Broke ground today...

[mrusk]

So this morning I fired my foreman and then broke ground on a new big job.

Day went well and we got alot done.

[chardscapes]

Love the excavator ! You sure have fired alot of guys this month LOL:violin:

[-EGLC-]

Matt is the your excavators CAT? Looks like a nice job. lmk how its goes and if you need help.

[GreenMonster]

gee, you fired your foreman? There's a surprise.

[-EGLC-]

gee, you fired your foreman? There's a surprise.

the guy deserved it trust me.

[chesie]

I am curious as to why it appears your silt fence is up hill of your excavation.

[mrusk]

I am curious as to why it appears your silt fence is up hill of your excavation.

To distrub more then 5k sft in my area we need to pay a engineer around 2k for a site grading and erosion plan. Then we need to pay the county soil and conservations commission 800 for a grading permit. One of the requirments in all distrubed areas be surrounded in silt fence.

Silt fence on the up hill side could really save me if we get a massive down pour.

[Andrew Hardscape]

Ok, where does everyone go pee-pee while working there?

[mrusk]

Ok, where does everyone go pee-pee while working there?

My guys hold it. They are so motivated to get the job done they do not want to waste time going to the bathroom. :pound:

[chesie]

You know that is crazy you have to go through that C##P! We have some of the toughest erosion control laws here in this part of MD and yet we still do not have to put silt fence uphill of a soil disturbance. And believe me we have had to do some really stupid things to appease the grading inspector.

[MuirView Design]

I thought you sub'd out all your excavating. What's on the agenda for this job?

[mrusk]

I thought you sub'd out all your excavating. What's on the agenda for this job?

Its not my machine in the picture! It belongs to my sub. As he digs with the excavator, I move whatever needs to be moved with my skid.

Its a nice size job. 1500 face feet of versa loc on 6 walls. Large boulder wall and fill in the back. Ipe deck with build in hot tub. Paver patio, front walk, circular driveway.

I left my camera home today. We moved alot of dirt. Things are right on track.

Hope fully if my guy finshes up on another job tommorrow I can start putting this place back together thrusday.

[mrusk]

Here is round 2 of pics. And oh yea, we don't sub out excavation anymore. I bought my excavators pc150, tandem dump and 20 ton tag trailer today.

[mrusk]

Few more pics.

[custom patios]

Here is round 2 of pics. And oh yea, we don't sub out excavation anymore. I bought my excavators pc150, tandem dump and 20 ton tag trailer today.


was that a cash deal i assume?:)
Sweet, thats going to be a killer job Matt.i didnt realize the extent of your new project. you got any pics of the design, so i can see the proposed layout ?

[mrusk]

Here are another set of pics. Things are going good. I do not know how I managed on these big jobs not owning a excavator. Saves a ton of time having that long reach. I did back out on buying the tandem though,

[mrusk]

Stairs will be built later on in the project. I have 4 drain boxes, 3 down spouts, and 6 wall drains to run under the driveway. I will get all my pipe across and then build my stairs.

[Andrew Hardscape]

Hmmmmm......call me koukie, but he wonders why his threads get out of hand......

.....on 6/24/08 Matt is stating that the Komatsu excavator in the picture is someone else's.

Then, on 6/30/08 he's saying the iron belongs to him.

Lemme guess, the owner said "hey you wanna buy this?"

Matt said "how much"?

And the owner even through in the operator with the deal!!!

I'll be right back, I have to go get my boots on for this.......

[mrusk]

Hmmmmm......call me koukie, but he wonders why his threads get out of hand......

.....on 6/24/08 Matt is stating that the Komatsu excavator in the picture is someone else's.

Then, on 6/30/08 he's saying the iron belongs to him.

Lemme guess, the owner said "hey you wanna buy this?"

Matt said "how much"?

And the owner even through in the operator with the deal!!!

I'll be right back, I have to go get my boots on for this.......



Thats how I roll.

Thats basically how it went. I have a sub (not the excavation sub) running it for me right now. I can't run the thing to good.

[markam70]

gee.... over on another site you said you hadn't bought it yet and were rethinking the offer

[mckeeland]

Are you replacing the driveway as well?

[mrusk]

Are you replacing the driveway as well?

Driveway is getting replaced from garage door out about 70 feet. We are putting in a circular driveway in front of the garage door with a planter in it.


We needed to find a way to get pipes under the drive, so from day one we planned on taking up part of the drive. Its alot easier working on a drive that you know is coming out!


For the record no I am not that good on the excavator and I have yet to pay the guy for it so I guess tecnically it is not mine yet.

[Andrew Hardscape]

.....We needed to find a way to get pipes under the drive, so from day one we planned on taking up part of the drive......


Thats easy. Rent a tow behind compressor with a MOLE attachment and bore right under anything

[mrusk]

Thats easy. Rent a tow behind compressor with a MOLE attachment and bore right under anything

Our design is good. Will the mole bore enough of a hole to send 2 6inch pvc pipes undrr a 35ft wide section of driveway?

[MuirView Design]

I would reconsider the excavator if I were you, unless you plan on doing full time excavating....it's a bit of overkill. If you are not going to buy the tandem and trailer, then that thing is going to be a b-tch to move around and a load to store on site. You could probably be just as effective with something half the size. If it were me, I'd prefer something a little more residential friendly.

[custom patios]

Our design is good. Will the mole bore enough of a hole to send 2 6inch pvc pipes undrr a 35ft wide section of driveway?

not that im aware of. if its the same thing im thinking of , i know it as being called a beaver. its like a big silver bullet, maybe 24" long or so and about 5- 6" around. you lay it in a level trench that you have dug for it at the level you want to cross. it has a ball inside it and works much like a jackhammer does. the only problem is you cant steer it. if it hit an obstruction it will reflect. could cause a problem. this was 10 years ago i used one, maybe its different today. all i know is that you wont be passing 6" pipes thru the moles hole.

[mrusk]

I would reconsider the excavator if I were you, unless you plan on doing full time excavating....it's a bit of overkill. If you are not going to buy the tandem and trailer, then that thing is going to be a b-tch to move around and a load to store on site. You could probably be just as effective with something half the size. If it were me, I'd prefer something a little more residential friendly.

