G.H. #2 Construction

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!!

 

Yeah, yeah, I hear you!

 

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:<

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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;>

 

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:>