Winter is Coming! Help Steve & Zuli Restore Power

Hi. The Tucker Inn is in trouble. Steve and Zuli—and our sweet 1958 home—need the love, generosity, and support of friends, family, and the greater community.

On Tuesday, November 28th, we lost power to more than a third of our house. All main bedroom except one outlet; all of Zuli’s home studio office; whole house Internet access. Wiring and connections are old, loose, and damaged throughout the attic and walls, posing a risk of further power losses and house fires. Every room is affected.

We are currently safe.

We are grateful that we have retained power to furnace for heat, kitchen for food, almost all of the living room and bonus room. There’s never a good time for this, but it’s especially difficult to face during the holidays, at the darkest time of the year. We’re up against added expenses and stress of Steve requiring surgery (out-of-pocket cost $1100), scheduled on December 27th.

It’s worst-case, not an easily repairable situation. It’s a replace nearly everything scenario, all the way back to aging and corroded equipment that’s no longer to code. Additional outlets/switches are non-functional, loose, or sparking/arcing, including a heater in the bathroom, switches and an outlet in the living room, and converted garage. “D*mn, we’re in a tight spot!” (Can you name that movie quote?)

Consultation with Portland General (PGE) and RK Electric—the company we’ve chosen—has also revealed the need to replace the weather head, where city power lines connect, and the meter receiver; relocate and rewire the breaker box; and upgrade the panel, from our grandfathered 100 amp service to today’s code of 200 amp.

The estimated bid from RK Electric is $12,000. We do not currently have a source or savings for this huge project. We are looking into multiple other sources to lighten the burden, but time is short. We are asking you to help us raise as much of the total as possible in the next four weeks.

All funds raised will go to electrical work. Rough estimates are: $4100 for PGE-required equipment updates; $5000 for rewiring/replacing 25+ outlets; $1000 for to get sump pump/CO & smoke detectors wired to code; $1500 for new living room and front of house lighting; and a $400 permit fee. (Sorry Steve, the shed might have to wait!) Any extra will go to other anticipated expenses, including: repairing drywall, storage to clear the attic and some of the house for a month, and possibly a place to stay during a portion of estimated 2-weeks work.

We have until January 8th to sign the contract and lock-in pricing and provide a down payment, with work to start immediately thereafter. Payment in full within the month as work is completed.

We chose a trustworthy, local, family-owned business recommended by friends who restored their old Portland home. RK has itemized their bid, and they charge an hourly rate rather than a single, fixed cost. This will save thousands of dollars. The only downside is that they're a smaller company and cannot provide financing. Homeowners insurance does not cover us in this situation.

We have a saying when friends come to visit: “When you’re tuckered out, come to the Tucker Inn.” Now the Tucker Inn is the one who’s burnt out, quite literally, and sure could use your love. Please help us repair the warp core (nerd nod) and restore power to stay safe, warm, alight.

We thank you from all the parts of our hearts, and may your holidays be carefree, comfortable, full of ease, and fun.