Conference 7.286::home_work

Alex is a very honest, hard worker.  He dug my foundation for me last spring
and handled all the backfilling as well.  One thing I didn't realize until it
was time to backfill was that he wouldn't backfill until I at least had the
decking on - it turns out that on a long, unsupported wall such as I had, 50',
there would be too much strain on it and it could collapse.  This presented 
another problem - how to get crushed stone into the hole is there is no way
to drive a truck up to it.

Alex gave me two choices.  He could either backfill the corners, allowing a
truck to get in OR I could have a cement mixer come out with just stone in it
and shoot it over the wall before doing any backfilling.  He pointed out that
although the mixer costs more, they can distribute the stone better, making it
easier for me to spread.  I was impressed that he told me this since it was
less work (and therefore $$$'s), for him.

He owns his own backhoe (a big mother, not those smaller one most people use)
but when the time comes to backfill and grade, he rents a dozer and uses that.

-mark

    I have used and will recommend
    
    		Harold Tardiff
    		Naticook Road
    		Merrimack, NH
    
    
    Harold used a traxcavator (tank treads, not rubber wheels) to prepare
    the area for my family room and garage addition.  He also removed
    the stumps and excess gravel for a reasonable charge.  He met his
    estimate and did minimal damage bringing his equipment on site.
    Quality work.
    
    -Stan
    

            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
                         -< Better living through DIY >-
================================================================================
Note 161.2              WANTED: Bulldozing (or bulldozER)                 2 of 6
AUTHOR::WELLCOME                                     12 lines  13-MAY-1986 14:18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Nat Hawkins Jr. on Neck Rd. in Lancaster is pretty good.  For a
    real artist, call Steve Perry in Harvard (I think).   Both quite
    competent.  I investigated renting some equipment like that once - 
    only marginally more expensive, if at all, to get somebody to come
    by the time I added in the cost of delivering the machine (you
    ain't going to pull a bulldozer on a trailer behind your Honda,
    or even your Toyota pickup truck!) and Steve Perry was, as JoeT
    says of his operator, "poetry in motion."  
    A good equipment operator is incredible.  I once saw a guy setting
    flagstones with a backhoe!  He was showing off, but even so....
    
    Steve

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Note 675.1                Land clearing - making a pond                  1 of 12
JOKUR::WHEELER "Ken"                                  7 lines   5-JAN-1987 15:06
                              -< try this person >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    
    
    I don't know anyone in the Dunstable area but Dick Coke in Ayer
    is EXCELLENT with a dozer.....Maybe he'll go up there!
    
    good luck!
    

            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
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Note 675.3                Land clearing - making a pond                  3 of 12
VIKING::FLEISCHER "Bob Fleischer"                     5 lines  14-JAN-1987 09:37
                 -< Dave Butler works the greater Groton area >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have hired Dave Butler to work on my lot in Groton, with excellent 
results.  I believe he lives in Groton (and if not, certainly in a
neighboring town -- I could get the phone # if interested).

Bob

            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
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Note 734.7       Addition foundation work - bulkhead replacement          7 of 8
EXODUS::SEGER "this space intentionally left blank"  20 lines  29-JAN-1987 15:16
                        -< keep those comments coming! >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I live in Harvard and plan to use Joe Shaw for excavating.  I've had him
do work for me in the past and is very honest AND a local resident. 

That idea about cellar stairs sounds really nifty.  Not only is it VERY 
functional, it's gotta be cheaper and better than precast.

Keep those comments coming...

btw - i recently called a plasterer.  although he couldn't quote me a 
price without seeing prints (can hardly blame the guy), he told me that 
round $1.15 to $1.25 might be a ballpark per square foot.  That would 
include everything from him hanging the blueboard to plastering as well 
as materials.  If blueboard is 32 square feet, that rounds out to around 
$35-$40 per sheet.  A recent not said that on This Old House a plaster said 
he charged $15 per sheet for just plastering and I've priced blueboard 
at around $9 a sheet.  That means he would be charging around $11-$16 per 
sheet to hang it.  That sounds a tad high to me.  Any thoughts?

