Clients Section

3/20/2009 at 4:22:54 PM

Good idea brad!

3/20/2009 at 4:23:28 PM

As it turns out at this time I may be busy and will be sending work anyway if they use my company so it might be a two sided sword for you!

3/21/2009 at 12:01:48 AM

Hello all;

I have a question. We bought an older home that was built in th late 50's. For the last 17 years we've been correcting the original homeowners mistakes, and have preety much finished the main floor. Now we are looking at what to do with the basement. The old owners did some pretty strange things. ie: building a wall across a window, putting in a bar sink that drains into a pail, and of course, the old 50's asbestos tile floor.

I'm thinking it might be cheaper to gut the whole basement and start over rather than fix his mistakes this time. What do you think?

3/21/2009 at 8:47:18 AM

That sounds like the right choice Karen, Unless you simply want to cut out the hidden window and replace the old pail with a new one. lol

In all seriousness I would say that you should take a look at all the things you are wanting to change first verses gutting everything, try to do a cost analysis if your money is really tight.

You can also have a professional drop by and give you some advice on some choices you may have that can save you a lot of money. Good luck Karen, I am sure that shortly this post will have other contractors providing you with even more great advice as well. Take care.

Brad

Tradesmen

3/21/2009 at 8:56:33 AM

Hi Michael,

That could be good, where are you located again?

3/21/2009 at 8:58:44 AM

Hey Brad- do we have to keep it clean?

3/21/2009 at 9:02:33 AM

Hey bill, are we still talking about pickles? lol

Clean can be good but ya have to agree not as interesting. I did post a few topics, nothing hot has evolved yet, but I`m sure I can get a spark soon. lol

Brad

3/21/2009 at 12:14:59 PM

Hello Karen,

I have been designing and finishing basements for more than 18 years and I have come across all types of scenarios: from unfinished to poorly finished basements.

Last year, I came across two basements which had been previously finished probably my multiple previous homeowners or contractors who were obviously trying to improve an area which in my opinion should have been completed gutted and redone.

We found all kinds of "no no's" faulty wiring, plumbing, insulation issues, mold, etc...

Coming in trying to fix this or that, spending 1000's of $$$ on something that will never look as it should is a complete waste of time and money.

I call that type of fixing a "band aid" solution which you will need to address eventually and will end up costing you more in the end. In addition, you need to think about your resale value which is a paramount importance to consider. You will benefit from doing it right, since a cover up solution does not address any of the real issues which potential buyers will take into account if they were considering putting an offer on your home.

I have an extensive list of referrals and should you wish to contact me, I would be pleased to provide you with my client's contact details.

You have already invested a lot of time and money into your property and I would recommend you do it right. I would be more than happy to meet with you to assess your basement and advise you on what would be the best and most cost affective way of refinishing your basement.

Tel: 519-620-8636

Toll Free: 1877-240-7744

Please visit my website for more information about my company, services, testimonials and picture gallery.

Kind regards,

Suzette

3/21/2009 at 12:54:58 PM

that is some good advice suz I would say that this job should be gutted and you may need a pro for this job. If you find problems already on a project that someone else did chances are they had no clue in the first place. The other thing is a lot of customers that do thing DIY always do bother to get permits or anything like that. We have been in this game a long time and suz was right about the bandage thing. In fact There are cheaper way's to do things but you should always get a pro's advice. It might cost you in the long run but getting a pro to do the work means you are covered by there insurance and if a problem comes up then you are not the one with the problem. I will advise you that pro's charge good money but it is better to safe than sorrrrrry. Ask some contractors what they would charge for what you wish to happen it does not hurt. If it is going to be way past your budget then do some of it yourself and leave the hard stuff to the pro's. Sometimes the pro's have a special on and at this time we do! If your going to do some thing make sure it is Done Right! First Time! Every Time! That is are company Motto!

3/21/2009 at 6:04:11 PM

Hi Karen,

As Mike Holmes would say "Rip It all out!" Sound as if there is nothing about that basement that I would trust and if everything visable is shotty at best, can you imagine whats going on where you can't see? The asbestos floor would be my first priority with out question. I would definately bring in a professional to go through everything and provide you with all of your options.

3/23/2009 at 12:19:59 AM

Hello again;

Yes we will definitly use a contractoe for the electrical and the plumbing. When we did the main florr we discovered that the bathroom sink, toilet, and tub had no pee-trap and the plumbing was a nightmare. There was mold behind the tub suround and in the wall because the original owner had installed the window and plumbing incorrectly. The reno's we've done on the main floor have all followed a gut it and do it right policy. The only reason I'm wondering if we should follow that policy for the basement is because most of the electrical and plumbing have been fixed during the other reno's. Thank-you for the offer to check it out for me, but, We live in Manitoba and I think it might be too much of a comute for you lol.

We were very lucky to have a great guy working on our bathroom and will probably get him to check out the basement.

I agree about the tile being our first priority. So far none are cracked or broken, so we have time to check out contractors for disposing of it. I have severe asthma so we have to go with a no carpet rule.

4/13/2009 at 2:22:58 PM

Hey karen If you need some help Abba's Service would love to help! even if it is just for advice

4/13/2009 at 2:24:24 PM

Hey Brad will be calling you in one week I have some work for you.

4/13/2009 at 4:11:48 PM

Hi michael,

I am still around bro. I havn`t been on the site much lately, I have more then I can handle right now with the painting aspect of the biz.

Right now i am holding two completes(painting)interior and one exterior on hold till warmer weather, plus I am working a large basement install(drywall) project where I will also paint afterwards. Let me know what you have and I can move people around depending what projects come in next. Hows life treating you these days? Any who, gotta take off for now will check back with you later.

Brad

4/16/2009 at 3:04:23 PM

Hi Karen

Mattis Electric would be more than happy to complete your electrical work. Mattis Electric is a full service electrical construction and maintenance company that specializes in commercial, industrial and residential projects. We have provided over 20 years of excellence and pride ourselves on our ability to do quality work in a timely manner at a competitive price. We can be contacted at 647-388-6325