Sept 7 2010

We have picked a official start date. and that date is Tuesday, Sept 7 2010.
Along with our framed building permit that sits proudly in our picture window, our new temporary power pole is the first visible sign that we are moving forward.

A lot of work went into selecting the contractors for this project. I relied heavy on experience and excellent recommendations from others.
I believe we have assembled an outstanding team of skilled professionals. This is not your ordinary project and it really takes someone willing to take on a challenge. I am happy to say that thanks to The Town of Mansfield, The State Of Connecticut and Fema, 18 local companies will benefit from this grant, and I believe that number will rise. I will keep track and post the final numbers.

On Sept 7 the electrical, heating and plumbing components will be removed from the basement.

Electrical Work:


We chose Ackert Electric from Coventry Ct.
Locating an electrician willing to take on a project like this was difficult. I think four electricians came out to offer a quote for this project, and not one of them got back to me with a quote, or to let me know they were not interested. I believe that many of these guys don't know how to quote a project like this, and are looking for the easy projects such as a new house.

Thankfully someone recommended Tim Ackert, so I gave him a call and he set up a time that same day to meet with me and look at our project. During our meeting I knew I had found my long lost electrician. Tim asked questions, offered suggestions, explained the steps involved with putting in a temporary electric service, how he would move the panel from the basement up into a new utility room, and how he would bring the house up to code with fire and co2 detection. And something else he did that no other electrician did, he took notes.
Tim quickly supplied me with an estimate and the second I called to accept the quote; he immediately got the ball rolling on his end. So now we have a 20' service pole for the temporary service installed and inspected by the Town. We now need CL&P to come out and hook us up.

Heating and Plumbing


Chris Knight from CW Knight Heating has serviced my heating system and supplied me with oil for the past 5 years. It is a secure feeling to know if I have a problem on Saturday, Sunday, or at night, Chris has always responded. When I asked Chris to give me a estimate for this project, he really dug in deep. He called with questions and I know he researched FEMA regulations pertaining to oil tanks located in flood zones. I once heard a story about Chris falling off a ladder, breaking parts of his body and after a visit to the emergency room; he followed through and made sure the job got done.

I am very happy to have Tim Ackert and Chris Knight on board. As we move forward I will post information about each contractor involved in this project, and post links to their web pages or contact information.

I look forward to next week when we get our Blue Outhouses (Porta Potties)