-mark

    
    
    This is a recomendation for an excavator in the Billerica area.
    He replaced my main water line and I would highly recommend him.
    He was refered to us by a local plumber. The plumber called him
    and that same night Bob returned the call, was out the next day
    for the estimate and the work was done on the day he said he
    would come. To me his rates are reasonable.
    
        
    Bob Griffin & Sons, Inc.
    Billerica, Mass.
    Shop 667-9086
    Home 667-0417
    
    

            <<< JOET::DUA1:[000000.NOTES$LIBRARY]HOME_WORK.NOTE;1 >>>
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================================================================================
Note 2027.16    Misc contractors - if it won't fit anywhere else        16 of 16
NSSG::ALFORD "another fine mess...."                 10 lines  17-JUN-1988 15:48
                   -< here's a septic contractor suggestion >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    
    I used John Walsh.  He lives right off Rt. 4 in Billerica, so I
    would imagine he would work in Carlisle.  I thought he did a
    great job.  Took him about 1.5 days to dig, put in septic tank,
    overflow tank, gravel over, sand/fill, then level out.  He was
    also agreeable to return if we wanted someone to dump loam--he
    would level it at no extra $$.  His # 667-9494
    
    Debbie
    

    
    I don't know just where Stoddard, NH is but I'll put this in anyway.
    I'm presently using:
    
                              Norse Environmental Services, Inc., 
                              3 Pondview Place, Tyngsboro, MA 01879, 
                              Phone: 508-649-9932
   
    They are the engineers for the design my replacement/new septic system.
    They've done a good job overall but it has taken longer than I think it
    should have for the design to be approved. (Although some delay
    is because town engineer is only available 1 day per week and Board
    of Health meets once per month or when they have collected enough
    septic repair permits to warrant an emergency meeting.) The Norse
    engineer with our job seems quite junior and, I feel, has had a bit of 
    hard time managing to work with us, the town and town's engineer.  I
    guess like everything else you have to make sure you monitor every
    step of the way.
    
    Their fee was mid range of the three quotes we received.
            
    We're using Badger General Contracting for the excavation/installation.
    Brian Badger is owner, out of Littleton, MA  508-448-2191. Is
    reasonably priced and very responsible.
    
    Kathy

Nat Hawkins & Son of Lancaster (508) 365-2024 excavated, installed a
driveway and perimeter drains, did my septic system, "final" graded,
and built a stone retaining wall for us. He was a pleasure to work
with. 

During the length of the project, it was very nice to have at least 
one contractor I didn't have to hound or remind or beg. We had an 
informal arrangement and I believe he always acted in good faith and 
honorably. Most of the other bidders wanted 1/3 to 1/2 up front while 
we just sort of kept up with him-- making sure we had paid him about 
the per-cent of the job that was completed. If I had it to do over 
again, I would ask specifically what some particular additional jobs 
were going to cost in advance.

Nat's bid was in the upper third of the 5 or 6 we got (we went into 
sticker shock and kept thinking **someone** was bound to be reasonable) 
but we went with him because he was local and had a pretty good reputation 
around town. He is not a charitable institution but gave us good 
value.

His work is excellent, in my opinion, he made numerous very helpful 
suggestions to the naif, and he monitored progress on the house **on 
his own** to make sure that the parts he needed to complete were 
finished ahead of the time they had to be. 

I would surely call him again.

John H.

    I recommend David Dyment for general backhoe work, ie foundations,
    pools, test holes.  He is reliable and has an excellent reputation
    for quality work.   He is based in Lancaster MA and can be reached
    at (508) 365-6835.
            			Louise

We are putting a 10' x 26' addition on our house with a 
2 stall garage under. 

Step 1 was to dig the foundation.

The building contractor had Glenn Hines do the excavating.

When he finished digging for the foundation, there was a HUGE
pile of dirt in the driveway.  He flattened the top.  I asked why?
He said it was easier for the cement truck to drive up.  He said
he tries to think of the person coming behind him.

