More construction notes

Kind of a disappointment. We love the newly formed room. BUT, and I've heard this from other folks who have knowledge of construction work, the handling of construction garbage is not even close to green. By construction garbage in a remodel, I mean the removed materials, 2"x4"s, light fixtures, flooring, etc. Also in our case, the old vanity, mirror, toilet. Since much of such stuff is still sitting beside our driveway almost a week later, I've had lots of time to look at it. I'd estimate 80% could be reused or recycled. I noticed there was no attempt to clean up and reuse paint brushes, rollers, pans, scrapers--just toss. Corrigated cardboard--filled with left over mud, paint, pieces of wire.

The contractor did say he would take the vanity, etc., to a recycler. The sink top and faucet went with the first load; the vanity itself is still here. Two trips to the recycler? Maybe everything goes to a sorting place? I did grab two almost full bags of the dry stuff that makes into wallboard mud which our painter friend said he would use.

During this project, our contractor received his green builder certification. I wonder if the construction leftovers are even part of the certification.

Construction

When one doesn't do home remodeling very often, like twice in 20+ years, one forgets. The first project was to add a four-season porch off the living room. This time, we're moving the door to the first floor powder room. Moving the door requires moving everything else in that bathroom.

One forgets the delays. The contractors have other projects to move along. I know, I know. But today we sit with no one working on the project until late this afternoon. During the porch addition, we would sit for a week with no one on the project.

One forgets the mess. Construction dust everywhere. Tools and parts and bits and pieces everywhere. A blue tarp over a heap of I don't know what in the front yard for a week.

I know this project will turn out well and I've thought about moving that door for over two decades--who wants a bathroom door opening to the living room? And I'm glad I'm not a contractor, especially a small independent one with a million details to coordinate who is also a construction worker.

Soon.

Ummm, pizza

We're meeting a friend Saturday night at the Red Savoy in St Paul. I can taste the Savoy Special--with sauerkraut--already. Best pizza ever and it was such an extra treat when this old-style windowless working class bar went smokeless.