What would be a reasonable cost...

RadishRose said:
I so agree! Deb if you inherited free and clear, you have no investment to "lose" if you can unload it quickly.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a cute, smaller apartment or even a condo that saves electricity with insulation and thermal pane glass? Air conditioning on muggy days and with snow removal, mowing, gutter and leader cleaning- all done for you .
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I too have an older house and have thought about moving into a nice [but smaller] senior apartment.
But my annual housing cost is much less living here... while the value of my house keeps going up.
Maybe when I'm older I will consider moving, but for now I am enjoying the privacy, independence,
space and location.

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KingsX said:
I too have an older house and have thought about moving into a nice [but smaller] senior apartment.
But my annual housing cost is much less living here.
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My position, exactly. I am also concerned that in an apartment, the neighbors would inevitable do something I didn't like. For instance, play loud music late at night or have a yippy dog that barked a lot.
 

debodun said:
My position, exactly. I am also concerned that in an apartment, the neighbors would inevitable do something I didn't like. For instance, play loud music late at night or have a yippy dog that barked a lot.
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Exactly. I am used to peace and quiet and no one else having control and access to my abode.

I hope you get the ideal person who can repair your porch step once and for all so you don't have to worry about it.

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KingsX said:
Exactly. I am used to peace and quiet and no one else having control and access to my abode.
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I looked into senior housing two years ago. With the amenities I want, the cost would exceed my income - most places around here run $3K to $5k a month and have so many rules (if I opened the door to my apartment to fast, I'd be in some violation. Also even if you wanted to hang a picture on the wall, you'd have to submit a work order and wait for approval). And it seems to me they are either "assisted living" facilities where the residents require constant care, or for independent seniors who are responsible for their own meals, housekeeping, etc. What I want is independent WITH meals and housekeeping and a 2 bedroom, one bath apartment where almost all are either one bed one bath or two beds, two baths. There ARE other options, but either I don't qualify because of income, they are "bare bones" facilities that do not include any amenities, or they aren't strictly for seniors (I can see myself in an apartment next to some 20-something coke heads).
 
debodun said:
I looked into senior housing two years ago. With the amenities I want, the cost would exceed my income - most places around here run $3K to $5k a month and have so many rules (if I opened the door to my apartment to fast, I'd be in some violation. Also even if you wanted to hang a picture on the wall, you'd have to submit a work order and wait for approval). And it seems to me they are either "assisted living" facilities where the residents require constant care, or for independent seniors who are responsible for their own meals, housekeeping, etc. What I want is independent WITH meals and housekeeping and a 2 bedroom, one bath apartment where almost all are either one bed one bath or two beds, two baths. There ARE other options, but either I don't qualify because of income, they are "bare bones" facilities that do not include any amenities, or they aren't strictly for seniors (I can see myself in an apartment next to some 20-something coke heads).
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Here in North Texas there are several nice newer suburban seniors only independent living apartments [no housekeeping services.] They are partially government funded and the rent is dependent on income. There was a new one built in Rowlett [Dallas suburb] in 2017. It is near the city center and close to shopping, restaurants, etc. It filled up quickly and now there is a waiting list. But I hear another one will be built in this area in another year or so.

There might be other seniors only properties like this in other states.

Here is more info:

https://www.churchillresidential.com/services.aspx

https://www.churchillresidential.com/locations.aspx

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debodun said:
That photo of the whole front is one that is on our town's tax roll page and looks like it was taken 20 years ago. I have done maintenance on the front since then. I only used it to show the area of the porch under concern since it was not taken at an angle. Here is a more recent pic:

View attachment 52282
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second thoughts
whether or not the pillars come in to play, they are only porch pillars, not main structure

If everything but the step seems solid, $500- $1000 should be enough to get you solid footing, done right (professionally)
A good handyman, they are out there, would do it for $250 or less

time is of the essence, however
 
A big problem with hiring a ‘handyman’ is that anybody can put an ad in the paper claiming to be a handyman and have zero credentials. You can end up hiring someone who knows diddly squat. With most contractors, they will state what licences and or education they have so you at least know they are qualified to do the job.
 
