A Short Story About a Big Job
This posting is more than a year old. It's taken this long to finally get around to taking nice pictures and still, given the fresh snow and a few minor hold-ups, there is much more to share. The short version of a very long story is that years ago, after moving to Brooklyn right after graduation from boatbuilding school in Maine, one of the first people I met was a fellow named Mark. He had just purchased a building in rough shape and my first job here was helping him do some serious renovation work as he found money to do so. The basement and first floor were fixed up first and enough so that he could live semi-comfortably.
Fast forward a few years and with a little more security, other parts of this three storey building were ready for change. After much discussion, I agreed to take on a full gut renovation, everything. Part of my taking this on was due in large part because the level of accountability in contractors is shockingly poor in this parts. Being in and out of jobs for some time always makes for horror stories to share with colleagues. Of course, great contractors exist but this budget was not scaled in their favor.
I think I bought a box of 40 contractor bags for the first day of demo. My crew looked at me with stupid amazement. About 300 bags later, I understood. I thought demolition would take 2 days. 'The Boys' had the place wrecked and nearly swept clear in about 3 hours. From day one, I was amazed at how fast things can move.
I think the whole job took about 11 weeks. We had a hiccup here and there but for the most part, it went splendidly.
The bathroom before.
After.
The old stairway.
The new stairway.
The job was easily the most stressful and yet most satisfying one I've done just in pure scope and all that was involved. I am happy to have helped out my friend and to foster the project as it grew.