Hanger Nightmare!

[T4flyer]

Hi everyone, been reading the post daily for years… never thought my first post would be a cry for help!

Here goes - I had a dream of owning my own hanger. I was allocated a spot at “Springs” had plans drawn up, got building permission, laid foundations, got a contractor to erect the steel, all systems were go, or so I thought. Contractor hardly every turned up, workmanship rubbish, all my sheeting was involuntarily reallocated to low cost housing one night, I gave up….

Much later I decided to try again, I was given the name of a company that was building some of the new “bigger” hangers at Springs, looked like nice work, seemed like nice guys, we agreed a price, all systems go again, or so I thought. One delay followed another as they always did the big guys first, eventually they were ready to do my hanger, I paid them for all the steel and sheeting, they pulled down my steel frame and re-erected it, put on the roof and back wall sheeting and have disappeared with the rest of my money. Needless to say the workmanship is rubbish. They won’t return my calls and there is no recourse to the law in this place anymore, so I’m out +-50K.

I know have no hanger (besides a frame and a roof) no more money.
I seriously thought of giving up flying altogether, my dream had turned into a nightmare and I have lost all faith in contractors and lost a seriously large amount of money I couldn’t afford to loose.

Maybe I’m insane, but I’m willing to try one more time…. Please help… does anyone know of a decent “HONEST” contractor who will help me out of this mess. I’m not a rich guy, just an ordinary guy working for a living and trying get by.

[kloot piloot]

I would seriously suggest you get the number of Yaroslav from Brits Flying Club. 012 255 5945. I was there the other day and he has been building their hangars for the past year. He is retired, but his workmanship is lovely. I am sure Yaroslav would consider building in Springs. Hope you win this one.

[slysi]

Not good to hear. A mate of mine, Malcolm Laing, flys from Springs and has built a hangar recently so he should be able to point you in the right direction. His number is OH EIGHT 2 55 seven nine 206. Tell him that Simon gave u his number. I hope you come right.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

What about Rudi's guy? Never pay in advance. If you have to pay in advance consider another contractor or pay the supplier direct for materials delivered and then do weekly or monthly draw on the labour.

I have a guy I been using for 25 years based in Bothaville, but it is a bit far for him to be competitive price wise.

I got a quote from Malcolm's guy and it looked good. He sounded like a solid citizen, but the deal fell flat on my side. (Council decided not to let me built a hangar at Brakkies)

There also a guy advertising in SAF. Based Britz. Got quotes from him as well and they are competitive, but transport is (understandably) expensive ex Brits.

I think Margot (1 of the Hekpoordt honey's) I think is involved with Mr Hanagr. They also do that sort of thing? Don't have her contact details with me though.

KEEP THE FAITH. When you sipping sundowners on your new deck on your newly finished hangar after an awesome sunset flight with the FASI boys it will all be worth it...

[Petrodactyl]

If it is the regular hangar construction with the I-beam trusses and uprights, and channel purlins which the sheets are screwed onto with roofing screws, then is it not possible to do the work yourself. We expanded a hangar and fitted sliding doors for the club here in Grahamstown, for basically the price of materials. If the frame is done, the rest is fairly simple. Are there no fellow pilots in Springs who can help you if you supply the beer!

[T4flyer]

Thanks for the help so far guys. I managed to contact Malcolm, he put me on to his guy, but unfortunately he was not able to help. However, he said he will contact a relative who might be able to help in a few weeks time. Seems I’m still looking.
I think a contractor at Brits might be a little far away from Springs, but I’m willing to try anything right now. Does anyone have a number?
Does anyone know how I can contact Rudi’s guy? Can anybody recommend anyone else?

As I said, I’ve lost faith in contractors; I’ve never lost my faith in flyers. However, it’s hard to be bitten twice and not get despondent. After the last rip-off I tried hard to withdraw from flying altogether, but I miss flying and I miss the other pilots/builders I have met over the years at Springs and elsewhere. I want to come back……

[Tumbleweed]

If your floor is in roof structure is up, the technical challenges are finished. I would measure the required size requiring sheeting and drive around to the various steel suppliers. They would all be able to tell what material you still need, but most importantly, refer you to contractors who support them.

You might even meet up with some while you there, or drive to their premises, inquire for a quote, or hussle one of the guys and offer them a private Saturday job. Deposit for someone not providing significant material is bull$h!t and lending money for taxi / transport will become school fees.

Supply the steel and material, all the tools/ scaffold e.t.c. for their supply and only pay daily rates on completion of the job or at the end of the day. Then, set up for the day, potter around an aeire et.c. start the braai for lunch wors e.t.c. (shows good faith, but prevents anyone leaving with your material or going out for a doppie) but let them see you're not moving.

[RudiGreyling]

Hi T4,

Pitty to hear about your problems, where are your structure on springs??? Mine is one of the 2 mirror image hangars on the northen side, in front of the flying school on the north, the one with the Nice GREEN grass all around

We got in some of the bigger players in the market, paid a little more, but it was all well worth it.
I know most of the guys that have put up structures on the Northern side, could put you in contact with some of them.

PM me.

Rudi

[grostek]

Sterkte T4,

I hope you come right.

Kind regards,

Gunter Rostek

[T4flyer]

Hi Rudi,

My (for want of a better word) hanger is also on the northern side next to the “very nice” large hanger with the upward opening hydraulic doors. You can’t miss it it’s an embarrassment!!!

After my first fiasco, I thought it better to get someone with a proven track record of hanger building. Hennie put me on to the guys doing the steelwork on some of the big hangers (I think they were working on the flight school hanger doors when I met them) anyway they seemed to be doing good work. Take a look at what the same guys did to my “hanger” and now they won’t even take my calls! Like I did something wrong!!! (I do not blame Hennie at all, they looked and sounded like nice guys and as I said they seemed to be doing nice work.)

I haven’t mentioned my “builders” name here as I’m not sure of the policy with regards naming names and all that.

I just want my hanger finished; you’d think that would be simple eh….

Regards Don.

[RudiGreyling]

Hi T4,

Youve got PM.

Groete
Rudi