For whatever reason I have neglected looking at the comments waiting in moderation. This particular theme seems to have problems displaying the comments after they have been approved & like so many others - I’m sorry to say that I’ve been too busy to look into it. Therefore I’d like to give credit where credit is do & post what’s been in the queue. Thanks for the positive motivation everyone and keep commenting!
that is so true. I had that scenario often. people would often exclaim, “why isn’t your builder doing that? isn’t that HIS job?”
most people don’t realize that a true custom home (not one from a builder’s portfolio where you pick a few finishing details) is contracted cost plus.
my builder would have loved for me to let him do it all. then I get to pay more and the builder makes more. it’s not like YOU are working for the builder, and that is how some folks see it.
We’ve not used cork as an underlayment, but definitely as a flooring. It’s great and has had very good feedback from our customers. It may be too expensive as an underlayment, but as a flooring it’s very reasonable.
I am a professional “remodeling” carpenter. By that, I mean that I poses some level of actual expertise in multiple trades (12+ according to quick count). I have been working on trying to set up an economical (free) web presence on Facebook, just to allow potential clients to view pictures of our work. I have much larger plans though for this company (”The Master’s Carpenter”), as well as some others and think we should talk more. Some immediate needs would be a good website that reflects our business style and craftsmanship as completely as possible and also has something like “Paypal” linking for credit cards, etc. I am my production manager. I have an assistant that could devote a lot of time to being the liaison between our two firms in this website collaboration. I also have time in my schedule right now to provide our services. I can show you a whole house remodel that we are wrapping up in N. Raleigh and we can meet at your earliest convenience, at you firm or home site to explore each capabilities and needs further.
A priest once said during mass that music is the universal language of the soul. Music can influence or compliment your emotions and great songwriters have a way of conveying your feelings when maybe it’s tough to find the words yourself. Some songs seem to be the soundtrack for stages in your life and two-thirds through the barter house project, I have found it’s theme song.
From the beginning we knew “it ain’t going to be easy“. The Barter House was challenged at our first meeting with the Architectural Review Board. Our modern design in a traditional, relatively conservative neighborhood (even though it’s Chapel Hill) did not receive a warm welcome - as to imply Give up and go back where you belong, dreamin’ is for the dead - the road is too long.
After several months we were finally able to get the plan approved by the ARB. Yet the jury is still out on the neighborhood approval, but I guess beginners test the waters and suffer the fate…so time will tell.
The song is written and performed by fellow Ohio University Alum, Red Wanting Blue. I encourage you to watch, listen and regardless of which challenges still lay ahead, remember… I’m still here!
I received an email from a student @ NC State on Wednesday who happened to stumble upon the barter house blog. Building a house can be a long, stressful, drawn out process and trying to barterservices with construction trades to reduce costs, makes the process that much more difficult. Communicating the need to have a web presence and an optimized site so potential clients can find you when googling for a drywall installer or a paint contractor isn’t easy and can often be discouraging. Aaron’s note is just what I needed at this stage of the process to keep me going! Thank you Aaron.
Mr. Miller,
Unfortunately, I do not have any services or materials to offer as I am just a college student. However, I just wanted to shoot you over an email telling you how inspiring the project you are undertaking is. I am a Business Management - Information Systems major at NC State University and I do web site design and development on the side. I find what you are doing fascinating and look forward to seeing the progress you make on the Barter House. Good luck in your ventures!
