A lot of the damage we deal with on our clients' homes is the result of poor drainage. The building code for new construction is to have an 8” clearance at the house from the wood mudsill to the dirt. Then the house should have a positive flow away from the structure of ¼” per foot for 5'. The reason is moisture draws termites and wood contact w/water causes dry rot. But this is pretty unrealistic for most people's existing homes. That doesn't mean there's nothing you can do. We recommend you take the time and walk the perimeter of your house especially now that the rain has arrived and see what you can do to avoid problems. Some easy solutions are extending your downspouts further away from the house (assuming you have clean gutters and downspouts). Either use some plastic flex pipe, or a drain block or even buy gutter parts and extend it. We have black flex pipe at the shop so if you need a few feet let us know and I'll give it to you. If I'm in your area I'd even drop it off. Another preventive thing is to make sure you don't have planter boxes right against the house without metal flashing or bitumen to provide a waterproof barrier. Lastly, make sure your sprinklers are not spraying your house directly or over watering areas near your home. Sometimes it's not necessary to spend thousands on French drains when just a little common sense and attention can save you a lot of money.
Coleman
I am a part owner of a property at 821Coleman Ave located between Hedding and Taylor in San Jose. The property has a duplex in the front (1675 SF) and an 1150 SF shop at the rear. The lot is large and it has a 50' x 75' area between the buildings for parking or outside storage. This property is ideal for a contractor. There is plenty or room for storage, equipment tools and offices. We are looking to rent the whole thing for $4,000 mo. We may be flexible on renting just part of it. Call the office if interested.
Changes at GL Perry
Dan Miller, one of three longtime superintendents at G.L.Perry, is leaving the company. Dan has decided the timing is right to start a company of his own. He said he owes it to himself to give it a try while he is young. We wish him all the best and I'm sure we'll cross paths again. Ray Sugden, our lead electrician, also left our company in August after 15 years and will be teaching electrical at the high school occupational center. His wife Michelle and his brother are also teachers. I put out a question to all our employees about 3 years ago asking what their personal goals were and where they thought they'd be in five years. Ray said then that teaching was his goal and we all wish him well. I'm proud of Ray and Dan and I'm thankful for all the customers they satisfied while representing the company. It will be a challenge to fill such large shoes but it won't be the first or last time our team has dealt with changes. This internal transition will not affect our quality or service. We are still blessed with so many employees who have been here a long time and are committed to delivering the best they can for our customers.