I took a vacation. To Guelph. To lift a 1000 pound stair into place.

[TorontoBuilder]

The only difficult part really was ensuring it was perfectly level side to side and that it was bedded well in mortar.

Tomorrow the top step just get's laid in place...

 

[TorontoBuilder]

So Yesterday Dave got to drive the tractor from our mutual friend Brian's...

Tom got to use the tractor for the actual work.

I drove it home. Kids with their toys





We prepped the step on an angle in the slings so when it was pushed backwaards int place it would be better aligned.




Bu the best laid plans... dont always work out the first time. The mortar was not dry and in the process of sliding the top step into place despite my repeated warnings to lift their side higher they didn't and dragged their end and dislodged the supporting rear partial stone.

So we decided to stop here, add a brick ledge support and to reset the dislodged stone in fresh mortar later in the week.

We had to get the tractor back...

Also, if you ever think, do I need a tractor, the answer is yes. Yes you do.

 

[Susquatch]

Also, if you ever think, do I need a tractor, the answer is yes. Yes you do.

My little loader tractor that could will be the very last piece of machinery to go. Hopefully after I am gone. I could never be without it.

 

[whydontu]

Used to have in-laws who emigrated from England in the late 90s. Uncle-in-law was constantly amazed by North American concept of home improvement. Over here, everyone is a painter / carpenter / plumber / electrician / mason / auto mechanic. Back home in Coventry, all that sort of stuff was done by the council on-call tradesman, and only hobbyists fixed their own cars. As I get older I begin to see the wisdom in hiring others to do the heavy lifting.

 

[Susquatch]

As I get older I begin to see the wisdom in hiring others to do the heavy lifting.

I'm fine with that change in my own thinking too. HOWEVER, if they can't or won't meet my expectations for cost, quality, and timing, then I am back to... Get out! I'll do it myself!!!