July 1, 2024
I met Cade Bell in 2014, shortly after assuming leadership of our small, 15-unit condo complex.
We were in bad shape. Our first problem was that all the stairway landings and supports were obviously unsafe.
I did my due diligence by interviewing several contractors. I called Cade because of a referral, made by a friend.
Cade was easy to communicate with and we soon found ourselves coming up with a plan to renovate.
The nature of the deterioration called for a "Time and Materials" approach. There was no way he could guess conditions for an equitable bid, once he started to open enclosed spaces in the landings.
During the process, Cade could see trouble brewing throughout our complex. There was dry rot evident in all the wooden window fascia, especially on the sunward side.
Cade offered to be a permanently available contractor for our future needs.
I enthusiastically accepted his offer, and it has continued to benefit us greatly.
Cade restored our landings and made structural improvements to the decks and stanchions-all while conferring with me to discuss the context of his suggestions and to get my sign off to proceed. Cade did all the legwork in obtaining permits, inspections and obtaining materials during the process. I developed supreme confidence in him as he worked steadily to complete the job and efficiently to keep the 'time and materials' aspect reasonable. Payments were made to him in installments, as the work progressed. That was a satisfactory arrangement for both parties.
Cade soon finished that project, and we settled final payment. We could not readily proceed with other, much-needed projects at that time. Money was the issue. Our HOA agreed to an increase in dues to better prepare our savings for the next phase-renovating our wood fascia and upgrading windows.
It took a few years, but we finally called Cade back to have a look at that next phase. He scheduled a start date with me. We still couldn't go all in. Our finances still wouldn't allow it. We have two buildings here. All we could do was the sunward side of one building. It involved six sections of fascia with sixteen windows. Cade brought in a crew to work more efficiently and with speed.
Cade consulted with me many times before proceeding with solving particular problems. And I got an education! There was so much to consider.
Soon, that portion of the work was completed. Cade did a wonderful job, preserving and beautifying our homes. Neighbors began demanding to know when his work would benefit there homes too. Again, Cade did all the afore-mentioned legwork. He made my life easy.
Another couple of years passed. Cade and I reconnected, and he began phase two of the fascia/window renovation. It was as if we never paused. He got a crew together and got to work. Cade repeated his masterful work of seeing the job done while continuing to confer with me. This also involved six sections of fascia and sixteen windows, as before.
My relationship with Cade had turned from professional to a professional friendship. We had gained each other's trust then admiration.
Other costs to maintain our property sprung up. So, it took a while longer to properly save for Cade's next phase. You see, he had already pointed out trouble spots of dry rot and termite damage in other areas of our buildings. We both knew he would be back.
Eventually, our Association found financial space to resume. I called Cade. He responded promptly that he was coincidentally free to begin any time.
This phase involved only eight windows with four fascia sections. We had experienced substantial termite damage and had fumigated our buildings. I was concerned the structure would need a lot of work. Therefore, I limited the scope of Cade's work. However, the damage was lighter than we feared, and work proceeded quickly. Cade could not assemble a crew this time, so I volunteered as a yard man, available to help in any way an amateur could. During this phase, he taught me many things. My confidence and strength improved and my relationship with Cade has become a blossoming friendship.
As before, Cade did everything he could to take concern out of my equation. I was free to worry about my other problems and scheduling because Cade was going to see this through.
Upon completing this phase, Cade, as before, had a detailed look around the buildings for problems that will need to be resolved soon. We came up with a list that he helped edit for presentation to the HOA as we save for the next renovation.
I deal with many vendors and contractors in my job as President of our HOA. I've been at it more than 10 years now. I do so because I love my home and am loathed to leave its preservation in less caring hands.
I am also loathed to ever lose Cade as a resource to achieve that goal.
Mark Scofield
President, Westbrook Owners Association read more