Probably opening Pandora's box for asking suggestions but....
 

Has anyone had Bowles roofing (Belleview) for a new roof. I want to be kind in asking this, but please do not reply that you prefer ____ or _____. Trying to get honest opinion from those who are happy, or unhappy, with the job Bowles did for them. Thanks for understanding.


Secondly, need new sink. Visited Home Depot, okay, but seemed more interested in changing to all new countertops, etc. Really not looking for that kind of expense, just want new sink and faucets. Suggestions ? Order on line and try to find a plumber to install ? Any plumbing show rooms to that display and also install ? (Leesburg, Ocala, etc. ?)

and finally.....LOL.... what is the most economical way to deal with an aging paver drive with quite a few loose stones and a couple completely cracked ? Do not want to replace with another alternative that requires constant expensive and maintenance, sanding, sealing, etc. etc.

Idea for paver drive issue:

Determine what colors COORDINATE with the overall color of your driveway. Similar hues, so like, a light beige that has a heavier yellow undertone, plus a darker beige with the same undertone (for example).

Then, look at the "big picture" of the driveway and see if there are spots that you could dig out MORE of the older pavers, and replace them with coordinating colors. It doesn't need to result in a specific pattern. But there needs to be enough of a two-tone effect that it looks like you did it on purpose. So if there are 2 pavers next to each other near the street in the right corner, then you can replace 2 pavers next to each other further up the driveway, but closer to the middle. Then another pair further up to the left of that, plus another pair closer to the right edge of the driveway. And so on.

Regarding sinks and faucets: I HIGHLY recommend that you avoid a single faucet handle for both hot and cold. Reason: you could easily waste three gallons of water just trying to find the right temperature when washing the dishes by hand. A tiny bit too close to you and it's too cold. A tiny bit too far from you and it's causing pain to your skin. And then you get the right temperature but there isn't enough force, so you pull it out a tiny bit and you're splattering dirty soapy water all over your shirt because it's too forceful and hitting the spoon in the sink.

Do yourself a huge favor. Have a hot handle, a cold handle, and one faucet in the middle. You'll thank me later.

Also - a farmer's sink is pretty awesome but only if the drain opening is NOT dead center or close to the outer edge of the counter. Split sinks are okay if you can find one big enough for your needs, I never really liked them.

mike scott did my sink and faucet, show room next to spar off of rt 44.

[QUOTE=


Secondly, need new sink. Visited Home Depot, okay, but seemed more interested in changing to all new countertops, etc. Really not looking for that kind of expense, just want new sink and faucets. Suggestions ? Order on line and try to find a plumber to install ? Any plumbing show rooms to that display and also install ? (Leesburg, Ocala, etc. ?)

/QUOTE]

Most plumbers won't install stuff you buy from Home Depot. It's not the same quality they get from their supplies and if they have to stand behind it, they're in trouble.

Go to a plumbing supply house and see what they have. They'll also likely have some recommendations as to who will install it for you.

A new sink & faucet set is fairly easy to install, unless you're talking about an "under-mount", which is a whole other can of worms.

Kitchen sink? Used M Scott Plumbing off CR44, behind Sparr. Changed from a double bowl stainless steel sink to nicely huge single bowl Franke sink. Good selection of sinks, no pressure. They coordinate w/ someone to remove the double bowl & then M Scott installs the new one. Over 1 yr ago. Very satisfied.

Regarding new sink, check the location of your vent in the plumbing as well as the depth of the sink. Changing either of these can cause problems with the plumbing, resulting in the need for a plumber. If you have a "drop-in sink" and can stick with the same type, these can be fairly easy to install, a handy man could possible do this. If you have a under hung sink, I would have a professional do the install, as you could damage the countertop with the mounting screws. The depth of the new sink can interfere with the mounting of the garbage disposal.

I tend to agree with previous comment on the driveway, you might be able to find the same SIZE pavers, and carefully remove the damaged ones. You might be able to place random replacement pavers to create and great look without a pattern. In any case plan on future cracking and similar replacements, so get extra pavers.

Thank you ! Is that the only plumber in the area where sinks, faucets, etc. are on display ? Will definitely visit the one you mentioned this weekend, will check hours.

Thank you so much for the excellent driveway idea. My only hesitation there is it would not solve the issue of never ending expense of coatings, sand replacement, sealing, etc. etc. Had concrete drives at previous homes that took next to no costly maintenance. Once and done. Concrete was in very large segments, so no problems with shifting and buckling.

