Thanks, the feedback I have received was helpful. Linda B., San Antonio, TX

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Posted to Joeb by Joe in Oakland, FL on 4/15/2008 11:40:36 AM

As of today, stem wall dug, rebar & dowel placed, concrete poured, stemwall block up. Backfill done, rough plumbing & electric done (awaiting inspection).

Now for the drama: Riddell masonry was supposed to do the masonry job. Well, we agreed to a start date of 3/4/08. I showed up at the land--nobody. Called Riddell several times on his cell phone to no avail. Well, time to go back to the drawing board. Called Jose (roofing guy) to inquire if he had any leads as to a masonry guy; he said give me 15 minutes and I’ll get back to you. In exactly 15 minutes he called back, said, yes I do have someone, he's willing to start 3/7/08 if we agree on price on 3/5/08.

Jose showed up with Jorge the next day, we agreed on figures (which mind you, were better than Riddell's. When God closes one door, He's about to open a better one). And come Friday, he started. Mind you, he drives from Tampa, FL to Wildwood, FL. Nicest guy you'll ever meet, levelheaded and calm. His English is about 50-50 but his daughter is always there if any interpreting is needed. Will post pix later when I have time to figure it out.

Subs Anyone?

Posted to Joeb by Joe in Oakland, FL on 12/12/2007 8:43:25 AM

Hi Lynette in Orlando,

Who did you use for stucco & painting? Are they reliable and price competitive?

If you don't mind, pls. share with other O-Bs

Thanx

Joe B in Oakland

Permit Obtained w/Conditions

Posted to Joeb by Joe in Oakland, FL on 12/1/2007 6:42:17 AM

Got permit from the county; cost $4,085 w/conditions. They require detail on the balcony. I didn't have any hellish moments so far with the county, exact opposite. Permit approved within 2.5 weeks, in fact the permitting office was even giving out candy to all as we waited to be called.

Site has been leveled. Kudos to Mr. Fred (friend of my uncle). He charged $15.00/hr., more reliable than the word itself. Got bid for footer, slab and brickwork for 1st floor -- labor only. (Initial price $36,000, but will be reduced -- thank God for the real estate debacle, now everyone has gotten off their high horses and humility seems to be the key word.)

Labor only on roof (clay tile w/Ohagin vents, Polystick underlayment) estimate: $15,000. Contractor name was given to us by the roofing supplier. I met with the contractor (seems to be a nice guy).

Plumbing and septic, labor only (Tropical plumbing): $20,000. We will supply fixtures, tub, toilet.

HVAC: Still working on it, choices: Precision or Armstrong.

Framers, labor only quotes range from $4.50/sq. ft. to $5/sq. ft.

Suppliers: Florida Rock (concrete & related products - see Dave Anderson, nice guy). Lumber, windows, garage doors, interior doors, soffit/fascia (Cox Lumber in Ocala) see Bonnie -- outstanding service, their prices also beat Home Depot, hands down. They helped with getting all the Florida approval numbers needed prior to submitting for permitting

Roofing supplies - still waiting (ABC, Bradco, or Eagle).

Will post as time goes on.

P.S. IF ANYONE KNOWS OF ANY RELIABLE STUCCO GUY IN THE VILLAGES/OCALA/ORLANDO AREA, LET ME KNOW. WILL BE MUCH APPRECIATED.

Need Help

Posted to Joeb by Joe in Oakland, FL on 6/5/2007

Hi to all O-Bs,

New to the site, been following Cara's progress. Congratulations are in order. We are planning on building in Sumter County in Florida and need to pick the brains of the pro's, so to speak.

Can anyone pls. respond by posting:

Need product approval #'s (basically, I believe drywall is the same anywhere you go, house wrap (Tyvek), windows (I believe someone used a company called Solar-Tite, we are leaning towards them).

As per plumbing, who does the drawing that has to be submitted with one's plan for permitting?

Also, the energy efficiency code with Form J, what is that all about, and who does all those calculations they have on that form?

Who's cheaper when it comes to buying lumber (2x4, OSB, 2x6, etc.) Is there a mill close by Ocala or is Home Depot the only way to go?

Any info will be appreciated, thanks in advance.

Joe B