Basement Breakdown
I’m literaly frightened of my basement. I now only go down if something is wrong (though everything is wrong.) Last week broken boiler (plumbers proceeded to drop said boiler and spill gallons of water everywhere.) Today I went down to start cleaning, and as the clouded dirt filled the air as I swept the dirt…
I’m literaly frightened of my basement. I now only go down if something is wrong (though everything is wrong.) Last week broken boiler (plumbers proceeded to drop said boiler and spill gallons of water everywhere.) Today I went down to start cleaning, and as the clouded dirt filled the air as I swept the dirt floor, I heard a toilet flush upstairs and the slight spilling of liquid just a few feet from where I stood.
I know these sound like petty issues (they are, and are natural happenings for homeowners) but again these are only the things that have affected life above the basement. Full status includes: holes, loose wires, slanted collapsing ceilings and walls, pvc pipes(?!,) other pipes, etc…
We’ve hired people to “fix” the basement in the past (patching/plastering/foundation work/etc) and yet somehow I cant even tell there was EVER work done down there. Sure it’s partially my fault/my mothers/and my grandmother fault. Too many people hiring half ass-ed workers, but even when I went for bigger names in the industry they still left their monkies here, and what I saw the guy I hired… twice?
I know this is often the case for basements, but I’m truly horrified when I step foot inside. My heart races. It feels and looks as if the ceiling could cave in at any moment. And man I haven’t even thought about CODES, VOILATIONS, HUMAN SAFETY.eeek.
I’m assuming I need an overhaul rewiring, plumbing electrical, foundation, plaster… etc. who does this kind of work and who will do it right? I feel like I’m living on thin ice.
Oh dont worry, he was VERY helpful. That pic was done while the boiler was being replaced and there was no room for anyone to do anything except stand there. 🙂
Just curious – why isn’t your boyfriend rolling up his shirtsleeves and helping you out with this daunting task? Geez, he’s got his hands in his pockets in the photo!
The torso is awesome.
Regarding the mask: You might consider a high quality mask that has replaceable cartridges. The surgical and dusk mask types do very little to protect your respiratory system; sounds like maybe that’s what you’ve been using. Drink lots of water too.
damn straight. 🙂
Your boyfriend is cute…
hi
I am scared of my basement too. We ONLY go down a few times a year to turn on the boiler – or light pilot light again if it goes out and bleed the system of water!!!
from what I understand – it’s a typical old basement. We too have rotting support wooden beams and I was told to replace them with steel ones. (ok will do once I get my tax rebate check – haha)
and while it’s dusty, crumbly, and hot as hell – I beleive it’s doing the job
like you said you did – give it a good cleaning – and maybe try to find someone to help
call eagle contractors in sunset park – I had him come in to look at my rotting beams and he was very helpful and reasonably priced!
my sister in law has the “Gut Man” toy for her kids and all the kids young and old love it. it’s always a good picture when a baby puts a brain in their mouth. anyway, if anyone is interested in buying one:
http://www.backtobasicstoys.com/ShowItem.aspx?productID=7221
i heart your torso 2
Oh and I’ll tell ya once I get cracking on the “list” of what’s wrong. Yes, It’s definitely less overwhelming not having sh*t everywhere, but it’s still very apparent that the ceiling is falling apart, and the walls crumbling… but I can see the floor and walk from one end to the other. It’s the little things.
Thanks again. 🙂
Hey guys…
Spent the last 6 hours cleaning. It’s great weight to have atleast made piles of all the large bulk and excess materials, boxed up the ex tenants crap, and consolidated the new guys stuff. I put up a light with a brightly colored shade and pretended I was in a “happy place” as I disposed of the dead. Though a great mental weight has been lifted, I do feel completely ill. Even with mask and gloves I feel slightly poisoned, ill. I’m gonna go eat something, but thanks for all the support guys. It was very motivating.