I need a finish carpenter for a two year project located in Northeast Michigan. Experience in authentic renovations would be helpful.
Also, I’m looking for a carpenter apprentice for same project. I will consider going union if they have a training program available for you.
I’ll probably be looing for all the mechanical subs too if I can’t find someone that I can trust up here.
Google 110 Pearl st, oscoda, MI 48750 on google earth to see the project.
blue
Replies
Hey Blue:
Havn't been on in some time, but remember talking with you in the past. You gave me some good advise on a few subjects building my new home back in Jan of '06.
What is it exactly do you have going on there in Oscoda? School conversion? Are you converting to apartments, condo's I assume? Found google earth. Couldn't figure out how to find the address. Map quested it.
I'm 3 1/2 hours away near Jackson, MI. Experienced remodeler/lots of trim experience/ some authentic restorations and all else involved in the remodeling process/tools/truck/fully insured/ out of work.
Maybe to far for you to consider me. Fuel, lodging,etc., don't know, but know of another guy or two that I could approach.
Maybe I could help.
Let me know.
Mark
Edited 12/11/2006 3:20 am ET by nailer01
Edited 12/11/2006 3:38 am ET by nailer01
Edited 12/11/2006 3:42 am ET by nailer01
Mark, I've got 40000 sq ft of floor space in the school. about 28000 of it is loaded with old hardwood (mostly oak) trim. I'm converting the school into residential condos.
My background is in framing. I haven't spent a lifetime with trim parts and tools in my hands and would like to know that someone that has is in charge of the final trim packages in each of the 20+ units. Some of the units will be full authentic restorations, some will be new milled trim.
If you fire up the Google earth program, and type in the address in the seach box, Google earth will zoom right to the building in Oscoda, MI.
Heres a pic of the project:
blue
That is a loooooong way away from me. Four hours.
When are you looking to get started?
Trim packages are one of the things you mentioned. Framing interior partitions, demo, hanging sheetrock. Door and window installs. Are these other things you want done.
Edited 12/11/2006 6:48 am ET by Stilletto
I'm going to be looking to get everything done. Basically, each condo unit will be it's own piece of art. I'll be looking for artisans to do everything from stripping out unwanted parts of each school room, then rebuild it from frame to finish.
All skill sets are of interest to me. Interestingly, I'll have some very nice accomodations to put people up that might be interested in working on the project. This is a great town for guys like you to bring their wives. The wives can walk around town (this is a resort town) while the guys do their work. I'm sure every family could find something to do for a week or two....after all, families typically pay anywhere from $700 to $2500 a week to hang out!
blue
Sounds interesting, I'll talk to the old lady about it. I may be able to work something out.
When are you looking to get fired up?
It would be a no brainer if it were closer. I like the sound of the project, so I'll definitley consider it.
I don't see any construction starting till the spring. We've got a few hoops to jump through but I think we could be working somewhere onsite in 07.
blue
That sounds fine to me, I start a 1,200 sq. roof on Monday that will take me quite a while.
Post some updates on the status of the project and I'll try to be ready when you are, if the old lady approves.
I'll keep things posted.
blue
Have you had time to go through each room in the school? Some of the old school buildings have a kind of a "walkway" or a very small hallway or passage way buried in the walls between rooms. This was for the plumbing, electrical, etc.Around here, many buildings got "updated" per ADA regulations in the mid and late 1990's.Did your building get any ADA updates? Things like an elevator, wider entry into the bathrooms, easier accessibilty through the front doors, etc.Good luck with your project and I hope you guys make a nice profit.^^^^^^
S N A F U (Situation Normal: All Fouled Up)
Have you had time to go through each room in the school?
Of course. I"m walking through daily, usually with someone of interest. I'm going to start taking pictures of each room.
Some of the old school buildings have a kind of a "walkway" or a very small hallway or passage way buried in the walls between rooms. This was for the plumbing, electrical, etc.
Good call. We have a good supply of chaseways running from the basement all the way out through the roof. They are located in the central portion of the building, bording the main hall that runs from end to end. These chases will make the mechanicals bearable. Some of the chases are large enough that I could build a steel ladder and climb from basement to roof.
Around here, many buildings got "updated" per ADA regulations in the mid and late 1990's.
The only updating was phase I asbestos (abating loose stuff and encapsulating the solid stuff).
Did your building get any ADA updates? Things like an elevator, wider entry into the bathrooms, easier accessibilty through the front doors, etc.
Theres no elevator. We'll be adding one. The doors are all wide because that's how they did them in the 20s!
