Back to the Basement Remodeling!

Things are really moving along – finally – at the basement “build-out” for TLC Construction!” Teddy has been busy watching the water proofing experts add interior drain tile after the April floods proved it was necessary before continuing the project. Last week Teddy reported they were digging a trench to put the drain tile in. What a job trucking the dirt and cement out in 5 gallon buckets; through the egress window to a wheel barrow; then into the truck. Whew! a huge job thought Teddy.

Next the water proofing experts got large rolls of corrugated, 4″ plastic drain tile. The drain tile has slots which allow water to enter but it also has a sleeve to keep sand and fine particles from permeating and filling it. They set the drain tile in the bottom of the 12″ trench. The trench goes to the new sump pump and the drain tile enters the sump basket through the side. As the drain tile is rolled out into the trench, it is cut to length and covered with 3/4″ gravel chip. Chip is different from other gravel in that all the fine material is screened out thus leaving pockets or voids between the gravel to allow the water to travel freely.

Concrete is mixed then poured over the gravel chip and troweled flat to cap off the top of the trench and restore the floor. If a new sump pump is installed, as in this case, the water will be piped up out of the sump bucket and through the side wall of the house just above the foundation. At this point, a pipe is installed to carry the water away from the house much like a downspout for gutters. After the concrete is cured (1-2 days) work can resume to finish the project.

Now that this huge project is back under way, join Teddy next time to follow the progress and click this link to check out the NEW TLC Construction website!

No More Water!

Several weeks ago Teddy was discussing a TLC Construction basement build-out. (This is contractor talk for building living space in a basement that is unfinished). The halt in construction of the 1,000 square foot remodel lasted a long time. Though the sump pump did its’ job, the heavy rain in April caused water to come up through a few cracks in the basement floor. Investigation revealed the 7-year-old house had exterior drain tile, the basement was “wrapped” but had no interior drain tile. That didn’t work very well in this case, thought Teddy.

After more than a month’s delay, the waterproofing experts set up last Friday and started Monday!  Unfortunately, the retrofit cost will be more than 15 times the expense of installing interior drain tile during new construction – not inexpensive! Frustrating, to say the least, thought Teddy.  However, the homeowner totally understood that if she wanted to continue the project and create a family room, bedroom and bathroom in the basement, complete with some carpeting, this was an expensive but necessary move.

Teddy visited the home several times to watch the process, The water proofing expert had a crew of 5 workers who put down drop clothes and work hard to keep the dust under control. After prep, they began to jack hammer a trench around most of the basement floor and several trenches into the middle of the room where water came through cracks. Once the concrete was removed from the trench, a ditch about 6″ wide and 12″ deep was dug. All this concrete and dirt were put into 5 gallon pails; carried to the egress window; lifted out the window to a wheel barrow; and wheeled to a dump truck. Teddy was amazed at how much work the men were doing! The egress window made it much easier than going up stairs, but still lots of hard work!

Join Teddy and the TLC Construction contractors next time to see how the drain tile is installed and the water proofing project completed. In the meantime, check out the new TLC Construction website!

Remember – Summer Is Coming!

Teddy is frustrated! It was just Memorial Day weekend and the contractors at TLC Construction told him this was the start of summer. Summer! How can it be summer when it is in the 50′s and 60′s, thought Teddy? When will our customers, and us too, be able to enjoy our yards? When will we enjoy our pergolas, decks, patios, screened porches and sun rooms? The TLC contractors told Teddy they get lots of calls from potential customers about changing or building an outdoor structure. What do you tell them? asked Teddy.

The TLC contractors explained their process. After the initial contact, they visit the site. They need to check many things including:  where the site is located in relation to the house, lot and neighbors; what already exists, if anything; and what they are dreaming of doing. They discuss with the homeowners how they want to use the outdoor structure:  do they want to use it year round; is this for family enjoyment, entertaining or both; what is their vision of a major change or remodeling; and other concerns.

Following the initial, free consultation, the TLC contractors go to work researching how to turn the dream into reality. They review previous jobs for comparables; consider local codes and restrictions; and creatively evolve the original concept. During all this, they keep the customer’s “proposed budget” in mind. The cost of construction and the complexity of projects are often different from the customers expectations.

Join Teddy next time as he goes with the TLC contractors to visit with the potential customers and discuss their proposed project. For now, check out the new TLC Construction website. Just click on the blue TLC Construction to see it!

TLC Construction Announcement!

Teddy is sooooo excited he wants to shout! One of the TLC Construction owners has been working with a web designer for several months to develop the “new and improved” TLC website!. It is online and looking good! It has more white space; up to date pictures; and more articles about how the company works. But, Teddy thinks, best of all, you can connect to Teddy’s blog and follow his adventures. How much fun is that!

One important thing was to have a website where the TLC owners could add pictures and edit the text. New pictures had not been added to the old website for nearly 2 years! Wow, thought Teddy. TLC has done lots of creative and wonderful jobs in that time! Now future customers can get ideas to help them imagine what their project could include and look like!  In fact, you can click on the blue TLC Construction words in this article and connect to the new website! How convenient, thought Teddy.

