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Timber, carpentry, etc
January 25, 2006
After considerable search we were able to find an architect/ interior decorator for renovating our house. And after much pushing and nudging, the architect took the first step of procuring wood for the work.
We decided on using 'Burma' teak. Apparently Kerala teak is much more costlier and not available readily. So, on Monday evening, the architect, carpenter and myself went to the timber depot - Malackal Timber at Peyaad, Trivandrum. There we looked over the available logs and the carpenter decided on two pieces - one big and one small.
The big piece was Rs. 1700/cubic foot and the small one was Rs. 1500 per cubic foot. We had to take about 58 cubic foot of wood. The total expenses including tax and sawing charges came to about Rs. 1,06,000.
The next day carpenter went to Malackal depot and oversaw the sawing process. He then came with the wood load to our house in a Mini lorry. As expected, local loading/unloading guys came along with the lorry - this is a practise that is prevalent in Kerala. You cannot use outside help to unload the lorry - you either have to do it yourself or let the union (loading/unloading) guys do it.
The loading/unloading people charge you exorbitant rates and even after much negotiation, you will end up paying through your nose. Anyway, since I knew some of these guys, we ended up paying Rs. 1000 for the unloading task and the guys did a pretty good job of it.
Now we have to wait for about a week and half for the wood to dry.
Only then can the carpenter begin his work.
Will keep the blog updated as the work progresses.
Posted by liveit at January 25, 2006 5:12 AM