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Never BIG enough: Shop addition

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Hounddog

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Nov 3, 2013
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NW Florida
I've been contemplating shutting down this thread and transitioning to a more project oriented workshop thread that will begin to chronical all the projects that I get into. I've become tired of the title "Never BIG Enough: Garage Addition" really??? I can't believe I put that down 2 years ago when I started this last build. Oh well... My wife has recently informed me that the shop is OFICIALLY BIG ENOUGH...so there's that, guess I'm done.

I do feel as if I need to mention a few key lessons learned during this build for the sake of closure.

Lessons Learned:
1. When hiring someone, know who will actually be doing the work; It's not always the older, distinguished craftsman...it's sometimes the parolee adorned in tats that he's paying $12 an hour that actually is installing your shingles.
2. A contractor with a great reputation can screw you just as quick as anyone else. (this really goes for people in general, contractor or not) Inspect the work, you may have to educate yourself to know what your looking for.
3. Good + free help is hard to find...make sure they know their appreciated!
4. Make sure your garage door thresholds are engineered to prevent water seepage under them... This is what actually got this project going. But I do love the addition...can't imagine the shop without it.
5. While not typical in my area... I'm thinking that a general contract should be used to nail down the specifics of a job and too better socialize quality expectations. Again, they are seldom used around here BUT they need to be. I'd probably draft up something in the future but would need to officiate it notarize or ???

Thanks to everyone that visited and participated in the thread. It's the collaboration of all us Garage Addicts that makes Garage Journal one helluva forum!
 

gnpenning

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I have more questions than answers.
Good point's for lessons learned.
I would add getting insurance information up front.
Signed lien release when giving payment

Very few people do all the work themselves, you need to expect labour's and sub contractors. Especially with electrical and hvac. Many areas the roofers and drywallers may not even speak English
 
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Hounddog

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Nov 3, 2013
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NW Florida
gnpenning:
Your points are good ones and I had to do a lein release with the initial concrete sub (that guy just didn't work out) Probably should have done the rest..but it was all good with the other guys.
And as far as the guy not doing the work.. I do understand that occurs. I was talking specifically to my roofing team....The ol man I hired stayed on the ground and the two on the roof, well....moving on.
Thanks for the input
 
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