CHAPTER FOUR 4
On Saturday, I was heading for the Wendy’s on Harlem. When I passed by that lady’s house,I saw her loading some building material into her car. So I stopped to help her again. When I asked her if I could help, she said “I am trying to remodel three of my bedrooms and these supplies are for the big bedroom on the second floor.” I said, so you are bringing these things in?” I thought you might be clearing out your basement.” No I’m taking them in, do you still want to help? These need to go the second floor in the first bedroom. Let’s take the small items in first, because they are the easiest to take. No one can run off with drywall and large boards.” It took us about an hour to get all the things into the house.
Greg was noticing the condition of the rooms as he was bringing materials for rehabilitation. Deciding to give her advice, he asked,
“Can I look at the room you are trying to remodel? I used to do this for a living. Do you plan to tear out and rebuild? Or are you going to just put in new drywall over the original walls? She said “Since you are an expert, why don’t you look at the rooms and give me your opinion. While you are looking, I am going to make us some coffee. Nancy went down stairs into the kitchen to prepare coffee and cake for her guest. She was hoping she had not made a mistake asking him for help. Greg came down stairs almost directly behind her. Can I sit down at your table, he asked. Yes, please take a chair. I am amazed that you allowed me in your house, today. Well Greg, I remembered that you appreciated respect and trust. So before I get involved with you any further, I wanted to know how you took freedom. Some people, when given an inch, go a full mile without asking for permission.
Greg pulled up a chair, put his elbows on the table and spoke. I have to guess that you are attempting to do this yourself, because it seems cheaper. I could see that this was a subject that fascinated him. His eyes began to shine as he talked to me about the project. I am going to suggest that to eliminate cost; you go with covering the old walls. This does not allow for much insulation, but it will save you both time and money. the floors are in good condition, cover them before you start the work. You may want to cut the old walls now for electrical service. This will allow you to pull the new wires before making the changes for each room. The walls seem to be plaster, not wall board, which means you have slats in the walls. No matter what you decide to do, first you should have a detailed plan of what the rooms will look like when you are finished. Your budget should include some professional help from electricians and plumbers. One of your rooms is next to the bathroom. Pipes may be running through that wall. You will need two or more people to do this quickly and efficiently. Nancy watched him as he spoke to her. Like a child at play, his enthusiasm brought his whole body alive. His hands and arms were waving in air. His voice got louder and his breathing was quickened as he spoke.
Nancy questioned him about his past. “You said, you stopped doing this for a living. Why did you stop?” “I got hurt on the job, and was unable to work for about a year. Now, I am a little out of practice. Oh Yeah, I forgot to mention, permits for all this work will have to gotten before you can start. The inspectors from the city will have to inspect it after it is done. I would be glad to assist you with figuring out a budget for this renovation. Are you interested in having help with this project?”
I am considering asking you for your help. I don’t know too much about the business of rebuilding walls and running new wires for electricity. With your knowledge, maybe I can get this project underway, soon.
“Mrs. Harberson, if you come back upstairs with me I will show you how to plan for the upgrade of a room. Each room has 4 walls. Each wall will require two and a half 4′ x 8′ drywall panels. The ceiling will probably be four panels. Each room should have three electrical outlets. You are going to need screws, joint tape and compound. The tools will include drills, saws and mudding equipment. I could come up with a budget for materials within a week. The only thing you will have to figure is the cost of labor. Let me take some measurements and I will call you back in a week.
As Greg took out his tape measure and began to take down the specifics of each room, Nancy began to wonder. “Is he trying to demand a job out of this conversation? I will wait until the final estimate comes from him.”
After about thirty minutes, Greg said he had everything he needed for now. I will see you in a week, to give you an estimate of what you will need to spend on materials. Have a nice day. Thanks for the coffee.