This is So.Calif West LA area..

I need two dangerous side steps replaced. They are concrete; go way
back before I bought the house. One is 9" high; the other is the
usual 6". That first step is awkward, even for a normal-sized person,
and I am very short. People have taken a dive on those steps.

I have back back and had shoulder surgery. Can't risk a fall.

The City has given me a grant for approx. $4k+ but I can't find a
contractor to do the job; called quite a few in the phone book.

Is job that small that nobody is interested? Or? Somebody said they
don't like jobs where a City pays, but I tried to tell them that the
paperwork totally protects them; I've seen it.

If any contractor in the area is interested, please post and tell me
where to contact you.

Tx

Aspasia

aspasia wrote in message
...
|
| This is So.Calif West LA area..
|
| I need two dangerous side steps replaced. They are concrete; go way
| back before I bought the house. One is 9" high; the other is the
| usual 6". That first step is awkward, even for a normal-sized person,
| and I am very short. People have taken a dive on those steps.


I take it
the 9" step is the bottom step?
of course it is............................
remove and rebuild them.
it's not worth the time to cut and grind.



|
| I have back back and had shoulder surgery. Can't risk a fall.
|
| The City has given me a grant for approx. $4k+ but I can't find a
| contractor to do the job; called quite a few in the phone book.
|
| Is job that small that nobody is interested? Or? Somebody said they
| don't like jobs where a City pays, but I tried to tell them that the
| paperwork totally protects them; I've seen it.
|
| If any contractor in the area is interested, please post and tell me
| where to contact you.
|
| Tx
|
| Aspasia
|
|
|

On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 06:24:49 -0400, "3G" wrote:


aspasia wrote in message
m...
|
| This is So.Calif West LA area..
|
| I need two dangerous side steps replaced. They are concrete; go way
| back before I bought the house. One is 9" high; the other is the
| usual 6". That first step is awkward, even for a normal-sized person,
| and I am very short. People have taken a dive on those steps.


I take it
the 9" step is the bottom step?
of course it is............................

No! 9" is the TOP step! Very awkward/dangerous to navigate.

remove and rebuild them.
it's not worth the time to cut and grind.

That's what I want -- to remove and rebuild, pref. with wood.
I was never suggesting "cut and grind".

My problem is locating a contractor.

Aspasia



|
| I have back back and had shoulder surgery. Can't risk a fall.
|
| The City has given me a grant for approx. $4k+ but I can't find a
| contractor to do the job; called quite a few in the phone book.
|
| Is job that small that nobody is interested? Or? Somebody said they
| don't like jobs where a City pays, but I tried to tell them that the
| paperwork totally protects them; I've seen it.
|
| If any contractor in the area is interested, please post and tell me
| where to contact you.
|
| Tx
|
| Aspasia
|
|
|

aspasia wrote in :

On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 06:24:49 -0400, "3G" wrote:
aspasia wrote in message
remove and rebuild them.
it's not worth the time to cut and grind.

That's what I want -- to remove and rebuild, pref. with wood.
I was never suggesting "cut and grind".

My problem is locating a contractor.

Look for a handyman. We tackle smaller jobs like this all the time.
Contractors don't like to mess with jobs under $10K because theres so much
cost in the setup.

Ask for references and check them out before you hire someone.

This isn't a repair, so he'll have to pull a permit with the city. This is a
good thing, since they'll make sure he meets code.

If I were doing it in the Fort Worth area, I'd guess the cost would be around
$1000. This includes hauling away the old concrete and building a stoop with
two steps and a railing. Your code might not require the railing, but I'd
want it anyway. (I didn't do an actual calculation here. Make your guy give
you a written estimate up front.)

On 21 Mar 2007 21:53:53 GMT, Steve wrote:

aspasia wrote in :

On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 06:24:49 -0400, "3G" wrote:
aspasia wrote in message
remove and rebuild them.
it's not worth the time to cut and grind.

That's what I want -- to remove and rebuild, pref. with wood.
I was never suggesting "cut and grind".

My problem is locating a contractor.

Look for a handyman. We tackle smaller jobs like this all the time.
Contractors don't like to mess with jobs under $10K because theres so much
cost in the setup.

Ask for references and check them out before you hire someone.

This isn't a repair, so he'll have to pull a permit with the city. This is a
good thing, since they'll make sure he meets code.

