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From: Spearman Architectural Design PC [mailto:sadpc@optonline.net]
Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 3:40 PM
To: Mackay, Michael; frankiemoe@aol.com
Cc: lior@myhomeus.com
Subject: Revised Electrical plan 2- per 073108
Please find attached.
Trevor Spearman, AIA, NCARB
From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Monday, August 04, 2008 3:44 PM
To: 'Spearman Architectural Design PC'
Cc: 'lior@myhomeus.com'
Subject: RE: Revised Electrical plan 2- per 073108
Thanks, Trevor,
Now if I can just get the %$@#! windows ordered....
Michael
From: MICHAEL PALMENTIERO
To: mmackay
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 11:08 AM
Subject: Attached Files
Dear Michael:
Attached, please find the order for your windows provided by Windowrama. Please let me know how you want me to proceed. We'd like to get these windows ordered as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Michael Palmentiero
(914) 299-9798
[Attach: Window1
Window2
Window3]
From: MICHAEL PALMENTIERO [mailto:touchofclass1@optonline.net]
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 3:45 PM
To: Mackay, Michael
Subject: Re: Shingles - 42 Maple Ave. (NO SUBSTITUTES!)
Dear Michael:
I emailed them earlier.
I'll re-send now.
Mike
From: "Mackay, Michael"
To: <touchofclass1@optonline.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 2:37 PM
Subject: Shingles - 42 Maple Ave. (NO SUBSTITUTES!)
The shingle approved by the ARB are:
GAF/ELK Grand Canyon Lifetime Designer Super Heavy Weight Plus.
Color: STONE WOOD.
I've attached some PDFs of the product.
Many thanks,
Michael
P.S. - Where are the window quotes and specs?
From: Michael Mackay [mailto:mackay.family@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, August 09, 2008 12:21 PM
To: sadpc@optonline.net
Cc: lnoy@myhomes.com; touchofclass1@optonline.net; Mackay, Michael
Subject: 42 Maple - framing for eyebrow window
Trevor, as we discussed yesterday I am attaching jpgs of the framing for the eyebrow window in the master bedroom. Can you suggest modifications that would make the window more viewable from the inside?
Your expertise is very much appreciated.
Michael
From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2008 3:40 PM
To: 'touchofclass1@optonline.net'; 'lior@myhomeus.com'; 'Spearman Architectural Design PC'
Cc: 'mmackay'
Subject: 42 Maple - Open issues as of 8/10/08
In anticipation of tonight's[?] meeting, here's a list of the main open issues:
Framing:
Tentative date for rough framing inspection?
Dividing wall above closets in small bedrooms needs to be framed.
Exposed nails under eaves (especially in back) should be removed before fascia applied?
Framing of eyebrow blocks view of window from inside - Framer Angelo to attempt to fix 08/11.
Oak end timbers stored in kitchen; numbered 1 - 10 for specific placement per elevations left at house.
First floor structural supports: if possible, open walls from library and kitchen sides, not living room and dining room sides; electrician has requested access to these spaces for running new lines upstairs.
Windows: I have received a revised quote from Windowrama and will review this PM.
Roofing:
Lior, Michael had concerns about price for shingles approved by Trevor and ARB - can you confirm these are within budget?
Michael: for chimney work: some structural and/or lining materials needs to be ordered and installed.
Michael and/or Trevor to confirm quantity of stone veneer needed for chimney - who will place order?
Plumbing:
According to building inspector, permit needs to be filed with Village BEFORE plumbing work begins and after rough framing inspection.
Re-route bathroom dormer's vent through roof behind chimney so it is not conspicuously visible from street. Michael's 8/11 estimate to fix: $300. Easiest fix is running 2" pipe above bathroom ceiling instead of through roof rafters.
Electric:
According to building inspector, permit needs to be filed with Village BEFORE electric work begins and after rough framing inspection.
Keep wires out of upper triangular portion of wall separating master bedroom from walk-in closet (we may decide to open up this space later). Okay to wire inside walls surrounding closet doors.
