New Worker Looks at the House

Wednesday October 22

The worker that Roberto told me about yesterday came today. Actually, it’s his father. Galo came about 2pm and I showed him around the property. He told me that he’s a contractor and build some homes in the United States and Ecuador.

His father speaks English, so that is good.

He seems to be a very nice guy and knows what he’s talking about. Though Jayne said that he didn’t mention some things that he should have, such as having a floating foundation when something is build in an area that has a lot of rain.

His solution the problem is to have a canal build around the house and have a pipe with holes in to drain the water. Well, we had already thought of that and decided to not do it (though it was done on one side of the house already – minus the pipe). We just don’t want to put that much money into it if we are going to sell it, as it will not increase the value of the house.

I also showed Galo the area where a lot of water builds up against the house. I suggested that a raised patio be build and he agreed. So I said I would like him to do that. He said he’ll get back to me by phone or email with the price.

We chatted about an hour and I told him about my friend, Richard, who bought a hotel that needs remodelling. He hopes to get work from him, too. This will help Richard as it’s hard to find good workers and someone who is honest. When Richard gets back from his business trip I’ll give him a call.

The other workers were here painting the house.

The worker, Gonzales, told me that no one will take the dirt away. He talked to several hardware stores that have trucks for delivery. He was told that it’s against the law to take dirt away.

Strange!?

I understand that they will have to take it to the country and dump it but not being able to take it at all strikes me as strange.