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Wow...It's been nearly two years since we started the process of building our new shop.
I told everyone here I would keep a running account of the entire process...however as we got into it and the dream became a nightmare I elected not to post it as it happened...I have however keept a picture diary of sorts and will post it here soon.
I don't want this post to get too long so I'll just tell you all that the property purchase and insuing project included a divorce...a suicide...probate...incompetant realtors...officious city zoning officers... an inatentative architect...a self indulging ex city engineer...way too much red tape...enough flakey sub contractor bids to fill a cereal bowl and last but not least one very good contractor theat was willing to refer us to some of his subs thaat have brought us to this point.
We finished sheathing the building on tuesday and today the overhead doors were installed...this evening we "locked" the shop with keys for the first time...What a relief!
Tomorrow we pour the concrete floor then the exterior drives and walks then the framers and rockers come in... followed by the electrician...the HVAC guy and the plumber...
With a little work we will be moving in by August 1, 2002.
Wish us luck!
When this is all over I will sit down an record everything that has transpired...I'm afraid if I had done a running commentary...you would all be thinking I'm the most negative whiner ever to hit this board...be thankful I didn't put us all through that.
[ June 27, 2002, 10:41 PM: Message edited by: Monte Jumper ]
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
For what its worth... They say "good things come to those who wait"
Well if thats the case, then this place will be awesome when its finally completed and everyone else will be jealous. Now if only you could get the place to do the work for you so you could go fishing or something. Ill bet you need to take a nice vacation before you have a grand opening.
Good luck with the new Shop!
-------------------- Harris Kohen K-Man Pinstriping and Graphix Trenton, NJ "Showing the world that even I can strategically place the pigment where its got to go." Posts: 1739 | From: Trenton, NJ, USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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So glad you two are finally at the point where things are tangible and not just the dream. How many mornings will you and Pat be involved in conversation on the way to work and head for the old shop in stead of the new? Hope y'all enjoy it and have great success in the new location.
-------------------- Kathy Joiner River Road Graphics 41628 River Road Ponchatoula, La.70454
Old enough to know better...Too young to resist. Posts: 1891 | From: Ponchatoula, LA | Registered: Nov 2000
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OK Monte! Finally, light at the end of the tunnel! A good friend of mine built a new shop several years ago, (w/10% of the hassels you had), and it is now a model of efficiency and profit! I'm sure yours will be as well! Congrats! So when is your Meet? heheheheheh!
Joe, "Makin Chips and Havin Fun!" On Mars!
-------------------- Joe Cieslowski Connecticut Woodcarvers Gallery P.O.Box 368 East Canaan CT 06024 jcieslowski@snet.net 860-824-0883 Posts: 2345 | From: East Canaan CT 06024 | Registered: Nov 2001
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AW Joe (C.) cut him some slack, he may wanna fall over and take a nap when it's built, poor guy's been goin 24/7 for-like-ever.
We understand about the frustrations Monte, and yes, thanks for not lettin it get the best of you. You could always write a book about what to avoid, whilst undertaking building your own shop, LOL. I admire your commitment to your craft and I pray for you, much success!
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Monte, I'd love to be the first one to spill paint on your new shop floor!
-------------------- John Arnott El Cajon CA 619 596-9989 signgraphics1@aol.com http://www.signgraphics1.com Posts: 1443 | From: El Cajon CA usa | Registered: Dec 1998
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Hey Monte. Remember back when you first broke ground for this project, and you got an Indian Shaman in to bless the land? Is there any chance that he got his prayers mixed up somehow, and said the wrong one???
If he said it in his native tongue, how would you know?
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2689 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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Monte, We have also toyed with the idea of building a shop but so many people that have done this have said that it is such a nightmare. Frankly, I don't think I have the ability to survive such an ordeal. In your opinion, what would you have done differently to avoid so many of the problems. There are people in our area who call themselves "Construction Management Consultants" and they act as a middleman between you and the contractors. Their job, as I understand it, is to look out for your best interests. I wonder how effective they are. Thanks.
-------------------- Jean Shimp Shimp Sign & Design Co. Jacksonville Beach, Fl Posts: 1285 | From: Jacksonville Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I'm not sure I would go that route...but I would recommend finding a good contractor that will do a turn key project (in other words a General Contractor) They will charge an additional 5 to 10 percent but I think (now) that it would be worth it.
We have gotten thru this by developing by a thick skin and not letting the little stuff get to us...putting our heads down and working thru the "big stuff" and ignoring the rest... (the little voodoo dolls of the city building inspectors helped more than anything).
The best advise I can offer here is "Don't be afraid...but for god sakes be careful"
It's kinda like a first date...it's really frightening going in but the kiss at the front door later makes you forget the jitters at the beginning.
Keep in mind of course that we're not finished yet and my whole opinion could take a mood swing here any day.
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
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