Misc.
Dumpster is overflowing, creating eye-sore for neighbors. Possible to empty?
Damages:
Neighbor across street reports sidewalk was cracked by truck delivering dumpster - options for repair/compensation?
Two storm windows and one pane of French doors broken during demolition.
Upstairs bathroom ceiling collapsed during rough framing.
Onward and upward!
Michael
From: Michael Palmentiero [mailto:touchofclass1@optonline.net]
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2008 9:25 PM
To: Mackay, Michael
Subject: Re: 42 Maple - Open issues as of 8/10/08
Michael, I called the dumpster guys they will remove it by weds.
glass will be repaired. See you in the morning . .....Michael
From: Mackay, Michael
To: touchofclass1@optonline.net ; lior@myhomeus.com ; __DO NOT USE
Cc: mmackay
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 5:30 PM
Subject: 42 Maple - Open issues as of 8/15/08
Hi, Michael,
As far as I can tell, there have been no workmen on the site since Tuesday AM. (3.5 days ago). Any reason the framer, electrician, plumber and/or roofer couldn't have kept working?
Framing:
With chimney extension now in place, green tarp does not cover the front of the house. Additional tarp needs to be added for protection.
Oak end timbers remain to be installed.
First floor structural support (in library) remains to be installed.
Building inspector Lenny now wants to inspect framing after the County or State has completed its electrical and plumbing inspections.
Eyebrow window reframing is a vast improvement. Can thin plywood be added over rough framing to ensure sheet-rock will follow a clean arch?
Most of the exposed nails under eaves appear to have been removed, covered, or clipped. Any chance of rust stains from clipped nails?
Dividing wall above closets in small bedrooms has been framed.
Windows have been ordered with an ETA of two weeks.
Roofing:
Plumber needs to re-locate vent pipe to behind chimney to facilitate roofer's work.
What is the best approach for dealing with middle section of chimney? Remove 3 inches of rough brick and cover with veneer, assuming veneer is a close enough match? Adding veneer to existing rough brick and stone will result in a bulging look.
By my calculation, 150 sq. ft. of flat veneer and 40 linear ft. of corner veneer are needed. Michael, can you confirm? I will place the order.
Plumbing:
I've left a Pelham permit application and fee left inside front door for plumber to file. Must file in person with Lenny between 9:30 and 11:00 am any weekday.
Work can proceed while permit is in the process of being filed.
Electric:
I've left a Pelham permit application and fee left inside front door for electrician to file. Must file in person with Lenny between 9:30 and 11:00 am any weekday.
Work can proceed while permit is in the process of being filed.
Reminder: Please keep wires out of upper triangular portion of wall separating master bedroom from walk-in closet (we may decide to open up this space later). Okay to wire inside walls surrounding closet doors.
Misc.
Can the framer please remove the large quantity of excess 2 by 6's and 2 by 10's that were delivered by mistake? I'm concerned these may get stolen or damaged if left in the front yard too long.
Ready to resume.
Michael
From: Michael Palmentiero [mailto:touchofclass1@optonline.net]
Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 6:44 PM
To: Mackay, Michael
Cc: lior@myhomeus.com
Subject: Re: 42 Maple - Open issues as of 8/15/08
Michael, Delays will take place from time to time when we are getting a new trade in. This is normal because they have other jobs ,so they are not always ready for us when we are ready for them. It is not usually more than a few days. They will show our job the same respect by staying until it is done, and not rushing off to start another job until we are as far along on our job as we need to be. As far as the framers go, we will be ready for the framing inspection. The oak end timbers and other framing and trim work will be done when the windows come in ( at my request).
The electrician is due in early next week. The electrician and plumber are aware of their filing responsibilities and will be taking care of that.
Also Michael, when we speak let me know any and all of your concerns, such as, no body being there for 3.5 days. I don't always get a chance to check my email and I want to know when something is causing you stress. As you know I am always available for meetings or phone calls with you. Its my job 24/7. So please keep me in the loop if I miss your emails. ( Anytime )..............Michael
Notes re: message left for Lior, 8/17/08 10:30 PM.
