Hello–
Does anyone have any good advice on how to move a granite slab? We’re getting it from someone who is remodeling their kitchen, and it should work great for our new house, but it is pretty big–55 X 67 inches, and 1 1/4 thick–and we are wondering how to get it from their garage, into our van, and back out again into our storage unit. From the research I’ve done, it should weigh about 750 lbs. Is there a special dolly we should rent? Or can a bunch of really really strong guys lift it a short distance? Also, the back of the van is only 48″ wide because of the wheel wells. Is there a way to support the granite at an angle with wood support pieces covered with some cushioning, or should we just borrow a pick-up truck??
Call me crazy, but I just can’t turn down this great deal!
Thanks so much!
Wendy
Replies
How about a couple cases of beer and several thirsty neighbors!!!!????
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.”
Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.
-Truman Capote
Would it fit flat in the bed of a pickup? How about renting a flatbed trailer?
That's an awful lot of weight to try and get into a van canted at an angle.
call up a place that installs granite. They already have the means to move it and the man power and should be able to get it where you want.
How 'bout hiring a moving company?
I've done that twice for moving just a single item (an upright piano weighing 800 pounds and later a family heirloom dining room table). Both times worked great. Didn't have to worry about renting a truck and could count on the manpower being there.
Runnerguy
What kinda $$ does that typically cost?
jt8
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals." -- Sydney Smith
From what I recall each move cost around $240, maybe slightly more. I remember because I know these guys charge $80/hour for a 3 man crew and there's a 3 hour minimum.Sure beat renting a truck myself (or worse, having once owned a pick-up, imposing on a PU owner) and I'm sure my "friends" would heartily agree.Runnerguy
Hi--
Thanks for all the responses. You've all given me a lot to think about (and also made me wonder if it is worth the trouble, even though the granite itself is such a great deal!). One issue that compounds the problem is that we live about 150 miles from where the granite is located, so to pay someone else to move it would be out of the question. What I think I will do, though, is to find someone in the area (Stillwater, MN) that has the equipment and know-how to help us load it (does anyone have any names in the Twin Cities area??), and have my husband put together something to support it in an angled position in the back of our van (any suggestions for this??).
Thanks!
Wendy
Your slab is about 25 sf, and even at a bargain price of $50/sf you have over $1,200 worth of free stone. It would be a shame to break it, or even to cut it in half (which isn't a bad idea). Spend a few bucks and have it moved professionally."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I've moved my share of Quartz and Granite and never really look forward to it.
I think you have a couple of things against you, the first being the weight, If you're talking about a mini-van I'd be willing to bet it's going to put a pretty good stain on your suspension plus the problem of moving it without proper equipment. The other other problem is that amount of weight un-restrained in the back of your van becomes deadly in the event you have to stop quickly or are in an accident.
Your seats/dash board are not going to be very receptive to 600-700 lbs of stone coming at them. Neither will your body if it gets in the way.
That said if you insist on doing this I would build a triangle frame to fit in the back of the van, try to make sure you rest the weight in the middle of the van and as possible try to center it over the axle.
Secure the slab to the frame with ratchet straps and find a way to secure the rack to the van.
But do the math a little... The material to make the rack is going to be 75 bucks, another 30-45 or so for the ratchet straps, and figuring 20 mpg another 45 in fuel, so you've spent a few hundred dollars and that doesn't begin to account for your time which is worth something nor the fact the potential for injury when carrying this thing which if you do not know what your doing can be vary dangerous.
You may be able to find a moving company to piggy back your slab with another order for a nominal charge similar to what it will cost you to move it yourself.
This is likely to be one of those "I broke my finger, disabled my husband, and ruined my mommie-van, all in one day" kind of experiences
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
if you check on a pc of granite it really isn't expensive,it's the labor of finish and install that runs it to the 50-100.00 sq sf very labot intensive. i have bought 2 cm slabs for 6.00 a ft ,and what i have in my house now is 3 cm honed granite,paid 9.00 a ft for it.really nice ,special stuff will get to 30 a sf.
so this pc of raw granite is probably worth 125-250.00 tops.
but that said i know how it is,just can't pass it up. my 3cm weighs 16.50 lbs per ft[i actually took a 3 sq ft pc and weighed it]. if you lay it flat it will be much easier to unload when you get home,plus you will have about 8 chopping blocks to use.
have fun larryif a man speaks in the forest,and there's not a woman to hear him,is he still wrong?
This has to be hauled standing up in a verticle position or it will be broken when you get it home. Your van does not have that capacity.
And somebody will get hurt trying to get it in or out at an angle.
consider too that the rack will take space so the overall dimension will be larger than the slabFind a friend willing to loan a pickup truck and build a rack for it, pad it with carpet scrap, and get plenty of tie-downs to snug it in place so it doesn't shift.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
here are a few in our area
A M C Silestone651-714-1572651-501-28982375 Ventura DriveSuite BWoodbury, MN 55125
Cambria952-944-1676952-432-874311000 West 78th StreetSuite 220Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Central Marble180-042-203561-800-223-0569P O Box 357Rice, MN 56367
Classic Marble Restoration763-784-2483763-784-02443543 88th Avenue NEBlaine, MN 55014[email protected]
Granite & Quartz Surfaces Company651-699-2544651-699-25482020 West 7th StreetSt. Paul, MN 55116
Granite Tops Inc320-685-3005320-685-30061480 Prairie DriveCold Spring, MN 56320
Great Northern Granite(952) 456-2224(952) 930-1930PO box 611Hopkins, MN 55343[email protected]
Koehler Custom Countertops651-784-2885651-784-2887Lino Lakes, MN
Lauseng Stone Co.651-770-3441651-773-48869591 East Hwy. 36Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Midwest Tile, Marble and Granite651-405-0707651-405-05743181 Dodd RoadEagan, MN 55121
Minnesota Granite & Marble651-779-8612651-779-97881400 Hwy 36Maplewood, MN 55109
Northwestern Marble & Granite Company952-941-8601952-941-09947705 Bush Lake RoadEdina, MN 55439
Paramount Granite Company763-428-4075763-428-17955760 Quam AvenueSt. Michael, MN 55376[email protected]
Princess marble(952) 895-0202(952) 895-198314255 Southcross Drive W.Burnsville, MN 55306-6929[email protected]
RMG Stone Products, Inc.802-468-5636802-468-8968680 East Hubbardton Rd.P.O. Box 807Castleton,, VT 05735[email protected]
Select Surfaces651-483-1576651-483-16301718A Lexington Ave NRoseville, MN 55113[email protected]
Silestone by AMC651-714-1572651-501-28982375 Ventura DriveSuite BWoodbury, MN 55125
The Stone Company(763) 262-2200(763) 262-220119909 Industrial DriveBig Lake, MN 55309[email protected]
Trazzo and Marble Supply Co.952-829-7244952-829-72456409 Cecila CircleBloomington, MN 55439
Twin City Tile and Marble Co.651-602-5800900 Montreal CircleSt. Paul, MN 55102
Vetter Stone Company507-345-4568507-345-4777PO BoxKasota, MN 56050
Some people might complain about paying $200, but if you've got to rent a truck, you can get to $100 without much work. And then you've still got all the hassle of moving the dang thing. Sometimes you're just better off paying a little to avoid a big hassle.jt8
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals." -- Sydney Smith
375 to 400lbs at 67inches long and 55high depending on the rear van door height it's doable as she is surmising with dollies and the right number of muscle.
Younger days I'd have tried it without dollies but not anymore. You can learn something as you get older.
And 150miles in winter weather if she's a husker means cold so the van better be a cargo van and not a mommyvan with the slab almost but not making it all the way in. Without the doors shut tight it would be murder.
Actually they should make a 2x4/plywood case for the thing that would protect it in storage as well as the transport and leaning to get it in the cargo van.
be 2cents
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
Younger days I'd have tried it without dollies but not anymore. You can learn something as you get older.