I can get it moved for less then 300 a move with just 24 hour notice. I have another job this size lined up.

It basically looks like these are the types of jobs I will be doing. Large scale residentials. Residential friendly is not that important when you are distrubing the entire property. In the past couple of days I used it to dig out some stuff a mini could do. But since the entire place is distrubed, its not a big deal to use a big machine. I dug out a wall in 5 minutes.

When I had a 305 on rent for 3 months I felt it was way to small.

I may or may not start doing full time excavating. I really do not have much interest in it. It really has nothing to do with what my company is about.


Whats sad is in the past year I spent almost enough money on subs/rentals to cover the cost of this machine.

[custom patios]

Matt, why the equipment? i thought you were looking into houses.its a great time to throw in a little more on your down payment. the market is prime for the wise shopper.

[mrusk]

Matt, why the equipment? i thought you were looking into houses.its a great time to throw in a little more on your down payment. the market is prime for the wise shopper.

Part of the reason is 1/3 of the machine price was factored into the job for excavation.

The job after this will knock off another third of the price with the estimated excavation cost worked into the job.

Belive me, I am still looking at houses. Buying this machine really did not effect that to much.

The main thing that made me pull the trigger is the ability to complete jobs faster. Two of the most important things to customers is quality and speed. I have the quality part down. Now its time to get the equipment to allow me to produce that quality work faster.

I figure no time is better then now to invest in the business. I am young and have nothing to loose and everything to gain.

[Andrew Hardscape]

LOL - Matt, you're hysterical!

we do excavating and install septic systems....and we RENT the machines. From hoes, to dozers, to excavators.


Today in the gym locker room, 1 man was talking about his son that moved out at an early age. The other guy says "I moved out when I was 20. My dad supported the idea because that taught me responsibility and taught me how to manage money"

[custom patios]

oh boy, here we go

[mrusk]

LOL - Matt, you're hysterical!

we do excavating and install septic systems....and we RENT the machines. From hoes, to dozers, to excavators.


Today in the gym locker room, 1 man was talking about his son that moved out at an early age. The other guy says "I moved out when I was 20. My dad supported the idea because that taught me responsibility and taught me how to manage money"



Andrew- Everyones business is different. We all do different jobs, in different areas, on different properties. This purchase works for my business. It might not work for yours, but it works for mine in my market.


So no one has anything to say about my job?!/ LOL

[custom patios]

Andrew- Everyones business is different. We all do different jobs, in different areas, on different properties. This purchase works for my business. It might not work for yours, but it works for mine in my market.


So no one has anything to say about my job?!/ LOL

yes, ive got a comment. why on a job of this scale are you building the walls with just a 6" high unit. why not a 3 & 6" combo or something.

[Andrew Hardscape]

Andrew- Everyones business is different. We all do different jobs, in different areas, on different properties. This purchase works for my business. It might not work for yours, but it works for mine in my market.


Now I know what they mean when they say "you learn something every day".......

[MuirView Design]

I don't know...I saw that exact same excavator the other day the the recycled aggregate place....man is that thing huge! I'd image what you make up in speed, you will lack in finesse. I guess if you get into pool installs or something, it would come in handy. If you can justify it, then go for it. You can always sell it later. Personally, I'd prefer rubber tracks. It seems you'd end up replacing every driveway on every job.

[mrusk]

yes, ive got a comment. why on a job of this scale are you building the walls with just a 6" high unit. why not a 3 & 6" combo or something.

When you start mixing sizes the labor times increase dramatically. Would of pushed the job ober budget.

[chardscapes]

You can also run into differences in height

[custom patios]

You can also run into differences in height

lol. yeah if you use EP.

[yardmanlee]

cant wait to see the finished project ! are you going to start the driveway after the wall? and whats the price on that project ? just curious

[mrusk]

I don't know...I saw that exact same excavator the other day the the recycled aggregate place....man is that thing huge! I'd image what you make up in speed, you will lack in finesse. I guess if you get into pool installs or something, it would come in handy. If you can justify it, then go for it. You can always sell it later. Personally, I'd prefer rubber tracks. It seems you'd end up replacing every driveway on every job.

Its a big machine, but we are doing big jobs here. We constantly move large amounts of dirt. You do not know how many times we wasted days running minis when a full size machine could of gotten the job done much faster.

Its pretty much inevidable that I will start building pools soon, so the machine will come in handy.

[mrusk]

Only had two guys on site working today. Built a 14x4.5 high wall today.

[-EGLC-]

Looks like its coming along great Matt!! But what’s with Eddy & his Adidas sneakers?!


I like how the laser is setup. lol

[mrusk]

Laser set up is classic rusk ent for sure!

[custom patios]

Laser set up is classic rusk ent for sure!

:pound:holy crap lol are you for real. you lose 2 points.

[HRLand]

We used my brother-in-laws pc120 on a wall job recently. It was great for back-filling and moving pallets of block.

[mrusk]

We used my brother-in-laws pc120 on a wall job recently. It was great for back-filling and moving pallets of block.

Saved you alot of time right?

[Mbella]

Matt, do you own a set of pallet forks?

[HRLand]

Yes, but I don't usually have a need for a piece that big. Where do you plan on keeping that when it's not on a job? BTW the 120 is for sale if anyone's interested.

[mrusk]

Yes, but I don't usually have a need for a piece that big. Where do you plan on keeping that when it's not on a job? BTW the 120 is for sale if anyone's interested.

I have a friends yard I can park it in. Very rarely is my equipment ever not on a job though.


Mbella, Yes I own pallet forks.

[Mbella]

I asked because I see those pallets way over by the driveway and it looks like you're moving a lot of block in the bucket of the skidsteer.

[mrusk]

Andrew- why do you try to pull stuff like that? There is nothing in the pictures that would lead someone to belive that there is NOT grid in the wall.

You know I do great work. You know my installations are done by the book. So why would you post a comment about no grid, surcharge and some video link? Are you trying to start something here?