Lior,
On Friday evening, August 15, I arrived at the house to find the tarp covering the roof had been partially blown off and water damage to the first floor
ceiling, wooden floors and basement. This is extremely frustrating because it could have been easily prevented. I had called Michael Thursday at 2:45pm to inform him the tarp was no longer large enough to cover the newly extended chimney and the front of the house. I followed up with an email to Michael Friday afternoon expressing my concern about the tarp.
From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:57 PM
To: 'Michael Palmentiero'; 'lior@myhomeus.com'
Cc: 'Mackay, Meggan'
Subject: 42 Maple - Items of concern as of 8/19/08
Good evening, Michael and Lior (I'm including you, Lior, since many issues discussed in this email involve Trevor's drawings.)
Thank you for your response and your on-going willingness to address stress points in this project. At this stage I have many concerns, especially after last Friday's water damage in the first floor and basement due to inadequate tarp coverage. (See attached photos.)
Who is going to pay for replacing sheet-rock and re-painting the damaged ceilings and walls?
If these repairs are made after Sept. 1, where will we live while this work is being done?
Who will cover the costs of replacing broken tiles and repairing damages to the upstairs bath caused initially by the framer and greatly exasperated by the water damaged from the uncovered dormer roof?
Why is it taking more than two weeks for MyHome and TouchOfClass to agree on the budget for using Grand Canyon shingles? Lior has been (or should have been) aware of this spec long before it was submitted to the Village of Pelham for approval of our site plan.
Why did the plumber use the more expensive approach of relocating the 2nd floor bathroom vent with 3 inch pipe through six rafters instead of simply continuing the 2 inch pipe under the floorboards? Why didn't the architect's drawing show this vent on any plans? Who will pay the difference?
Why weren't sq. ft. and linear ft. measurements provided for ordering the chimney stone veneer? I made the best calculations I could, but who will be responsible for the added cost of quantities over- or under- ordered?
Going back to the earlier weeks of framing:
Why wasn't the framer given updated plans showing finished elevations and details? The set he was using dates from last April when the front dormer showed a gabled roof. Who will pay for the lumber he ordered in error?
Why weren't accurate renderings or plans produced and discussed before the framer decided to build the interior walls at a height of 9' 4" instead of 7' 4"? Who will absorb the cost of fixing it?
Why weren't adequate drawings produced or plans discussed regarding the framing for inside the eyebrow window? The "triangle" skylight design was highly unorthodox and virtually obscured the window from inside view.
The front elevation of the house (used by the ARB to approve the project) neglects to show a key architectural and structural element: the conspicuous 12" by 8" beam running the length of the porch to support the overhanging roof. This beam stands 95.5 inches above the porch floor. On the drawings (A3) it is shown standing 102 inches above the porch floor. The 6.5" inch discrepancy, magnified when viewed from eye level, creates an imbalanced appearance that spoils the facade's "Craftsman" style. How can this be remedied?
What form of compensation will be offered and by whom for the damage to our neighbor's sidewalk caused by the dumpster truck?
Until someone takes specific responsibility for these costs, I will be concerned. Until the house is completely closed in (why wasn't the quote from WindowRama finalized back in early July instead of Aug. 5th?) I will also be concerned about additional water causing additional damage and inconvenience while we attempt to inhabit the first floor (scheduled for Labor Day).
My main concern is that many of these errors and expenses could have been avoided. Even more disturbing, how badly would these mistakes have been compounded if I hadn't caught them early on in my daily visits to the site? Such visits and the time needed to figure out corrections have detracted significantly from my time at work and with family.
Finally, I am increasingly concerned that each remaining phase of the project, from masonry work to roofing details to painting and installation of windows, gutters, and light fixtures - will encounter further errors that will make this renovation cost-prohibitive. At this point, I don't see how MyHome or TouchOfClass can realize a profit on the job unless corners are cut in the remaining work. Cutting corners to compensate for avoidable errors does not seem reasonable, in my opinion.
