I have tried for several years to get someone to do some renovation work on the sandstone features on the front of my business premses. All I get is broken promises or very high ( speculative) Quotes. I have decided to have a go myself with help from friends/family. If anyone knows of any websites or books that would help, I would appreciate the information.
2007-03-22 02:15:07 · 7 answers · asked by jonty1950 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The sandstone features I am refering to are the cornices, window cills and mulions etc. I have posted a photograph of the building on my website; jksartsandcrafts.co.uk . The building is in Jarrow on South Tyneside.
2007-03-26 21:55:10 · update #1
I have posted a picture of the building on my website jksartsandcrafts.co.uk.
2007-03-29 00:20:53 · update #2
You don' say what you actually want advice on. But anyway you could try these sites-
www.globalestates.co.uk
diynetwork.com
You should be able to get what you want on one of these,failing that i know a little about sand stone work so you could always email me, if i can help i will.
2007-03-24 02:30:47 · answer #1 · answered by Big wullie 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When things don't go the way you expect, either you made a mistake in your calculations, or the rest of the world is wrong. In this case, the odds are that it is the former condition, that is true. You have tried to get a quote that you feel is reasonable, but have gotten either no response, or an estimate that you think is inflated, from each contractor. I believe that you have underestimated the time and effort involved. Some people won't quote a job that is too much for their company to handle, or the wrong type of work for their skill set. Others may have determined that you had an unreasonably low expected cost , and figured it was a waste of their time to go through the quoting process. Look at some of the quotes you received. Do they mention the amount of man-hours required? If not, call a couple back, and ask them if they have an idea of how much time they think it would take. Realize that non-professionals will take longer to do most jobs. Make sure you understand what you're getting into, before you start. Once you start, you need to be able to complete the job. Most contractors abhor getting involved in completing projects started by others. Good luck, which ever way you go.
2007-03-30 08:28:09 · answer #2 · answered by Leo L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry to disappoint you but this job needs doing by professionals, as it is a big high building set right on the pavement, which means a danger to pedestrians whilst you working overhead. You will need council permission to erect scaffolding over the pavement + all the regulations that go with it, it's a similar job to doing up old churches etc,usually done with high pressure water spray or sand blasted to get it clean first, then any remedial work pointing etc to follow. This is a skilled & expensive job, not one for a d i yer sorry.PS it will look fantastic when brought back to its original splendour, good look with the project.
2007-03-28 23:51:38 · answer #3 · answered by frankyboy2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what needs done? repointing? if so wash it all down and then clean the joints with a chisel or small grinder. wash again. apply sand and cement mix between the stones with a pointing trowel and brush finish them when wet.
need more info to help you?
ok, i see your problem...
due to the height, you will need scaffolding. the best thing to do is to remove the copings and clean the mortar off them. then re-bed them. also you should try to clean the flat sandstone around the windows at the top with a hose, not a power hose or it is likely to flake. and then fill the joints as above, with sand and cement and a yellow dye mixed into it. you can get cement dyes at all building merchants,very cheap. the rest of it should be left as is, because to replace it would be mega money........ but you could plaster the top brick work for the same cost or cheaper, as you need the scaffold anyway. i would recomend the bags of plaster called k-rend as it is silicone based and will be a water proofer also.
i can see why no one wants to start it as it is going to be a lot of work.
good luck, hope you find someone.
also check with building control at you council to see if you can alter the apperance of your building.
2007-03-26 16:31:31 · answer #4 · answered by John J 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Watch out - there's almost certainly a load of rubbish - oh sorry - Health and Safety Regulations which will conspire to stop you from doing anything on your own (such as not standing on anything higher than a cigarette packet on your own in case you fall off and injure yourself) so you'd better have a look at their site first ! ! !
2007-03-22 10:01:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
DIY website has several ideas!!
2007-03-28 14:21:43 · answer #6 · answered by ilovepoison2820 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
without knowing where you live, it is impossible to help you out
2007-03-26 19:40:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