On the sink question I realize now my wording was very unclear. I know exactly what color, style, etc. faucets I prefer, had most every style in previous residences. What I was trying to ask is WHERE (other than Loews and H.D.) are there display rooms for looking at various kitchen faucets ?

Thanks ! !

[QUOTE=BrianL99;2383096]THANK YOU ! Any specific recommendations for a "plumbing supply" to go to ? Am I correct that since this is a fairly simple install (no, not an under mount, etc.) Buying from a plumbing supply would be better guarantee than from H.D. or Loews, and that any handyman in the area could install it ? I will look to see if I can find plumbing supply places in Ocala area maybe ?

Sounds very close to what I want to do, thank you ! Not understanding why the plumber who puts new sink in can not take out the old one, but not important. Again, thank you !

Thank you ! Present sink just typical drop in, no special counters like the granite one with sinks under. A couple of posters referenced M. Scott is a plumber that does have their options on display, so definitely going to check them out.

Hope to keep looking for driveway options, Repair and working in other coordinating colors really doesn't solve our problem of wanting to end constant expensive maintenance costs that pavers present, but a traditional concrete drive may prove too expensive to consider !

Actually, you might want to get an estimate for a driveway replacement, you might find it less expensive than a new finish. Our driveway, sidewalk, and small front porch area are just over 1000 square feet and the new finish was very close to $10,000. I did get 3 other estimates that ranged from $3K to $8K, but none of these were acceptable to my wife.

We went with the Roofing Guys. Very professional and was within the range of many bids. Look for the $500.00 off coupon in the paper.

Also very interested in responses regarding Bowles Roofing. Good, bad, or indifferent. Presently getting estimates on roof replacement since Progressive is not renewing our policy and we did have damage from the storm. TIA.

Thank you for info. Now, was that $10K for another paver drive ? I would like to try to avoid the on going maintenance costs of paver drives. Did you replace a paver drive for a new paver drive and it was 10K ? What type of drives were the 3K to 8K estimates for ? Understand wife may not prefer, but sounds like 5K may be something I could consider.

Our driveway was NOT replaced, all of the quotes were for refinishing the existing driveway. The final project was for SharkCoat, which is very similar to an epoxy flake coating, but with a lot mor flakes and a slip resistant finish.

Had Bowles do our and they did an EXCELLENT job. AND out of three quotes, they were several thousand bucks cheaper.

Thank you so much for the reply. For us they were so close to the lowest bid (only $200 more than the lowest) and we did a LOT of research on them. What techniques they use (lots of way to cut corners to save $$), the brand and quality level of the materials, number of nails per nail strip, etc. things most people never asked if they have had no roofers in the family (we've had two). We liked that they use a trailer on the protected drive rather than a heavy dumpster, and that they own their own equipment. We were also concerned about having materials delivered from a different contracted source since we've had two experiences in our own block where a separate delivery contractor brought all the materials a FULL MONTH ahead, put all the squares of shingles on the roof, and pilled all the large pieces of plywood AGAINST the side of the house ! In one case the plywood sheets even partially obstructed the window of the den. This happened at two houses on our single block, and was NOT the same roofing company. However, both companies said the same thing when my neighbors complained that a month was just not reasonable (the plywood was NOT covered and soaked up plenty of rain this past spring) but both roofing companies said "we have no control over the materials delivery process ! ???? So we too will probably go with
Bowles hope we are as satisfied as you. Some say do not go with the lowest bid, but we found their materials were actually a grade above some of the bids that were $4,000 MORE ! That seems like quite a gap ! ?

What kind of lead time are you getting with your quotes?

Sink Showroom
 

Try Ferguson @ https://www.build.com/showroom

Thank you, I was not actually asking for recommendations, I may have worded it awkwardly, what I was trying to ask was what did people who have actually had Bowless in Belleview, FL install their roof thought of the experience ? ?

Many who employ their own crews (not contracted out) like Bowless, are ready to go in a week....but it's not possible because we are in Sumter county which is notorious for not having enough help in the permits department and can take 4-6 weeks. That's the big hang up, all have told me how frustrating it is.

I owned a home in Ocala. Bowles replace the roof. I was satisfied and hired them to replace my roof here. They did so efficiently and they were respectful of my property I have a painted driveway and they covered it to protect it. They also did a great cleanup.

Thank you, that is very helpful.