LOL
I probably would have just picked it up by myself 40 years ago.
That was my thinking exactly, even if the weight was managable. Unlike the piano, the table wasn't all that heavy, maybe 200 lbs, if that, but it was bulky.
Just the process of renting and returning a truck takes maybe two hours from leaving my front door to get the truck to walking back in the front door after returning it......Drive there, wait forever behind some guy micro-analyzing EVERY insurance option........ and does he want 10 blankets or maybe 12 blankets...........or maybe 11 will do.....
And like you said $100 is REAL easy to reach.
Runnerguy
I have a 5'x10' billiard table in my basement. The three slates are 40x60 and 1 1/2' thick. they are in my garage, 50' and a flight of stairs away. They are scary heavy ,(450lb.), for someone who is 160lb.I dont know how I got em there.
Anyway, I talked to a granite guy I know, and he is gonna have some of his guys do a "side job"(read "no liability") and move em for me for a mere $300. Cheap!
Bud
Call around. I think that will weigh more like 375 to 400lbs if that changes anything.
[email protected]
Is there a special dolly we should rent?
Is there a way to support the granite at an angle with wood support pieces covered with some cushioning, or should we just borrow a pick-up truck??
Yes to both questions. Or as mentioned above, call a moving company. Shouldn't be very expensive considering the outlay you'd have renting dollies and jacks and building a rack in the van. At 55x67, it won't fit between the wheelwells of a pickup either. It'd be hanging out the back pretty far, so a long bed, heavy duty pickup would be in order.
If you had access to a tilt bed trailer and could back right up to it, you might be able to come-along it on pipe rollers into the trailer and back out at it's destination.
http://grantlogan.net/
Hi Wendy,
Like a lot of older carpenters, I've got lower back problems. It's just one disc but that's all it takes. It came from lifting something or things which were too heavy and/or too awkward to move in the only way that was available at the time.
This big slab is just perfect for ruining your back if you don't get enough help. Enough is one person per fifty pounds, no less. Even then I'm talking only about carrying it flat and lifting it only waist high. They should be all about the same height too, so that the taller people or those with shorter arms don't end up with all the weight.
You see where this is going, I hope. You simply shouldn't try to do it yourself. Call several granite suppliers and/or installers. Tell them what you want to do with the slab, both now and in the future. Make sure that you get a written guaranty that they will replace the slab if it's damaged.
BTW, that's another reason not to DIY.
Edited 1/30/2008 7:27 am by Hudson Valley Carpenter
Tree or four "yoots" with more braun than brains oughta be able to move this -- it's heavy, but it's a dead lift, so it's not too bad so long as the carry is a straight shot.
When transporting it, try to stand it up on edge -- I build a 2X4 stand to hold these things in the pickup bed at an angle just off perpendicular. No need for cushion. Less chance of busting it that way. (Do strap in in tight, though.) If you do elect to transport it flat, put a piece of 3/4" ply down first, and make sure it's resting solid and flat so the stone can't flex. Drive slow so you don't hit any hard bumps. I'd definately go with the pickup rather than trying to wrestle this thing into a van.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Wendy -
Like Matthew says, granite installation is a professional trade - call a local installer to move it in and install it. If you or someone you hire drops it it isn't work anything, and the cost of injury could well-exceed the value of the granite.
eta - PS - You have miscalculated the weight, which is more likely 300-400 lbs.
Jeff
Edited 1/30/2008 8:32 am ET by Jeff_Clarke
Just a thought. Suggestions about moving this in a horizontal or flat position is risky. You could wind up with two smaller pieces very quickly. This type material is very hard but not particularly strong. Most of time when I have seen installers stock or carrying this stuff, it is in a vertical position. Likewise, I don't think that it would be good laying flat in a bouncing trailer. The suggestions to get professional help sounds like good advise. Like I say. Just a thought.
Whereas a bunch of friends or kids on a football team could move it, what if they damage it or drop it, or hurt themselves? Something to consider. In this case you may be able to justify the expense of hiring a moving company or granite installer to move it since you didn't pay anything for the granite. On the other hand, if it is destroyed by amateurs while moving it, you didn't pay anything for it either!
U-haul and some strapping young lads.
"It is like hitting yourself in the head with a hammer: it feels so good when you stop"
If it was 400lbs or less, my "stupid" gene would probably be looking to see if I couldn't rig something with by appliance dolly and/or furniture dollies. But 700lbs..whew! I might be tempted to call a pro to see what they charged. A van wouldn't be my first choice of transport though. Not unless maybe I could slide it in straight up on edge.
jt8
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals." -- Sydney Smith
Edited 1/30/2008 12:38 pm by JohnT8
Do not try to transport it laying flat, it will likely crack.
As suggested call a local granite fab shop and see if you can talk them into transporting for you for a small fee.
You're weight assesment is probably pretty accurate depending on the type of granite.
Where are you located?
If your options are,
1. paying to have it moved isn't worth it.
2. too big to fit in van and will probably break.
Why not cut it into two pieces with the least objectionable seam?
Maybe install a contrasting strip between them as if that was the plan from the beginning!
You can use the van and weight is reduced by half.
Make an upright rack out of ply and 2x4's and take your best shot! buic
Unless this slab is the perfect color and shape for what you want, DON'T BOTHER!!
They should be paying you to take it away.
That may seen extream but you state your going to put it in storage!! Get what you want and when you need it.
Get what you want and when you need it.
Bad advise. Nah, the name of the game is get it when you can, like putting cah money in a shed!
Ya think ponytl (typical example) got a bunch of condos by buying asneeded at normal costs?
edit PS Also, what are all these "hire a mover" cr@p posts? Is BT turning into HVAC-talk or something?
Edited 1/31/2008 8:03 am ET by junkhound
Wendy,
I'm with the replies that recommend not trying this yourself. Granite is hard, but doesn't have a lot of give. And some varieties of granite are more prone to breaking along those natural fissures. Even with cushioning, I wouldn't chance carrying it at an angle in the bed of a truck . Well cushioned and braced in the back of a box truck, maybe. The other hazard is loading/unloading and getting it into the house - better handled by people who do this all the time.
Good luck!!
it should weigh about 750 lbs
Granite has a density of 168 lbs/cf. Your piece is 2.66 cf and should weigh 450 lbs.
Solar & Super-Insulated Healthy Homes
Did not scan all the posts, maybe somebody already said, but Granite is 168# cu ft, you piece is only about 450#. No problem for even 3 old guys. Just rest it on a couple old 2x6s.
Good excuse to buy an old truck. Or like other said, rent a trailer, that way you wont bust the side window out of you van.
By golly, riversong used the exact same density.........
Edited 1/31/2008 8:01 am ET by junkhound
Thanks to all for the info. I was especially relieved that you discovered my math error--450 lbs seems much more manageable than 750! We'll attempt it this Saturday, using much of your advice (maybe not the beer until after, though!!). For uncut, unfinished granite I wouldn't even go through the trouble, but this is a beautiful piece, finished on all sides. If the whole transfer thing works out it will be an awesome island in the house we're building this summer. If we break it, I guess we'll just be giving nice granite trivits for Christmas gifts next year, plus we'll have a good story to tell (over our butcher block island).
Thanks again!