Anyways, two pulls of grid 5 feet back after 2nd and 6th course. Imported fill for the reinforced zone since native soil does not compact good.

[SCgreenscapes]

1. ok, way overkill with the big rig. guess it goes with the ego though, so no big deal.
2. dito the grid in the wall
3. I was just aboiut to say something about the laser. the man can afford a big Excavator but not a tripod.

j/k with ya. looking good so far. just don't fire the whole crew this time.

[SCgreenscapes]

i retract my grid comment.

[mrusk]

I have a big crew and its paying off. I hired the foreman back I fired last week. He needed a week off to realize his job is not as secure as he thinks he is. Came back to work today with a entirely new attitude.

[GreenMonster]

Figure out how to mount your reciever on the bucket and you can fire your stick man.

I do like the laser mount though, kinda got a feng shui thing going on there.

Nothing but good karma on Rusk jobs.

[Mbella]

I have a big crew and its paying off. I hired the foreman back I fired last week. He needed a week off to realize his job is not as secure as he thinks he is. Came back to work today with a entirely new attitude.

You big softy.:hug:

I bet you cry after making your guys work the holidays.:)

[mrusk]

You big softy.:hug:

I bet you cry after making your guys work the holidays.:)



I felt so bad about firing him. It was the first time I ever had to fire anyone in my life. In the past their was always a foreman I could delegate the firing too. But this time, their was no one else besides me to do it!

[kootoomootoo]

1. ok, way overkill with the big rig. guess it goes with the ego though, so no big deal.
2. dito the grid in the wall
3. I was just aboiut to say something about the laser. the man can afford a big Excavator but not a tripod.

j/k with ya. looking good so far. just don't fire the whole crew this time.


lol havent we had to listen to for the past 2 years that the MRUSK business model requires subs to do it all. The dodge 3/4 was the extent of the equip.

I'll bet $100 you dont buy it. It might stroke your ego for a day or two but thats about it.

[Mbella]

I felt so bad about firing him. It was the first time I ever had to fire anyone in my life. In the past their was always a foreman I could delegate the firing too. But this time, their was no one else besides me to do it!

I knew that tough guy stuff was just an act.:)

Seriously, looks like you're making good progress even though you're moving block the hard way.

[mrusk]

We did not make huge visable progress today but we still got alot done. We moved alot of dirt today and tommorrow should be good. I have no idea how i managed without a 150. You should all buy one!

[mckeeland]

is that a big blue tarp in the first pic? is this gonna be a refugee camp too? J/K:pound:

[mrusk]

I'm really diggin the guys standing right next the boom WITHOUT HARDHATS!

Its just a fema refugee so don't worry.

[MuirView Design]

Matt, is that filter fabric under your base?

[mrusk]

Matt, is that filter fabric under your base?

Naa its tar paper.


Seriously, I use geotexitle under every single job no matter what.

[musclecarboy]

Matt, is that filter fabric under your base?

I noticed that... it looks like a NONwoven type. But thats just from what we can see...

[AintNoFun]

and you need hi viz vests working around equipment....



I'm really diggin the guys standing right next the boom WITHOUT HARDHATS!

[MuirView Design]

Matt,

I would check on the fabric thing. What you are using is definitely not woven seperation fabric. The stuff you are using looks too flimsy to help span any voids in the base. Walls look great though! Keep the construction pics coming.

[-EGLC-]

I'm really diggin the guys standing right next the boom WITHOUT HARDHATS!

and you need hi viz vests working around equipment....

Go to a large jobsite and SEE for yourself how many guys wear hard-hats & hi-vis vests. I was at on yesterday and let me tell you NOT a single guy had was wearing either. This job had two excavators Matt's size and bigger + a dozer + a tracked loader + tri-alxes constantly coming in with loads of dirt. This job is easily triple the size of Matts (less hardscaping however.).

NOT saying you're wrong at all though........

[AintNoFun]

well i can tell you, ive seen jobs shut down and guys thrown off for not wearing the property safety gear.. we do nothing but govt landscape work and they take safety seriously!!!




Go to a large jobsite and SEE for yourself how many guys wear hard-hats & hi-vis vests. I was at on yesterday and let me tell you NOT a single guy had was wearing either. This job had two excavators Matt's size and bigger + a dozer + a tracked loader + tri-alxes constantly coming in with loads of dirt. This job is easily triple the size of Matts (less hardscaping however.).

NOT saying you're wrong at all though........

[NewHorizon's Land]

Matt looks like a nice job. Keep posting the pics

[MuirView Design]

I think we've had this discussion before. It is considered geotextile fabric, but it is non woven. Typically, it's known as filter fabric because it is more permeable than woven geotex. I use that type of fabric for seperation in drainage, because it keeps the mud out of the drainfield, but allows the water to pass. Woven geotextile is night and day, and doesn't look like a roll of cotton.....when you cut it it frays at the ends, which looks different than the fabric Matt is using. If you are not using true woven stabilization fabric, then you are just wasting time and money.
I generally use SRW SS5 geotextile or something comparable as a reinforcing stabilizer under my base....as I'm sure 98% of others do as well. http://www.srwproducts.com/Construction.htm

[mckeeland]

I believe Adam is correct and we have discussed this on here before. reinforcement fabrics and separation fabric serve to different purposes. Just like your not supposed to use woven fabric behind you drain field on SRW, you not supposed to use non-woven, filter fabric, under a stone base. It has no structural property to it, it is purely a soil separator. Woven geotextile has a tensile strength that allows it to span minor settlement the base, essentially making ur base a solid mass.

[SCgreenscapes]

looks like filter fabric to me. all the geotex i have seen is woven and looks like tarp material.

[MuirView Design]

I know quite a few guys in the biz that haven't used any fabric for years and years and everything has held up as well. If you are spending the time and money, you might as well put down the right material for the job. There is really nothing to debate. Well.....I guess you could, but it would be like debating sand or screenings under your pavers.......or sand or polymeric for between joints. I'm sure in the end filter fabric would be better than nothing at all.