You also will be able to see the owners, John and Jan Bowman, and even pictures of a few of the fantastic subcontractors TLC works with. With customer service and quality work as our main tenants, you will understand how TLC will work with you to bring your dreams into reality. Teddy hopes you will check out the new website today – just click on this link TLC Construction then let Teddy know what you think!

No More “Rain Dances!”

When Teddy lived in the North Woods, his Native American friends would sometimes do a “rain dance” when it was dry. Teddy heard there were a lot of rain dances last year! In Northern Illinois where Teddy now lives, it has been a very wet spring 8 especially recently – over 4.5” of rain in two days! Some roads were closed; water was out of the banks of many rivers; and the TLC Construction contractor told Teddy people were worried about their basements and even their homes!

One of the most important jobs for TLC on a day like this is to check on the job sites they are working on. They were concerned about a home where a basement build-out was under way - especially since it was in an area with a high water table. Upon arriving, they found that although the sump pump was running, some water was on the basement floor.  They observed water coming up through cracks in the floor and also where the floor meets the foundation wall.  The TLC contractor called a waterproofing specialist to discuss the situation and schedule an inspection. TLC also called the city building department who was familiar with the builder that had constructed the home.  The initial thought was that the homebuilder installed drain tile outside the foundation wall but not under the basement floor. During weather like this, the waterproofing specialists have a huge number of calls and could not come right away. Much of the remodeling work has stopped. Luckily this problem happened now not after drywall and tile and carpet were down.  TLC’s suspicion is the homeowner may need drain tile installed under the basement floor but is waiting to confer with the expert.

Join Teddy next time to see what the homeowner, waterproofing specialist and TLC Construction decide is the best solution to this problem.  Also, Teddy thinks no one is doing ”rain dances” in Northern Illinois. We are drying out!

How Good is Good Enough?

Teddy is very proud of the quality work and customer service TLC Construction provides, however, sometimes there is a question of – “how good is good enough?” Of course, perfection is always good enough, but in construction, perfect is not always necessary or possible. How can this be right? thought Teddy. The TLC contractors sat down with Teddy and explained the situation.

In remodeling, the contractor works with an existing structure which sometimes comes with problems. The walls may be out of square; door openings not plumb; and floors not level. TLC contractors say, “we often fix things that were never right.” They go on to say, “we repair those things that are necessary for a good quality result. However, an extensive tear-out to get things perfect is often more expensive than the homeowner can justify.” The TLC contractors will advise the home owner if this is money well spent based on the unique factors of their home and situation.

Most of the imperfections uncovered during remodeling are not of significant concern. Occasionally TLC discovers something that is dangerous and/or not up to code. For example, a sky light  leaking at the roof level was discovered in a bathroom remodel. The problem was not yet apparent but the homeowner knew the room was cold. By repairing this, the room was warmer and real structural damage was avoided.

Teddy loves doing new construction!  You are not limited by what is there and have the latest tools and methods to achieve the  greatest accuracy. For example, laser levels allow the cement contractor to pour a flat foundation. But variables can affect “perfect.” Wood is a natural product which can twist or shrink during drying, after being cut and milled, and even after being installed.

One of the contractors told Teddy, “we’re not building airplanes!” “What does that mean?” asked Teddy. The accuracy needed to make a complex product like an airplane is much different from remodeling or even new construction. In airplane construction, the precision needed for quality and safety is greater. TLC works to make the project safe, up to code and functional.

That’s all very interesting and explains a lot, thought Teddy. I know TLC Construction works hard to maintain high quality standards for the construction industry.

Join Teddy next time as TLC Construction begins finishing a basement dividing it into a bedroom, bathroom, family room and still allowing for storage and mechanicals!

What do you know about what your contractor knows?

The TLC Construction contractors told Teddy about a quote from Donald Rumsfeld, “there are things we don’t know, we don’t know.” “What?” said Teddy. “What does this mean? Who doesn’t know?” Well, said the TLC contractors, some customers have had bad experiences with their contractor. The customer relies on the contractor to know how to do the project. Some contractors don’t have enough basic knowledge to know their limits – they don’t know, they don’t know. This has been increasing with the drop in the economy where many people needed work and call themselves contractors. After being in business for over 12 years, TLC Construction has developed expertise in many areas of construction but doesn’t try to ‘do it all themselves.’ TLC uses proven, experienced subcontractors who consistently demonstrate their skills and expertise plus have the proper licensing. For example, TLC’s electrical contractor knows that a 20 amp circuit required for a microwave would need to have a 20 amp circuit breaker, 12 gauge wire, and an outlet rated for 20 amps. Someone not trained as an electrician might understand the 20 amp circuit breaker and 12 gauge wire but erroneously put in a 15 amp outlet.

