SNAFU Major

Inside Out

Common sense would suggest a contractor first protect a house from the elements before starting interior work.  But our general contractor, Touch of Class Home Improvements, decided to work backwards.  He sent teams of subcontractors to install wiring, fixtures, insulation, sheetrock and trim while the outside of the house remained uncovered by sheathing paper or siding for over five months. As a result, all of the new work - down to the framing members - was subject to ongoing moisture damage, including mold growth.

Electrical work installed as of Sept. 10, 2008.

Below:  house five days later (Sept. 15) with no shingles or flashing.  Window openings unprotected.

Insulation as of Sept. 25.

Below:  House five days later - windows installed but no sheathing on exterior walls.  Unprotected copper flashing.

Sheetrock delivered Sept. 29 through bedroom window.  No vapor barrier (Tyvek) or siding on 2nd floor addition.

Below:  Back of addition during rain storm one month later (Oct. 28).  Still no siding.

Interior sheetrock, doors  and baseboard trim installed in north bedrooms as of Dec. 6.

Below:  House one month later (Jan. 7) with exposed OSB on north side of house and "temporary" tarps on other sides.

Condition of house on Jan. 14, 2009 (left) vs. Aug. 18, 2008, five months earlier (below).