Here’s my Oak Hollow Park renovation story – The Fence Phase One!
I like the idea of sharing renovation stories and I hope other neighbors share their stories too.
The Fence – Phase One
Before I could start on the new fence, I had to have the big tree removed.
As you can see the stump that was grinded away.
The tree had to be removed as it had already cracked the foundation in the backyard, and I did not want it to hit the AC unit or the home. The backyard foundation was broken up as well and removed. All this before the “fence remodel”.
Next the fence looked really bad and sad. Once the tree was removed, the pickets (fence boards) were falling off and shredding apart.
As a single mom, I did not call any professional companies.
I have had some success using the “Facebook Marketplace”. So, the “fence” bids began. I had 4 contractors booked in one weekend, just for the free estimate.
I was getting different stories about how the tree that was removed and was going to be an issue. It was frustrating.
The before and after pictures obviously show the need of the new fence.
The original goal was to straighten out the fence and put a L shaped fence near the AC unit.
Glad I did not! There were still too many tree roots underneath, that would have been a bad idea.
Fortunately, I met Mario. My Angel. I showed him the photos of a fence that I liked and I asked for his opinion. He drew a picture and took notes. Mario texted me an estimate for steel posts and cedar. He then told me where to buy the materials. I asked If I could meet him at the place to pay in person. He did not mind. To me this was the honesty part, the other contractors wanted cash first for the materials and you pray they show up the next day. I suggest paying in person with the contractor.
Please know, steel and cedar are at the highest prices right now. A typical wood fence is less expensive. However, I did not want to cut corners, I knew what I wanted. I wanted the black posts to match the roof color and the front door, (the house trim will soon be painted black).
At “Triple S Steel”, Mario showed me how the posts would look, (after they are painted).
I remember asking “spray or brush”. Mario replied “spray, never a brush”. The displays at “Triple S” are very nice. Next we drove to “Home Depot” and hoped they have enough 8ft cedar posts. Again, a supply shortage.
I was happy the “Home Depot at Fair Ave”, had what we needed. I paid for the materials. Please know, Mario is also a welder, so that is where his expertise comes in. Since I was paying more in material than labor, I only am doing phase one of the fence, as I call it.
As Mario began, I asked about the “stain”. His head dropped. I said why, He said, I have to hire a helper because you have to “stain” before they are put up. Again, something I did not know, so this added more time to the renovation. Mario came back with a brochure of “stain” options from Home Depot. I chose the color and then more material expense was paid.
I have lived in Oak Hollow Park over 8 years. Because my home is a corner lot, I feel some pressure to make sure the corner is kept up. The big oak tree did it’s damage over the past 30+ years, now I will try to fix it. My property is on a slight hill and unfortunately and I need to get my yard leveled.
Phase 2
Leveling the yard and rocks are the next renovation project. Mario Ortiz will be back in July-August, to add the Phase II of the fence on the other side of the house. I want to get rid of those hideous cinder blocks that are concreted together on the other side. Again, doing it in phases for the cost savings. If you interested to talking to Mario Ortiz his number is 210-910-8440.
You know how it goes, the total fence replacement job was going to take 4 days, but with the rain drenching down, it took longer, very glad I am patient.
Looking forward to hearing your Oak Hollow Park renovation story … until Phase 2.
– Debra Ruiz