[MuirView Design]

Andrew, according to Techo's website, geotextile is optional and can be both woven or non-woven, although the specs on the non-woven fall into the minimum requirements.

[chardscapes]

I have read that both can be used as well.

[mrusk]

Back from our holiday break.

[CaptainsLS]

I don’t do walls very often. How do you handle that little strip at the foot of the wall that is filled with crushed stone? IMO if you leave it like that it looks like dog crap. Do you use cold patch, or just roll the price of an asphalt company come to patch it into the wall cost?

[mrusk]

I don’t do walls very often. How do you handle that little strip at the foot of the wall that is filled with crushed stone? IMO if you leave it like that it looks like dog crap. Do you use cold patch, or just roll the price of an asphalt company come to patch it into the wall cost?

The drive is coming up, so that little strip was taking into consideration during the design stage. If the drive was not coming up, we would of most likely had a entirely different design for the front. Then we could of pushed the wall back and did a planting bed or something.

[mrusk]

will those walls need railings along the tops to meet code?

Nope. There is a 12 ft wide planter between the bottom driveway wall and the walkway.

There is one more 4 ft teir going up. This is one job that might look like alittle to much wall untill it is planted. Then it will look alot better.

[Colonial]

Matt,

how much is Versa Lok running up there?

[kootoomootoo]

Don't leave us hangin MAtt..need more pics.

[mrusk]

I'll post some more pics over the weekend. We are doing well and moving along nicely.

[Patato1]

Any updates?

[kootoomootoo]

such a tease.

[mrusk]

Been a bad week. We took monday off. Had half the crew at another job the last 3 days. Poured some deck footings. Ripped a set of newly built walkway steps a part yesterday. And then parted ways with a sub contractor today.

But I am still on budget and under estimated man hours.

I will get some pics soon.

[kootoomootoo]

Been a bad week. We took monday off. Had half the crew at another job the last 3 days. Poured some deck footings. Ripped a set of newly built walkway steps a part yesterday. And then parted ways with a sub contractor today.

But I am still on budget and under estimated man hours.

I will get some pics soon.


here we go again..Matt do you see a pattern here...
these BIG jobs as you call them are only as big as you make them

[mrusk]

Nothin like a small contractor that starts a job.

Then deserts.

To work on another job.


Thats one thing I preach to prospectives: "once we're here, we don't leave until we're done. We don't work here for 3 days, then leave for 4 days, then return for 4 days, then disappear for 3 days......"

Andrew- I send 2 workers to another job site and still had 3 workers on this one. It was finsh work on another job. The stucco guys ran 3 weeks over and I was unable to finsh the job a month ago. I was not going to wait another 3 or 4 weeks more to go back and do 3 days of work.


I also preach the "we do not hop, jump and skip around line"

[bigvictu]

Any job when you are depending upon others will never go exactly to plan. Its nice to be able to go to other jobs while you wait and not be stuck doing nothing. On larger jobs there is always going to be more down time than on smaller jobs.

[Ground effects NH]

:violin:
I'll post some more pics over the weekend. We are doing well and moving along nicely.
:violin::noidea::dance:

[MuirView Design]

Matt sounds like you did the right thing. Leave a few guys working, while you send a few others to finish up the last job. Especially if you needed to just finish up a few odds and ends to get your final payment. In that case you have to do what's best for the company. I don't advocate jumping between jobs constantly, but you have to try to keep everyone happy and keep money in the bank. This always requires a little juggling.

[mrusk]

Heres some pics guys. These are from the last 7 days.

[mrusk]

One more pic.

Next week should be a good week. We have 9 more cubes of versa lok to do. Then we will start the front walkway. If everything goes as plan we will get the deck framed up this week. I should of gotten it up already, but its hard to focus on 50 things at once. After the next week of work, it should start to come together.

[MuirView Design]

Looking massive. What's the material for the walkway?

[mrusk]

Massive? Thats what I was afraid off. I think it will look like to much wall until we plant it in the spring. I mean what are you suppose to do when you have a 20-25% slope in front of a house? The walls created level areas and really broke up the hill.


Techo Elena for the walkway and patio. Some pavers are also going on the driveway.

[-EGLC-]

Matt, that is looking reallly good; way bigger of a job then I thought when you talked to me about it & showed me the plans.

[mrusk]

EGLC, I filled up the 150 today and told myself I would not get out of it until it ran out of fuel or I could run it. I was backfilling a wall in 45 minutes!

[MuirView Design]

Matt, I didn't mean anything negative by saying it was massive. It just looks like a massive undertaking. The walls are befitting of the grade. Good work.

[Mbella]

Matt, did you buy a Versa-lifter?

[mrusk]

Matt, did you buy a Versa-lifter?

Yea I keep it in my purse next to my makeup.




No I did not buy one. Do they really save time? BTW I can carry 2 versa lok at a time. Don't ask me how I know that.

[Mbella]

Yea I keep it in my purse next to my makeup.




No I did not buy one. Do they really save time? BTW I can carry 2 versa lok at a time. Don't ask me how I know that.


I think they are great for setting base course block. Easy to maneuver those 80 pounders in and out.

[sancraig]

Yea I keep it in my purse next to my makeup.

Rofl, I laugh but I've nevered tried them but have always had the same impression.

[-EGLC-]

EGLC, I filled up the 150 today and told myself I would not get out of it until it ran out of fuel or I could run it. I was backfilling a wall in 45 minutes!

lol - I'm sure you can get a local mechanic to switch the hoses for you cheap.

[chardscapes]

Good work Matt. You are blessed to be so young and have an operation such as yours.

[Mbella]

Rofl, I laugh but I've nevered tried them but have always had the same impression.

Don't knock it till you try it. They really are great for setting base block. Once the base is set, forget it....not worth the time to line up the holes.

Think about it...Those bastards are heavy. When setting base block, you want to avoid slamming the block into place. With the lifter, a real man that doesn't carry a purse (like Matt :)) can carefully lower the base block into place with one arm.

[sancraig]

I'm just used to being on my knees the entire time with block within reach. I never worry bout slamming a block down on my base if that effects my base rock then i need more compaction and/or moisture. Interesting thought though.