When he returned to back-fill, I was even more impressed.
Everything was graded, the extra fill was taken away (he asked
and we didn't want it), and the ENTIRE driveway was swept.  
Not just where he had dug, but the entire driveway.  

The cost was combined with the total cost of the addition, so
I'm not sure how much his piece was.

He lives in Leominster and can be reached at 508-840-0388
I highly recommend him.

Joanne

      Try Bill Proctor in Lunenburg.
    
     I had him do my septic system and I am very pleased. He was very
    professional and courteous. I recomend him highly!
    
    		Wayne

	Charles Zaher just finished some excavation for a new
town water hookup . He did an incredible job, worked around my foundation 
and trees without causing any damage and he even put my stone wall 
back together ( "poetry in motion"). He is an honest man and kept 
his word on his estimate even though the job took longer due to hitting
ledge.  Call him you won't be sorry.


		Charles Zaher
                19 Locke Rd.
                Chelmsford Ma. 01824
                508.256.7688

    Hi,
    
    Can anyone supply recommendations for the Worcester (Oxford) area?
    
    Many thanks!
    
    Donna

    
    I've had good luck with Berthiaume (sp) in Charlton.
    
    I had a bad experience with L&H in Auburn.
    
    CdH
    

    
        This is another recommendation for Dave Dyment of Lancaster.
        He execavated for a 24x27 garage. He showed up on time and was easy
        to work with. He also was less than half the cost of the other
        estimates (Peter Golas, William Proctor).
        His number is (508) 365-6835. 1845 N. Main Street.
    
                        Ron Proulx

    This is yet another recommendation for Dave Dyment of Lancaster.  We
    had a blocked septic pipe (on labor day weekend) he came right out with
    his rig arranged to get the proper pipes and had it done by Saturday
    night.  Plus the shocker was I had expected to pay double what he
    charged us.  
    
    Dave is still at (508) 365-6835.
    
    Tell him Eileen & David recommended him.

    We just had our septic system repaired (really replaced, but that's
    what it's called).  ABC Cesspool of Acton did it.  I think they did
    a good job in a tight space, being careful of the plantings and
    other obstacles.  They also took unexpected problems in stride,
    without asking for additional money.   They were the cheapest
    by about $1000 on a $5000 job.  Both the owner (Dick Dolan) and
    his employees were pleasant to work with.  They did all the work,
    including arranging the town and engineering inspections and raking
    and seeding a new lawn!
    
    I know the name is funky-- yes, I asked them-- it's to be #1 in
    the Yellow Pages!  I originally discounted them for this, but the
    recommendations made me think twice, and I'm glad I did.
                        --tom
    
    A.B.C Cesspool Co., Inc.
    125 High Street
    Acton, MA  01720
    508-263-5802
    508-897-6411
    

    If anyone wants a 'professionally' done septic design at a reasonable
    cost try David E. Ross and Associates out of Ayer.  Their number is 
    772-6232.  You can ask for Charles Caron and tell him that I referred
    you.
    
    Kumar

I just had a new sewer line installed by Bob Clark and his crew (508-869-2954),
and I recommend them highly.  They showed up exactly when they said they
would, gave an estimate and stuck to it, and did a great job in
a difficult spot.  The backhoe guy is second to none.  We have a VERY small
front yard, and we requested that he try to thread the ditch between a tree
and the front porch (we didn't want to kill the tree, and we didn't want
to have to tear down and rebuild the porch).  He managed to do both, as well
as dig up the sidewalk WITHOUT removing the granite curbing and work around
two gas lines.  Truly impressive (there was a carpentry crew on the house
next door who also expressed their amazement).

They do excavating as well as sewer work, and they're bonded to do sewer
installations in the City of Worcester.

--jim paradis

I am looking for a recommendation for someone to dig up and remove a set of
concrete steps in front of my house (these seem to have been poured in
place and are set into the ground.)  I am in the Nashua, NH area.  Please
respond here or send me mail.

			Steve

    Why dont you try the "large hammer" route.  They should
    break up easy enought.  Unless your going to save them???
    
