[Stonehenge]

JW - communicating this to them is great - make sure they are the type to frequently check email. I've found that most of my clients don't check email anywhere near as often as I do, so if I tell them I'll be there in two days via email, they are often surprised when I show up.

[Paul]

Why not call them on the phone? Weather has much to do about how well work can be done and they should understand that delays like this can be expected.

[jwholden]

Paul,

I did call them to confirm that they got the E-mail and make sure everything was ok. Mr. client wasn't extremely talkative, but he's pretty quiet anyway. Most communication with this client has been through E-mail. However it still sounds better in person and I was hoping take some weight off of my conscience as well.

Jeff,

I could never imagine not making the obligatory night or two before heads up call to let the client know I'm coming. Only sending an E-mail, now that's living on the edge!

[jwholden]

Will,

I'm going to leave the stones EXACTLY where they are. If someone figures out how to quietly walk off with a 500 lb stone god bless them. There are also four pallets of bluestone on the site. Hey, atleast everything will be there when I start working again.

[Will Pacala]

True, How were the homeowners with leaving stuff there?? If I were you I would take the equipment back though. You probably already did or are going to but....

Well it sure sounds like despite the weather the project is moving along just fine and everyone and thing is happy.

[Stonehenge]

For me, I almost think that leaving the materials there, though it might be a bit unsightly, might help serve as a commitment to the client. Just a small added measure to make them feel comfortable.

So many people have heard so many horror stories about contractors, that the more you can do to put their mind at ease, the better things are.

So I like the idea of leaving the materials there, so long as they are neat and orderly.

JW, I didn't mean to say that my modus operandi was to send emails about work dates and hope they got them. Just that I've sent emails to clients for other things (like scheduling appointments), and I won't get a return email for 3-4 days.

[Will Pacala]

I agree that materials are a good thing to leave there on site. But never leave a macuine or two for more than aweek or so. It is better to have it if you need it. You don't have to bother the clients when you suddenly arrive to pick it up. And there is less of a chance that the machine will become stolen or even damaged.

[jwholden]

Jeff,

I knew I must have been reading something wrong for that to have been your obligatory modus operandi.

All,

I feel as good as I can about the situation. The guy wasn't exactly bubbling over with the prospect, he obviously would have preferred to have the patio completed. However, mother nature and the complexity of the project won!

[jwholden]

I spent two days last week carting away the spoils and 'organizing' the site. I decided to put some bluestone down as a temporary walk so my clients don't track mud into the house all winter.

I read a post by Lanelle about working when the weather makes it challenging. I arrived at the job and the ground was frozen solid with about 4-5 inches of frost. It got to around 45 to 50 degrees both days I was there and the place turned into a 1/2 ice 1/2 mud mess.

Here is where the job will be until spring,

[jwholden]

This is a close up of the cuts I have been making to create the radius in the granite. I am hoping to have a 1/2" gap between pieces. I used my new masher to roughen the lines from the saw cuts. Those pieces of granite are 7 inches thick and 15 inches long. All cuts were made with a 12" TS350 chop saw. Needless to say, it took a while.

[jwholden]

I had to let my regular help go due to the poor weather and was forced to work with whoever I could find. Thank God the truck is an automatic.

[dan deutekom]

JW

I think you have left your clients in pretty fair shape considering the season has closed in on you. I praise you for making their walk way usable for the winter and once there is a little snow on it and shoveled it will even look finished I think they will appreciate your efforts.

[Will Pacala]

Nice cuts and even nicer looking dog. What's the name? How were the clients with having the walkway installed?? Will you be charging them for the bluestone path??

[jwholden]

The dogs name is Madison.

The wife was bubblling with joy to see the walk installed, even if it is only temporary. Did I charge them to install the walk? Sort of and no. I will be using the bluestone on the patio in the spring and will incorporate the stonedust and process into the base. It cost me my time. Will they recommend me to their friends who admire their bluestone/granite patio, landscape, and landscape lighting? I can only hope.

[Will Pacala]

Oh ok sounds like it went over very well with the clients and half of the materials are already there for that patio. Should be great. Another thing, maybe you already told us but.....will there be any plants around the bluestone walkway and the blocks??