Wendy
I am not a professional, but I have moved whole slabs of granite by myself (and I did sleep at a Holiday Inn Express once). I'm sure you were just making light of breaking it, but I thought I'd mention something anyway. If it breaks while you are moving it, someone likely will be hurt. Please handle it with respect. You can't really say how much it weighs unless you know more about the piece. 3cm granite can measure 1-1/8" to almost 1-1/2" thick. Also different varieties of stone (not everything called granite, is granite) have different densities, with most 3cm 'granites' weighing 18-22 lbs/ft. Your piece could weigh 460 - 570 lbs (probably 500lbs).Granite doesn't come with handles and 500lbs will seem heavier. Transporting flat is a bad idea. Rent a trailer and make an A-frame. Your back will thank you. (Wrestling that piece into a van will be dangerous). Check out my pics here. Maybe it will give you some ideas:http://tinyurl.com/2laotlBest of Luck,
Jerry
Edited 1/31/2008 11:16 am ET by Jerry18
Good luck and let us know how it works out. jt8
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals." -- Sydney Smith
thought of this post today.
i carried a 3cm pc 18" x60" today by myself and i'm a old fart.
if this is a finished pc ,it's worth getting,just be careful .larryif a man speaks in the forest,and there's not a woman to hear him,is he still wrong?
invest in some mechanical suctin cups.... not the cheepies but the better ones, they will make the moving much easier.
james
The granite installers I have had have a special dolly for getting it from the house and into the house. Their trucks are generally box body with lift gate.
Going from a garage to a storage unit sounds pretty straight forward and complications at a minimum.
How was the slab removed from the countertop to the garage?
What's your game plan for tomorrow?
Sounds like a nice enough piece to warrant the extra attention of a 2x4 plywood/osb crate.
be 20 questions
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
Edited 2/1/2008 1:32 pm ET by rez
Hello--
We're hoping to pick up the granite tomorrow, as long as my husband has the time to put together some sort of frame/crate for it. Do you have any suggestions as to how we should build that? The granite piece is 55 X 67, and will have to go into our van at an angle, since the floor is only 48" across at the the wheel wells (but wider in the rest of the van), and the ceiling is about 42" high. I did test the opening (smallest place in the back of the van) by putting a 57" 2X4 through at an angle, and it had several inches of clearance. The van is large enough to fit a 4'x 8' sheet of plywood flat, so it is pretty roomy. I'm wondering if we should attach our framing contraption to a sheet of plywood on the floor, to make it extra secure.
After reading all the advice in this forum, I did call for a quote for delivery (300 mile round trip). It came to $2400, so that is out of the question for us. I also found someone who could loan us an A-frame to put in the back of a pick-up, but I guess, since it should fit, I would rather have four guys lift it the 24 inches into my van than 40 inches or so into the truck bed. Plus, in my own (inexperienced) eyes, it seems we can make the granite more secure if we build the frame right, strap it down, and cushion the bottom edge with some heavy duty cushioning.
So, that is our plan. (I think.) I would love any suggestions!
Thanks so much,
Wendy
"Do you have any suggestions as to how we should build that?"???????????
Have you been reading this thread?
There have been several such suggestions.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
First thought off hand is a 2x4 perimeter around the slab with something like 2x2s screwed around that perimeter to the 2x4s on both sides of the slab,
placing the slab against the 2x2s on 2x4 perimeter frame one side of the slab then after all is tight affixing the other side 2x2s tight enough to prevent movement.
If the piece is as nice as it seems then I'd place something like carpet strips or a cloth material on the edges of the slab before securing it against the 2x2s to protect the edges and to give the slab a bit of breather room from being too tight for the jostling around it will undergo.
You could probably forgo the plywood and use 2x4 material instead if desired, crossing the sides diagonally, each side in a different direction and screwing into the frame.
The plywood would prove stronger but might be harder to maneuver lacking handholds.
You're going to want to make sure that the crated slab is upright as much as possible in the van and secured tightly from movement
as if something is going to go drastically wrong in this that much weight slipping around backthere is going to do it so make sure the load is secure.
Best to err on the side of caution.
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
Edited 2/1/2008 3:58 pm ET by rez
Build a base of 3 or 4 2X4s on the ground, maybe 3' long, attached together with a couple of horizontal 2X4s as long as the stone. Fasten a vertical 2X4 to each horizontal base board, and then make a triangle out of each set, with the slanted upright being only about 1' away from the vertical ones at the bottom. Tie the verticals together with another 2X4 at the top, and a 1X4 across them at an angle, top to bottom, front to back, so they don't rack.
Like this, from an end view: /| / |____/_|____
Like this from side view:----|------|------|----- | | |___|____|____|____
'Cept I couldn't figure out how to do the diagonal in ASCII -- goes from bottom left to top right.
The thing should be just about as tall as the stone is wide. Load the stone on the slanted boards on edge (you might wanna nail a stop in front of it at the bottom to keep it from kicking out), and strap it in tightly. And make sure the whole mess is strapped in so it can't slide around in the truck bed when you start/stop/turn.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
You can rent a enclosed cargo trailer from u-haul (pull it with the van). Make a cradle to carry the stone standing almost perpendicular to the floor of the trailer. Strap the thing down very well.
Get four good friends to help (local high school football teams love pizza......)
Don't bother getting an enclosed trailer from Uhaul. Get an open trailer. Cheaper, no headroom issues, easier to load. But i applaud you for being the first to suggest a trailer."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Hey, I wanted that aplause ;-)QUOTING MYSELF (Post #36):"Granite doesn't come with handles and 500lbs will seem heavier. Transporting flat is a bad idea. Rent a trailer and make an A-frame. Your back will thank you. (Wrestling that piece into a van will be dangerous).Check out my pics here. Maybe it will give you some ideas:http://tinyurl.com/2laotlBest of Luck,
Jerry"There's even picture of an A-frame I made. I don't think the OP is actually reading the thread.I just hope no one gets hurt.
Edited 2/1/2008 11:24 pm ET by Jerry18
Thanks so much, everyone. We really appreciate all your suggestions (and pictures!), and detailed explanations. I'll let you know how it goes.
Wendy
I beat you both in post #3 with the flatbed trailer suggestion.
http://www.fiftiesweb.com/elvis/elvis.wav
DonCanDo has done it again!;-)
LOL.
Thanks, but there's many more things I've done that I won't 'fess up to.
Ok, but I have a short memory."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
But i applaud you for being the first to suggest a trailer.
I applaud you for reading the thread from the wrong direction. A trailer was suggested as early as the 3rd post and about every 4th or 5th post after. Carry on.http://grantlogan.net/
"Because I really want to live in a country where the poor people are fat. "- Unidentified Indian Immigrant when asked why he wants to come to America
Hey, not everyone can read backwards.
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Hey, not everyone can read backwards.
?siht dear uoy naChttp://grantlogan.net/
"Because I really want to live in a country where the poor people are fat. "- Unidentified Indian Immigrant when asked why he wants to come to America
ton yhw
Just a few comments on moving a granite slab which probably weighs just north of 500#'s.
Do not do this yourself. Hire a company that fabs and installs granite, if you can find one. They are the experts in this stuff and it would be worth every penny.
Someone mentioned that you should get in writing that the company that moves it will be responsible for any breakage. If you can find a company stupid enough to give you that guarantee, please send them my way. They don't know the history of this piece of stone and I don't think anyone in their right mind would guarantee against breakage.
If you move this slab laid flat it will probably break, no matter how well suported it is. Stone does not bend or flex, it just breaks so any movement will cause problems. The pros always transport stone in the vertical position.
The impetuousness of my youth has long ago been replaced by the wisdom of my experience, and I think that if you try and do this yourself there is a very good chance of someone(s) getting hurt.
good luck
sully
ain't gonna happen.
My money's riding on a successful escapade with minimal difficulties.
Vote here:
Good Trip Bad TripX
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
I certainly hope it goes well.
But I just got off of the Darwin awards site and this could end up in the Honorable Mention category.
sully
ya but the fact she took time to question here says a lot.
I'm doubling the bet
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
I, being the eternal optimist (yeah, right!) will vote "yes," but I still have some fears. A bunch of strong teenagers can do a lot if they set their minds to it--I guess the main concern is the rack for the van and getting it in and out of the van, but it could work. Am not as concerned for the granite as I am for the people moving it--easy to pinch hands and fingers, crush toes, etc., and I'd be surprised if anyone will be waering steel-toed shoes or taking other precautions.