I apologize for vetting these frustrations. But writing them down, as opposed to discussing them on the phone, makes them concrete and therefore more manageable.
Perhaps we can get some resolution in the next week as to who is bearing the costs of prior mistakes, and how we can minimize future ones.
Michael
From: Michael Palmentiero [mailto:touchofclass1@optonline.net]
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 4:56 PM
To: Mackay, Michael
Cc: lior@myhomeus.com
Subject: Re: 42 Maple - Items of concern as of 8/19/08
Michael, The bathroom ceiling will be repaired when the sheet rocker does his work on the rest of the upstairs. It will be cleaned up on Friday. At no cost to you !
The extra lumber ordered has been removed and again there will be no additional cost to you.
The water damage to the first floor will be repaired right after lior gets back this week.
Again, I am always available for phone calls and almost always for meeting , as I believe I have already shown you. So, as far as the rest of the job goes, I will welcome your further involvement, ( as you job and family allows ) . I think that after afew more key issues are resolved the need for your involvement should be minimal. I would like to thank you for all your input todate and apologize that it was needed. Hopefully the rest of the job will proceed more smoothly.
From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 7:08 PM
To: 'lior@myhomeus.com'
Cc: 'Mackay, Meggan'
Subject: GAF/ELK Grand Canyon shingles - 42 Maple
Hi, Lior,
I hope matters are going well for you in Israel.
Michael Palmentiero told me Monday evening you were not approving the purchase of GAF/ELK Grand Canyon shingles due to budgetary constraints. I find this untenable. Trevor Spearman had included this particular item in every plan submitted to the Village of Pelhams Architectural Review, Planning and Trustee Boards since early May. Did you not review his specifications to verify they were within the projects budget? Meggan and I chose to retain MyHome and follow the design/build concept because of your assurances that the general manager, architect and contractor would work closely together to optimize our value. MyHomes business model presumes that miscommunication and errors in pricing, design or construction are kept to a minimum. Unfortunately, this has not been the case, as detailed in my email to you and Michael yesterday.
Since September 2007 I have repeatedly asked for cost break-downs. Now, five weeks into construction, I have yet to see one. The three expenses that are itemized in our contract the window allowance, interior door allowance, and first floor painting imply you are in agreement with Trevors specifications for the remaining materials and scope of work. If you are now claiming the architects shingles are too expensive, what about the many other items Trevor has selected (but for which we have yet to see estimates): stone veneer, insulation, brand of paint, moldings, etc.? In my opinion, designing a project, then failing to deliver an itemized budget, then declaring certain items are not within budget represents negligence on the part of MyHome.
Trevors proposal before the ARB to use thicker Grand Canyon shingles was instrumental in winning ARB approval, as the Board was anxious to see shingles that preserved our houses pre-war "bungalow" style, especially in light of the roof' 's prominence. Substituting the lower-quality shingles you propose represents "bad faith" to the Village, and will require ARB approval. Even if the ARB agrees to the change, the review process will significantly delay completion of the roof, increasing our chances of incurring further water damage.
I would appreciate your approving the use of the shingles selected by your architect in light of these issues and MyHome's commitment to upholding its contract. If you start sharing price information with me perhaps I can locate a better bid, as I did for the Anderson windows.
I am confident this renovation can continue to move towards completion. The alternative is quite unappealing.
Thank you for your assistance, and professional efforts in making this project a success.
Michael
From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 12:04 AM
To: 'Nigel S Scott-Williams'
Subject: ARB advice re: 42 Maple
Good evening, Nigel,
I really appreciate your stopping by the house yesterday, and your ideas re: how to address the exposed rough brick on the chimney and the more daunting problem of the massive beam across the top of the porch. I've attached photos of both which I hope you can share with other ARB members to gain the benefit of their collective (and individual!) wisdom.
