Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Terminology Tuesday (Tricks of the Trade) - How to Lay Brick

(Note: I think it's important to know the terminology and words used when learning any new business including mobile home investing. I came up with 'Terminology Tuesday' as a way to go over the terminology used in the mobile home business. It's important to know the terminology when talking to people in the business so you're all on the same page).

**** Tricks of the Trade is a new series I have started that will be included with "Terminology Tuesday" posts. The goal of this series is to share with you the "tricks of the trade" I have learned in the mobile home business.



A few weeks ago, I wrote a "Tricks of the Trade" post regarding the ins and outs of covering up a hitch. Well, guess what? I'm writing this post to add to it regarding how to lay brick. But, why?

As it turns out, last week I went to go visit the home on this deal. And, to my surprise here's what I found:



Can you spot what's wrong with this picture? I'll give you a hint, it used to look like this:



Yes, so the top rectangular 6 bricks on the top were gone. So, I immediately went to talk to the park manager who apologized and told me this could have been done by the kids. I suspected it, too.

The park manager told me a notice would be sent out to all the residents regarding this incident as a warning. And, furthermore I was advised by the park manager to go ahead and lay the bricks with mortar so this would not happen again.

Before I took a trip to the local hardware store, I went ahead and posted a notice on the home. It basically said the home was being watched by the local Sheriff's office. Personally, I know the Sheriff and learned this little trick due to this experience.

Afterwards, I took a trip to the local hardware store. I bought more bricks, mortar, a bucket and a trowel.

Then, I went back to the home and started on this little project. And, I have to tell you - it was definitely a learning experience. The handle of the trowel I bought broke (Note to self: Don't skimp on the tools). And, mixing up the mortar with a stick (the only thing in my car I had) is not a good idea - I really needed a shovel or professional tool to do the mixing.

In any case, it took me awhile to complete the project. But, I finally got it done. And, here are the results:



For those who are interested, here's a short video on how to lay brick:



Video Link

After I completed the project, I was really relieved just to get it done. Now, the bricks around the hitch are in place. And, I can honestly say this has definitely been another new and educational learning experience for me.

I hope this "Terminology Tuesday" post has been helpful and has given you some useful information to use - it definitely has for me.

Happy investing!

p.s. Feel free to leave comments on any post either here and/or my Facebook Page. Comments are always welcome, thanks for reading!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am a newcomer to your site and I enjoy your posts. I find them educational and motivating.

Julie Broad said...

Rachel - this is such a great post!! Can't say I have had to do this yet but every time we tackle some repairs or improvements on a house something new comes up so I wouldn't be surprised if this is in my future.

Once again - thank you for another very useful post!!

Mobile Home Gurl said...

(Anonymous) Thanks for stopping by, glad you've enjoyed the posts!

(Julie) Thanks Julie! I know, it can be so crazy some of these situations we get ourselves into being in this wacky world of REI - I can definitely relate! :)
Just mixing the mortar with only a stick was pretty tough, it really caked up. And, I had to act fast using the trowel to scoop up the mortar and lay the brick. I still can't believe the handle of the trowel broke, it was such a pain! But, I guess another lesson learned. Glad you liked the post, thanks for stopping by! :)

Anonymous said...

Wow all I can say is that you are a great writer! Where can I contact you if I want to hire you?