The Septic Engineering Report

The third reason I was up at the Cottage Lot this Past weekend was to meet with the engineer who will be providing the engineering report for the septic system that I require to get the building permit.

Background: The province (Quebec) put in new legislation about a year or two ago requiring a formal engineering report to establish the requirements for a septic system in order to get a building permit. I know this to be a change because four years ago in my previous but aborted attempt to build the cottage I was able to get the permit without the engineering report. The engineering report specifies what kind of septic system, size and allowed location - this is all based on the expected use of the cottage to be built - generally determined by the number of bedrooms (a proxy for the number of people using the cottage).

Peter Macintosh, the engineer, arrived about five minutes after Doug Zacharias, the foundation contractor (see previous post), so it took some juggling. After another round of introductions and chatting among the three of us, I first dealt with Doug and them Peter.

Peter's adult son came to assist him. So as Doug and I were discussing the foundation quote, the two set out to do their measurements.

Fortunately all the lot markers are visible, and had marked out approximately where the cottage was to go, so Peter was able to quickly assess the location.

I was surprised but very pleased that Peter determined that there is enough space for a complete septic system, tank and bed. He also indicated the best location for the well if I choose to put one in (I currently draw water from the lake).

In about half an hour Peter and team were done. He indicated the report would be completed next week (this week) and he would send a copy to Rick, the building inspector in Otter Lake.

The bottom-line:

• A full septic system can be installed
• The report will be done in five days or less
• I should be able to get the building permit during the week of May 6th. Previously the building inspector stated that he can issue the permit one day after receiving the engineering report

So the reality of my dream cottage is happening! I sometimes have to pinch myself...

NEXT: I discuss a neat way to store the furniture that is eventually destined for the cottage.

And the Foundation Contract goes to...

Another reason I was up to the Cottage Lot this past week end was to meet with one of the two contractors I asked for a quote to build the foundation.

In the request for quote each were asked to bid on the following:

• Excavate
  
• Install forms & pour concrete footings and walls per the supplier plans
• Install drainage tile
  
• Install water entrance sleeve (so I can bring in the water line from the lake)
• Install and pour 16 piers for the surround deck
• Pour the basement floor
• Backfill with stone and overburden as required

I met Saturday with Doug Zacharias. He has a company called Doug Zacharias Trucking Ltd and operates out of Otter Lake. I have used Doug previously to clear the lot and put in a driveway from the road. He also installs septic systems but I haven't contracted for that yet as I am waiting for the septic engineer's report.

Doug arrived around noon, and after a chat we got down to discussing the location of the cottage. Doug had some good suggests and recommendations on where the cottage should be placed. The changes were not dramatic if fact his suggest was to pull it away from the lake and towards the road about 15 feet. In doing so the lakeside knee-wall would not need to be as deep and/or high thus saving a lot of concrete.

We discussed the distance of the cottage from the east lot line, about 12 feet, and the potential location for the septic system. As for the septic system, that still needed to be confirmed by the engineer's report, however, having done a few I was sure Doug was right on in his prediction.

One final element was the window in the concrete wall. Doug offered to put these in at an additional $200. I liked the idea - one less thing for me to do - and it is better to embed them at pouring time anyway.

Bottom-line was the quoted price was good, and my past experience with Doug cemented (sorry for the pun) the deal.

To round out some of the logistics we discussed:

• Basement Floor: When I needed to put in the rough plumbing for the basement. This needs to be done prior to pouring the basement floor. His primary concern was that it be done when the cottage was built so the concrete is not affected by any rain and wreak the 'polished' floor. I suggested that right after the floor was put it would work as I intended to cover the floor with a tarp AND that the cutout in the floor for the stairwell would be perfect for access to the basement.
• Timing: I need the foundation to be completed before June 6th, excluding the basement floor. Doug agreed that target would be easily reached.
• Payment: This is still I'll get back to you on, as I suspect he needs to discuss it with his subs. But the last time it was pay at the end of the job. Give the size of the amount I would be prepared to pay in two installments, one up front and one after the job is complete.

