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G.H. #2 Construction

Discussion in 'Growing Areas' started by Candace, Nov 10, 2008.

  1. Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    Well, I've had to give in and face defeat while trying to install my gas line and heater. I did it myself with g.h. #1 but this one had given me enough grief! So, I've got an appointment with a plumber in a week for an estimate. We've had frost this last week, so no heater means no plants to move in! But, you're right! More light! Woo hoo!!
     
  2. Alexis

    Alexis New Member

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    Glad to hear it's moving forward, Candace. Slow steps are better than no steps!
     
  3. orchidkarma

    orchidkarma Member

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    Good to hear that it is moving forward again!!! Keep us posted! :)
     
  4. Mary Jane

    Mary Jane New Member

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    Getcher ass moving, girl.

    How's that for motivation? :)
     
  5. Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    Yeah, yeah, I hear you!
     
  6. EGOISTA

    EGOISTA Member

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    I like this structure!
     
  7. Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    So, hears the saga!! I'm rather perturbed. Get this! The plumber gave me his estimate to attach my already installed heater to the propane tank. Mind you, all he has to do is drill a hole through the block and attach a pipe to the heater and the tank located right near it on the outside of my g.h. And then attach the flue that is already there. $1,200. Suuuuuuuure. He'll be getting my business. No digging or trenching and probably 2-3hrs. work maximum. Looks like someone up above does not want me getting g.h. #2 up and running:<
     
  8. Tom-DE

    Tom-DE Well-Known Member Supporting Member

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    That is way too much even for you rich California people.
     
  9. Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    I'm going to get a few other estimates, because he's plain nuts.
     
  10. Dale

    Dale New Member

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    I read somewhere that a chicken will generate as much heat as a 100 watt light bulb. Can't you just get more chickens?
     
  11. Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    Good idea, Dale. I wonder how the wafting of ammonia in the air will effect blooms? And I can always toss the dead chickens on the orchids as top dressing.
     
  12. Dale

    Dale New Member

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    "I wonder how the wafting of ammonia in the air will effect blooms?"

    Shouldn't be a problem. You're welcome.
     
  13. Jon

    Jon Mmmm... bulbophyllum...

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    I can't believe this GH was started in 2008.
     
  14. Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    I can!!

    I just have to share this with you all. I asked the first plumber for a break-down of his estimate, because I was curious to see what in the heck he was thinking. The break down is still uber vague...no expected hours listed etc. But, I could NOT believe he was actually including in the estimate the following charges! Give me a break! The "small" profit made is supposed to pay for his advertising and operational costs! This really cracks me up! I've never seen an estimate so full of crap! Oh, and I was also supposed to be in charge of buying his masonry bit. What the heck!!

    Hi Candace,

    Here is the breakdown you requested for the proposed work to be done.

    Parts: ½ inch gas pipe, gas pipe fitting, regulator, gas valve with flexible supply line, propane tank strapping kit, and masonry drill bit together at a retail price of $350 with $680 to cover labor portion…..$1,030

    If you want to upgrade to a dual tank system.

    Parts: Automatic regulator and an additional strapping kit at a retail price of $150 with $125 to cover extra labor…..$275

    The retail price along with the labor cost also covers:
    Tech time on-site performing job
    Tech time off-site gathering materials and restocking truck
    Health and dental insurance for all employees
    Worker’s compensation insurance
    Liability insurance
    Auto insurance
    Fuel costs
    Truck maintenance
    Warranties
    Advertising
    Licensing
    Utility costs and facility maintenance
    Office personnel
    A small profit so our business can continue to grow and provide the best Plumbing and HVAC service to a wider area along with serving you into the future.


    Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
     
  15. Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    The good news is the company that came out today gave me an estimate on the spot for $400. Which was in line with what I was expecting. It's scheduled up for Monday. Yay!! I should be able to get it up and running shortly. Now I'm on the look out for an evap. cooler. Woohoo!
     
  16. Dale

    Dale New Member

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    That first guy seems delusional. Are you gonna FAX him the estimate from the real plumber?
     
  17. Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    No. I think my complete silence will give him a clue. Though, if he contacts me I may have a few things to tell him. In a lady like manner, of course;>
     
  18. Mary Jane

    Mary Jane New Member

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    His estimate is plumb crazy talk.
     
  19. orchidkarma

    orchidkarma Member

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    Holy cow, that was a lot of bull on one bill!! :eek: I am really glad you got an honest estimate after that one...

    Keep it up now!! This is the home stretch!! :clap:
     
  20. Candace

    Candace Kept Woman Supporting Member

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    Yes, 2 years later I'm finally moving plants in. There has been one set back after another with the construction and systems of this g.h. I still don't have the heater operational, but will get on that before winter. I installed the evap. cooler last month but had to completely re-wire it (long story) which took some time. I also had to build the support bench for it as no one sells supports anymore. Ack. More time. I built the benches from scratch (again time) and finished the under bench misters last week.

    I'm slowly moving plants over as I repot. Right now, it's mainly the monster cattleyas and other specimen plants that take up so much room in g.h. #1. I still have lots to do, but at least I'm in:>
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