Turning point, part 2
continued from part 1…
Just when we thought the decision had been made to burn the house, we find someone who wants to save it. That’s really what we wanted all along, but no one was interested in helping us pull it off. Now it appears we’ve found a builder with just the right mix of experience and workmanship.
Good news, bad news
After drafting lists of questions, scheduling several meetings, and hours of discussions among ourselves and with family, we agree to hire the builder. There are no contracts or documents of any kind. In fact, the agreement is made a lot like how business was done in Texas years ago: a handshake seals the deal, with smiles all around. That’s the good news.
The reality here is that people with trade skills stay very busy, not only because they’re in demand, but due to the short season for getting outdoor work done. The town roads up here don’t open for heavy commercial vehicles until May and the weather starts getting colder by October. With only five or six months of prime outdoor work time, the competition is formidable for skilled labor of almost any kind. Accordingly, many working in the trades charge higher rates during these months of peak demand.
Our chosen builder is already working on a long-term project. He invited us to see it when we were in decision-making mode. He hopes to have that job finished early next year, so he won’t be able to help us until 2019. That’s the bad news.
But we’ve identified a builder (and are SO relieved about that) and, besides, there’s still lots to be done: tree removal, septic and outhouse repairs, running water, finding a place to live, and burning saving the little farmhouse.
