The Home Improvement Thread

[PaperBagger'14]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Is it in conduit? That seems ridiculous. Enmax didn't actually charge me anything when I went from 100A to 200A. I was also moving the meter from the house to garage, but the transformer is just above that corner, so they didn't have to go far.

There are barely any single home residential services that are ran in conduit all the way to the transformer in Calgary. Directional drilling is unlikely to be an option depending on other utilities in the area. A mix of digging / non destructive exposure methods would likely have to be done, plus any additional repairs to sidewalks, roadways, etc. It is a big job and not a cheap one

[DoubleF]

Originally Posted by PaperBagger'14

There are barely any single home residential services that are ran in conduit all the way to the transformer in Calgary. Directional drilling is unlikely to be an option depending on other utilities in the area. A mix of digging / non destructive exposure methods would likely have to be done, plus any additional repairs to sidewalks, roadways, etc. It is a big job and not a cheap one

Agreed. I saw some posts about someone who got quotes in Calgary in the last 2-3 years that made me somewhat optimistic for a potential long shot at a $10-15K project, even though it was underground.

I paid the deposit for the detailed quote. Worst comes to worst, I paid a grand for some neat blueprints that can go with my house and my itch for an explanation is scratched. Best case scenario, the quote comes in at a cost I cannot help but hesitate to consider.

[PaperBagger'14]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

Agreed. I saw some posts about someone who got quotes in Calgary in the last 2-3 years that made me somewhat optimistic for a potential long shot at a $10-15K project, even though it was underground.

I paid the deposit for the detailed quote. Worst comes to worst, I paid a grand for some neat blueprints that can go with my house and my itch for an explanation is scratched. Best case scenario, the quote comes in at a cost I cannot help but hesitate to consider.

You made the same choice I would have made then. Get a firm price on it, maybe you’ll luck out and it’s an easy job. Fingers crossed.

Something you may be interested in is talking to your nearby neighbours and see if anyone else is interested in upgrading their services to 200A and you may be able to split the costs of the excavation and repairs that way. If you want some more info send me a PM and I can probably help you with some background stuff.

[photon]

Anyone have a good deck building company they can recommend?

Anyone ever put something on their deck to keep out the sun? First thought of an awning but the main part of the deck would probably stick out as far as 16' and that seems unreasonable for an awning.

A built in gazebo with a roof is interesting, but then you don't get the sun if you want it.

I saw something like this online (fabric on a track) and thought that might work really well, anyone ever done something like it?

[Flacker]

Originally Posted by photon

Anyone have a good deck building company they can recommend?

Anyone ever put something on their deck to keep out the sun? First thought of an awning but the main part of the deck would probably stick out as far as 16' and that seems unreasonable for an awning.

A built in gazebo with a roof is interesting, but then you don't get the sun if you want it.

I saw something like this online (fabric on a track) and thought that might work really well, anyone ever done something like it?

Power retractable awning probably the best option, looks like they are available with 13' 1" reach as a maximum.

https://www.sunsetter.com/

[Fuzz]

Have you considered planting a tree 30 years ago?