Located at the same height as the doorway, next to one of two light fixtures that gave a bit of symmetry, it completely spoils the back facade.
Here's a "before" shot for reference--just to emphasize how unfortunate this is.
My only option, if it remains in this place, is to use something like trellis, vines, and a large shrub (something like a Hollywood juniper) to try to hide the thing.
I added a tall trellis panel just to see how it might be used to diminish the visual impact of the electrical conduit and mechanical piping (below), but that's only a partial solution and not one dictated by the space. And I'd have to add screening trellis, or something similar, to hide the bulk of the unit (I also have to allow three feet of open space on the facing side to assure proper operation). Any way I look at it, it's like a bandage over a large, ugly wound.
I'm so pissed at this guy I can't even talk to him right now. I'm considering having the unit relocated, possibly to the ground where I can hide it more easily, but I'm sure that will cost dearly. Note he also added a white drainage pipe on the right, carefully positioned, not to align with the fence, where it would hardly be visible, but installed where it only adds to the visual clutter.
Beware contractors. Try to be present whenever they locate anything of importance.
James,
ReplyDeleteI agree that is very upsetting and unsatisfactory when things are going along so smoothly like that and then this happens. But I applaud you for getting out a trellis, painted the same colour as the fence, and trying to find a solution so quickly!
I would offer that, as you have said, two panels like this, at right angles, to hide the unit and proceeding all the way to the top of your rear wall would be an excellent (and cheaper) solution, rather than moving the unit. You would actually then have a more symmetrical rear wall in terms of light surface, and the lighting fixtures would be equidistant to the visual edge. This would be a solution I could live with and, dare I say, even be happy with.
Would you intend to grow plants up these trellises?
If so, what is on the roof above? Is it possible to plant something like Virginia creeper up there so that it would fall over the roof-line, making a bit of a continuation to the green from the trellises? To my eye, this would allow for some softening...
Sometimes these 'setbacks' occur and the solution to them becomes even better than the original idea. And sometimes not. ;c)
Ailsa
Ailsa,
DeleteYour suggestion is certainly one thing I'm considering. But the more I look at this thing handing on the wall, the more I want it gone, even though it can't be gone. But it may move, at high cost, to the ground or to the roof. I'd certainly use vines and very likely common Virginia Creeper, one of my favorites. The fan area will have to be kept clear, though, to maintain efficient operation of the heating and air conditioning. Oh, the challenges of a very small garden...
James,
ReplyDeleteI'm really sorry to hear this one. My experience with this sort of thing is to decide if this is always going to bother you. Some things you can live with (the white drain to the right-fairly easy to conceal) , somethings you can't. If the answer is yes, I would bite the bullet and fix it. It might add 2 years to your lifespan in reduced stress. Good luck!
Michael, it's something I can't live with. Either it moves or it must be hidden by some kind of well executed structure. The bullet is bitten, I just don't know how hard it is yet.
DeleteOh dear. This is the moment I believe where we must fulfill our role as Greek chorus to your agon, and chant:
ReplyDelete"It must be moved"
First, I will try to get it moved, either to the ground or to the roof (though there is concern about whether the noise will disturb our tenant, who is a yoga teacher and, I imagine, likes things quiet and peaceful). Regardless of its ultimate location, it has to be disguised or covered, in some way that's harmonious with the garden. My preference, to moved it to the back of the garden, where it would be hidden behind the contemplated screen, isn't really feasible. The distance from the house would reduce its efficiency by 20 or 30% (or so the engineer tells me).
DeleteJames, I'm so sorry about this setback. If this placement is in "clear violation" of your instructions, I'd think the re-do is on him -- unless he's telling you now this is the only viable placement. Can it go on the roof? If he doesn't know how pissed you are yet, try a calm approach, as in "There seems to have been a misunderstanding in the critical placement of..." and see what he offers. Oh, dear!
ReplyDeleteDenise, only verbal instructions were given. The problem is that I wasn't present to make decisions during installation. I'm sure he will get the HVAC installer to move it, but we will pay for the moving, and for the repair to the wall.
DeleteAaarrgh. That is angry-making. Well, if he CAN move it, you will gain a substantial amount of garden space considering that what is now below the unit is currently lost to you (it looks like about 30 cubic feet of space below--that's a lot in a smaller garden) and could be recouped as open or vine covered space above.
ReplyDeleteEmily
Yes, we have to figure out what is the least offensive option, and work from there. As I mentioned in a comment above, I originally wanted it at the back of the garden, behind a screen, but that unfortunately wasn't technically feasible. It's possible to put it on the roof of the house, four stories up, but the loss in efficiency would be unacceptable at that distance.
DeleteWill it be noisy in action? Or have you chosen a silent one?
ReplyDeleteThe literature says the sound will be similar to a refrigerator running. Not bad, if true. I have my doubts. But the fountain in the pool should provide white noise, and the unit can be turned off at will.
DeleteHow rotten! I do feel for you. If it can't be moved, I think the 3-sided box of trellis in a column from ground to roof could work. Maybe it could be hinged at the ground to open it for access and then not need the extra 3'? (What are these guys thinking as they work anyway?)
ReplyDeleteContractors, at least most of them, don't have a sense of aesthetics. He originally put the glaring motion-activated security light directly over the center of the doors.
DeleteDid you write your instructions down? If you did, you may be able to force him to move the unit at his expense with threat of litigation.
ReplyDeleteThe litigation route just doesn't work on a job of this scale. The result would be, I'm sure, a costly, months-long delay in completion. And the instructions were not written.
DeleteI'd be pissed off too. Can't you bring him back and get it relocated? Is he a reasonable fella?
ReplyDeleteI've no doubt it can be moved, but to an ideal position, that's another story. The roof perhaps?
He'll be willing to move it, I'm sure, but he won't absorb the cost. And you're right. There is no ideal position.
DeleteBeen there, done that - we've renovated three old places, and sometimes I think the guys, as nice and competent otherwise they might be, just enjoy messing things sometimes, like saying, I don't care about your aesthetics a ****... Plants especially seem to irritate them, sometimes I've thought they love stomping down anything green. I agree with Michael, this is a situation where you either get him to move the thing deliberately, or just bite the bullet and pay for the removal. Life is too short to be lived with achievements of clumsy contractors... Otherwise, I think your garden is progressing beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liisa. Time will heal all wounds. Letting a few days pass will help put this in perspective, too.
DeleteDefinitely move it if you can; it'll upset you to look at for years if you don't. And I agree with everyone who suggests that the cost should be at least partly on him, for not following instructions; I hope they were written, and that there are no code violations to putting it on the roof. I suspect putting it on the ground wouldn't vent and you'll still have an ugly thing taking up space. But that may depend on how much more work you need him to do. Not all contractors are like this. I tend to stop hiring the ones who are, rather quickly.
ReplyDeleteFinding good contractors in Brooklyn is very hit and miss. Most are horrible. This one is actually very good. We're quite pleased with the quality of the work and responsiveness. He just tends to make some decisions without consulting the owner. As my anger abates, I realize he's far better than any other contractor we've used.
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