Bad trip.
2 and 2
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
Good trip.
Be hava yabbadabbadoo timeSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
another vote for a good trip.
ain't like she's trying to mount that 500lbs up into a ceiling or something.
the nay-sayers must not do much remodeling.
move something impossible, don't break it ... and don't get hurt ...
just another day in the life!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
'Zactly. Hell, we hoisted 1000lb windchests with genie lifts and grunts up to the mezzanine in churches..did ya know a genie lift ain't that stable? LOLSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
I can tell ya it'll rattle a bit when a 20ft long 10" tall piece of 1/2" steel falls from "on edge" to "flat" when U ain't expecting it to!
makes guys jump from ladders too.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I can see that...LOLSpheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
Although my posts may make it seem I would vote "bad trip", I really just don't want anyone to get hurt. I've never let perfectly good advice dissuade me from doing any crazy thing I've wanted to do and it always seems to work out OK.I think she'll be fine - "good trip".Jerry
Hey, Everyone--Just in case you want to know if good trip or bad trip won out, here's the verdict: Awesome Trip.
Thanks so much for your advice. We did carefully read and re-read (most of) the posts, and took to heart many of your cautions and concerns.
It actually turned out to be pretty easy and quite safe!
1) My husband built a triangular support for the granite using lots of 2 X 4's and 2 X 6's, similar to the pattern in one of the posts. He attached a "lip" on the end to hold the edge; we then covered the entire top of the structure with carpeting, tacked to the sides so as not to come into contact with the granite.
2) We slid the structure between the wheels wells of our trusty MOMMY van. It fit perfectly, with less than 1/4 inch to spare, so it didn't move around at all.
3) We remembered a friend of a friend in Stillwater who is a power lifting champion. We asked him to bring along a strong friend, and were a bit concerned when he showed up, confident and alone. We had two other (regular strong) men and two Mommy types.
4) We placed 2 X 4's under the granite and "walked" it to the van, then (Oh, by the way, with steel-toed boots on), as one strong man and one power lifting champion carefully hoisted (bending at the knee and not using the back) the top corner into the van, the two Mommys and the regular strong man supported the bottom corner, still resting gently on the 2 X 4. Well, at any rate, we all slid it carefully into position, the bottom edge well cushioned, with ratcheting straps holding it in place.
5) This took about five minutes. But we spent about 15 more in giddy laughter. (Okay, that was just me, not the strong men).
6) The trip home went well. The granite is beautiful, finished on four sides, and, more importantly, still in one piece.
If anyone is interested, I could try to take some pictures tomorrow. (I have to admit that it is still IN the Mommy van. We are also taking someone's advice to cut it into two pieces, for an island and a desk top, and will take it to a local granite place Monday. I think we'll let them do the unloading.)
Thanks again.
Wendy
I have to admit reading this thread in morbid fascination, as the title could apply to me<g>.Except in my case, the granite (Vortex Black) was 26x60something was purchased at ReStore (75USD!). One side was finished which is fine because my plan is for it to go upstairs, so I can put plants on it.2 geeky guys et moi slid it off the ReStore dock & flat into my Volkswagen Golf. This was thru the hatch, ontop of the back seat, past the dog & ontop of the passenger front seat.After getting it home (in one piece), I was able get it (all by myself) sideways (don't ask me how, I don't remember) resting on the back seat. After a concerned neighbor came by the next morning (he saw both back doors open on my car), he, I & a dolly were able to remove it from the car & lean it against the house....where it still rests.Haven't figured out how to move it upstairs yet & it still needs about 3 inches shaved off the end, so that it will fit & can be framed properly.I REALLY prefer 3 day weekends! Something to shoot for in a next-job negotiation session.
Uhaul appliance cart rental is about $12. Get her strapped on there and just work your way up the stairs. The cart should have the belts/wheels on the back that lets you roll up stairs.
Although a second person pushing from below would probably help.jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
snork You are SUCH an instigator...Hmmmm, if I strap both dogs to the front of the cart & me pushing up from behind...but then how do I steer & get them to go up to the 2nd floor? They aren't too swift with the English (or German for that matter) & have a distressing tendency to start play fighting at the drop of hat.I REALLY prefer 3 day weekends! Something to shoot for in a next-job negotiation session.
The quality of those rollers on the back is really the key. I have my own appliance cart, however it is just a $100 chinese jobbie and the rollers ain't very good on the back. With multiple hundred lbs on it, they're not inclined to roll up stairs. BUT I have used heavier duty carts (in this case from UHaul) that I was able to roll up the stairs with (assuming they still have the better quality carts)
Get the item strapped firmly on. Back up to the stairs. Tip it back towards the steps and roll (pull) it up one step. Then repeat. One step at a time. Take a breath in between each.
I'm a pretty good size dude, so I can pull a pretty good load up a flight of steps. But you're probably not a pretty good sized dude, so a second person would come in handy. Person at the top has the handles and steers, pulls and keeps the load balanced on the cart. Person at the bottom just pushes (divides the oomph needed with the top person). It isn't bad. The cart carries the load. Even when you're climbing the next step, much of the weight is on the rollers...it isn't like you're picking up the item. Just take it slow and easy.
Now cutting it is a whole different matter. Can't help you there.
jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
Edited 2/4/2008 11:47 pm by JohnT8
The winner...and still champion...HUSKER14!
Congratulations on the accomplishment. We all knew you had it in ya;o)
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
The winner...and still champion...HUSKER14!
Not so fast. She's only half way there. It's still in the mommyvan. I think she can make it, but we're still waiting for the report.
View Imagehttp://grantlogan.net/
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete (I am so in love with myself) Draganic
I've a copper lightening rod I'm salvaging tomorrow off a to-be demoed house. Lot easier than a 500 lb slab.
I hope. Saying that makes me wonder about the shape of that old roof.
be hmmmm
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
One lightning rod? Man, you have got the salvage bug real bad."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
ya.
Old one kinda looked cool.
Never had one before.
be never
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
I've a copper lightening rod I'm salvaging tomorrow off a to-be demoed house
Don't carry it home in a thunderstorm.
View Image
http://grantlogan.net/
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete (I am so in love with myself) Draganic
Leave me alone. I'm watching the game and eating spaggetti.
be "why's everybody always pickin' on me?"
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
That is weight to help the MV get through the snow easier. Don't have to get it out until spring.
jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
IT IS STIL IN THE VAN - JOB HALF DONE.The Superbowl ain't won yet either - not 'till it's lost
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Was that your druid insight at work?
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
The first threee quarters never count for near as much as the last one, but WOW!
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
House full of wonderful old beams and all you're salvaging is a lightning rod?
jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
Dont give him any ideas!
I suspect he has that little voice somewhere in the back of his head that has a hard time passing up the chance not only of finding a "bargain" (in quotes because there may be some disagreement on the definition) but also to save a bit of history. PLUS what could be very high grade wood. All there for the taking! And if he doesn't hurry, they're just going to THROW IT AWAY! :)
Since I ALSO have that little voice, it serves my purpose to encourage others. Then I can learn from their suffering...umm.. victories. Just think of the important knowledge I could pick up on how to handle beams solo.
jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
Since I ALSO have that little voice
Yea, me too. When you guys go out and salvage that stuff it not only does my heart good but also validates my doing it - keeps me from thinking that I'm the only one crazy enough to do it!
Doug
I think one of my most crazy salvages came about a number of years back where a group of houses were being torn down for an autoparts stove. Got some sweet oldgrowth redwood siding off that group but I digress. I had bought the siding off an ancient timberframe which had been exposed after somebody tried salvaging the vinylsiding.(heh heh salvaging vinyl siding, be a cold day in hell)
Anyway, the day before the dozers were to start work I was finishing up the last of it at the dusk of day. I was pecking around inside where a couple guys had just removed a window deal in an upstairs dormer.
