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Projects Dude
Citizen
Username: Quakes
Post Number: 154
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 2, 2006 - 8:58 pm: | 
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My home was a rebuild by the previous owner so everything above the basement level is in good shape. However, the basement level (which includes a very dated finished living area/room/bathroom and the garage are part of the original ranch that was built 30-40 years ago and shows.
Now things are starting to really show the wear at that level... the garage plaster walls are cracking, there are wires hanging around along the ceiling, etc. The basement living area looks old too. Priority is to really update/repair the garage, especially the plaster walls which seems to be falling apart but more concerned about beams behind them that could be worn/damaged.
Who do I turn to? Is there such a thing as a garage guy? Or do I have to look for a contracter? A handyman doesn't seem to cut it because it may involve the foundation/beams... and if it becomes a big job maybe I should redo the whole basement altogether. Anyone have ideas or recommendations please?
Many thanks!
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mimi
Citizen
Username: Mimi
Post Number: 239
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, June 3, 2006 - 6:07 pm: |
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we used jack sliwa and robert bys to repair our garage when we moved in. they did beam repair, sheetrocking, new doors, cedar shingle repair, removing a window, and closing up a wall. we did have to use a separate electrician for electrical work, but they coordinated with him and did a great job overall. i've used them for all our carpentry work (stairs, banisters, doors, sheetrock, windows, butcher block counters, etc) since we moved in last spring and can't say enough good things about their quality work. they are not the cheapest but they are competitive. and their attention to detail and work ethic rocks. you can contact jack at 908-358-8709. feel free to tell him michelle and chris recommended them. good luck with (what sounds like) a big and fun project. |
Case
Citizen
Username: Case
Post Number: 1741
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, June 4, 2006 - 10:14 am: |
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For garage work, I would seriously consider Bob Hume. Unfortunately I didn't use him for my garage repair, but I really wish I had - if you do some searches here you'll find rave reviews of his crew. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11713
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 4, 2006 - 11:02 am: |
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The most likely scenario in what appears to be an attached garage of the age you mention is that the plaster is cracking because of extremes in heat and cold in a unheated garage. I would think it is unlikely there are structual problems unless the floor shows signs of frost heaves. Wiring can be enclosed in conduit or surface channels fairly easily. |
Projects Dude
Citizen
Username: Quakes
Post Number: 156
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, June 4, 2006 - 11:05 am: |
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Many thanks for the suggestions so far.
Bob, what is a frost heave? How can one tell?
Thanks again! |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11714
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 4, 2006 - 11:09 am: |
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If the floor is cracked and uneven. This may be a sign that the footings aren't deep enough and the building is moving during freeze thaw cycles. This is pretty common in old garages typical to MW and SO, but they are usually detached structures. Also, make sure that the grade is, ideally, at least six inches below the bottom plate. Another common garage problem here is rot from ground contact. |
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