Never a dull moment at the Compound. Today we had Mexicans on the Roof? Why? Because the roof over the church hall was rotten and had to be replaced and the Hernandez crew gave us the best deal. So off they went, crashing and banging and nailing from 0800.
Not that I'm complaining, those boys work hard, for a realistic price and sure enough, they'd removed rotten shingles and laid a new set by end of play. Of course they wanted a check for fiddy percent on completion.
Well, they'll get get that tomorrow morrow morning. And what a good gang, hard working, polite, quick and hey, they got the job done at a good price. Were those boys wearing gold crucifixes? Yes they were, and I like that too.
So here we are, new roof on and all the better for it. Beto, on the other hand, is suffering from MillSoc MonkeyPox. Count your blessings as you find 'em, eh?
Rule Britannia,
LSP
I've had a roof done in Texas and one in Arkansas by Mexican crews, and stereotyping, yes they are good, yes they are friendly, they do a good job in the time figured and clean up everything. And, yes, they were illegal. In both cases the crews were hired by the insurance companies, shelling out $4,000 in Texas in 2007 and $10,000 in Arkansas in 2012. I did not ask for green card ID, just said, "How y'all doing?" and, "You need anything let me know." The jefe asked to fill up a water cooler.
ReplyDeleteI have a steel roof at the WWM. I'd hate to price it today, but I swear by them, LSP, if you want a long-term solution.
ReplyDeleteMexicans on the Roof - gotta admit that would be a great name for a punk rock band!
ReplyDeleteWhen Robert Earl Keen quit Gnashville and moved back to Texas, he worked with a Mexican named Mariano and wrote this song about him. Poignant.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaIknsT9l_8
Unfortunately, REK has decided to quit touring and live performances so if you ever had a hankering to see one of his shows, better get yourself down to John T. Floore's in Helotes this weekend because after that, that's all folks.
We had the Mexicans on the roof experience. I walked the dog through the woods next door while they were working and caught one of them doing his business there. I think you need to rent a Port-a-john when you hire workmen.
ReplyDeleteHard workers no question! Buy them water and give them a few bucks for beer at the end of the day and they're all good!
ReplyDeleteSaw the title, thought it had something to do with protecting the homestead from looters. hehe
ReplyDeleteNew roof, a good thing, inspires confidence when done correctly, let alone protecting everything underneath. Worked with a few Hispanic crews (is that still okay to say?)...hard workers, went all day, wailing away on framing or roofing. Funny tho, the first thing they set up (EVERYTHING is plugged into cheapy 100' 16awg extension cords) was the battered jobsite microwave...then the Skilsaw that was hurting due to said cheapy cordage.
Never had a problem, and was always glad there was at least one in the group (usually the bossman's kid) who spoke English so I wouldn't have to shout and wave my arms and point. But here's the deal for me - legal or alien - I didn't care as long as they did what they said they'd do. Never mattered...they were working to earn their keep.
I really liked this crew, Sgt., polite, quick, very reasonably priced. Now, imagine our friends came from, say, Yemen.
ReplyDeleteI know, LL, steel's the way to go, but we short-termed it by a few decades(?). False economy? Maybe.
ReplyDeleteInfidel, it reminds me of MEXICAN RADIO.
ReplyDeleteDam, Wild, REK = Greatness.
ReplyDeletePewster, workmen, what can I say?
ReplyDeleteNFO, I was really impressed by this crew, no kidding.
ReplyDeleteRight on, Paul.
ReplyDeleteThis crew were good, I liked them.