I left something out regarding the foundation work done on the house I’m renting. I should have added that all that work, including cleanup, was done in a single day. I was impressed.
When I was first told about the needed foundation repairs. I understood it would take two days. On day 1, they would have someone move my furniture, and foundation work was to be done. On day 2, flooring would be installed and they would move furniture back. Well, it’s not working out that way.
At the start of all this, the property manager expected me to empty those two bedrooms by myself so the carpets could be pulled, foundation work to be done, and new flooring laid down. This was in early May. I explained I had back surgery in mid-April and I couldn’t, the doctor said not to move “heavy” stuff until six to eight weeks after the surgery. The PM said he would send one guy over. I stressed it was at least a two-man job since it included large bedroom furniture and I didn’t want to risk another back injury. Then there was radio silence until mid-July. He then presented me with several dates to choose from for the two-day job to be done in August. The first thought that went through my mind was that he waited until I recovered so I would have to do the work. Like, he was being cheap trying not to hire any movers. There’s no telling what he thought after I told him I had a new herniated disc in the lower lumbar area and couldn’t help in moving any of the furniture. I also explained that I would do what I could to pack up all the small stuff in boxes, but I am physically unable to move anything. Again, he said he would send one helper. Again, I said he should send two.
The helper contacted me to make moving arrangements. I told him about my current disability and that he would need help. He brought his high school-aged son. Day 1 was hectic but went relatively well, except I had no place to sleep. All the stuff in the two rooms that were being worked on was moved into my kids’ rooms. I ended up sleeping on the couch.
On day 2, no one came to the house. Around noon I contacted the property manager by email. He requested that I ask the crew when they would be done. I was like, “Uh, there’s no crew here, no one has been here all day, so there’s no one to ask.” I texted the handyman who moved my furniture and he stated he could not come today. I grew concerned because my kids are supposed to be staying with me for the week, and it was impossible for them to even get to their beds because furniture and other items from the rooms being worked on were moved into their rooms.
Eventually, the hand man’s son and a friend of his showed up at my house to move my bed back into my bedroom so that I would have a comfortable place to sleep. They also cleared a path for my kids to make it to their beds. So, right now, my bedroom is partially set up without any flooring, as is the guestroom in the house. Stuff is still stored in my kids’ rooms, but at least they can make it to their beds.
I spoke with the helper and learned the actual owner is trying to decide what to do about the flooring. It sounds like the kitchen might get retiled and cheap carpet or laminate flooring will be installed in the two bedrooms. It looks like I’m going to have to be patient no matter the case. But I don’t like living in disarray. A hundred bucks will be knocked off next month’s rent for the trouble, but to be honest, I think it should be more than that.
Austin is suffering from a rapidly worsening housing crisis, but a recent move by the city’s government to push for denser building could finally bring relief from skyrocketing costs.