    
    JD

Re: .23

Unlikely - these are solid, not hollow precast steps and probably have
some sort of reinforcements inside.  I believe a jackhammer will be needed.

			Steve

	Last year we had to remove an underground oil tank and also decommission
and backfill a defunct cesspool to prepare a house for sale. After much inquiry
we hired 
		P.C. Teabo & Sons
		Lincoln Road
		Lincoln, MA
		617-259-9097

based on many local references. They did an extremely professional job, detailed
estimates, and on the schedule they agreed to. They were very careful of our
plantings and restored everything meticulously. It is a family business and it
was a pleasure to see the way they all worked together.

	The last touch - on about $1800 worth of work now - 'Bud' Teabo, the
father, comes by the house two weeks later with a $30 refund check, because he
figures that they used a bit less gravel than they'd estimated originally.

	I know they'll travel from bout Newton to Groton and maybe farther.
I highly recommend them!

Has anyone had any experience, good or bad, with the firm Environmental 
Improvement Resources?   Last April they installed a new septic system at the
house I'm now considering buying.  I'd like to hear from anyone who's
familiar with the quality of their work.

The septic system plan I've seen indicates that they're "A Division of  
F.J. Ratta Co., Inc" and have offices in Acton, Ayer, and Union, N.H.

I'm reluctant to get a full septic system inspection -- the companies I've
approached about doing one have said they'd want to pump the system out.  
It's a completely new system in an unoccupied house -- what's to pump?  
Anyway, I'm getting photocopies of the Acton Board of Health's Certificate 
of Compliance for the system and their Code Enforcement Officer's inspection
notes.  If they look solid should I feel confident?

Thanks,
Scott Jones

    I believe that Mass law requires that the system be pumped out as a
    prerequisite for the sale of the house. Your situation is, admittedly,
    different. 
    	Did you tell the inspector the situation? Would he be willing to
    inspect knowing that it is a new/unused system?
    
    	A new system usually starts around $5k. If there are any
    difficulties/ledge/etc... add more $$$. Compare the cost of the
    inspection to the cost of even a minimal system. Factor in the hassle
    of getting permits, lining up a new contractor, etc... if something
    goes wrong. The point is: Do the inspection! Even if you have to pump
    this is still a good idea.
    
    	On the other hand I would be inclined to believe that the Acton
    BofH is pretty fussy about septic system installations. If all the
    paperwork is in order you are *probably* ok, but see para 2 of this
    reply.

Since the system is new, and you will (hopefully) be the first user, it should
be very easy for you to get the "as-built" plan from the builder, the installer,
or the Board of Health.  This will verify for you that the design was valid, and
the installation was acceptable with respect to the design.

If the system is new, what does the test gain you?  Basically, since you didn't
see the system installed, it is a way to be sure the installation was competent.

The septic tank cover will be dug up.

++ You get to find out where the cover is

The "inspector" will verify that it is empty (or near empty).  It should be, but
if it's full, and there is no reason for it, you've got some questions to answer.

So if the septic tank is empty, they will want to flush a toilet and be sure the
water enters the tank.

++ You find out before you move in that this pipe is installed correctly, and it
   isn't clogged by construction materials.

Then, they might want to fill the tank with water, then flush the toilet again,
so fluid starts flowing to the leach field.  If it doesn't flow out, that's a 
problem.  If it flows out, but then flows back in, there could be a problem with 
broken outflow pipes, or a bad angle on the installation.  

That's all I know they can do, without digging up the whole system.  These are 
all things you want to know about before you move in and start using the 
plumbing, especially if you are a new septic system owner.  In a brand new system,
everything should be just fine, at which point you can go back to worrying about
the easy stuff, like bank financing and packing your boxes.

Elaine

I am looking for recommendations for sourthern NH "excavators" that
do water main hookups. preferably those interested in 
listening to my concerns not telling me "how" it needs to
be done. 

of course reasonable price, quality workmanship, stand by 
their etc. is important

thanx much.

    	Does anyone have any recommendations for septic installers in the
    Salem, NH area? My house and the system are 33 years old and starting
    to show signs of needing replacement, especially since during my last 
    two pumping they told me the leech field is flowing back into the tank.
    