In the process they had removed areas of the wall to get at the window unit and I noticed some blue color around an area of the wall they had removed.
Upon further inspection I could see that the window installer had used old lumber to piece in around the window as a sheathing.
Got to looking closer and could see it was paper on wood. Now it's dusk approaching twilight and no electric when I discover this 8 ft 1x with a paper sign adhered to it in large letters that said 'GARGANTUAN'.
I get to thinkin'. Ever get to thinkin'?
In my minds eye I see an old gorilla or elephant cage in a circus wagon way back when and ya know, it was kinda cool. Shoot, be neat to hang it up somewhere.
So there I was in the last fading rays of daylight in the upstairs of this old building slated to get the wrecking ball the next morning, trying to save this whoopee piece of Americana with a prybar and a handsaw.
Did it tho'. Have it somewhere. Saw it last year I think it was.
be was
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
Edited 2/4/2008 12:45 am ET by rez
Big beams and one man do not a safe work environment make.
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
Want me to dig out my 'working alone' book and see if he has anything on moving beams?
I mean shooooooot, they're just GIVING the hardwood, old growth beams away. Can't IMAGINE what kind of workshop you could make out of them. While the Jones' have their generic pole barn, you could have a real piece de resistance! They just ain't making 500 year old beams anymore.
I mean shoooooooot, we're not talking about Lowes scrappy, warped, twisted, bowed, sappy cast offs (which some unnamed person BUYS by the truckload).
Get 'em out clean and you might even find someone to buy some of 'em. Probably pay top dollar!
:)
jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
Edited 2/3/2008 11:55 pm by JohnT8
I mean shoooooooot, we're not talking about Lowes scrappy, warped, twisted, bowed, sappy cast offs (which some unnamed person BUYS by the truckload).
Now now, let's leave BilljustBill out of this.Don't forget what he ended up building with his culled lumber. Pretty sweet.
Accessability and time restraint issues must be considered as well as transport and storage.
Sure I'd like them but a lot more work involved than 20 minutes on a roof and a halfday inside with prybars and one trip with the pickup.
be sides, it ain't over yet
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
Edited 2/3/2008 11:55 pm ET by rez
Sure I'd like them but a lot more work involved than 20 minutes on a roof and a halfday inside with prybars and one trip with the pickup
IT is like a sign from God! Looks what I saw at the lumberyard today! I can feel it. God is saying you're SUPPOSED to have those beams.
Just THINK of the beams you could haul!
jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
R.P.
Rest in Peace?
or take the rest in pieces?
be I hate pieces of ####
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
Edited 2/4/2008 8:26 pm ET by rez
LOL, just trying to help you out, buddy!
If only I lived a little closer, you'd know I'd be there to get the other end of that beam. :)jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
Old windows or new? At least it isn't a 3-story. Did you get the rod off?
jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
Windows are vinyl. Looked like someone got started trying to make it go and said fugit build new and be done with it. Old House reno isn't for everybody.
Came down pretty easy as one long section then disassembled on the ground.
10ft twisted copper rods that screwed into each other thru brass fittings with periodic ceramic insulators which were nailed down with roofing nails. heh heh
Glass globe with a sharp point at the apex.
The twisted copper sections went down two sides, one ending in concrete and the other clamped to old galvy pipe in the basement.
Never saw twisted rod like that. Made me wonder the age of the thing.
yep, wasn't tied off properly.
Peaceful,easy feelin'.
Edited 2/5/2008 7:33 pm ET by rez
Where's our pic? Got a use for it, or is it going into the "collection".
And if you have that 'little voice' I do...that one that hates to see an old house go down (for a variety of reasons), but you don't have the resources to salvage it. Then go snoop around the house until you find something like termite damage. Then you can tell yourself, "it's probably full of termites and therefore not worth trying to salvage." :)jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
Well, I told the guy I'd come back for the stair treads seeing he still had a couple pieces of furniture upstairs like this honkdown huge old oak desk and figgered he'd need the stairs as once they're down messing with the 2nd floor gets more complex.
He said he appreciated that thenI asked him when the demo date was planned. He said as soon as he finds someone to tear it down.
So on the way home I got to thinkin'. Ever get to thinkin'? snorK*
Got a buddy that has a slew of equipment so I decide to swing by on the way and catch him in the midst of trying to corral a loose calf in the dark.
So I tell him of the days escapade and the fact that the guy mentioned he was looking for a demo man and that I thought I'd check see how busy you were.
Seems he might be interested in doing it and I mention that I wouldn't mind having some of the old beams in the place.
So now there's a possibility that I might just be able to grab a few of them meaning those long hipridge beams and see what the flooring shows up.
So it ain't over.
Hey man, might just be starting.
be heh heh
I should take a pic of the lightening rod stuff just for the human interest and run it by seeyou and slateman to see what might be what.
Peach full,easy feelin'.
Edited 2/6/2008 1:59 pm ET by rez
Rez,
Why not dismantle it yourself,pocket the fee, and have everything for yourself.
You'd need at least one 40 yd. container for debris, but think of all the free lumber !!
Before I got doing slate full time I used to do a lot of hand demos- really good money plus sell or keep the good stuff.
Over two Winters , years ago I took down 8 houses for the local Catholic Hospital in Bangor- I never made as much money in that time period.
Be be thinking about it !!!!!!!
Walter
oh man, don't tempt me.
Peach full,easy feelin'.
Be tempted, be very tempted, be more than very very tempted.
You've got the fever- and there's only one way to break it !!!
damnit slate! Ya got me thinking about it.
Peach full,easy feelin'.
HEY!!!
Lowes is clearing out a house of windows that somebody ordered and never picked up...
they're the Pella Pro-Line aluminum clad exterior and clear interior...
smoking deal rez...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Nah, went to Lowes today chasing the elusive stainless nail deal that wasn't there.
I'm all windowed and doored out. Need something different to soothe the beast like lightening rods or adding to the staircase collection.
osb was at 5.44 tho'. Somebody ought to go tell Ralph.
Peach full,easy feelin'.
Rez,
You won't sleep well tonite- the fever is now fully immersed in the blood.
Give that man a price and order that container !!!
There ain't no stinking osb in that old palace!!!
Ya know, if it was mine or just down the street I'd be on it
but as it is I might be able to cherry pick with little labor and close to zero expense
opting instead of settling to add to the coffers instead of the jollyrodger enjoyment of getting to play with an old house.
Sometimes ya gotta just play cards and hope to sweeten the pot for the next hand.
Peach full,easy feelin'.
get him to pay you for the demo and make it a win / win deal for everybody...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
That was my point initially- get a price from an equipt. man so he'll know how much to charge.
Ya, I know sometimes timing isn't right, or location is wrong, but it's most enjoyable "unbuilding " an old home.
I've probably done about 15 total and a lot of cabbaging on others like you'll be doing.
S**t--- now I've got the fever !!!
heh heh
It is a cold day in hell.
I got to thinking about the vinyl siding for a future shed.
be never shedded of sheds
Peach full,easy feelin'.
Wow that must be a slipperly slope if you're thinking about VINYL! Sheeze, even I wouldn't think about vinyl (maybe aluminum, but simply for scrap).
Since you're only talking salvage, I assume the overall inside of the house isn't all that wonderful?jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
I'm always taking apart some bazallion YO old something for the components to do a restoration else where...
the stuff ya find from earlier generations is amazing...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
View Image
Peach full,easy feelin'.
that's the good stuff...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
That arch was from one of Piffin's old posts. The baseboard came from an old vicky years back that I couldn't let go. Kinda like an art piece to hang on the wall.
Whatta u mean? Vinyl is made for sheds.
I'd put the plaster in the cellar hole and save labor.Usually can break the plaster and have it fall into containers separate from the lath but that's a job pretty much only do for myself unless there's some real green involved and worth the while.