[mrusk]

More pics.......

[NewHorizon's Land]

Matt, Just curious where your pipes go?

[SCgreenscapes]

also curious as to what you used to fill the gaps between the steps. It looks like there is nothing there to stabilize the steps. I am sure there is, it just doesn't look like it.

[mrusk]

Pipes will run under driveway when I rip out the rest of it . I had to cut out the circle from the drive so I could do the beligum block there for the planter while I had the concrete truck there for something else.


Stairs are full pedestal method. Gaps are filled with 57s

[mrusk]

Life goes on..

[cgland]

Looks good Matt - Any reason why you didnt bring the pavers out to the edge at the top step?

[canadian blockhead]

This thread has been great to watch and read about how the wall has gone up. We are now a Versa-Lok producer out here on the west coast of Canada, so its interesting to see and read about how the block is installed. Great Job....

[mrusk]

Wait till you see pictures of the deck we are building in the backyard.

[mrusk]

Deck frame was put up on Monday. That is the built in hot tub sitting on the concrete structure.

[mrusk]

More deck pics.

[Meanix]

Matt
What is the decking? Tique? Are the risers AZEK?

[mrusk]

The decking is IPE. Its a hard wood from brazil. It doesn't rot. It doesnt float. It doesn't burn. It is the most premium decking you can do.


Risers are just basic pvc facia board.

[MuirView Design]

Why do the most premium decking you can do and then do concrete pavers with it? Marble pavers with grass joints would've really set it off! ;)

[mrusk]

Why do the most premium decking you can do and then do concrete pavers with it? Marble pavers with grass joints would've really set it off! ;)

Adam you are such a smart ass! :boink::boink:

You know its a killer job!

[MuirView Design]

Yeah, it really does look awesome bro. Are you guys all finished up with the front? How many more weeks are you anticipating? Did you sub out the deck work, or are you handling it in house?

[mrusk]

Yeah, it really does look awesome bro. Are you guys all finished up with the front? How many more weeks are you anticipating? Did you sub out the deck work, or are you handling it in house?

Deck is being built by a sub with close supervision by me.

Front is almost done. We have 2 more course to backfill on the top wall, some caps to do, some grading and 30 feet of walkway. Front will be cleaned up by the end of the week. 42 pallets of versaloc went into the front.

We are getting near the end. The deck will run a few weeks past the rest of the parts. Topsoil and seed should be no later then the 25th.

I should already be done but another job that in hindsight I should of turned down set me back. Sometimes it makes more sense to turn down work then try to squeze it in.

We are back on track though. Due to the slow economy I was able to pick up 2 experienced guys from another company. I know have a very skilled 3 man team and I am no longer a baby sitter!

So overall I am alot less stressed this week.

[GroundScapes]

Job looks really good matt.
I thought you were totally against pavers, and were never gonna lay em again.
So did you buy the overkill or not?

[mrusk]

Yes I did. Presenting another plan tommorrow that should should cover another chunk of the cost of it.

Then have a job booked for november that will also take a big chunk of the cost.

I'll be making money with this thing by next summer.

[GreenBoy]

This job is coming along great. You do some great work. Keep the pics coming.
If your gonna use the excav then no reason to not get it

[mrusk]

Few mor pics

[Mbella]

Matt, you crack me up with your name on the door. :pound:

[MuirView Design]

Lookin good Matt!

How do you like the limestone caps? Do you template and cut out the radius for the curves, or do you cut angles out of straight pieces? What's the cost difference between those and standard wall caps? I have a job coming up that I'm considering using those atop masonry walls.

[mrusk]

When ever I do srw's on my projects I try to cap them with limestone. It takes a basic product (srw block) and makes it look a little bit more high end.

We cut the limestone treads into workable peices and then cut them like we would any wall cap. I belive I pay around 8 bucks a linear ft. This job had 450 linear feet of limestone.

[MuirView Design]

Thanks Matt. Good to know. Do they come with one edge rock-faced already, or do you do that on site?

Also, is that a SRW in the first pic? Damn that's a huge wall!

[mrusk]

Thanks Matt. Good to know. Do they come with one edge rock-faced already, or do you do that on site?

Also, is that a SRW in the first pic? Damn that's a huge wall!

Limestone comes with the rock face. We rock face the ends ourselfs.

The first pic is a srw at a site where they are building a kohls. Its a big cut fill blast project. It is all back filled with shale that they blasted from the other end of the lot. They stack some block, load up the articulated truck with the 345 and dump it near the wall and then level it with a D8.

[MuirView Design]

That's some serious wall! I wonder how the 1/8" tolerance comes into play with a wall that size.

[-EGLC-]

Matt,

That job is looking amazing!! Can't wait to see what it looks like planted.

[mrusk]

Matt,

That job is looking amazing!! Can't wait to see what it looks like planted.

Wont be planted till spring.

[-EGLC-]

Oh, well I guess we'll get pics then.......about huge walls theres one right before Hackettstown on rt 46.

[MuirView Design]

Wont be planted till spring.

Is this due to a budget issue? If not, I would try and talk them into planting in the fall. It gives the plants a little time to get established before winter, then in the spring they are gonna pop like 2nd year plants. If you plant in the spring, then you almost have to wait till the following year before they really pop.

[sancraig]

That's some serious wall! I wonder how the 1/8" tolerance comes into play with a wall that size.

The 1/8" tolerence is the least of their concerns of a wall of this size. all them grid layers cause more issues than an 1/8". We bury the bubble laying the base to make it lean back by the time your to the top your lucky if it's not leaning out. Thats because of the heavy compaction equipment used and holding the grid back a hair to keep from sticking out the face.

[mrusk]

The 1/8" tolerence is the least of their concerns of a wall of this size. all them grid layers cause more issues than an 1/8". We bury the bubble laying the base to make it lean back by the time your to the top your lucky if it's not leaning out. Thats because of the heavy compaction equipment used and holding the grid back a hair to keep from sticking out the face.

Wow good info!

