it created a form for the edge of the porch, to hold the cement on top, which tapered down to nothing at the house side.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Once the forms were in place for the steps, then I wrapped the rest of the porch with expanded metal lath, and troweled it with cement.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
It took a lot of work and about 500 lbs. of sack cement, but I finally had a base to begin applying my surface to. You can see that the security door is still 2" high, since I tapered the cement down to nothing on that end.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
I've begun prepping for the new walkway also. There are 6 sprinkler heads in the area I've dug up, that have to be moved. Figures.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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My mom picked out these pavers, which are 1 3/4" thick. With thinset, they raise the level the desired 2".View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
All the cuts were made with this tile saw. I inherited this a few years back when a tilesetter bought a new one in mid-job, and abandoned this one on my jobsite. I kept telling him to get it out of there, and he kept smiling and saying "no hablo ingles". Finally we had to clear everything out at the end of the job, and I took it home. I had never used it, since I've never done tile or brick before, but I let one of my workers use it to do tile on a small kitchen remodel about a year ago.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
I picked these faux stone pavers for the side and risers, because I wanted a contrast with the red brick. These are heavy concrete pavers, and in retrospect I wish I had used cultured stone, which is much lighter and, I suspect, easier to work with.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
The "stone" was grouted on the risers, but left ungrouted on the side of the porch.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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I found some 8" x 16" brick pavers, which I cut in half lengthwise to trim the edges.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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Once the porch was completed, I sealed the red brick pavers with an exterior stone varnish that I had left over from a previous job. Then I installed a railing with a handrail that a client gave me when he cleaned out his garage, and some balusters that my wife bought at a yardsale, and which have been in my garage rafters forever. I had exactly enough of each, to do this job.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Next I began making some decorative corble brackets, out of 2x6.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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I dressed them up, and reinforced them, with 1/2" exterior grade plywood gussets.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
I glued and coated them with several coats of boat resin, for weather protection. I think I got a bad batch, the first coat wouldn't set up at all. I finally mixed another batch with a massive overdose of catalyst, and it kicked off the first coat.View Image
"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Edited 4/13/2009 12:18 am by Huck
I want to do that same ofset double cloudlift on some joist for a pergola. But I want to stain it so I can't use the plywood and epoxy. Might try layers of cedar and put a metal cap over the top to make sure that water does get down between the layers.I made a mantel support with the could offset cloudlifts. The center is 2 piece of 3/4" cherry with a center layer of 1/4" bloodwood.And the offset layer is 3/4" plus 1/4" bloodwood..
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
I want to do that same ofset double cloudlift on some joist for a pergola. But I want to stain it so I can't use the plywood and epoxy.
Au contraire, I would use finish grade plywood, stain them, then coat with several coats of marine resin. I've seen wood boats, canoes, and oars finished that way - its beautiful!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Yes, it can be really nice. My neighbor built a 8 ft rowing/sailing dinghy like at.That might work for just corbels as accent pieces. But for a cedar pergola which all of the post and joist and cross pieces I don't think that it would look right..
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
Sounds neat. Hope you can post some pics!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
This is the mantel that I did.http://forums.taunton.com/n/docs/docDownload.aspx?guid=27E5CD8C-DFDC-4C93-8AD4-B96F166588C4&webtag=tp-breaktimeOf course the pergalo won't be that fancy..
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
very nice! shades of Greene and Greene"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Nice job Huck. Love the newels.
Thanks for another cool photo thread. Good to see mom in the pics, too. That really brings it home.
Never seen the pre-mix plant give out a mini mixer either, that's kind of fun!
k
Patched the grass back, finished the paint touchups, finally finito complete-o View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Great makeover! You took a porch that looked like an afterthought not only made it look like part of the house, but also made it good-looking. Kudos.
Too bad about the handrail running past the window, but function over form when it comes to safety.
Very nice project and great documentation.
Can you post the "before" picture down here so we don't have to go back to the first post?
It would be fun to see the before and after side by side.
Like this?
View ImageView Image
No one should regard themselve as "God's gift to man." But rather a mere man whos gifts are from God.
Well done! Thank you!
Cardiac Paul done a nice job on that!
Here's anotherView Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Huck, nice job on your project, made for a great one to follow.
Best picture was the one of your Mothers smile, You should have posted pics of the criticizing relatives, LOL.
Keep up the good work & best to you.
Paul No one should regard themselve as "God's gift to man." But rather a mere man whos gifts are from God.