With places that old the floors are usually worth the price of admission since it's old growth wide boards and I wish I hadn't thought of that now that I mentioned it.
Nope, you guys are not going to talk me into it. Friggin' winter, man!
Peach full,easy feelin'.
Edited 2/6/2008 11:41 pm ET by rez
all that old growth...
all that fine art...
all that real wood...
all that ressurected craftsmanship...
now get out there and dismantle that time capsule....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Then you make a horse to put the lathes in and tie them in bundles using the "strapping knot" the mills use to tie strapping the old way.
Winters the primo time to do demo- all that dust and dirt is stuck to your clothes instead of bare skin.
"Got the fever"
I haven't taken down plaster/lath in a long time. What is the quickest way to remove the plaster when you're doing a whole house and not just one wall of one room?
Seems like we may have been wacking the backside of the lath with a 4lbs hammer to knock the plaster off, but I don't remember.
jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
John,
Answering a couple of your posts here.
When I was doing lots of demo I'd run an ad in the paper and our local sell/swap mag. I'd sell stuff cheap if they removed it- or more if I took it out. A GC I do a lot of work for bought all the hardwood floors from 3 houses for $ 100 a house. He brought in his two guys- they removed, de-nailed, and bundled it up then took it to houses they were redoing and reinstalled and refinished it.
That left me with board subfloors that I could remove and sell or chuck if too far gone. These houses were within City limits so no burn pile allowed. Another guy left his triler which we loaded full of beautiful sheathing boards- just handled once on our end.
Broken glass, bricks, plaster all are shovelled thru holes in the floor ( where FHA heat ducts were) to reside in the cellar. Good bricks sold of course- one price on site- more if delivered.
Gave away two nice garages- whole , N/C just back a trailer under them and haul them away. Thank you vey much- got paid to remove them and never touched them
Now to plaster removal- a roofing removal bar or flat blade shovel work well.
I had a great selection of large heavy bars for removing stubborn materials- who was it that said "give me a place to stand etc etc "
I learned an awful lot about both good and bad construction technique while I was the "crazed demolisher"
I once got a job to remove plaster and lath from a building downtown. The guy who showed me what he wanted done was using a claw hammer--he'd pound a bit and pry a bit and in five minutes he had about 1 sq. ft. of plaster off and still had the lath left. After he left I brought a wrecking bar in (eventually modified it by padding and taping (used racket handle tape actually) the not curved end) and smashed a hole in the ceiling, right through the plaster and lath both. Then I'd pull down the lath, raking the crook of the bar perpendicular to the way the lath ran, and the plaster would fall free (good idea to wear gloves, hard hat, safety glasses and dust mask) as the lath was torn from the joists. In five minutes I'd have most of a ceiling down.
Once a hole was opened, I'd insert the crook of the wrecking bar and yank several laths at a time down. Then I'd have room for big, slashing swings that would smash/pull whole sections of lath and plaster down at a time. Once the ceiling was down, I'd start on the walls working from top down. (This pretty much gets all of the agression out of you!)
Occasionally I'd have to stop to pull the wreckage away to get at the lower lath. On the lower ones, you can stick the bar in the stud bays and yank down to pull them loose. The plaster pretty much comes entirely loose from the lath (at least this did--it was a very old building) and then you can sort of rake the lath into piles (I bundled them and tied them with twine, put them on a wheel barrow and carted them out). Then I shoveled up the plaster. An aggressive approach really worked well, (this is not a job for someone who likes to be slow and careful and "work at" things) but it is tiring and you will find it is not very kind on your elbow and shoulder joints--fingers also take a beating. I could clear a room in an hour or so.
But the suggested way of peeling the plaster off using a claw hammer or hoe or whatever was very slow and tiresome. My way, the plaster still ended up separated from the lath, so it was good in terms of recycling. Incidentally, the old lath makes excelent kindling if you don't mind the nails that are left in the ashes.
Nope, you guys are not going to talk me into it. Friggin' winter, man!
Assuming the water isn't turned on, winter is the BEST time to do demo work. You can wear heavy coveralls/glasses/respirator to keep the stuff off ya, you're not sweating your #### off, the wood is at its dryest, so IMO its easier to get stuff apart (although it can split).
If the madness strikes you and you decide to do the full monty on this one, from my secret stash I will send you one of my magic Bosch Sawzall blades. 10" metal flush cutting blade with just a little flex to it. The new version of this blade is garbage, but I've got a few of the older ones locked away.
I could slip the magic blade between rim joist and joist and zap the nails. Do that on either end and just lift the joist out whole. On wall studs, I would slip the blade between the top plate and top of the stud and zap the nails. Then just work it back and forth a bit and you work the bottom nails right out. You get rolling and can remove a stud in 10-15 seconds (most of which can be reused). Before long, you start to see gobs of ways to save yourself HOURS by simply slipping that magic blade in and zapping a couple nails.jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
Next building is a ways away to run a cord and I'm not springing for a cordless sawzall till everything gets ironed out in the cordless tool market.
So it'd have to be done by hand and that's not as exciting as the real thing.
be tool minded
Peach full,easy feelin'.
Edited 2/7/2008 10:49 am ET by rez
Rez,
Large demo bars, sledge hammers, chain saw with a few spare blades- like Tony says " don't need no stinkin' cordless tools"
You're almost convinced to tackle this beauty I can tell.
You'll sleep better all tired out from the physical exertion of it.
Walter
Now you've got me thinking... how much stuff would I need electricity for: lights, Sawzall, circ saw. A lot of the work is just hand tools (hammers, prybars, etc), but I would like to have a Sawzall. Borrow a generator or get a plug installed at the meter and have the power turned on?
Did you hear back from your friend with the equipment? If he had a dump truck and something with a scoop, I suppose you could just make a pile of 'dumpster' stuff and then come in and scoop it up.
jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
Edited 2/7/2008 11:35 am by JohnT8
Guy runs a metal fab shot and has trackhoes, cranes and the like. He'd just show up and put it all in the dumpsters and have them haul it away. Push the rest around with a dozer and that's the end of the show.
Hopefully my flatbed would be sitting there with some beams on it when all is done.
Now you suckers got me thinking about going in there after the floors.
be 'I keill you! I keill you!'
Peach full,easy feelin'.
Rez,
I'm almost done flogging this dead mare---but---- what kind of price will this guy be throwing out there? 4 or 5 grand perhaps?
Just wondering what prices might be there for a demo of that size.
Will you have to fill the hole?
Don't shoot !!! Don't kiell us.
I'd expect to hear something before too long. 'Course you know how well that holds out.
I still have to remove the treads of the stairway so I'll be giving the guy a call on a warmer day.
I post something when I find out.
Original house had clapboards. If they had been 1x 10s claps of cedar or redwood I'd have been out there before a yesterday.
Peach full,easy feelin'.
Next building is a ways away to run a cord
Rez, didn't you have any serious power outages in your hood anytime in the last year or two? If so there should be plenty generators on the cheap that you should be able to score. Then your set to go.
We had some serious power lines down here last winter, power out for a week for some people. After power restored generators in the paper for 1/2 off, some as little as 1/4 to 1/3 original price. Get one, don't need to big of one to run a sawsall or skill saw.
Doug
Doug, I'm trying to talk myself out of that project, not into it.
be help, help!
Peach full,easy feelin'.
I'm trying to talk myself out of that project, not into it.
Well maybe thats the problem! Approach it from the other side, try talking your self into it and see what happens.
Worst case senerio is that you save an old house from the landfill and get some more material in the process. Win/win, everybody goes home happy!
Doug
Doug,
Not to mention being well paid for the labor--- instead of paying for heavy equiptment and $4 diesel fuel.
It's a no brainer from where I sit.
Walter
I kiell you!!!
Peach full,easy feelin'.
