cos: (Default)
[personal profile] cos
My house needs some masonry and stonework redone on the top part of the foundation in one corner, and new stairs into the basement at that same corner, and a new deck and back stairs on top of that (since the existing deck and back stairs all rest on that portion of the foundation and would have to be torn out). I've never had this kind of work done and don't know much about it. Got any recommendations for general contractors in the vicinity of Cambridge, MA who you like? Any tips on things I might want to read or learn about before I call them, so I can have informed conversations and understand what work they're going to do and how to pick the right one?

Separately, an inspector suggested grading the earth around our house to make it slope outward, since, he said, it's currently directing water towards the foundation (not obviously enough that I would've noticed, but probably true). Nobody's been taking much care of the plants along the side of the house and in the backyard, which has gotten overgrown, so maybe this is a good excuse to get a landscaper?
Date: 2010-08-25 15:15 (UTC)

From: [identity profile] mzrowan.livejournal.com
I'd recommend researching the topic on the This Old House website, which has lovely articles and videos that give you an idea of what the basic concerns and options are and how a job should be done.

The contractor who's working on my bathroom is...okay. She needs close supervision and has kinda poor communication skills, but on the other hand, she works like hell for $30/hour.
Date: 2010-08-25 17:44 (UTC)

From: [identity profile] mzrowan.livejournal.com
Oh, and another piece of advice: start right away if you want this done before the snow comes. The good contractors are booked weeks or months in advance.
Date: 2010-08-25 15:25 (UTC)

jered: (Default)
From: [personal profile] jered
Pichulo & Nichols are just finishing up reshingling the driveway side of my house as well as repairing/replacing the trim on 15 windows, and I've been very happy with their work.

On a project with a scope like yours, I also would recommend the contractor who did most of my renovations, Colling Construction.

Both are great and conscious of detail-oriented work. I would recommend in any case getting a fixed quote rather than time & materials.

Landscaping, in my experience, is actually a bit more difficult, and is surprisingly expensive. I have a number for a guy who did some work for me before that was ok, but I can't strongly recommend. My latest round of landscaping was done by a friend -- I can ask if he's looking for new projects.

If you're just looking to fix the grading, the GC can likely do that while addressing your foundation work. If you're looking to have someone come in and make things pretty with plants, I don't have any recommendations.
Date: 2010-08-25 16:51 (UTC)

From: [identity profile] dr-memory.livejournal.com
Hire LizM? :)
Date: 2010-08-25 17:04 (UTC)

From: [identity profile] catness.livejournal.com
Burr Construction. 617.224.6451. Brian Burr. Tell him I sent you.
Date: 2010-08-26 16:37 (UTC)

From: [identity profile] catness.livejournal.com
I've never seen his house work, sorry. I just know his attention to detail.
Date: 2010-08-25 18:42 (UTC)

From: [identity profile] rmd.livejournal.com
stealth construction (stealthconstruction.net) has rebuilt the front and back porches on my house and I've been pretty happy with them.
Date: 2010-08-25 19:49 (UTC)

From: [identity profile] points.livejournal.com
If you still have Joel and Mom's numbers, give them a call and tell 'em I sent you. Joel just had a bunch of work done, and has the feel for a number of folks in the area now. Also, if you're having foundation water issues and are thinking of regrading, I strongly suggest checking into a french drain system.
Date: 2010-08-26 19:23 (UTC)

From: [identity profile] points.livejournal.com
Email me off of LJ if you're still in the market for numbers and info, and I'll go over stuff with you/exchange contacts.

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