So the first phase of the project, planning, is coming to an end, and execution is starting with the foundation going in by the end of May.

Doug can be reached at (819) ) 453-7830 or by eMail.

The Snow is finally gone!!!!

I was up to the cottage lot twice on the weekend and please to discover that the snow is finally gone!

I borrowed my eldest son's pickup truck to take two loads of 'stuff' destined for the cottage. Not only have I been planning the construction of the cottage over the past few weeks I have also been packing up at my home.

The background:
I got married just under two years ago. At the time we decided that she would move into my place for the first few years and we would rent her place. I just sold my place and now that we are consolidating to my wife's home we have an abundance of furniture. The new home is already furnished so except for the clothes on our backs virtually all the furniture in the current place is targeted for the cottage. Just as well as my place was furnished in early Canadian bachelor.

So the two loads in the pickup truck this weekend consisted of patio furniture, workbench, tents -- you know the stuff that accumulated in your garage. Fortunately we have a large storage shed up at the Lot -- which is getting filled to the brim.

My closing date is May 15th, so we are moving into the new (for me) home next weekend. "Wait you say... where is your furniture going? the cottage isn't built yet!!" Well I have a solution for that... it is going into storage, but a unique storage operation which I will explain in a future post.

Project Status

Gee!
There is actually a bunch of people following my blog, and a many of you have asked for an update of where I am at in terms of the project:

The Cottage Plans:

• The plans have been adjusted to take advantage of the unique features of the lot - mostly the slope
• The tentative location of the rooms in the basement have been added to the plans.
• The location of the plumbing necessary for installation prior to pouring the basement floor have been determined.
  

Material Quotes:

• Material list created
• Request for quotes made to 4 major lumber yards and one truss company

Foundation:

• If you have been following my initial plan was to build a permanent wood foundation
• However, the lateness of the snow melting, and a realization that the cost differential is not as big as expected, I am changing back to a poured concrete foundation
• I think this is much to the relief of my sons and wife
• So I have made a request for quote to two local contractors in the Otter lake and Shawville areas:
• Doug Zacharias Trucking - I have used Doug in the past to put it the driveway and clear my lot
• Mickey McQuire Equipment Rentals - who was recommended by the engineer doing my septic system report

The Septic System Engineers Report:

• This is required now in order to get the building permit
• Peter MacIntosh, out of Shawville, has been contacts and faxed with all the particulars
• He and I are now waiting for the snow to melt so he can get on the lot and do his thing
• The snow is reported to still be two feet but Peter hopes to be out there late next week.

Building Inspector:

• I called the inspector on Friday to alert him
• He will be working with Peter the septic engineer
• Rick, the building inspector, stated that he could pretty much issue the building permit the next day after receiving Peter's report.

The Construction Plan:

• I am using a project management software to understand the interdependencies of the work and to schedule the necessary resources
• I have three sons who will be helping so they now know when they will be needed at various stages of the project - and of course negotiate...
• My wife, Lucie, also has been able to schedule me around her Golf
• I have the GANTT chart printed and up on the wall.

There should be a fair amount of activity this week:

• Foundation Quotes
• Material quotes
• Roof Truss Quotes
• and hopefully the septic report!
  

BMR Matereials Quote Update

I also called BMR (Building Materials & Renovations) on Friday as I had noticed their number on my telephone. They hadn't left a message the both times they called but I thought I should call them.

Another telephone journey nightmare. I went through the main desk, the lumber desk, then a contractor sales person and finally to the head of the contractor's department. Bottom line no one have heard of me or my request for a quote.

I described the material quote and the attached plans to the head honcho at the Contractors department, and finally a gleam of hope appeared. He said "Oh! yes! I think Sergio was working on something like that. --- let me investigate and call you back."