Then  the TLC contractor told Teddy, some contractors don’t ‘pull’ building permits. They might even tell the customer they are saving them money by not doing this. TLC Construction knows when you do and do not need a building permit. TLC and its’ subs work with the building inspectors, sometimes even clarifying building questions before the project starts. They know the questions to ask which prevents errors, time and additional expense. Having a positive relationship with the building inspectors can be beneficial to both the customer and contractor. When the inspections are passed, both know the project is built to current building codes and is safe. Inspections protect not only the customer but also the contractor.

“Neat!” said Teddy. The goal of TLC Construction is quality work and customer service. Having a contractor that knows his limits is very important especially since each project is unique. Each one has its’ own questions to answer. How great that the TLC contractors and their subs work together to find the best solution for each situation. Join Teddy next time to see how they determine ‘how good is good enough.’

Do You Need the Luck of the Irish to Find a Good Contractor?

It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day and Teddy heard people talking about the ‘luck of the Irish!” He asked the TLC Construction contractors what it meant. They said most people think it means good luck like wishing on a 4 leaf clover but the original meaning of this phrase was bad luck because of all the horrible things that happened to the Irish over the years. The Irish have survived famine, war and starvation.  Yikes! thought Teddy. He wished good luck to people finding a contractor not bad luck. Maybe Teddy could put together some suggestions for those looking for a good contractor. He wished them the ‘good’ luck of the Irish!

As Teddy discussed this with the TLC contractors, he picked out a few points. First, talk to your friends about contractors they have worked with and know. You still need to check them out and contact references but others experiences are a good indicator. Interview the prospective contractor. Ask them questions about:  the insurance they carry; how long they have been in business; do they use subcontractors; how are payments and a down-payment done; do they have a written contract. If you interview more than one contractor, ask the same questions and take notes. Trust your first impression.

Some people will advise you to look for contractors in the phone book. Many contractors have a referral business and are not listed in the phone book. Also, some contractors will say they are licensed and bonded. In IL, general contractors are not licensed. Also, when doing general construction the contractor does not buy bonds like in a road project.

When you have selected your contractor, talk, plan and talk some more. The more planning done before the project starts, the smoother it usually runs. It also is harder to redo something than do it right the first time.

Teddy was glad he could give his friends some ‘good luck’ ideas for choosing a contractor. He also suggested they check out the website of TLC Construction and give them a call to discuss turning their dreams into reality!

Episode 20: It’s a Wrap!

The 1,800 square foot addition TLC Construction has been general contracting is finished with a few ‘punchlist’ items to complete. The project has many admirers! Teddy has met some of the subs as they complete their punchlist items. The architect was in and used the panoramic setting on his camera to capture the feel of the large, great room space. All commented on how beautiful and functional the new space is! The homeowner mentioned that it seems they have ‘open house’ all the time! A neighbor knocked on the door; had seen the addition partially complete; and wanted to see the finished project. A friend stopped in to pick up her child and wanted a tour. Some even asked TLC Construction for a card as they have their own project in mind.

Though the addition is larger than the original home, it has been incorporated into the setting so as not to overwhelm the lot or original structure. Because of the desired aesthetics and size of the lot, even the new 3rd car garage is set back from the original 2 car garage. Teddy likes how it blends into the setting. The amazing lot was one of the main reasons the homeowners decided to build an addition rather than move. TLC Construction works with your hopes and dreams to bring them to reality. Teddy and the TLC contractors would love to talk with you about your potential projects and see if your dreams can become reality too!

Episode #19: Whose Getting Punched?

The TLC Construction contractors had begun to talk about a punchlist. Teddy was worried. He had never heard of such a thing! Is someone getting punched? The TLC contractors all are nice people! Or do you punch a list? Whatever could they be talking about! When the TLC contractors heard of Teddy’s concern they laughed; assured him no one was getting punched; and then explained to him what a punchlist is. In construction, we often use the term punchlist to mean a list of items that need attention. When each one is completed, it is ‘punched out’ or taken off the list. Whew! thought Teddy. I always knew the TLC contractors were nice people. Now let’s understand what things are put on the punchlist.

Usually, the punchlist contains several categories of items:  things that need to be touched up – like a wall that was scratched and needs touch-up painting; items that were missed – for example, some nail holes might be overlooked when nail holes were being filled; things that were not complete – sometimes we need more of something like trim, it is not in stock, and we wait for the order to come in; and items that are not quite right - for example, a door may need to be adjusted so it seals properly. Now, this made sense, thought Teddy. When you are doing a big and complex project, there are many many details. By making a list of items that need attention, it is easier for the TLC contractors to keep track of them and finish up.

Even though TLC Construction obtains building permits and has inspections, there are items that need to be addressed which are beyond the scope of building code requirements. The nature of design/build construction is the contractors are almost always constructing a unique project that hasn’t been built before. This adds excitement and challenge to the process but also complexity. Because TLC Construction is located in Northern Illinois, some items on the punchlist will need to be addressed in spring – for example, the final grade of the yard and landscaping.

This has been an exciting and challenging project but Teddy is looking forward to new ones coming up. Join Teddy and TLC Construction next time for the project wrap up!