I hope I'm not biting off more than I can chew

[FedoraDave]

This isn't really beer-related, but since nearly everything I do relates somehow to beer, and I just feel like writing about it, here it is.

When we bought our house 17 years ago, we were pleased that it had been maintained fairly well. It's an older house, so that was important. But one of the glaring drawbacks immediately apparent was the half-assed, homemade "patio" in the backyard. It was made of bricks, but the underlayment hadn't been done properly (or else, over time, it sank), and it was all wonky and uneven. To make things worse, there were three yew bushes at the end of it, and they have since grown uncontrollably. And a tree had been planted in a pot at one of the corners. The roots had grown through the pot and in between the bricks, anchoring the whole thing into the ground. Long story short, it was just a mess back there.

So this spring, we got serious about removing those eyesores, and now I'm obsessed with building a deck and having room for the grill, a table, and some chairs. Before I got into the pest control business, I worked with an independent contractor, so I know some of the rudiments of deck-building. But that was nearly 25 years ago. I also have a Decks Made Easy book I bought from Home Dopey, which may help to refresh my memory. And, now that I'm retired and only working part-time, I can devote some of my spare time and waning energy to this project.

Right now, I'm at the stage where I'm mentally preparing myself; sort of standing at the top of the ladder looking over at the end of the high-diving board. It's a commitment, and it's something I need to make sure I can get right the first time. And I will want to start on it early enough to have good weather to work in. Maybe I can talk to my brother, and see what contacts he might have that could help or advise me.

Lots of tool rentals in my future....

[RickBeer]

now I'm obsessed with building a deck and having room for the girl, a table, and some chairs.

Seems like a very important part of planning, having room for a girl...

[FedoraDave]

Yeah, I caught that and edited to correct.

I should know better than to post before the coffee kicks in.

[alb]

Good luck, beer brudder. Here's how I would tackle it: Survey the problem. Go to Pinterest and obsess for a few weeks, developing a vision of what I want. Start buying the materials, maybe a couple of tools. Start the project. Realize I'm not qualified and decide I don't wanna do it anymore. Hire a pro to fix/finish. RDWHAHB while I supervise the work and enjoy a brew day. Pay the man.

[FedoraDave]

Li'l sis, you read my mind!

I went to the Town's website and confirmed that I need a permit to build a deck. Then I went to the PDF of the application, and my eyes immediately glazed over and a thin trickle of saliva ran from the corner of my mouth.

I figure the cost of getting a professional to do it will be no greater than the cost of the materials and equipment rentals I'll need, and then there's the upside of having it done more quickly and better by a professional.

It probably won't happen this year. I talked to The Better Half, and we agreed that we'll have to wait a bit, but can begin saving up for it in the meantime. And we've got a couple of contractors we can get quotes from, both of which we've worked with and trust, so we don't feel we'll be taking any risk by contracting the work.

[FedoraDave]

I'll even barbecue some ribs for them. That's how much I value their expertise.