Trying to find steel.
Well, it is an up and down day today. The good news is the drywall was delivered today in preparation for installation starting late this week. The bad news is we found out that the sprinkler system we had been interested in installing is just not going to happen. Now I understand this is definitely one of those features that must be planned for at the design stage. As it turns out the company would need several weeks to assess our project and draft a system. This would delay our drywall and everything else. Not only that, but our water service is insufficient to supply it (requires 1" service from the street -- where we have 3/4" -- and an assessment from the city for the size of the service in the street). That would mean digging up our current service and replacing it.
Ah... No.
I have already had to do, undo, and redo enough pieces on this project. I think that would be a bit much. In addition the real cost of at least a month of delay is now quite serious, so we will let that one aside.
So, if you are interested in such a system, make sure you plan it in from the drawings stage and you won't have any nasty surprises.
In other news, I have a few more shots, courtesy of my wife, of the interior and exterior of the house.
A nice clear view of the hall through the kitchen to the front room.Ok, so what does this have to do with steel? Well, this is a classic case of how a little thing can make a big delay. There is, on our plan, a metal detail (5" wide steel channel) that runs the length of the house between the wood siding and the stone. We can't find the damn steel, so it is holding up finishing the siding, which is delaying the stone install, which is delaying the porch and stairs, which is delaying the finishing of the stucco on the front of the house.
Ugh! So, does anybody know where I can get a steel supplier to get me some decorative steel channel so I can get the claddings finished? Anyone?
The fun of building...
Tags: sprinkler system, steel
Cainder: If you're still looking for a steel mfg. I'd try Misteelco Service Center. they're at 519-633-3555. I know that they specialize in residential steel materials. We refer a lot of people to them as I work for a company that makes Steel Buildings of an industrial/commercial/recreational nature. (05/06/08)
Gypsy: Actually, the thought only just occured to me - does the steel thing need to be steel? Is it structural in that it needs the strength of steel or is it just the look? Could it be made of something else? (05/07/08)
Libby: Have you looked in Hamilton for Steel suppliers? It is the steel city. Let me see if I can track something down. Email me at work with the specks so I can sound knowledgable if I call someone promissing. (05/06/08)
Gypsy: Sorry to hear about the sprinkling issues. Isn't that something the architect or builder should have looked at earlier on in the planning? I know home builders should be informed, but sheesh - if you knew that much, you'd be building the buildings yourself instead of hiring others..... (05/06/08)
PM: Thank you very much for all the feedback on steel suppliers (both in comments and email). It looks like I have a good source and several good backup options, should I need them. Everyone's help is greatly appreciated! (05/06/08)
PM: With regards to the sprinkler system, in the builders defense, we only started considering this option when we were getting into plumbing install and, for several reasons, we never looked long and hard at the requirements. You are correct, it should have been in the beginning plan, but I am amazed now how clear my hindsight is. Maybe in our next house.... ;) (05/06/08)