    Keith

    Just FYI -- I have used Macone Brothers (Doug Macone) on several
    occasions, and he and his folks do superb work at a fair (but not
    cheap) price.  If you want quality work done they're superb.  He's
    located in Sudbury, I think, but works the whole area.  He has the
    capability to pretty much any size job (last time they were at my
    place they had an excavator, a backhoe, a dozer (medium size), and a
    bobcat all at once [don't ask]), and I know there were folks working
    another job also.  Feel free to use my name.
    
                                Andy Ostrom

    I HAVE USED JOHN T CARROLL CONSTRUCTION
    		PURGATORY ROAD
    		SUTTON MA 01590
    HE IS EXCELLENT AND VERY HONEST, RELIABLE, AND REASONABLE$$$$$
    HE WILL DO YOUR SITE WORK/EXCAVATION AND FOUNDATION PREPS.
    HIS NUMBER IS 508-865-1346 - IN THE MASSACHUSETTS, WORC COUNTY AREA
    HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    

Can anyone recommend an Excavator and/or Foundation Contractor in the
Nashua/South NH area ?

My brother-in-law is a general contractor/carpenter from out of town.  He's
building a garage for family and is looking for a good Foundation Contractor
in this area.

Thanks,
Martin

    I'm looking for a contractor in the same area (Nashua/South NH), but
    to replace our leach field.  Current candidates for the job are Hamm and
    Davidson.  Any information is appreciated.


    				Lance 

    Cove Construction
    Sterling, MA
    (508) 422-6905
    
    We are very satisfied with work we had done last week by Mike Cove
    of Cove Construction.  We recommend him.
    
    Mike filled in our swimming pool and converted what used to be a
    large area of boulders and brush into a nicely graded backyard.
    He cleared the rocks, stumps, and brush with an excavator, graded
    with a dozer, hauled in loam, and spread it with the dozer.
    
    His excavator (track-machine) ripped out large stumps and LIFTED
    rocks which a backhoe would have struggled to move.
    
    Our only regret is that we didn't have this work done years ago.
    
    FYI - Cove also installs foundations.
    
    John Temte
      

    Any type of work requiring a back hoe, and Paul Walsh does it ---
    septic systems, sewers, waterproofing basements, etc, etc.
    
    Not only does he do excellent work, but he's very reasonably
    priced, reliable, and happy to work within a large geographic
    area.
    
    I've used him on a couple of occassions, and recommend him
    highly.
    
    Paul Walsh
    163 Nashua Road
    Billerica, MA 01862
    
    Phone: (508) 667-9494
    
                                               Gale
    

    I'll answer my own question on septic contractors in the Southern NH
    area.  We went with Davidson (603-654-6726) and were very pleased with
    his work.  He called, showed up, and finished when he said he would,
    didn't try to push us toward more expensive work (what the heck do I
    know about septic?)), and did good work.  This was confirmed by the
    City/State inspector guy who came out to check things over.  Part of
    his job was to see that contractors don't rake us over the coals. 
    Davidson even followed up with a promised sketch of where things are
    under the back yard after he had received final payment!
    
    				Lance
    
    

    This recommendation is for Bob Hale. Bob has a brand-new bobcat and does
    site preparation. We just had him resurface two horse paddocks, prepare
    a lumpy site for a shed, and some other work. His work is excellent and
    his prices are very reasonable. 
    
    			Bob Hale
    			Boxboro MA
    			(508) 263-6402

    This is a recommendation for J.P. Crory of Littleton, Ma.  I was referred 
    to Joe by an aquaintance in the construction business, who described him as
    being honest & reliable.
    
    I had a number of miscellaneous earth moving jobs, plus I wanted as much 
    fill as could be moved in a day dug up from the rear of my property and
    moved around my new foundation (I can use as much fill as I can get, I just
    don't want to spend a lot of money on it).  What we agreed to was I would 
    get the big excavator, a bulldozer, and a dump truck for a day for $1200.
    