Nope, you'll be thanking your lucky stars if you pull the trigger on this one.
"I kiell you!!!"
Now that's funny. Even My Lovely Assistant laughed.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
ya, he's really got me thinking about it.
snorK*
Peach full,easy feelin'.
You pull the trigger on that house yet?
jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
you villain.
Peach full,easy feelin'.
You just need to corner Slateman and extract all the helpful tips on making salvage pay.jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
He's afraid he can't handle the truth.
Once he finds out how lucrative deconstruction can be --- he'll look forward to such projects.
He's probably afraid of giving up his Lowes habit. Probably adicted to all that twisty, warped Lowes stuff. Wouldn't know what to do with a straight board. :)
jt8
"A free society is a place where it's safe to be unpopular."-- Adlai Stevenson
Perhaps, but he might also not wish to get dirty in the way that "deconstructors" do !!!
Got to admit that it feels pretty good to need a certain size trim board or whatever and be able to go out to a shed, and pull some old lumber, trim it out with an EZ and a planer to see this great tight grained knot free lumber appear before you.
You know, if I was just left to my own devices I'd take the whole house apart and store it. snorK*
Got on ebay and looked up lightning rods. Plenty on there at little cost but couldn't find any of the 10ft lengths of twisted rods that screw together.
Makes me wonder how old the things are.
Peach full,easy feelin'.
You know, if I was just left to my own devices I'd take the whole house apart and store it
Whose devices are we dealing with then? I kinda like Slateman's suggestion of having the owner pay you to make the building go away. You take what you want and send the rest off to the landfill. Did that friend with the heavy equip ever give you a price?
jt8
"A free society is a place where it's safe to be unpopular."-- Adlai Stevenson
The owner will have to pay someone for the demo ---why not Rez ???
Maybe his devices aren't ready.
ok ok Just to keep the CrazyLady amused here's a pic of the backside of siding I removed from the edited to add([an] from a number of years back) old timberframe that was slated snorK* for the wrecking ball
after a quick sand for the overly rough I cleaned up the bottom edge and placed the painted side against the old sheathing.
Rotten photography but what it says is
Whatcom Falls Mill Co.
and dang if I can remember the other stuff before 'Wash.' at the end.
After a web search I did find a pic of the mill which ran from 1895 to 1941.
Peach full,easy feelin'.
Edited 2/29/2008 12:23 pm ET by rez
We see a lot of clapboards here on old houses that have the mills name on the back too.
Is this from the house you're bidding on to tear down piece by piece ?
No, that pic was siding I placed on a front porch a number of years back which had been removed from the old timberframe and recycled.
be keeping it up as you've got me thinking about the demo now
Peach full,easy feelin'.
Edited 2/21/2008 3:01 pm ET by rez
If you're not drove up with good carpentry jobs--- throw out a figure to do the demo.
Let the owner take care of filling the hole. If you can have a burn pile -- all the better.
How much a ton or yard is demo debris out your way ?
I'll loan you one of my 5' octagonal wrecking bars made of 1 1/4" bar stock -- weighs about 30 lbs. but it can remove most anything !!
I have a couple ok bars not oct. but thanks.
Trying to keep my place from looking like the art form in my front yard.
be no, the saw blade on the barrel isn't for sale
Peach full,easy feelin'.
be keeping it up as you've got me thinking about the demo now
So what is the status on that one? Done with it, still picking at the periphery, gonna go whole hog, or what?
At the risk of being redundant, Slateman's suggestion about getting paid to do the salvage seems like the next logical evolution of your bargain hunting being. But Doug, Slateman, and myself haven't actually walked through the place, so we can't say whether it would be worth the trouble or not.
On a related note, watched 'em move a big barn in Nebraska on TV last night. Kinda neat to see but I can't imagine what it cost (had to move a lot of power lines).
jt8
"A free society is a place where it's safe to be unpopular."-- Adlai Stevenson
-3 here the other night so zilch on a lot.
Haven't talked to the owner since the one day there removing the lightning rod and stair rails.
When the weather breaks I'll be contacting him to remove the treads and risers if he's moved his old desk out of the upstairs, then maybe some other stuff will enter the equation.
Never did look to see what kind of flooring was used under the old carpeting and paint. Be kinda neat to find black walnut under there.
Might be able to raise that PT deck on the front and back a trailer under it. Be an ok shed floor. snorK*
be snorking along as nightfall ends the day
Peach full,easy feelin'.
"Got on ebay and looked up lightning rods. Plenty on there at little cost but couldn't find any of the 10ft lengths of twisted rods that screw together."Try asking these guys
http://groups.msn.com/OhioLightningRodInsulatorsItems/And look here
http://www.antiquebottles.com/lightningrod/
Thanks
Peach full,easy feelin'.
If all you want to run is a sawzall, use a cheap inverter hooked up to your vehicle (and the inverter will come in handy for other things later).
You want the 40yarder with a gate on the end. That way you can wheel your stuff in. Do I need to call the lumber yard and find out about that beater truck? ;)
For ceiling drywall (assuming I can't reach up and grab the ceiling), I find a heavy duty hoe can be handy. But I haven't done plaster/lath in a while, so don't have a speedy option for you there (but the lath often makes VERY good kindling! for the wood stove). Hook it just right and you can very nearly pull the ceiling drywall down in single pieces. Just cart it right out to the dumpster.
Plaster/drywall is dumpster fodder. Asphalt shingles are dumpster fodder. Old wiring is probably scrap yard. Old plumbing is probably dumpster fodder or scrap yard. Might be able to sell the windows & old doors. Flooring is probably burn pile fodder....
How big of a hurry is the owner in? Could you make a conditional deal with him? Something like, "if I make this house disappear in a month, you pay me $x". Although $$ up front has a better ring to it.
jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
"
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
"
I learned so much about human nature from reading Maugham 30 years ago....
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Between a 40 yarder, the salvaged stuff, and a good burn pile out back, you could turn that house into a hole in the ground.
And if time wasn't a major factor, you could sell some of the salvage as you went (perhaps the windows for example).
Shame we don't have anyone doing a de-construction thread. Would be neat to see them go about it. All I've ever done is take bits & pieces, not a whole house/barn down.jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
I never took good pictures from past demos and haven't had an opportunity in a bunch of years to take one down completely- but I used to love it.
Imagine getting well paid to take good stuff you'd haul off for free.
Now my only good salvage is when I strip a slate roof and wind up with lots of stone shingles !!!
Imagine getting well paid to take good stuff you'd haul off for free.
Walter, my ex FIL used to demo houses for the material, I think the first 6 or 7 houses that he built came from reused material. Those houses are still there some 35-40 years later, probably will be for another 100!
I'm a little touched in the head like rez and John, dont like to see these old houses torn down and taken to the dump, no reason for it.
Doug
I demo'ed a smallish ranch house in NC, got enough lumber to make 2 sheds and a chicken coop and a roof over a tractor parking spot.
But the nail pulling about negated any real savings, it got really tedious after the initial "OH BOY"! wore off.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
But the nail pulling about negated any real savings, it got really tedious after the initial "OH BOY"! wore off.
My ex-FIL lined up his four children and had them do it, after all what are kids for!
Doug
But the nail pulling about negated any real savings, it got really tedious after the initial "OH BOY"! wore off.
On the current project house, the drywall nails took WAAAAAY longer to get out than the drywall did. ALTHOUGH... pulling nails doesn't take a whole lotta skill, so you can have anyone do it (kids, family, friends). I would just tell 'em to holler at me if they got one they couldn't get out or if they popped the head off the nail. Had several paint cans full of nails. Probably should have hauled them in with the scrap metal. And pulling nails can be a social activity. Kinda like knitting while talking. Just sitting there popping nails out while chatting.
