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2013 Home Improvement Choices

January 12th, 2013 at 12:51 am

So the last couple years, in Jan. we have decided to make a list of what home improvements we want to do for the year. We usually get a few quotes for projects if a contractor is required, or I spec, source and do the work.

The newest idea is a PVC fence for the rear yard, so I spec'd out the product and solicited bids.

- Contractor 1: $6,700 installed (high overhead)
- Contractor 2: $5,500 installed (low overhead)
- Contractor 3: $6,200 installed (high overhead)

Being I work for the City Engineering Department, I have worked with Contractor 1 and 2 before on City jobs. In addition, installing a fence is not really that difficult and a great DIY project, so I have been dealing mostly with Contractor 2 on a materials only price.

- DIY $3,350 + Sweat Equity! Sounds good to me!

Basement Windows - $2,500 installed
Electrical Upgrade from 100A to 200A - $1,800 installed, permitted, inspected
Central Air - $2,500 installed
Attic Insulation - Adding another layer of R30 for a total of R60 (max recommended in NY) - $300 - DIY

So we will see...


Posted in Home Improvement | 3 Comments »

3 Responses to “2013 Home Improvement Choices”

  1. snafu Says:
    January 12th, 2013 at 03:11 am 1357960288
    1357960288

    We've not done a PVC but DIY traditional post & board perimeter fence for a corner lot. We had to remove an existing fence and pulling up posts was a nightmare. If you need to dig post holes, it's a two person, 'muscle man' task using a rented, electric post hole digger. The rest was easy peasy DIY for DH, 2 teen sons & I. We'd pre painted pre-treated pieces and opted to spray paint final [3rd] coat. I think PVC comes painted. Will you cement posts in place?

  2. Xtreme Thunder Says:
    January 12th, 2013 at 02:24 pm 1358000699
    1358000699

    The manufacturer I spec'd out for the PVC (Vinyl) fence comes as component pieces to be installed as a traditional stick built wood fence. The 5"x5" posts (line, corner, end, gate, 3-way, and transition), tongue and groove pickets, top and bottom rails come all separate unlike the big box home improvement stores that sell as preassembled one piece panels. There is an existing welded wire (think chicken wire type) fence that is held up by the small metal posts that are just pounded into the ground. To remove that will be a breeze. There is a 12' double gate chain link fence style that will also have to be removed. I wiggled the two posts for that the other day, they are not cemented in.

    We will need to dig about 25 holes, 12" diameter, about 42" deep. I will attempt some by hand, but will borrow a power auger most likely. I have the layout drawn up in AutoCAD and will use string line method to mark and layout where the holes should be. The rails come in 8' lengths, so all will be cut down so that I can install the fence posts symmetrically within lines of fence, which averages 6.5 - 7' OC for the current design. The posts will be filled with about 4-6" of stone for drainage topped with concrete.

    Most PVC fences are all white. Advances in the color vinyl technology allows for color choices other than white. We are going with White posts, top and bottom rail with Gray tongue and groove privacy pickets and post caps. No painting or anything required except for maybe a quick power wash 1 or 2 times a year!

  3. Jerry Says:
    February 10th, 2013 at 07:11 pm 1360523516
    1360523516

    If you have the right contacts it makes these DIY projects lead to a lot fewer headaches, and so that will help a lot. If you also have the insurance of someone who can give you pointers and some knowledgeable insight, that doesn't hurt either... Smile Good luck!
    Jerry

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