We have moved into the RV on the lot for a couple of weeks, since D has holidays to put in some labour (much better than going to Hawaii, no?) and I need to talk to tradespeople. Occasionally, I can do a bit of actual work, too.
I have noticed that the site gets a bunch of visitors. Some of these are curious passers-by. Others are people we know. One yesterday (nicknamed “Compo”) was monitoring the site for work-safe procedures. Our 3-man crew seems to respect what he stands for (keeping them safe and providing work-related insurance.) He was impressed that our builders were using the correct harnesses while they sheeted the roof, but he was able to find a bunch of things that needed correction. (Work-Safe was on the coast to investigate a recent construction accident.) Some of these “infractions” made good sense (railing on the scaffolding). Others, I wonder about (hand-rails down the stairway and the temporary ramp? Adding railings to the window openings? How are they going to get those 4×8 sheets of plywood through there? As if the crew holds on to any railing while they’re hauling tools and lumber around. What’s next? Hand-rails on the ladders? A first-aid attendant on a 3-man crew? That’s what 911 is for.) So, now the crew needs to scramble around and fix all these “deficiencies”. Compo will drop in again unexpectedly and “write them up” if they don’t.
Most of the visitors are tradespeople. Some of them are here because we asked them. Then, there are those looking for work. And another breed of visitors wants us to buy whatever they’re selling (Mr. Satellite-dish-entertainment-room-surround-sound guy has been by twice just while I was here.)
Today, Dave was around to sell us on building wrap. Green Shield. Made relatively locally (Gig Harbour Washington), it looks fantastic, and I have asked him for a quote. Advertised as “the most weather resistant, vapor and air-permeable membrane in the industry. With a rating of 212 perms, WallShield allows trapped interior moisture to escape, reducing the risk of mold, mildew and rot.” And, get this: it self-heals any holes from nails and screws, and is 100% recyclable. Dave is a former building inspector, and does inspections on insurance issues around moisture and rainscreen failure. Along with the building wrap, he has window corners/flashings made from recycled vinyl. Stay tuned for further reports.
I have noticed that the crew doesn’t spend much time with these visitors. They might nail a business card to the wall and then get back to work. I appreciate that, since I’m paying them. I, on the other hand, politely “entertain” or listen to everyone’s spiel. I’m not working for wages.
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Thanks for the update Gail. How is the BC Hydro work going?