Delivering Drywall

Gut-rehab Next Door

The building next to mine recently changed hands. The new owner has shown a serious intent to upgrade and improve his new property. Previously, several truckloads of demolition material were removed by hard-working laborers hauling debris out of the building using large trash barrels.

Plumbers and electricians have been prowling around for a number of days, carrying in the customary array of pipes, fittings and fixtures needed to complete the renovation.

The next step, of course, is refinishing the interior. Drywall is basic to the possible reconfiguration and restoration of partitions and interior walls and ceilings.

But There's a Problem

The alley has the customary utility poles on its entire length that carry all the communications for every building on the block. Even more worrisome is the Com Ed power distribution system, probably carrying 22,000 volts high at the top of every pole.

This severely limits the use of any kind of crane that might be used to deliver drywall to the project.

Likewise, the front of the property is constrained by large, mature trees, iron fences, building setback and those ad hoc light pole wires that are all over the city, used to replace underground wires that have long ago become deteriorated and unusable.

The Simple Solution

The simple solution is to simply unload and carry the drywall up to the third floor by hand—sheer muscle power. Three men showed up for the task which they accomplished in just a few hours and with seemingly little or no effort.

They certainly deserve my admiration. I don't think I had that kind of strength and endurance when I was their age.

Watch the video and judge for yourself.