What did you do with the box? Paint some flowers on it?
Maybe your next job for your mom will be making her flower bed a little more curvey and put on some plantings that could hide the sprinkler stuff without the box.
It's still a great project tho!
(Aren't mom's great? Is she feeding you well?)
she painted the flowers
she wants me to re-do the flower bed bricks
I haven't had to eat one meal out since I started the project (I do have to sneak out for a REAL coffee once in awhile, 'tho - that decaf stuff she brews up tastes like mudwater - but I'd never tell her that!)"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
You're a good son!
The box is what I liked least about your porch project from the beginning. It caught my eye, but it's cute that your mom painted flowers on it to help it blend in! Still, I hope you widen the flower bed and perhaps, plant some shrubs to cover up the sprinkler thingys and get rid of the box, if you can. (Please don't tell Mom I said that! I may be hungry later.)
Also, if it were my yard, I would have lined the front walk with flowers...just saying...
Neat project though!
What did your brother say?
warning: this post probably contains more information than you really wanted to know!
Yeah, that box is not a favorite of mine, and Mom isn't crazy about it either. I think my sister put it there when she lived in the house for several years. So Mom painted flowers on it. She originally wanted flowers lining the walkway, but said she just didn't have the strength to maintain any more flower beds.
So we're in complete agreement!
My brother, typical of him, said nothing when it was finished. Compliments do not come easy for him. In fact, growing up, we kids almost never heard compliments. If I got straight A's, Mom would say nothing. I confronted her about it once, and she just said "I expect that from you, why should I compliment you?". I had to make sure to really work on being demonstrative with my daughter.
My mom has gotten better about it with age, but her dad was an abusive alcoholic, and her mom died when she was young, so she didn't have much of a role model for her parenting skills. She told me that the week after her mom died, her dad threw all her dolls and toys out, and told her "the good times are over". And he lived up to that. He used to beat her, until her grampa (his dad) threatened him at gunpoint not to touch her anymore. Still, she did the best she could. My dad died of cancer when I was just 8, and Mom had a hard time raising my sister and I on her own. My two older brothers were already pretty much out of the house by then.
But my oldest brother and I have never had a great relationship. We're on good terms now, but not close. Sometimes I think he criticizes because its all he knows how to say, and he thinks it will make me respect him.
He has a house in Oregon, but he's remodeling his own place, an investment property he owns nearby my Mom's place in L.A. His work is good, he's always been a talented D.I.Y. at everything he does (builds these awesome radio control model planes, tunes up his own car, etc.), but nonetheless, his work is not on a professional level. I think there may be a little of that sibling rivalry stuff going on. Mom denies it, but all us kids know - he's always been the favorite.
The complicated baggage that comes with working for family!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Oh, I know the complicated family baggage part, for sure. Not sure if you recall that I have a genuis archy brother of my own... Don't get me wrong, he's smart and all that, for sure (LEED Platinum Awards), but sometimes I think his common sense fails him.
For instance: When my mom bought her new house, she needed a studio space. He thought it would be best to make it in half of her garage, turning it into a one car garage. Well, this is a pretty nice neighborhood, with no one-car garages. Go figure, bad idea.
Thankfully, I talked her into building a separate structure. She had the room to build it, due to RV parking on one side. Anyway, she LOVES her studio. I sent you some pics earlier.
Been in his shadow for a long time. For some reason, she always thinks he's smarter than I am.
(BTW, met my DH as her GC. It was love at first sight. Worked for him as a carpenter, then we worked it out...)
Well, enough detracking from your thread....
Darkaluke!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
I know what you go through. Two months ago a brother asks for help putting in a counter top. I go over, cut it, scribe it, fasten it in and do the plumbing for the sink and DW. This is the first time he ever asked for help, though I offered many times. While there I see he has boxes of laminate flooring. I know not to offer the help lay it, but I do, but I also offer to drop off my saws and nail guns if he wants to do it himself. He says he'll come by in a few weeks as he's not going to get to it soon. Last week my wife drops off something at his house and snaps pictures with her camera phone for me. He laid the floor himself alright and cut all the pieces with a handsaw - she could see the cuts by the wall. He also installed quarter round but not base molding! All mitered by hand and nailed with paneling nails. The gaps, he explained to my wife, were "for expansion."Probably spent two days to lay 160 sqft of floor because he did not want to ask his little brother.