If I were doing it in the Fort Worth area, I'd guess the cost would be around
$1000. This includes hauling away the old concrete and building a stoop with
two steps and a railing. Your code might not require the railing, but I'd
want it anyway. (I didn't do an actual calculation here. Make your guy give
you a written estimate up front.)

Well, you did give me an idea. Maybe the City doesn't require him (or
her) to be a licensed contractor. I was thinking they had to be,
because it would be paid for by a City grant (senior stuff).

The City allocated $4000 for the job, but the ONLY bid I was able
to get was from a female head of a minority construction company not
in this area, and it ran $625 over.

Nothing developed for over a year, and then I got an inquiry from
whoever drew up the bid papers -- they're somehow connected with the
City (don't ask; I don't even understand it!) So now I am trying to
find out if the bid is still alive, and if not, go back on the hunt
for a contractor/handyman/whatever.

Sigh!

I originally asked the group if they knew of a way to locate a
person to do the job, other than the Yellow Pages.

Still asking...any thoughts on where to look? I really don't want to
lose the City funds, and I sure as hell need to fix those steps,
but I can't afford it out of pocket.

Aspasia

On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 22:28:11 -0700, aspasia wrote:


Well, you did give me an idea. Maybe the City doesn't require him (or
her) to be a licensed contractor. I was thinking they had to be,

Check on that.

because it would be paid for by a City grant (senior stuff).

The City allocated $4000 for the job, but the ONLY bid I was able
to get was from a female head of a minority construction company not
in this area, and it ran $625 over.

For 4600 dollars it ought to have air conditioning and a
merry-go-round.

Nothing developed for over a year, and then I got an inquiry from
whoever drew up the bid papers -- they're somehow connected with the
City (don't ask; I don't even understand it!) So now I am trying to
find out if the bid is still alive, and if not, go back on the hunt
for a contractor/handyman/whatever.

Sigh!

I originally asked the group if they knew of a way to locate a
person to do the job, other than the Yellow Pages.

References from neighbors, Look under Handymen in the yellow pages?
Newspaper classified, Craig's list

Still asking...any thoughts on where to look? I really don't want to
lose the City funds, and I sure as hell need to fix those steps,
but I can't afford it out of pocket.

Aspasia

On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 12:32:02 -0700, aspasia wrote:

On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 06:24:49 -0400, "3G" wrote:


aspasia wrote in message
om...
|
| This is So.Calif West LA area..
|
| I need two dangerous side steps replaced. They are concrete; go way
| back before I bought the house. One is 9" high; the other is the
| usual 6". That first step is awkward, even for a normal-sized person,
| and I am very short. People have taken a dive on those steps.


I take it
the 9" step is the bottom step?
of course it is............................

No! 9" is the TOP step! Very awkward/dangerous to navigate.

remove and rebuild them.
it's not worth the time to cut and grind.

That's what I want -- to remove and rebuild, pref. with wood.
I was never suggesting "cut and grind".

My problem is locating a contractor.

You don't need a contractor. YOu need a 1.5" thick
slab of wood on top of the bottom step. That
will get you two 1.5" steps, which is about normal.

Actually, you've only mentioned two risers, which
implies only one actual stair? Probably it was
installed midway, and just sank.

"Goedjn" wrote in message
news | On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 12:32:02 -0700, aspasia wrote:
|
| On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 06:24:49 -0400, "3G" wrote:
|
|
| aspasia wrote in message
| om...
| |
| | This is So.Calif West LA area..
| |
| | I need two dangerous side steps replaced. They are concrete; go
way
| | back before I bought the house. One is 9" high; the other is the
| | usual 6". That first step is awkward, even for a normal-sized
person,
| | and I am very short. People have taken a dive on those steps.
|
|
| I take it
| the 9" step is the bottom step?
| of course it is............................
|
| No! 9" is the TOP step! Very awkward/dangerous to navigate.
|
| remove and rebuild them.
| it's not worth the time to cut and grind.
|
| That's what I want -- to remove and rebuild, pref. with wood.
| I was never suggesting "cut and grind".
|
| My problem is locating a contractor.
|
| You don't need a contractor. YOu need a 1.5" thick
| slab of wood on top of the bottom step. That
| will get you two 1.5" steps, which is about normal.


don't you mean two 7.5" risers
why not just add concrete (sand mixture) to the bottom step?

I thought the bottom riser was higher.
the top riser too tall is too easy to fix without removing anything.