[mrusk]

Is this due to a budget issue? If not, I would try and talk them into planting in the fall. It gives the plants a little time to get established before winter, then in the spring they are gonna pop like 2nd year plants. If you plant in the spring, then you almost have to wait till the following year before they really pop.

Its because of budget. In the spring we will plant, irrigation, lighting, an additional walkway in the backyard, a fire pit.



I do not mind breaking projects up. Because it gives me a nice 2 week project for next year.

[SCgreenscapes]

the name on the door thing tripps me out too. I guess that is your office with the name on the door.

[kootoomootoo]

Matt...do you have a girlfriend.

[mrusk]

Matt...do you have a girlfriend.




No. Did you show some girl this thread and now she is interested?

[SCgreenscapes]

no, probally just wondering if you had her name on the other door. LMAO

[-EGLC-]

no, probally just wondering if you had her name on the other door. LMAO

lol :pound:

[mrusk]

Some more progress.

[mrusk]

Paved the drive today. Were not done with it yet. I have two cubes of 6x9 hera to throw down on the driveway.

[mrusk]

When you go met with a client you really can't be afraid to tell them that you want to rip out half their driveway.


Thats actually my prequalifier "Can we move your driveway?" If they say no I know thery are tire kickers!

[-EGLC-]

Matt,

that last pic really shows a great improvement from the start!! I can't wait to see it planted next year!

[CMSStoneworks]

lookin really good. Nice work!

[ClearValley]

Excellent Work!!!!

[Mbella]

Lookin good Matt.

Any plan to dress up the ugly concrete beneath the siding on the garage?

[mrusk]

Almost finshed.

[Meanix]

Matt you got the new drive all dusted up

[musclecarboy]

Very nice, I LOVE the wall caps... what a way to dress up a somewhat simple SRW wall

[mrusk]

Every job with SRW I do is capped with limestone. It makes a srw look alot better.

Overall I am happy how this job came out. I think we really took a horrible lot and made it beautiful. This is one of my favorite designs todate.

[kootoomootoo]

what else have you installed this yr. Did I miss the pics...

[mrusk]

what else have you installed this yr. Did I miss the pics...

Did some unexcited plantings/patios for repeat customers.

Koo can't you just compliment me on a job well done vs trying to stir the pot with asking me what else I did this year?

[kootoomootoo]

Did some unexcited plantings/patios for repeat customers.

Koo can't you just compliment me on a job well done vs trying to stir the pot with asking me what else I did this year?

U said and I quote "we grew 250% this yr" thats an awful lot of plantings

[mrusk]

U said and I quote "we grew 250% this yr" thats an awful lot of plantings

Did 3 patios all with plants, a big bluestone job, a front planting, finshed the big job, did this big job and have 3 more jobs to do this year including one the size of this job. The best work of the year is yet to come.

[kootoomootoo]

Did 3 patios all with plants, a big bluestone job, a front planting, finshed the big job, did this big job and have 3 more jobs to do this year including one the size of this job. The best work of the year is yet to come.


We need a math check button next to the spell check.:gossip:

[mrusk]

We need a math check button next to the spell check.:gossip:

Koo Remember these are north jersey prices!

[ClearValley]

Matt, thanks for sharing. I learn a lot from your posts and I enjoy the pics. Whether you do 1 job or 50 I didn't think was the point of this site. I thougt it was to share experiences so we ALL get better. With that in mind I look forward to seeing future posts.

[mrusk]

Matt, thanks for sharing. I learn a lot from your posts and I enjoy the pics. Whether you do 1 job or 50 I didn't think was the point of this site. I thougt it was to share experiences so we ALL get better. With that in mind I look forward to seeing future posts.

I know i know. I just want koo to give me a compliment for once.

[kootoomootoo]

works looks great....there u go.

250% on Mars is still 250%

[MuirView Design]

Hey Matt, what did you use for the outer two courses of the circular turn around? I see some edging there, but can't tell if it's a concrete or cobble paver. Did they seal coat the driveway before you installed the edging?

Your crew has really performed efficiently on this job and you can tell you have resolved a lot your labor issues. It must feel good. Also, kudos to the architect on this job. The design layout is amazing and perfectly executed. You guys managed to take a semi-boring wall block and make it really pop. Really impressive work!

[mrusk]

Hey Matt, what did you use for the outer two courses of the circular turn around? I see some edging there, but can't tell if it's a concrete or cobble paver. Did they seal coat the driveway before you installed the edging?

Your crew has really performed efficiently on this job and you can tell you have resolved a lot your labor issues. It must feel good. Also, kudos to the architect on this job. The design layout is amazing and perfectly executed. You guys managed to take a semi-boring wall block and make it really pop. Really impressive work!

Thanks for the compliments adam.


The circule is boarder with 6x9 Techo Hera.

We did do pretty good on this job but could of done alot better. I was side tracked with another job we had to finsh. This other job was suppose to be finshed before we started this one. But due to outside circumstances that was not possible.

I am confident that if I was not sidetracked I could of took another 2 weeks off this job. I was off alittle bit on acctual days to complete this job since I did not always have a full crew here. But we are going to come in just alittle bit over on estimated payroll.

We should have top soil, seed and hay down by wednesday. My carpenter still has a few weeks on the deck.

[lawnkid]

Someone's gonna come barreling down the driveway drunk one night or in the winter right into that circular wall in the drive. Work looks very good as usual. Matt, why no grass joints in the patio this time? :emptybath:

[mrusk]

Well we moved the pc150 to the storage yard today. Its going to sit for a month or so until the next large scale job. I had a good 65k job lined up for it for september, but it fell apart when the client was transfered out of state.

[MuirView Design]

Matt, what do they charge you to move that thing?

I think I see a tear in your eye as it rolls away - LOL

[mrusk]

Matt, what do they charge you to move that thing?

I think I see a tear in your eye as it rolls away - LOL

190 bucks. The company is located about 4 miles away and are letting me park it in their yard since we do alot of business with them.


I am just pissed I have to do a double move. We are back into negoitations on the next big job after I though we had a sealed deal 2 months ago!


