A Careful Deck Removal
Kevin meets general contractor Tom Silva, carpenter Nathan Gilbert, builder Deliandro Dias, and finish carpenter Bill Gilbert in the backyard to discuss the plans with the deck. Deliandro got the building permit, so it’s time to tear down the deck. But, it’s not that simple.
The deck stands over top of a split air conditioning unit. The unit has a series of wires and pipes running below the joists, and the team needs to be careful with these during demolition. In order to pull the deck down carefully, they set up some temporary posts before starting on top of the deck, removing railings, posts, and decking before disassembling the frame.
All of the decking material, rails, and framework needed disposal, and The Dumpster Depot came to the rescue. The company supplied a dumpster and the removal of the debris, allowing the crew to focus on moving forward with the project.
Preparing for a Patio
Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, mason Mark McCullough, and landscaper Tommy Kelleher get to work prepping the patio area before the volunteers arrive. First, the team removes the fence blocking the patio space, setting aside beautiful granite boulders.
Next, the excavator removes several inches of soil in the patio space to allow for a base of crushed stone. Once the space is dug, they compact the soil by making several passes with a plate compact. Once the soil is stable, they fill the excavated area with several layers of crushed stone, compacting each layer down as they go. This will provide a stable base for the patio, preventing it from moving in the harsh New England winters and hot summers.