I thought there was talk about removing the stairs or is that step.
$4600 for 1 step...........yah right.
1 step (2 risers) would cost about $300 where I come from.


|
| Actually, you've only mentioned two risers, which
| implies only one actual stair? Probably it was
| installed midway, and just sank.
|
|

On Fri, 23 Mar 2007 05:07:08 -0400, "3G" wrote:


"Goedjn" wrote in message
news | On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 12:32:02 -0700, aspasia wrote:
|
| On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 06:24:49 -0400, "3G" wrote:
|
|
| aspasia wrote in message
| om...
| |
| | This is So.Calif West LA area..
| |
| | I need two dangerous side steps replaced. They are concrete; go
way
| | back before I bought the house. One is 9" high; the other is the
| | usual 6". That first step is awkward, even for a normal-sized
person,
| | and I am very short. People have taken a dive on those steps.
|
|
| I take it
| the 9" step is the bottom step?
| of course it is............................
|
| No! 9" is the TOP step! Very awkward/dangerous to navigate.
|
| remove and rebuild them.
| it's not worth the time to cut and grind.
|
| That's what I want -- to remove and rebuild, pref. with wood.
| I was never suggesting "cut and grind".
|
| My problem is locating a contractor.
|
| You don't need a contractor. YOu need a 1.5" thick
| slab of wood on top of the bottom step. That
| will get you two 1.5" steps, which is about normal.

Very good. 25 points.

don't you mean two 7.5" risers

I"m sure he does.

why not just add concrete (sand mixture) to the bottom step?

More work. Might not stay attached. Might crumble and be dangerous.

I thought the bottom riser was higher.

Above it says 9 inches. Raise the step below it 1.5" and that will
leave 7.5".

the top riser too tall is too easy to fix without removing anything.

I thought there was talk about removing the stairs or is that step.
$4600 for 1 step...........yah right.
1 step (2 risers) would cost about $300 where I come from.


| Actually, you've only mentioned two risers, which
| implies only one actual stair? Probably it was
| installed midway, and just sank.

Sounds right.
|

On Mar 21, 5:49 am, aspasia wrote:
This is So.Calif West LA area..

I need two dangerous side steps replaced. They are concrete; go way
back before I bought the house. One is 9" high; the other is the
usual 6". That first step is awkward, even for a normal-sized person,
and I am very short. People have taken a dive on those steps.

I have back back and had shoulder surgery. Can't risk a fall.

The City has given me a grant for approx. $4k+ but I can't find a
contractor to do the job; called quite a few in the phone book.

Is job that small that nobody is interested? Or? Somebody said they
don't like jobs where a City pays, but I tried to tell them that the
paperwork totally protects them; I've seen it.

If any contractor in the area is interested, please post and tell me
where to contact you.

Tx

Aspasia

I don't know why you haven't found someone interested in the job.
It should be quick and straight forward - unless there is some
condition you haven't mentioned.
There are - in my area - precast steps.
Perhaps wooden steps.

Do you think the concrete has sunk into the ground or has the ground
level changed?

Steps, by code, should have a landing at door and have the same riser
and tread dimensions consistently.

T

On 21 Mar 2007 04:42:46 -0700, wrote:

On Mar 21, 5:49 am, aspasia wrote:
This is So.Calif West LA area..

I need two dangerous side steps replaced. They are concrete; go way
back before I bought the house. One is 9" high; the other is the
usual 6". That first step is awkward, even for a normal-sized person,
and I am very short. People have taken a dive on those steps.

I have back back and had shoulder surgery. Can't risk a fall.

The City has given me a grant for approx. $4k+ but I can't find a
contractor to do the job; called quite a few in the phone book.

Is job that small that nobody is interested? Or? Somebody said they
don't like jobs where a City pays, but I tried to tell them that the
paperwork totally protects them; I've seen it.

If any contractor in the area is interested, please post and tell me
where to contact you.

Tx

Aspasia

I don't know why you haven't found someone interested in the job.
It should be quick and straight forward - unless there is some
condition you haven't mentioned.

No, my message was totally upfront. Maybe the area where
I live is too "affluent" for a small job? Wish I shared in the
"affluence"!

I don't know where else to research contractors, other than
the yellow pages.

**********Any suggestions VERY welcome.****************

There are - in my area - precast steps.
Perhaps wooden steps.

Do you think the concrete has sunk into the ground or has the ground
level changed?