That's classic. My brother did his own cabinets and tile. The tile wasn't bad. The cabinets are overpriced big box specials, and he nailed the crown molding flat to the cabinets!!! I didn't say a word, just told him his tile looks good. Then he showed me some roof framing he did - hoo boy, I won't even go into that. All he had to do was ask - I've been doing this for a living for 30 years, I might have something informative to say! Ya think?"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Much better! Looks good against the lightgreen trim.
Forrest
Looks good against the lightgreen trim.
Thanks. I think the color scheme is a little sterile, but I have tread carefully, since its my mom's house. She doesn't let me just go in and do whatever I want. I'm pushing the limits on the stuff I'm doing here! Oh yeah, and my big brother comes by every few days, and critiques my work. Like a termite, looking for a weak spot.
He let me know that the first step is too high. I told him that was a given, when we decided to raise the porch up 2". He couldn't see the connection. I said it'll be corrected when I pour the walkway. Big brothers, ...sheesh. "...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Edited 4/12/2009 11:22 pm by Huck
$22 a quart, at the local boat store.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
View Image
"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Edited 4/12/2009 12:08 pm by Huck
So maybe I can generate some more work in the neighborhood - I got these signs made up. A few neighbors have asked me to give them a bid on some work, but nothing that looks genuine yet. One lady (a veterinary doctor) said I could do the same thing for her porch, if I could keep it under a thousand dollars. Heeheehee, yeah, right. I told her the materials alone would just about demolish that budget - her porch is almost twice the size.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Looks great, Huck. I love those small projects where you invest a ton of mental energy in each section. Very nice work.
I'm looking forward to more shots, like the new roof (or maybe trellis?) the corbels will support.
Anyway to get a little curve action into the walkway leading up to the steps?
I love those small projects where you invest a ton of mental energy in each section
Wow, someone who understands what it takes to do these "little" projects! Why is it the clients never understand? I like your idea about the curved walkway, but having a hard time visualizing the best approach. Any photos to share?"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Nice job Huck. I remember when you first posted about the project a few months ago. Came out nice!
Hope ya got paid COD!!
Runnerguy
Hope ya got paid COD!!
That's funny. I went back and forth on the pricing - she is my mom, after all. Finally I decided I'd just do it, and let the chips fall where they may. But the penny jar is getting mighty low! Sure enough, Mom came through with enough dough to keep me afloat another week or two - Thanks Mom!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
The handrail gets let in to the guard rail...View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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...and to the post.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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This one was a little trickier!View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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I added some old round cabinet pulls for decorative effect, and painted everything white from a rattle can (left over from my truck paintjob).View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Since this job is so far from home, I'm using a lot of my secondary backup tools, and keeping my regular jobsite tools handy should I pick up a job on my home court (wishful thinking!). I had this saw and stand in the original box for a couple of years - it was a freebie from a Lowes promotion. First time I've ever used a miter saw stand - its pretty handy.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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My mom could not figure out what these are for, and it drove her crazy that I wouldn't tell her!View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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The handrails have a coat of boat resin also.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
The red putty isn't really the best for this application, but its what I had in the truck, and it'll do. Its the hard stuff that's used on metal. Forms a skin as it dries.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
I really wanted to get a coat of primer on everything before I left, but ran out of day. Where does it go? My mom can't get over how much labor is involved in a small porch remodel!View Image
"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Edited 4/13/2009 12:07 am by Huck
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Hey, nice job! =)
I gotta admit I was skeptical on the firs few photos, with the metal lath and mortar, having seen so many hack jobs that started that way. I bet your mom is really happy with it.
Now... if you have a hard time collecting upon completion, I have a lawyer friend..
hehehe.. just kidding. ~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com
I was skeptical on the firs few photos, with the metal lath and mortar, having seen so many hack jobs that started that way
LOL, well, I'm a novice at this tile/paver stuff, it was a learning experience for sure, hopefully it's not a complete hack job! "...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Definately not a hack job. What I've seen is where they try to make it look like new concrete, except all the edges have about a 2" radius, it's all unlevel and then they try to blend it in with a stiff brush before it sets up too much.
What you did there is a work to be proud of. I also like that you added the safety rail. It really looked incomplete without it. ~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netMeet me at House & Builder!
Thank you. What I regret on this is that I used thinset instead of mortar. With the heavy pavers on thinset, there is very little room for adjustment, and they don't stay where you want anyway. So there are a few small irregularities in the surface that bugged me. Next time I'd use mortar, mixed real thick. Hopefully it'd give me a little more control for adjustments.