Good luck with your project and I hope you guys make a nice profit.
Thank you. We will make a nice profit becuase we bought right and will be in control of costs on both side of the equation. If marble foyers are too expensive, we'll deliver vinyl LOL!
I emphazied the words bought right becuase that is AlWAYS the key in real estate deals.
blue
Damn Blue:
You are going to be deluged with posts! What an assume project! Thanks for your reply. Got the pix. Will try again on the Google earth.
Sounds like you are in the planning stages. Feeling the waters. Good call. I'm just blown away by your reply to Stilleto. This is going to be an exciting project!
Please make note and put me on your list for potential help. As far as the trim work, it is sounding to me that I could help, but would not be of the caliber you need to put together reproductions. I would need to see some samples, maybe on the Google search. I do not have the milling equipment, etc. It sounds like to me that you will need to acquire an "old school artisan" that is specifically equipped to handle the reproduction side of it.
With that said, all other skill sets I belive I would qualify for.
Keep us all posted. Way cool!
Mark
What an awesome challenge...great opportunity!
And who is doing the asbestos abatement?!
Gotta be plenty of it in a building that age!
Time to be certified! Lots of $$ to be saved.
........................Iron Helix
And who is doing the asbestos abatement?!
I've already had an abatement contractor walk through. He's an old guy like me and I liked him alot. His budget numbers were less that we had anticiapated but we really cant get a good handle on it till we clear the building out. There are 1200 desks inthe way. I think they will all be gone in mid January.
blue
ps Yes, this is truly an awesome project.
Edited 12/12/2006 10:00 pm ET by blue_eyed_devil
Nailer, this is truly and awesome project. I am actually quite humbled that I have become the person in charge and fully understand that this far exceeds my carpentry capabilities.
I am in the planning and dreaming stages and one of my visions is to see a glorious rescuing of a beautiful old building with some of the restoration features completed by some of the artisans that haunt this site.
As we move forward, I will be posting all aspects of this project on this site and I will be hoping that I can pull together some of the awesome skills that I've seen here. Hopefully I will be able to break the job apart into small enough parts so I can deliver some of the finest homebuilding ever imagined. I'd love to find a space that needed a spiral staircase and purchase one from Stan and have him copter it over and install it, or get some copper done by Sphere or some authentic windows replicated by Jim Blodgett, etc.
If you are truly serious about wanting to participate, drop me an email or call me. I prefer some sort of electronic record. Please keep in mind that we are along way from putting things out from bid and I have a partner to answer too but I'm pretty certain in the large scheme of things, I'm going to be making most of the calls on the subs and workforce.
I had a roofer up on the roof pitching his product to me. It was a very good product. He asked me "Who am I competing with on this project?" I thought about all the guys on Taunton that could deliver a great roof and I replied "Your competing against the whole world." I was serious. He had to hear it twice before he decided that he shouldn't keep pressing the issue.
blue
Blue:
Sounds like you are on top of things and yes, in the immortal words of Clint Eastwood, "A MAN NEEDS TO KNOW HIS LIMITATIONS". So don't be to humbled.
I am serious about participating and will keep an eye on this site to see what is transpiring and contact you if I feel I can be of assistance. Don't want to waste your time. You're going to be busy.
Thanks for your reply and worst case scenario, I will be up to meet you and see the project when you get going. Maybe do some camping!
Regards, Mark
These are some considerations when buying a condo in my area:
1. Heating & A/C (individual units vs one system for the entire building)
2. Garage Parking
3. Amenities (swimming pool, exercise room, walking path, playground equip)
4. Laundry Facilities
5. Allowing for condos to be used as rental properties.
HOA fees, offices, rules, covenants, etc.
Have you guys looked ahead to those issues?^^^^^^
S N A F U (Situation Normal: All Fouled Up)
Yes, we have discussed all those issues and more.
blue
Sounds like a cool project. I hope you're going to do some photo-logs on the progress of this thing.
zak
"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin
"so it goes"
I've already promised to do a photo blog. Taunton has been very kind to me, delivering a wealth of building knowledge so I'll do it in their Photo folder.
blue
How funny is this: I was just thinking of that school today. I just sold my house on Lake Huron in Oscoda and now do my business in Harbor Springs, MI close to Petoskey. I do restoration and remodeling work here. I also have a Kitchen and Bath business in Petoskey. I still have family in Tawas and AuGres. I might be interested in this project. My email is: [email protected] Pager: 231.516.0593. Phone: 231.526.7759. Keep me posted. Best Regards, Dale Buchanan