The old saying is that “while the cat is away the mice will play.” From the beginning of this crazy idea of having a cabin in the mountains I have been worried how I would manage the place from 1700 miles away, never mind managing a substantial renovation project. Several knowledgeable friends whose judgment I respect warned me about trying to do a construction project without being right there. My initial plan was to be on site – thinking we would begin construction in the spring (ha ha!) I considered renting a RV to park in the yard for the summer. I could be on site but not in the house. I could be there to answer questions, offer my limited skills to help and then go for bike rides, go fishing, and find other ways to avoid interfering with the crew getting stuff done.
The reality turned out differently.
Construction began in September and I had little appetite for living in a RV through the winter. Plus I had responsibilities back in NJ that I couldn’t ignore. Fortunately the contractor Luke Mann of Rangeline Homes makes this possible. He communicates well via text and email and calls, and sends photos several times a week. I am relieved to know the crew has been working diligently while this cat remains in NJ. I have visited a few times and between the frequent reports from Luke and the visits I am thrilled to be comfortable leaving them to do what they do best – build.
In four months the transformation has been fast and furious. We have been helped by some great warm and dry weather, not what you would want for skiing or agriculture or reducing fire danger, but great for a construction project like this one where the structure had no roof for 2 months.
We went from this to this:
They have raised the roof, built a deck, rebuilt the mud room on top of a new foundation, fixed lots of missing log siding, installed a new furnace (but it isn’t running yet), done a lot of rough plumbing, done some rough electrical including upgrading the service from 100 to 250 Kw, and a new electrical panel in a new location…. so much it is hardly possible to list everything here.
The low dark interior is on the way to becoming a great room. From this to this:
So here it is almost a year after the purchase of the place and I feel really grateful as we approach the holidays and year end… Grateful for the support of the Jersey Girl, the help of realtor and friend Amy Dunkelman, new neighbors Troy and Melody, the superb design of Melissa Harris and Phil Gerou of Gerou Architecture, The fantastic construction work of Rangeline Homes: Luke Mann’s crew including Lanny, Mike, Mike, Jon, Joe, Bradley, and a few others whose names I don’t know. The Pella windows were ordered through Trevor of Pella – Denver, to whom we were introduced by our friend Ben who works for Pella in NY City. Thanks to the great work by Brian the plumber and Dave the electrician, Rick the roofer, Doug the HVAC guy…. it takes a lot of people to make a project like this come together.
As the year comes to an end the crew is installing windows, starting to put on the steel roof, and adding the deck railings. It will be exciting to see it as we forge ahead! Stay tuned….
Meanwhile I look at the recent photos and know I picked the right place.
Melody Mesmer
Windows are in and look great! They have started work on the roofing! And Deck rails were delivered!
Tom Westheimer
drone with a view … looks great. They are luck to have you as a customer too!