No. There has always been a 3" difference between top step and bottom
step in the decades I have owned the house. It just didn't become an
issue until my accident/surgery/do not fall problems arose.

Who knows how/when/why these concrete steps were so
stupidly made?

Steps, by code, should have a landing at door and have the same riser
and tread dimensions consistently.

Right. No landing at door; dimensions inconsistent.

Aspasia

On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 12:30:22 -0700, aspasia wrote:


I don't know why you haven't found someone interested in the job.
It should be quick and straight forward - unless there is some
condition you haven't mentioned.

No, my message was totally upfront.

Even upfront messages often leave things out. In fact, hardly anyone
gives all the relevant fact the first time they post, and it's pretty
frustrating sometimes.

Maybe the area where
I live is too "affluent" for a small job? Wish I shared in the
"affluence"!

Maybe. I live in the suburbs and it's not even a rich suburb by any
means. Yet when I wanted my car's catalytic converter repaired
instead of replaced, no one wanted to do it. (well I only asked
two).**

So I drove 5 miles away, closer to downtown, and the first shop I
tried was happy to do it. **** They did complete exhaust systems too,
but they didn't shirk from repair work. They took me right away too,
and did a good job.

Anyhow, repairmen have trucks and will travel. Maybe go to a hardware
store in your or a less ritzy n'hood and look on the bulletin board.

But look at the other things he has done. My ex-girlfriend has a
series of guys who work for her, cleaning out and/or painting the
units at the ministorage she runs, repairing the roof, even repairing
the walls when a car hits it (although maybe she hires a pro for
that.) So I needed my roof repaired and she gave me a name, I bought
a full 4x8 sheet of plywood but he just cut out a piece a third that
size that eventually I found was a bit smaller than the hole. I bought
tar paper and plenty of shingles, too. Instead of starting the
shingles from the edge of the roof and working in, he must have
started from the last good shingle and worked out, so there were 2
inches of shingle hanging over the edge of the roof***, and it leaked
just as bad after he was done as before. He chose the price, and he
could have chosen a higher price if time was the issue, but I guess he
just didn't know how to do better. I didn't know it was still leaking
when I paid him, and because it was a roof, I didn't watch as he did
it. In fact if it weren't a roof, I would have done it myself.

At my request he went up and trimmed the extra shingle off but still
left a ragged inch or half inch. Would have been so easy to start
from the edge and work in. I"m not disappointed in her, and I should
have gone to see other things he did. But I was in a bad mood, or I
would have had my whole roof done by a pro at that time.

***The shingles coming over the edgelooked just like the roofs on
homemade sheds and old run down houses. Is this a tradition?





****The pipe was cracking, an inch or two from the converter iirc.

So I drove 5 miles away and the first shop I tried was happy to do
it. One bead sealed it but he put on two beads all the way around,
and charged 75 dollars for a half hours work (still making plenty of
money) and I tipped him 10 dollars. Better than paying 400+. It
lasted 2 or 3 years until I junked the car.

BTW, is it legal to repair the converter? When it is only the pipe
that is broken?

On Thu, 22 Mar 2007 05:57:34 -0400, mm
wrote:


So I drove 5 miles away and the first shop I tried was happy to do
it. One bead sealed it but he put on two beads all the way around,
and charged 75 dollars for a half hours work (still making plenty of
money) and I tipped him 10 dollars. Better than paying 400+. It
lasted 2 or 3 years until I junked the car.

That is, it was still fine when I junked the car.

"mm" wrote in message
...
| On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 12:30:22 -0700, aspasia wrote:
|
|
| snipped the story book of the EX
|
| BTW, is it legal to repair the converter?

it is illegal to repair a catalytic converter


| When it is only the pipe that is broken?
|
not illegal to repair the pipe unless it is just clamped on.

On Fri, 23 Mar 2007 06:30:53 -0400, "3G" wrote:


"mm" wrote in message
.. .
| On Wed, 21 Mar 2007 12:30:22 -0700, aspasia wrote:
|
|
| snipped the story book of the EX
|
| BTW, is it legal to repair the converter?

it is illegal to repair a catalytic converter

Uh-huh.

| When it is only the pipe that is broken?
|
not illegal to repair the pipe unless it is just clamped on.

Good. It was only the pipe, and the two pieces were welded back
together. No clamp. Not only was the guy careful both times around
(I watched) but the sound then and as long as the car ran indicated
that there was no exhaust leak.