    When "dig day" arrived Joe showed up with the small excavator, explaining
    that the big one was at another site and couldn't be taken off that job.
    He assured me the small excavator would be adequate.  In fact, it was a
    pretty big machine. I guess it just wasn't the *BIG* machine.  Actually,
    if he hadn't said anything, I would have assumed it was the big machine.
    
    Anyway, he did a very professional job and moved more fill than I had
    expected to get moved.  But the best part was at the end of the day
    when I went up to him & said, "That's going to be $1200, right?".  He
    looked at his watch and said, "Well, 8 hours, at say $100 an hour.  Make
    it $800."  He didn't have to say it twice!  Especially as 8 hours was a
    conservative estimate for the time put in.  By the time they got the
    excavator back on the truck it was dark.
    
    Over-all, I was very happy with the way things worked out.

    
    I second the recommendation for J.P. Crory of Littleton.
    Joe has done quite a bit of work for me, and I found him to be very
    easy to work with.  He prepared my lot for a house we had built, and
    did an excellent job.  I have also had him do a couple odd jobs,
    and have nothing but good things to say about the quality of his work.
    
    Scott Apgar

    We just found out during the home inspection to sell our current home
    that the leach field is "exhausted" so we are looking at an expensive
    replacement (or tie in to sewer if it's available).
    
    We had the inspection done by Northborough Septic and they referred us
    to Greenhill Engineering (Mark Farrell) in Sturbridge to do the plans
    for a new leach field after having the property perced.
    
    Please let me know if anyone has experience with either company, good
    or bad.
    
    		Thanks,
    		Derek Speed 
    		DTN 225-6177

    Does anyone have recommendations for a septic/sewage company in the
    "greater" Gardner Ma area? 
    		Cindy
    

I always used Bill's Sewer Service when I lived in Gardner.  827-5520

Elaine

    
    
    Does anyone have recommendations for a septic/sewage company in the
    Westford Ma area? 

    Thanks,

    Paul    

    
    re -1
    
    I use Greenwood in Westford to pump my septic system out every other year. 
    I dig up the cover and he pumps out the tank and does an inspection for
    $130. I also have a $10 off certificate if you need one. The cost to
    expose the cover, pump and inspect is $160 if you don't do it yourself.
    
    Anytime I've called he's come the next day.
    
    Bill

    
    On the subject of septic systems:
    
    When does one know when they need to pump out the septic system.
    
    Is it every two years regardless ?
    
    or
    
    what ?
    

>>                      <<< Note 2009.45 by CSCMA::BALICH >>>
>>                   -< When to know to pump a septic system >-

>>    On the subject of septic systems:
>>    When does one know when they need to pump out the septic system.
>>    Is it every two years regardless ?

Basically,  pump it out once after 2-4 years and ask the guy pumping it
how full it was of solids.  Then gauge how often you want to pump.

Garry    

    
    In .46, "OF SOLIDS" is very important.
    
    I've had a bozo look at the liquid level and tell me the tank was
    full. Ya, right -- it was that full two days after the house was first
    occupied.
    

Also, towns may have requirements about pumping.

In 1989, Auburn, MA had a rule that if you had septic, you had to have it pumped
every two years.  I don't remember if this was only true if you had access to a
sewer hook-up, or not.

This may have also changed, for better or worse, with the new Title V
regulations in Mass.

Elaine

    The real reason to have it pumped is to have the guy pumping
    do an inspection. There are baffles and things that are made
    of concrete and attached to the lid that make it work. If the
    concrete deteriorates, due to age or just bad concrete,you
    want to find out before your leach feild is ruined.
    
    Pumping your septic is leach field insurance.  At every other
    year, it costs you $50 a year.
    

I am in the process of building a garage addition (serving as my own 
general contractor).  The excavator that dug the foundation, 
back-filled, and prepared the ground for the concrete floor was 
EXCELLENT!  He was very price competitive, exceedingly honest and 
provided superior service.  His workmanship is first rate.

His name is:

Gary Mucciarone
Mucciarone Excavating Co.
(508) 528-7054
Excavating contractor including water/sewage/drainage/foundations.