IMO, having a dumpster (and a burn pile if possible) is one of the most important things (and I've just gutted, not taken a whole building down). Lets you work more efficiently because you can get the garbage out of your way. jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
I used to be a lot touched- couldn't pass anything up. Even if it meant postponing a paying job to scavenge some goodies- but I learned a lot about building construction, de-construction, and especially about my priorities.
Now my goodies are more limited, but I provide myself with all my own salvage slate.
Did you see the thread about recycled house parts I started a few weeks ago?Maybe in the "green " folder
Walter
Did you see the thread about recycled house parts I started a few weeks ago?Maybe in the "green " folder
You know, I dont think I ever saw the GREEN folder! Yikes, I gotta drift around in here a little more!
Be heading over to the Green column
Doug
Doug,
I just looked- it's down about 8 - 10 threads.
Thats where REz might be posting all his treasures once we convince him to pull the trigger on this demo !!!
Walter
You just need: a truck (or some vehicle to transport stuff), free time, a few tools, and a place to store your salvaged items.
The longer you have to take stuff apart, the better off you are because you can find other people who want certain bits. On my current project, I didn't have a lot of time to fiddle around and didn't have storage space, so I spent $$ dumpstering stuff I could have given away or sold.jt8
"The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones." -- Somerset Maugham
My last real demo job was a 24' X 72' barn with sheds added the long way on both sides. I have approx 4000 lin. ft. of barnboard that has never been painted and is in pretty damn good shape because of the sheds added to the sides, no weather hitting it day in day out.
The barn was built in 1919, still have the barn board that has all the guys initials/names carved into it that presumedly built the place.
Barn was all mortised and pegged, have all/most of the pegs, don't think I broke more then 5 total. I'd use a 3/4" socket extension to drive the pins out. Place the female end of the socket ext. over the point end of the pin and drive it out! Worked like a charm.
Saved all the beams from the original 24 X 72 and sold off all the beams from the two shed sides. Had these for 15 years and realized I'd never get to using them so sold the whole lot of the beams off for $2000, they were all native oak and in great shape. I taged them so they could go back together same way. I still have all the barn board though, not sure what I'll do with it, considering flooring but not sure.
I kept a burn culvert (5' diameter, 4' high) and threw everything in that wasn't worth keeping. I took one load of scrap metal to the salvage and one small load of misc to the dump. I was able to work on it off and on for 45 days, not to tough to get it done in that time. This was a barn in the Amanas, looking at an old Amana house this summer that needs to be razed, caught fire and did minimum damage but the house really isn't worth putting to much money into it to keep it so owner is just going to demo it. I know the historic society has approved it so I'm looking to approach the owner with a deal.
I'm no stranger to this lunacy but it really does eat away at me to see these places just torn down and hauled to the dump.
Doug
I'm thinking that hospital is where my wife had her basic training as a nurse many many years ago
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
St. Joes on Center and Broadway ?
Yup. She had Nuns for teachers and mentors
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
OK, just for the thought of it.
What might be the total charge to the owner if I were to tear the place down and what is involved outside of paying for the hauloff of the dumpsters?
View Image
Peach full,easy feelin'.
Rez,
It's hard for me to know pricing for where you're located, but I'll give you some insight from my demo experience.
As you said earlier , any noncombustible materials can go in the cellar. Windows, doors, lumber,fixtures can be sold or traded or bartered for help.
If an excavator is brought in and the building "creamed" then they'll have to haul it away - loading with pulp loader or a thumb on the machine.
I can't believe it could be done by machines and trucked off for 5 or 6 grand, but I don't know your area.
If you have interest - work with the owner playing up the recycling aspect and charge a little less than the machine guys -- as long as you know you can make good pay. Figure the salvage for quoting purposes as not having a bearing on the price.
If work is not abundant - go for it. I enjoyed my career as a "de-constructor"
Walter
So do you have a certain order that you attack it in? I'd be tempted to dumpster the shingles and remove the siding, but I suppose that would then lead to a wet work environment, so probably not the best order to do it in. and once the windows are gone, you have no job site security.
jt8
"Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy" --Leo F. Buscaglia
Guy works right next door and being a countryfied setting and the copper being first thing removed there would be little interest in anyone crawling in the windows if they haven't already.
Peach full,easy feelin'.
Edited 2/29/2008 12:26 pm ET by rez
John,
All the good stuff on the inside should be removed firse-- finished floors, doors jambs and trim, fixtures and anything of value.
Then the shingles come off and into the dumpster, vinyl siding and other sh**. Since the rain will loosen the nails holding the subfloors, roof boards etc. -- it's time to do a rain dance. Also wets the plaster which will be less dusty -- it's going in the cellar along with broken chimney bricks, glass, and any other non combustibles.
Once its down to the frame the brute strength and awkwardness can begin -- as Rez gets all the sheathing and framing to reconstruct more sheds than anyone can imagine.
Homeowner brings in fill once the materials and debris are gone.
Check please ! this one's a wrap.
"Give yourself to the dark side...."jt8
"Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy" --Leo F. Buscaglia
Alright rez, glad to see you're taking it on.
You'll be in shed heaven with all that material to build with.
Doug
I think he bought two lifts of OSB instead.
He cant stay out of Lowes. If he'd stay away from that damn store for a week he'd be damn near done.
Doug
eeek mawnna wanna woobee phlay
still cold
still thinking
Peach full,easy feelin'.
You'd be half way done by now if you'd get off the thinking pad and into the work zone!
Be get going
This would be a wonderful day to have a burn pile going for demo wood !
-10 the other night but suppose to go above freezing today so maybe I should just go roaring in here and kick alittle demoazz for a while.
Actually, I had the buddy with the demo equipment's phone number left with the guy and nothing has ever been spoken so I figure he's in no big hurry to down the place.
Maybe his brother who's to build the new house has downshifted with the economy and decided to lay low awhile, I dunno.
In the meantime I'm not hungry enough to go play demo in an old unheated house since one of the reasons I would think of something like that is it would be fun in better temps
and fun and money have to go hand in hand or whatever gets shut down pretty quick.
be quick and life is too short
Peach full,easy feelin'.
At least Lowes keeps the heat on !!!<g>
is this gal's granite in her house yet??????????
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I think she said they had successfully unloaded it into the garage.
Peach full,easy feelin'.
Where's that thread with the Breaktime Salvage Co. forming? I think OldGuy is in on it. 101547.1
Peach full,easy feelin'.
I don't think that ladder was tied off properly."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I know a crazy Lady with a mommyvan who can help you get them out
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
That's cool! I love it when someone scores some booty!
Good job.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
Like Rez said, congratulations! And thanks for posting; nice to hear it's gone well so far.
At the very least, some body looses skin.
50/50 the slab breaks
2% chance they roll the van over
5% they break a window out of it
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Get this guy to do it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRRDzFROMx0
Hmmm.
I have a bad back but helped my granite guys slide a 50"x90" slab 2 months ago.
They have a trailer that supports the slab at a slight angle. (you could build a rack with 2x's and strap it up or down aok.
We used 2x10's and plywood and just kept sliding the slab on the wood.
Slid down the trailer ramp, across the back yard, up a ramp we built into the kitchen thru the door and leaned it up on the counter and tilted it up into place.
Was incredibly easy. (these guys do it all the time but it was a dandy of a slab)
The key was sliding it and not lifting it except one time just a little.
Make sure you have plenty of help and take time if you are going to do it.
Aint worth it if anyone is going to get hurt!
Vertical on long edge even carrying it to its final spot.
Maybe you know someone with a plate glass truck.
as far as getting the slab out of the house, get some 1 1/2 PVC pipe to use for rollers (did this with a concrete countertop worked great). for the transport keep it on edge.
Four strong men and a truck with a hoist could do it.
Where will it go from the truck? Steps?
In any case move it in an upright position, NEVER flat.
You could try with HD wide straps (like the truckers have): add a few more men, look how they carry caskets