I know you guys think I was nuts buying this thing. But I spent 15k on the last big job with excavation between subbing out and rentals. I would of spent 12-15k on this job if it was hired out. This thing will be making me money after 2 more big jobs and it will still be worth the same amount of money since most of its depreciation is done.

You want to do big jobs, you need big equipment. I would of died doing this job with a 6 ton machine.


I am still looking at minis. I might pull the trigger on a new kubota since they are running zero percent now.

[MuirView Design]

It's not nuts if you have the work to justify it. It would be nice if you could find a way to have it make you money while you are not using it. Sorry to hear your job fell through.

[Mbella]

190 bucks. The company is located about 4 miles away and are letting me park it in their yard since we do alot of business with them.


I am just pissed I have to do a double move. We are back into negoitations on the next big job after I though we had a sealed deal 2 months ago!


I know you guys think I was nuts buying this thing. But I spent 15k on the last big job with excavation between subbing out and rentals. I would of spent 12-15k on this job if it was hired out. This thing will be making me money after 2 more big jobs and it will still be worth the same amount of money since most of its depreciation is done.

You want to do big jobs, you need big equipment. I would of died doing this job with a 6 ton machine.


I am still looking at minis. I might pull the trigger on a new kubota since they are running zero percent now.

Yeah, you're right, I think you were nuts for buying that thing.:)

BTW, depreciation has nothing to do with market value. Rather, it is a systematic allocation of the cost of a depreciable asset to expense over the asset's useful life.

[GreenMonster]

I don't think you're nuts for buying that thing.

I think you're nuts for firing workers every day and putting grass between paver joints :)

[kootoomootoo]

Well we moved the pc150 to the storage yard today. Its going to sit for a month or so until the next large scale job. I had a good 65k job lined up for it for september, but it fell apart when the client was transfered out of state.

But i thought you worked harder for the sale than anyone on here...now what.

[mrusk]

But i thought you worked harder for the sale than anyone on here...now what.

When a person gets transfered from northern nj to kansas you can be the best salesman in the world but things just are not going to work out.


Koo if you would like some sales tips I would be glad to help you. I am sure there are 100k+ jobs in ohio. You just need to know where to find them.

[Mbella]

Bummer Matt. This year, there seems to be more of the "big jobs that didn't happen" for whatever reason.

[kootoomootoo]

When a person gets transfered from northern nj to kansas you can be the best salesman in the world but things just are not going to work out.


Koo if you would like some sales tips I would be glad to help you. I am sure there are 100k+ jobs in ohio. You just need to know where to find them.

live by the sword.....


ok help away....how much is that magazine per month.....ps do you have a website yet.

[Mbella]

Koo, I'll help....I'd start with Lebron James' house.:) He's your neighbor, right?

[kootoomootoo]

Koo, I'll help....I'd start with Lebron James' house.:) He's your neighbor, right?


How do I say... from what I saw my tan probably didnt qualify me.

[Mbella]

How do I say... from what I saw my tan probably didnt qualify me.


You're always mentioning Vegas.....Take a few days and work on that tan.:)

[mrusk]

Koo my website will be up by the time my mag ads hit.

[kootoomootoo]

You're always mentioning Vegas.....Take a few days and work on that tan.:)

Lebron is building a casino in his house/mall. .....true.
http://www.newsnet5.com/sports/11402547/detail.html


how much are mag adds.

[mrusk]

Koo what I spend on advertising is none of your business and I am not going to give you a # so drop it.

[kootoomootoo]

Koo what I spend on advertising is none of your business and I am not going to give you a # so drop it.

So you allegedly did a $250,000 install last yr ... a\you state that you have grown 250% this season but wont share real advertising figures.....you understand that is $625,000 this season assuming the 250k job was the only job you installed last season....which we know it wasnt.

funny money.

[mrusk]

So you allegedly did a $250,000 install last yr ... a\you state that you have grown 250% this season but wont share real advertising figures.....you understand that is $625,000 this season assuming the 250k job was the only job you installed last season....which we know it wasnt.

funny money.

We only billed for around 75k of that job in 07.

My advertising #s mean nothing. Advertising has been a flop so far this year. All my work so far this year has been repeat clients or referals.

Alot of this work I am doing now has been a year in the making. People are taking ALOT longer now to pull the trigger. Something I used to be able to close in 4 months is taking a year now.

[GroundScapes]

I am proud of you matt, your work is looking great, your alot more efficient than a year ago, and best of all, your attitude seems better.

And by the way, I still think your nuts for buying the machine.

[mrusk]

Thanks for the compliments.

Basically I went from doing small jobs to big jobs overnight. No one can really be prepared for that. Starting out its hard to figure out the most efficient way to approach a job. That really was my proablem in the past. While we have always came in on budget on the final invoice for the customer, we are just starting to completed projects on budget for payroll and materials.

[Mbella]

Matt, did you work for another contractor prior to starting your business?

[mrusk]

Matt, did you work for another contractor prior to starting your business?

I never worked with a landscape contractor if that is what you are asking.

I started working when I was 13 years old with a framing contractor. Yes we broke child labor laws. I learned how to measure and how to level. Those are two of the most important skills in any construction feild.


Then when I was 17 I got a job with a homebuilder. We did patios and retaining walls on the houses we built. They knew I was smart so i'd just run base. I never used the saw or made cuts. Never really did much more then carry pavers.

When we had not patios or walls to do I was intrudced to all the other trades. I'd be holding the laser stick for the excavator one day and mixing mortar for the mason the next. And so on.


Honestly I am just a smart guy:violin::violin:who just dives in to everything.

[Mbella]

Thanks for sharing Matt. I was curious. Looks like you're on your way.:)

[mrusk]

Thanks for sharing Matt. I was curious. Looks like you're on your way.:)

On my way to having a full head of gray hair by 30!

Have 5 grays already.

[mrusk]

I took a ride over and took some pics of our almost finshed deck.

Nothing like IPE!

[NCSULandscaper]

looks great, but why doesnt the carpenter use the screw system that hides the screwheads and leaves a nice clean look for such an expensive wood?

[mrusk]

looks great, but why doesnt the carpenter use the screw system that hides the screwheads and leaves a nice clean look for such an expensive wood?