As you can guess I didn't get a call back on Friday!

Score remains:

Home Depot: 3
RENO: 0.5 (complete)
BMR: 0.5 (I resisted adding a minus 1 tot he score)
Home Hardware: 1

Finally a Word from RONA...

Well after waiting almost three weeks, I decided to call RONA, if only to give them a piece of my mind on Friday.

I called the main number and asked for the contractor's desk, and got to a cashier. I politely explained that I was looking for a quote on the material list I have left... She said " Oh! you need the contractor desk..." duh!

After weaving through a few more people I was finally connected to the contractor desk, and speaking to the head cheese at the time, I got the message "Oh yes, I emailed that to you a week ago". I obviously didn't get it in my email, but giving them the benefit of the doubt I suggested that it may have been spammed out and asked to have it resent... "But sir it was just an alert that your quote was ready, now you just need to come in an get it".

In my glee that I was about to get my first materials quote I said "Great I will be over this evening to get it!"

So Friday evening, and at the contrctor's desk, I get a blank look from the lady at the desk. Essential saying 'Gee! I haven't a clue where to look'. Fortunately the head cheese, linkely anticipating that the off commercial hours staff were 'clueless', said to direct them to look in the centre island location and look for an envelope with my name on it.

Well Madam Clueless, proceeded after my passed-on directions to pull out almost every file folder on the 'center island'. I became privy to the building plans of several to become customers of RONA, before finally my file was discovered.

With the quote in hand I proceeded home, after a detour to the grocery store, two in fact, eager to crack open the quote.

While RONA won the honours of the first to get me a quote it turned out to be wanting in a number of respects. The major issue with the quote is that they picked and choose what items they quoted on. The only basis seemed to be what was easy to quote. The biggest item missing was a quote for the roof trusses - a key component.

I guess RONA should get some points for responding the fastest, however, everything else was a disaster. Perhaps we will give them a half a point - just to indicated that they did play in the game - but perhaps a different game, or league than the rest...

You will understand if I don't call them back...
"The Canadian How to People" - give me a break, I am embarrassed to say they are a Canadian company...

So far:
Home Depot: 3
RONA: 0.5 (out of the game...)
BMR: 0.5
Home hardware: 1

Material Quotes: an Update

Well if you been following the saga, I have given a request for quote to four suppliers:

• Home Depot (two weeks ago)
• Rona (two weeks ago)
• BMR (one week ago)
• Home Hardware Building Centre (one week ago)

Here is an update:

Home Depot called yesterday to first apologize for being tardy but also to ask a few questions abut the material list.

BMR I know has called because their telephone number is registered on my home phone - twice in fact, and I suspect once on my cell phone. However, they never left a message. I will call them on Monday.

No word from RONA.

No word from Home Hardware but we had a good meeting over the material list last weekend so I wasn't really expecting a call.

So the score so far is:

Home Depot: 3
BMR: 0.5
RONA : 0
Home Hardware: 1

Coming up this week:

• Call the septic system engineer to get him in to do the survey
• Call two contractors for a quote on the foundation
• Touch base (call) the building inspector
• Find a electrician

It's beautiful... Even with all the snow!

My wife and I drove up to the cottage lot today. It was a beautiful day, and a beautiful drive. The temperature is about 12 degrees (C) and sunny. The drive takes about an hour and fifteen minute but it took a little longer, as we enjoyed the drive, catching up on all the changes that happened over the summer.

We thought that the snow fall had been less but when we got onto the lot it was three feet in places... I appreciated that I brought my heavy winter boots!

We walked on to the lot from the access road as the snow bank by the road was five feet high making it impossible to drive on - even my SUV can't negotiate that! It was a beautiful sight. Quiet, sparkling, and the air smells clean. We did have to clear snow off the shed as it was feeling the pressure under the three feet of snow on it.

We paused for a lunch break sitting on the tailgate of my Jimmy, waving at our neighbours as they passed by.

