My 125+ year old cottage has a basement problem.

Question

My 125+ year old cottage has a basement problem.  Water and 1-2 inches of mud have made the lower half into a hazard, and 40 years of my tools, Xmas decorations and other storage are molding in their boxes.  I called 3 local 'water restoration ' companies and 2 refused to even come look at the mess.  One came, we agreed on what needed to be done, and he promised to call the next day with an estimate.   He did not call, nor did he return messages from me.  HOW do I get help hauling things up a steep narrow stairway, through my living room and front parlor, out to the driveway where I can sort into Keep, Donate and Trash piles?  Then I need someone to shovel up the mud and carry IT outside, THEN maybe a company will come vacuum up the water.  The sump pump I had installed in a hole I had dug and concreted 38 years ago works OK, but it has to pump water up to an opening knocked through the brick at ground level outside (only works above 32 degrees).  I have hired a lot of men over the years, and most do the job poorly or just take my money and leave a mess.  I'm 62 now and poured all my 'discretionary funds' into trying to restore this house.  I've never taken a vacation, and now I have only a few thousand dollars and a pet sitting business I started in 2000 as a small income.  How can I find someone to help do things I am no longer physically able to do?

Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA · Answer

Oh my goodness! I wish I lived closer, I would come help you for free. Now we need to get you some help. Google for licensed handymen or find some college or high school kids to drag the stuff up for you. I am on 'Nextdoor' a free neighborhood email network where I find my low cost labor. See if you have something similar, and if so join. I would also contact your local city / town municipalities as they have help for senior citizens or can at least point you in the right direction. I would also contact your local senior group in your area to see if they can help or provide information. And anyone you hire in the future, check their licenses and qualifications. Every state has a Contractor's License Board and they are very helpful. Put the word out to your friends and neighbors and church group. Honestly, I do not understand people these days - so heartless. Just keep trying and do not give up! Pull out the phone book and call everyone in the yellow pages if necessary. And please keep us posted!

Carole Triplett Brooks · Answer

You definitely need a professional's help.

Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA · Answer

So welcome! Let me poke around on your states site and see how they have it set up. I do not feel like a senior (55, but to the young ones I am ancient), and my 69 year old girlfriend doesn't either, but if we can get a discount and catch a break - all the better! I started receiving AARP offers in my 40's, yet 60 is the new 50 . . . It is all so vague. Who decides these things? Marketing agencies is my guess. 🙄

Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA · Answer

Here are 2 links for you. This is the main home page to look up licenses for various professionals. Find your county and click on it to obtain additional licensing requirements. It also provides phone numbers for you to call too.

http://publicrecords.onlinesearches.com/Illinois-Contractor-Licenses.htm

This next link is the page where you type in the info on the contractor. Once completed it will provide you with the type of license the person holds, whether it is current and up to date, whether they carry the proper insurance, etc. If they do not turn up on this list somewhere, chances are they are unlicensed, do not hire them. When you get to this step, I can walk you through it.