He is based out of Franklin, MA and will go as far north as Bolton 
and as far south as Lakeville.

I am not related to this person, nor did I know him before my garage 
project, but I still can't say enough good things about this person 
and the quality of his work.  After dealing with soo many indifferent 
trades people, Gary's honesty and hard work stood out.

    		Licensed Title 5 Septic Inspections
    
    	    R.L. Pierce out of Hudson, MA (508)562-0590
    
    His title prices are very reasonable, $300, compared to other
    inspectors, $500 and up.
    
    			He does excavation too...

I had some Bobcat work done last weekend by:

              Jim Caisse ('case')
              Lowell MA
              508-454-2537

He does a lot of different jobs (his business card says "Site Work, Road 
Construction, Drain/Water & Sewer Installations, Grading, Loam Installation, 
Power Raking, Concrete Breaking, Bobcat Services"), and has some big machines 
and some folks working for him.  However, he also pilots a Bobcat and that's
what I had him do.

His current price for Bobcat work is $200 for a half day and $360 for a 
full day.

In slightly more than 1/2 day ($250) he:

      - carefully dug out 7 Oak Stumps (apprx diameter 12-15")
           several of these stumps were near underground water lines so
           he had to be carefull
      - dug out 2 large rocks, apprx 4-5' diameter
      - dug out several smaller rocks, 2' diameter
      - filled the rock & stump holes & rough graded the area
      - moved & spread 6 yds of loam
      - moved & piled 10 tons of peastone 

I had booked him for 1/2 day, and when he came and saw the above he said it
would probably take a day, but got it done in about 4.5 hours.  His Bobcat 
has both backhoe & bucket attachments.  It would have cost me $275 to 
rent an equivalent machine for a day - and I don't think I could have gotten
as much done (and I probably would have crashed into something too).

He is a safe, 'by the book' type of guy.  He insisted I call dig-safe, and he
won't bury stumps (technically this is against the law in MA).  However,
Community Tree Service in Chelmsford takes stumps for $12 a yard.

Anyway, I HIGHLY recommend him if you have Bobcat work or minor excavation.
I suspect he would be good at anything else he does too.

...Ken

Looking for recommendations of a contractor/excavator to install a sewer hookup
in the street, in Fitchburg, MA.

-Mike

    R.H. Hartford Construction Company
    Auburn, NH
    (603) 647-4196
    
    Our first experience with Bob was when we thought we needed
    our septice system replaced.   Bob showed up with a State of NH
    Engineer, the local building inspector and his backhoe.  He dug
    test pits in our leach field, uncovered our tank and distribution
    box and told us we didn't need a new system.    The engineer and
    building inspector agreed.   Bob charged us $100 for his services.
    
    We were so impressed with his honesty that we hired him to do
    the excavation on our new house project.   Bob has been fantastic!
    He has done all rough excavation and installed our septic system.
    He has also advised us on lots of odds jobs that we chose to do 
    ourselves laying interior drains, sealing the foundation, driveway
    prep...  He's been a pleasure to work with!
    
    Tell him Patsy & Mark Franklin recommended him!

Does anyone know what the acronym ROPS and/or OROPS means in the backhoe world?

Thanks,
Pete

RE: ROPS/OROPS

Were "they" taking about equipment or about a procedure?  

bjm

I see the acronym used in 'for sale' or 'wanted' ads, as in

Case 590, 4WD, ROPS, $28,500

Pete

>           <<< Note 2008.60 by SHRCTR::PJOHNSON "Vaya con huevos." >>>

>I see the acronym used in 'for sale' or 'wanted' ads, as in

>Case 590, 4WD, ROPS, $28,500

>Pete

    ROPS = Roll Over Protective Structure

    -Dom

    
    I've seen O/ROPS, and E/ROPS in adds... best guess is
    Open/Roll Over Protective Structures, and Enclosed/Roll Over 
    Protective Structures.  One of those OSHA thingies.
    
    http://www.mpgroup.com/exh_2.htm for a case where only partial 
    ROPS (no seatbelt) caused some problems.
    
    

Thankyou very much.