Also, I left a big grout line against the wall. Don't know why, and I don't like the look of it. Wish I'd have cut them tighter to the wall, especially the edge pieces. And I didn't mask the wall before grouting, but I'm probably gonna have to paint it anyway.
"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
I posted before I saw the rest of the photos of the hand rail system. It's even nicer than I thought.
About the thinset, grout lines, etc.. It's good to get the trial & Errors out of the way on a "Home" job (Mom's home, but you know what I mean), rather than on a contracted job. Whenever I do something new to me, I try and find a way to practice before tackling it on the job. And I usually end up glad I did! =)
By the way, I took a look at your website. That's a really nice layout you did. I especially like the personal touch you put into it. If I was the average Souther California homeowner and needed a room addition, you'd be the one I'd call.~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netMeet me at House & Builder!
Great improvement!
IMO, the security door and the wood door should be painted accent colors, and the posts and railing as well. That will really seal the deal.
Edited 4/12/2009 12:08 pm ET by msm-s
the security door and the wood door should be painted accent colors, and the posts and railing as well.
I'll try. I have to tread carefully around Mom, esp. with Big Brother playing the watchdog!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Thanks for sharing all of this, it looks great.I have a question for you (or Ted W., he had some comments on this)Would you have been comfortable leaving the concrete base as is? (without adding your stone on top)I have a concrete porch thats pretty much dead level. The front corner of it is exposed and anything more than a small shower causes water to start coming back towards the house. I don't think its unstable, and I don't really want to have it jackhammered out. Seeing that you did that with sackcrete made me wonder if its something I should consider.
I think a passable job could be done with the mortar cement alone, but never as good a finish as a real pour. And the really hard part is tapering it down to nothing. Could you tile over it with something thinner than the pavers I used?"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
I have thought about that. If I did do that I'd probably want to do likewise to the couple of steps and sidewalk leading up to it. Then it gets a little more expensive. Mostly for now I'm just looking to make sure water sheds properly. I've also considered scoring a decorative border into it, that would be sloped towards the edge. Not sure how tricky this would be.
Great job on the project and photos, I always enjoy looking at your work and get lots of ideas. I'm especially impressed with the high quality of your finish carpentry and millwork fabrication , usually a gc who does tile/structural/paint/etc.. doesn't have that level of finish and detail in the finish work. Looking forward to watching and learning from your future projects.
thank you!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
My mom had saved this cut-out for the sink when they installed her formica countertop. Came in handy as a router table!View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
probably not osha approved, but that sucker is on there tight!View Image
"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Edited 4/18/2009 1:09 am by Huck
roundover bit for the arbor raftersView Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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At least one neighbor has told me that they thought this had always been there - which I consider a compliment.View Image
"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Edited 4/18/2009 1:15 am by Huck
spent half a day digging up the lawn some more, eliminating two sprinklers, and moving the other four.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
getting ready for concreteView Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
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This was a new one for me: the u-cart concrete comes in a little cement mixer.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Love their system for sealing the mixer cap!View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Here's a guy I've known since I was 4 years old, my best friend growing up, we're one month apart in age. He still lives down the street from my Mom, in the house he grew up in. His dad was a big L.A. public works contractor, and when his dad died, he left my buddy a lot of property. So he's basically a pretty wealthy property owner, spends his time surfing, restoring yachts, making surfboards, and managing his property. But he spent pretty much all day working for free, helping me out. My mom bought him lunch. Cool guy.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
I ordered 3/4 yard, and I'm pretty sure they gave me a full yard. Had a bunch of extra concrete. I'll be putting a little bit in Mom's trash for a long time to come. My buddy took quite a bit and put it in the mini roll-off on one of his commercial rental properties.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
The color is a powder you trowel in after the concrete is placed. They gave me the sales pitch when I bought my concrete, so I gave it a try. They call it a "color hardener". Color seems more intense than the mix-in pigments. But they don't recommend using a metal trowel, just a wood trowel.View Image
"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Edited 4/18/2009 1:54 am by Huck
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Everyone in my family complained to my mom that the bottom step was too high, and was "dangerous". I said that's why I put orange cones up. "watch your step". Sheesh. It all got fixed when I poured the walkway. Family. Why is it they have the least confidence in me of anyone? Do others go through this?View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Mom's real happy with her new porch now that its almost finished. She'll be 92 in July. I'm glad I could do this for her, and she did grease my palm just a tad, which is always appreciated in these slow times!View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
So next week I'll try to get down there and put the grass back, and do a few paint touch-ups, and start gathering my junk, er, tools and leftover materials. Now Mom wants crown molding in the living/dining room, and master bedroom.View Image"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Very nice job Huck,
Seeing your Mom with that smile on her face made me feel good.
