Insulation is done!

To the untrained eye, this picture doesn't look much different from the before shot. In both cases, the ceiling is a billowy pile of insulation covered with plastic vapor barrier. But the old insulation was a sodden mess full of dirt and squirrel filth, drifted into empty spots and heaps, bulging old plastic threatening to collapse at any minute. Now it is a nice even expanse of pristine pink fiberglass batting covered with soft, shiny new plastic. And here and there a startling accent of fire engine red tape. I think it looks great.

After the insulators were done, Thorin helped me move the furniture back out of the alcove and into something resembling the final configuration I have in mind. It will only stay that way for four days. Then we have to move the furniture somewhere else so Dave's Floors can come and finish the floors. Then it will be beautiful and completely usable. Half the walls and most of the ceiling still needs something over it, but I have a line on more barn wood for at least the walls.



In some ways the back room is more transformed than the main room. Since we moved in it has been bare ceiling planks and walls with shreds of old insulation and dust clinging to them. The new insulation makes it look like a room. A half-finished room with barely adequate insulation, sure, but a ROOM. 

Do you tip tradesmen?

 Not even sure if that is the right generic term. Tradespeople? (although so far all of them have been men). I'm talking about the electricians, insulation installers, etc. who actually show up at your house to do the work after you've contracted with their employer to provide a service. 

I gave $20 to the young junk haulers for being exceptionally cheerful and friendly and not complaining about the disgusting state of the attic. And $20 to the insulators that were scheduled at the last minute to show up on a Saturday because of a scheduling problem. In both cases they seemed pleased but surprised. I didn't tip the electricians. They were competent enough, but didn't do anything beyond their expected job. Besides, I figure electricians are paid a lot better than the college kids that haul away junk. 

Those of you that are having work done on your houses - who do you tip and why? When is a tip expected?