Because that system blows. All screw holes will be plugged with IPE plugs and you will not see the screw holes.

The proablem with the hidden fastners is the ipe is much stronger then the plastic clips.

With a composite the clips work good. With ipe, not so good.

[NCSULandscaper]

ive seen the plastic fastner kit, but there is a kit for ipe and other hardwoods that pretty much countersinks the screwhead into the side of the board and toenails it just like hardwood flooring.

[kootoomootoo]

yep its basically toungue and groove. You can get stainless steel clips so strength isnt an issue. Why is there only screws every 24in.

[Mbella]

That Ipe is sharp looking stuff. Are you doing any lighting on the deck?

[mrusk]

We researched the hidden fastners heavily. There are alot of issues with cupping with ipe and hidden fastners. THere was no hidden system that people had 100% success with. The only 100% method was face screw and plug. The plugs are almost hidden if you put the right color plug in to match the board.

With the hidden fastners you still see the fastner between the deck boards.

Deck framing is on 12 on center. We screwed every other joist which is fine. 5/4 ipe is rated for 32" spans. I just thought it would be crazy to span 32 feet. I'd rather be safe then sorry.


We might do some lights on the deck next year. But for now the budget is shot.

[Mbella]

Good thing about a raised deck....real easy to come back later and add without undoing the initial work.

I'd come up with a plan, price it and present it to the homeowner while you are there. You never know, maybe they'll find another $2500, or so to do it now.

[musclecarboy]

Do you always leave the door open? I've seen that in a few threads

[mrusk]

Do you always leave the door open? I've seen that in a few threads

YOU mean you don't always leave the door open when you get out of your truck?? Man thats werid!:pound::pound:

[Meanix]

Looks good matt. Did you seal it already before you plugged it or is that rain?

[mrusk]

Looks good matt. Did you seal it already before you plugged it or is that rain?

Deck is wet.

[mrusk]

My carpenter is fuggin slow! He is from PA though so he can't help it.

[bcwsport]

Deck looks sweet. Deckorators balusters. Is the rail Ipe as well?

[mrusk]

Everything is IPE.

[mean bob]

Are they Italian?

[kootoomootoo]

The deck guy obviously has good carpentry skills
The guy who chose the colors obviously ummm yeah.

[mrusk]

The deck guy obviously has good carpentry skills
The guy who chose the colors obviously ummm yeah.

You dont like?

[CaptainsLS]

Random, but what is that planted in the cobble circle in the driveway?????

[mrusk]

A bloodgood jap that the deer ate.

[bcwsport]

I've used Ipe in the past. Really amazing looks, strength, etc...Problem is that it is not at all a renewable resource. My last job I did with an upgraded wood was western red cedar with like 3 coats of sikkens.

[Mbella]

Matt, how many man hours on the deck?

[mrusk]

Matt, how many man hours on the deck?

Under 500. My carpenter just has to route the hand rails, sand down the plugs on the lower level and then stain both levels of the deck. All rails and fasica are already stained. He should have 3 days max left.

It took awhile because he works solo. I had another crew come in to frame it. Then did it 40 man hours. The carpenter has around 350 man hours in on the project. Then the rest is my guys digging the footings, pouring the footings, building the cmu raised pad for the hot tub, and installing a couple thousand plugs and cutting them down.


Client is estatic.

[Mbella]

Matt, does he get his mail delivered there?:)

Seriously, it sounds like he does nice work, but that many hours just seems like way too long for him to be on the job.

[mrusk]

Matt, does he get his mail delivered there?:)

Seriously, it sounds like he does nice work, but that many hours just seems like way too long for him to be on the job.

Ipe is very hard to work with. Everything has to be predrilled. And its not easy to drill this stuff. Every cut needs to be coated with a wax sealer. That takes alot of time when you cut something seal it and then see that it needs some adjusting.


We killed a chop saw, a drill, and a belt sander so far.

Once its all stained I'll post more detailed pics.

Labor times can not be compared to composite, acq or cedar in any way. Its a entirely different product.

[Mbella]

Matt, I'm not talking about the man hours....I'm talking about one guy being on that deck for 350 man hours and still not done. Even at 50 hour weeks, that's seven weeks. That's a long time to inconvenience the customer. Why doesn't he have a helper?

[mrusk]

Matt, I'm not talking about the man hours....I'm talking about one guy being on that deck for 350 man hours and still not done. Even at 50 hour weeks, that's seven weeks. That's a long time to inconvenience the customer. Why doesn't he have a helper?


50 hours a week? More like 30. He works 7-2 and smokes alot inbetween. I get 6 hours out of him a day.


He doesn't want a helper because hes not a friendly guy or something. I really don't know why he doesn't have one and I don't care. I do not hire him for his business management skills.

350 man hours could be down to 12 10 hour days with 3 guys which seems a bit more resonable.

[kootoomootoo]

To be fair the last "big" job took a year so why cant this one.

I thinks it more Matt wasnt loved at home enough and feels the need to stretch the jobs out so he has someplace to go to feel wanted....its in the book.

[mrusk]

To be fair the last "big" job took a year so why cant this one.

I thinks it more Matt wasnt loved at home enough and feels the need to stretch the jobs out so he has someplace to go to feel wanted....its in the book.

Koo get a clue. If I could find a carpenter with a crew to build the same quality at a similar price I would use them. However, quality is hard to come by. You should know that considering we all own business in a feild filled with hacks.

[MuirView Design]

To be fair the last "big" job took a year so why cant this one.

I thinks it more Matt wasnt loved at home enough and feels the need to stretch the jobs out so he has someplace to go to feel wanted....its in the book.


Time out - One point deduction for low blow.

(This is not the place for personal insults. Please keep your criticism on a constructive level. Thank you.)

[Mbella]

To be fair the last "big" job took a year so why cant this one.

I thinks it more Matt wasnt loved at home enough and feels the need to stretch the jobs out so he has someplace to go to feel wanted....its in the book.

Koot, come on man. You seemingly follow ruskeroni around and nip at his heels. I know you have more to contribute.