Thanks for posting, I enjoyed reading it.
Paul
No one should regard themselve as "God's gift to man." But rather a mere man whos gifts are from God.
Huck,Nicely done! Fun to see your friend and mom in the thread, too.What's the flowering shrub on the far side of this photo?Best,
Steve'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
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That's some great detailing you've done. Of course, I'm stealing some of those ideas .
Where's the trim applique on the main porch posts to match the newels?
Are you going to border the poured walkway with a contrasting material, like brick or the stone on the porch and steps?
That's some great detailing you've done. Of course, I'm stealing some of those ideas
well, that's how I get my ideas! (see attached)
Where's the trim applique on the main porch posts to match the newels?
nada. nichts. zip. zilch. - and don't be talking to my mom, giving her ideas, either.
Are you going to border the poured walkway with a contrasting material, like brick or the stone on the porch and steps?
Nope. I just dug up the extra to move the sprinklers. The grass is going back!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
The work is all wonderful, as it always is, but my guess is the best part for your mom is having you there doing it.
God bless.
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"A stripe is just as real as a dadgummed flower."
Gene Davis 1920-1985
my guess is the best part for your mom is having you there doing it
Yep, it was kinda hard for her to see it ending. I told her to get me some more work from the neighbors! Next week I might have a fence repair job for one of 'em. If my price wasn't too high!
And another one wants a bid on a huge kitchen remodel - but she's got a reputation as a real shyster who eats contractors for lunch, chew them up and spits them out without paying her bills. So I may take a pass on that one!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
No need to take a pass on this lady, unless you've already witnessed her in action. Perhaps she's just an opportunity waiting for the right person.I remember working at a pool that was notoriously difficult, thanks to a gang of fussy old ladies. They'd call the office all the time to complain about things legitimate and trivial. Like kids splashing their hairdos and leaves in the pool. (in a neighborhood ringed by mature oaks)Figured out how to make them happy. I showed up early to make sure the place was spotless each day. They used to prowl around the lot until the opening hour and I let them in 45 mins early. The ladies got to swim and sun without any of those pesky kids running loose, and got to see all the effort it took in making their summer palace shine.By the end of the summer I was rewarded with dates with their granddaughters and smuggled bottles of wine out of their husbands' cellars. They still called the office, but now it was to make sure I was coming back for the next year.So if you've seen this lady behaving in a way that's going to cause you grief, keep walking. But if she's just got a reputation as being prickly, perhaps she just needs to pair up with a craftsman that's going to make her smile.Hope you wind up with a couple of projects in your mom's neighborhood. I really enjoy seeing your photo essays.Best,
Steve'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
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Is that diamond pattern that I see in some of post from the incising that they use for PT DF?East of the Rockies, they use SYP as the material of choice and does not need the incising..
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
Yes. Mom complained about them, but they were already in place, and there are limits to how much labor and detail I could allot for this project! Complain all you want, Mom, I ain't gonna change 'em! God bless her, 'tho, she is one sweet little old lady!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
Have you read my signature line?
I have been building my mom a deck and small arbor and a retaining wall this week.
But with her if I put something down for a minute it is "why are you doing it like that" she drives me crazy but she has a good design eye and her house has been a total restore job that has filled in alot of my gaps for the last year or so.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
if I put something down for a minute it is "why are you doing it like that" she drives me crazy
thanks for sharing that - misery loves company! =)"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
CaliforniaRemodelingContractor.com
My only comment (other than you did a great job<G>).
That "arbor" now needs some kind of flowering vine as a finishing touch. What state does your mother live in?
And my mother drove me crazy too. Which is why us kids ripped out all the oil slick tile, shiny silver wallpaper and original builders sink & toilet while she was out of the country.
After she came back and saw the bathroom, she about had a heart attack. BUT it forced Mother to actually make a decision instead of "it's still ok, let's just leave it". She loves it now and (highest compliment), "I like the design look you came up with. I'll trust your judgement for the next time".
'Course the next time will only happen if I get unemployed again... This stuff takes TIME.
Woodchuck. It's what's for dinner.