Keesha said:
A big problem with hiring a ‘handyman’ is that anybody can put an ad in the paper claiming to be a handyman and have zero credentials. You can end up hiring someone who knows diddly squat. With most contractors, they will state what licences and or education they have so you at least know they are qualified to do the job.
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No argument
best way is a highly recommended professional

I was the handyman for my folks (I learned a few things that way)
and I was cheap (free)
 
The local contractor that looked at the stair emailed me this AM and said he's going to have to do it with "two composite boards together". Sounds like he's going to try to glue two boards together to try to make something to fit. Since I don't know what that means and he hasn't answered my responding email yet, is that something with which I should be comfortable? Why can't he get a board thw same size as what's there?
 
debodun said:
The local contractor that looked at the stair emailed me this AM and said he's going to have to do it with "two composite boards together". Sounds like he's going to try to glue two boards together to try to make something to fit. Since I don't know what that means and he hasn't answered my responding email yet, is that something with which I should be comfortable? Why can't he get a board thw same size as what's there?
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sounds like it might be OSB, of which is common in many applications

However, if he had some good saws (sliding miter, and table saw) he could easily fab good wood to fit
 
Price is usually your main concern and everything the man does to restore the step to its original condition will cost more money.

I assume that he is talking about using a product like TimberTech or AZEK decking. It wouldn't surprise me if it is a leftover piece from a deck job. I would assume that he will use two narrow pieces with a slight space between them to let the rain and snow drip through. It should be fine but you really need to check with him and make sure that you are both on the same page.

Good luck!

reliaboard-cedar.jpg
 
I am just concerned about any gaps in the tread that someone could catch their toe in and stumble. There's a side porch with a staircase. Maybe he could use one of those treads on the front stair and replace the side stair tread with the composite stair.
 
debodun said:
I am just concerned about any gaps in the tread that someone could catch their toe in and stumble. There's a side porch with a staircase. Maybe he could use one of those treads on the front stair and replace the side stair tread with the composite stair.
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The little gaps are quite a common feature.

You really need to discuss it with your carpenter and find out exactly what he has in mind.

This little project is starting to remind me of an episode of Judge Judy where she scolds the people because they did not have a written contract that included the scope of the work, materials involved, etc...

Good luck!
IMG_0461.JPG
 
Interesting thread. Posing a problem with pics to illustrate may help others do some "in Case" long term planning. My wife already knows not to go cheap, but to use a licensed bonded contractor if something needs done. Penny wise & pound foolish bites every time.


There are way to many unknowns to guess the cost. The good news is, if you have a Lowes or Home Depot where you live, if like where I live the contractor will come out to assess the repairs for free and give you a detailed description of what work is needed and their cost to do the job. Same goes for appliances. She knows to get multiple estimates in order to compare.


The pic seems to show railings deteriorating, the right side column sinking, rain gutters loaded with leaves, paint peeling and cracking in other areas, the yard unkempt. Are you getting a little overwhelmed by the amount of home maintenance needed? If so I hope you are looking into options.
 
Post #23
That photo of the whole front is one that is on our town's tax roll page and looks like it was taken 20 years ago. I have done maintenance on the front since then. I only used it to show the area of the porch under concern since it was not taken at an angle. Here is a more recent pic:

I'm used to shrubbery being trimmed and what looks like where grass would grow looks like in the recent pic bushes taking over the yard. Not being critical just observing what it looks like to me along with the other home maintenance issues.

You didn't mention if there are any major stores like Lowe's or Home Depot where you live. I can only imagine the additional cost built into repairs to transport materials from a distance. What about that right side that looks like it has sunk? Or permits to effect the repairs needed? Some places require a permit & if you don't get one the repair has to be taken apart then redone.

I'm not promoting use of Lowe's or Home Depot. Just pointing out that getting estimates from qualified licensed contractors would be the way my wife would get things done. You did mention that you hired a handy man to repair the step and that didn't last. Now maybe years later the need is there again. Meanwhile the price of everything has risen. Penny wise & pound foolish comes to mind, doing things right might not be inexpensive but long term payoff.

If you plan on living in your home forever look at quality long term repairs as an investment in your well being and comfort.
 
He is going to glue two boards together to make a more solid tread so that it wont bend when you walk on it which is causing the cracks.

It has nothing to do with fitting it. He will fit it later when installing it.

Using composite materials instead of a thick piece of wood will mean it won't rot if it gets wet.
 
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