Regarding the beam on the porch: the architect neglected to show this key architectural and structural element. The 12 by 8 inch "beam" (constructed of nine structural and cosmetic elements) stands 95.5 inches above the porch floor. On the drawings (A3) it is shown standing 102 inches above the porch floor. The 6.5" inch discrepancy, magnified when viewed from eye level, creates an imbalanced appearance that spoils the facade's "Craftsman" style.
Any ideas how to remedy this? I have an "extra" 30 foot LVL on the job site which could be ripped to make two 2 by 6's, to replace the existing 12 inch beam, but this would mean raising the four columns six inches as well. We could also extend the porch roof rafters, although I don't know how far.
The problem is compounded by the fascia. The boxed-in eve detail (attached) specifies 7" fascia for the sides of the house (angled) but doesn't indicate the width of fascia along the front (it shown on the drawing as 9 inches). The contractor decided to use 7" throughout. Perhaps replacing the front fascia with 9 inch board will help hide the massive beam?
All ideas - whether reasonable or not - will be entertained. Let me know if you'd like me to attend the meeting (646-761-0683)
Thanks again,
Michael
From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 2:15 PM
To: 'Michael Palmentiero'; 'lior@myhomeus.com'
Cc: 'Mackay, Meggan'
Subject: RE: 42 Maple - Items of concern as of 8/19/08
Thank you, Michael, for your understanding. It is much
appreciated.
Lior, could you address the other items I mentioned?
Michael
From: lnoy@myhomeus.com [mailto:lnoy@myhomeus.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 2:44 PM
To: Mackay, Michael
Subject: Re: 42 Maple - Items of concern as of 8/19/08
Will do tomorrow I'm on my way back.
Thanks.
Lior.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
From: nscott-williams@juno.com [mailto:nscott-williams@juno.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 9:15 AM
To: Mackay, Michael
Subject: Re: ARB advice re: 42 Maple
Hi Michael,
The ARB met last night and we discussed your dilemma. Ron and I will come by your house at some point this weekend ---- although your photo package was excellent and told the story, there is still nothing quite like an 'in the field' review. I will only know on Friday night or Saturday morning what the actual time for this inspection will be.
Regarding the chimney, most of the board felt that if the section between the two floors was just stuccoed over so the only stone was above the roof and on the porch section, it wouldn't be the end of the world. But it could be a major "add" to do something really interesting there as well. The porch overhang will be the real challenge.
Regards
Nigel HD
(*House Doctor)
From: Mackay, Michael
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 5:18 PM
To: 'Michael Palmentiero'
Subject: 42 Maple - Chimney work
Michael,
Attached is a plan for preparing the chimney with cement leveling strips where the stone meets the roof. These need to be in place before the roofer can add flashing. Please let me know if you have any questions. We can discuss next time we meet.
Hope to have a resolution with Trevor this evening re: the Grand Canyon shingles.
Thanks for all your help,
Michael
On Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:51:47 -0400 "Mackay, Michael" writes:
Good afternoon, Nigel,
Any luck with 42 Maple? My contractor is planning to leave the country soon so I better pin him down while I can.
Michael
From: Nigel S Scott-Williams [mailto:nscott-williams@juno.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 11:22 PM
To: Mackay, Michael
Subject: Re: ARB advice re: 42 Maple
Hi Michael,
a little problem here: Ron Czajka went on vacation and is only back this weekend, so we have only discussed the problems and looked at your photos. It seems the only solution for the lower roof is a combination of extending it out about a foot and adding a deeper fascia board -- the two together make a sort of "cheat" to get you to the better result. But we would have to come there and do some measurements. (Of course, if the architect drew over his own drawing to scale, he could scale off such a drawing almost very accurately what those measurements should be.
The chimney answer is probably to stucco over the brick, either the whole section including the stone(simplest), or the brick portion alone and then add some decorative element (?) which would justify the stucco'd section as a sort of 'backboard' for this element.
I hope Ron is back Sunday or Monday, on Wednesday we leave for Poland.
Nigel
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