On our way back we stopped at the local Home Building Center, and discussed the quote I needed. Brad Dale, Bobby's son, who now works at the store was very helpful.. In reviewing the plans and the material list he asked all the right questions. Furthermore, he was very forthcoming on suggesting a number of trades people in the area that I could use for the various aspects of the project: electrical, excavation, gas, and drywall.

Overall I was very happy with the service. I should get a quote near the end of next week.

Coming up: In the next week I will be revealing the comparative quotes, and progress towards the foundation contractor.

Is the snow gone! Visiting the Cottage Lot

Well it is snowing again in Ottawa today!

But it is still sunny here since the Senators beat the Maple leafs 8 to 2 last night - Gee they might make the playoffs yet!

The weather forecast called for 5 degrees and rain. Well I can tell you it wasn't 5 degrees and that rain turned into snow on its way down.

The forecast is better for the weekend. Calling for sunny and 10-12 degrees for both Saturday and Sunday. Sure how it is as I am traveling up to the lot tomorrow.

Going up for two reasons. First to deliver the request for a quote to Bobby Dale the proprietor of Dale's Home hardware up in Otter Lake. Bobby has been quite helpful over the past number of years as I have been building the stairs down to the lake, a dock, a bunkie and a gazebo.

The second reason I hop I can get on the lot and see how the snow is melting and gauge when it will be clear enough to start the clearing of the hill - in preparation for the excavation.

My Pal: Einstein

Along the way I came to have a companion - a Jack Russell - the smartest of all dogs I have ever met.

He came by his name honestly. Einstein was one smart man's best friend! Many a time he was my lone companion as I toiled at the cottage lot, and so he gets a post all to himself.

A faithful companion he was ever so helpful. I mean not in the "holding that board while a cut it", or "steadying the ladder so I don't fall", kind of help.

No, he helped in his own, more useful, canine way, like only Einstein could help.

Like helping to find shade...














Or keeping the ladies entertained...


















I'll miss him!

In the Beginning: Clearing the Lot

I purchased the lot way back in November 1989, and was full of energy to get the project started. The cottage project that is...

First came the clearing, which took a full summer of off and on. There seemed to be a lot more black flies then...

I had purchased my first chainsaw - I own two of them now!

Then hockey happened! With two sons in competitive hockey, a growing career and the dream of the cottage took the back seat.


It wasn't until ten years latter that the project got started again. Of course the lot was overgrown again by then so more clearing needed to be done. With a spot cleared, at the top or as I call it 'on the edge' then I hired a feller with a bulldozer and a dump truck to cut a driveway in from the road, and to clear and level where the cottage would go.

And the first thing I bought and built for the lot... You guessed it -- a picnic table!

More stories from the beginning, coming next!
(I have to fill the time while I wait for quotes, estimates and that darn snow to melt!)

Finding a Backhoe, is becoming a problem...

The plan is to do as much of the construction as possible to keep the out of pocket cost for labour as low as possible. I am fortunate to have three strapping adult sons, two of which have significant experience in construction.

My eldest in fact is a heavy equipment operator. So I thought I had the perfect solution for excavating for the foundation and the septic system. However, I am encountering some obstacles.

1. All equipment like backhoes must have a vehicle license and plate in Quebec - so I can't bring one from Ottawa, Ontario
   
2. The distance from Ottawa to Otter Lake (where the cottage lot is) is about 125 km
3. I can't find a local backhoe that doesn't come with an operator (hence labour cost)

So it looks like bringing a backhoe up from Ottawa is not going to happen, and getting a local backhoe without and operator is looking to be difficult. I can get a backhoe (sans operator) in Hull, Quebec and have it delivered but the cost of renting the backhoe and the transportation to get it up to the lot is turning out to be more than the cost to get a local backhoe and operator.

So it looks like if I wish to keep close to the budget then I will likely have to use a local backhoe and operator.

Stay tuned I am still investigating.
;-)