Hot, sweaty, grimy and claustrophobic are a few words that just begin to describe my day today. I finally ventured up to the second floor to begin cleaning up the drywall dust and the assorted debris that our contractor left behind months ago. I knew about the drywall dust. By the time he finished the job, our relationship was strained to the point that I was happy just to see him go, so I wasn’t about to insist that he clean up his mess (although, I assume, most contractors would consider cleaning up to be part of their job). I was most disappointed with the debris he stashed in the side attic as this just showed a complete lack of respect. In addition to the mess, the side attic by its very nature was cramped and awkward.
Access to the air handler
Our air handler was installed in the side attic. Last year, when our contractor first started working on the insulation, he threw scraps in the corners of the side attic, claiming that every bit of insulation would help. I told him that I wanted the area kept clean so that I could easily access the air handler without tracking bits of insulation back through the rest of the house. I told him that I planned to install insulation from below when I renovate the bedroom and bathroom on the main floor. Obviously, he went ahead and did what he wanted anyway.
Attic mess
No respect
Not only did he throw the insulation scraps in the side attic, but he also threw unused Raft-R-Mates, shingles, and even several 2×6 cut-offs. Some of the cut-offs were resting on top of the flexible ductwork. Fortunately, damage was limited to a few rips in the vapour barrier sleeves which can be easily repaired.
One room down, one to go (if only it were as simple as it sounds)
The side attic is off of the smaller bedroom. Cleaning the attic was a difficult and awkward chore, and my back is reminding me of that fact even now. Once the attic was cleaned up (four large garbage bags’ worth), I then vacuumed all the drywall dust off of the floor in the bedroom. A larger task awaits me in the other bedroom. More garbage, more debris, and a lot more vacuuming to do. On the positive side, there may be more work, but at least it isn’t as awkward.
Some minor repairs…
I discovered a couple screw pops that will need to be patched and some minor defects that will need to be sanded before the rooms can be painted. Once everything is cleaned up, I can at least unblock the vents and the air conditioning will finally be able to work at full efficiency during the hot summer months.
Return to the basement
I still have to gut the recreation room in the basement before the heating contractor can be called. This will take place in the next couple of weeks. I am hoping that most of the plumbing for the heating can be done before the colder weather hits in the fall.