Working Hard

James Ray Arnold, head framer, and his crew can take credit for many of the changes occurring these days at the Reuse Everything eXperiment.

James regularly phones me (I switched to an unlimited-minute package) to suggest ways to save money and build our home more efficiently. Our original plans showed a partially enclosed staircase, for example, but we wanted an open staircase. Instead of charging us an arm and a leg, James spoke with plumber Mike Perrotti. The two of them figured out it would be less expensive to relocate the plumbing that was to go under the staircase, and then the stairs could be reinforced from underneath. That way the stairs could remain in the planned location and not need a partial wall. Savings: about $500.

It's also the little things that make a big difference. James' crew takes the time to rummage through smaller pieces of wood instead of cutting up new boards. That saves me money on new lumber.

Growing up in my household, we were not allowed to say "can't." I think James must have had the same lesson.

Shannon