Window Shutters

I have had my heart set on West Indian style shutters for some time, but Paul and our contractor want me to consider roll down shutters.  Not just any roll down shutters, but windows with built in roll down shutters.  They don't have those white boxes sticking out above the window.  They look pretty cool to me.  I'm going to ask for an estimate and think hard about it, because those West Indian shutters can really add beauty and tradition to a Caribbean home.

          

SMPM-Woodwork

MS beyond WINDOWS

So, if I do go for the roll down shutters, what do I do about the sliding glass doors?

Which do you prefer?

The Contract

We have a fixed cost labor contract.  These are the highlights...

We are paying a fixed price for all of the labor.  If the actual cost of labor exceeds the contract amount, then the contractor is responsible for the excess cost.  If the actual cost of labor is less than the contract amount, the contractor keeps the difference.  The contractor is responsible for the labor related to the excavation, cistern, foundation, masonry, plumbing, electrical work, and roof.  Changes made can reduce or increase the price of the contract.   If we provide the materials on time and there is no natural disaster, the house should be done in 210 days (that's March 31, 2012).  We get a one year warranty.  The contract also includes a payment schedule, which included a payment due upon signing the contract.

We have to provide the supplies.  The contractor will give us a list of supplies and the vendor he recommends, but we can use any vendor we want.  If we want he will  place the order and we just make the payment.  By ordering our own supplies we are avoiding paying a 4% charge the contractor imposes for gross receipts.

That's it in a nutshell.  What do you think?

199 Days, Maybe More

The countdown app on my phone says I have 199 days until my house is ready, but I'm not sure that its right.  Have you heard about a little storm named Maria?  Maria was supposed to hit the Virgin Islands last Saturday, but didn't.   She brought some rain here, but that's about it.   It has been raining since Saturday, although today wasn't bad.  Even though Maria didn't hit us, our supply shipment that was supposed to get here on Friday was rescheduled for Monday.  I'll be honest, I haven't called the contractor to see if it came in.  Its on my list of things to do tomorrow.  Also, if the ground is wet, clearing land is more difficult.  So, since the storm and rain are acts of God, I guess that means the contractor gets more time.  

Maria headlines from the Virgin Islands Daily News

September 9th: V.I. under tropical storm watch

September 10th: State of emergency in effect ahead of Maria

September 12th: Tropical Storm Maria passes 50 miles north of V.I.

September 13th: Heavy rains fall in Maria's wake

Do You Have Plywood For Sale?

Because we are building our home using poured concrete, we need plywood for the forms.  Did you build recently and have plywood you want to get rid of?  If so, let me know ASAP.  You could make some money and we could save money. 

210 Days Left

We signed a contract with our general contractor today.  Yay!  So, we are really gonna be able to get started.  I know we cleared the land before and got some minimal work done before, but that was pointless. The bush grew back, you wouldn't believe the size of some of the trees (and not even a year later) and the little construction started will have to be redone. 

The contract gives the contractor 210 days to complete the house, of course that is if there are no "acts of God," that delay construction.  I feel great, but it was scary signing that contact.  It was the biggest check I've ever written and the most I've ever promised to pay someone.   It will be worth it when the house is done.  

I'll give you some more info about the contract soon.