Whereas Westmoreland is understood for its movable board homes, the trade seems to be on the decline, with Hertford-based carpenter Vernal Ruddock maybe being the final within the commerce.
Ruddock has been constructing and supplying board buildings to households throughout the island for greater than 30 years, as residents search for extra economical methods to change into home-owners. The artwork of cellular dwellings has gained reputation within the western parish, however Ruddock advised THE WEEKEND STAR that almost all of his rivals have since perished. He at the moment has two understudies who’re studying the commerce.
“A nuh wul heap down right here once more. There was a carpenter in George’s Plain named Wallace who mi used to produce with supplies, however he is lifeless. Grandpa is lifeless too, so I’m the one one now making these homes. Mi go proceed mek dem till Jah prepared for me,” he stated jokingly.
Ruddock claims that his enterprise has been booming with Jamaicans from everywhere in the island calling each day to investigate about buying one in every of his a number of board buildings, which vary in value from $470,000 to $1 million. He stated that these homes are often bought and delivered to their “eternally lands” on the again of a truck. They’re constructed with premium hardwood lumber.
“Folks nonetheless purchase the homes on wheels. They name each week to ask for the costs. We delivered one lately and we constructed some and put dem down till folks come to purchase dem. Now we have some lined up over there proper now,” he shared.
Ruddock at the moment builds one- and two-bedroom properties that he strikes so far as Kingston. The costs fluctuate primarily based on the sizes of the property and the forms of home windows put in in them, he advised THE WEEKEND STAR.
“We do one-bedroom with kitchen, one-bedroom with verandah, two bedrooms with sitting and eating room. The 24 x 12 home has two bedrooms and goes for $870,000. You will get it for $970,000 with sliding glass. The $870,000 one has a redwood blade and a few glass.”
“The 12 x 12 home goes for $470,000. That one has a bed room with a verandah on it. All you’ll want to do is simply put your mattress in it and prepare to sleep. We even have the 14 x 12 home for $570,000. You simply put in your mattress and go straight to sleep,” stated Ruddock.
In the meantime, Ruddock has developed deep relationships with residents all through Westmoreland, typically crediting his properties to younger people who find themselves “beginning off in life”.
“Dem boys simply begin their little enterprise and are available purchase a home, and I will belief them the home and so they reside in it and pay. As a result of I do know they will pay, so when dem carried out pay, it is for them.”
“Even folks from outdoors of Westmoreland [buy] as a result of now we have a truck weh carry home go to Kingston. As much as the opposite day we stock one go Lucea. Folks nonetheless need to reside in them and they’re the healthiest homes. They purchase them and add on so typically you frighten fi see dem have a pleasant huge home,” stated Ruddock.
He claimed that, whereas the enterprise will not be worthwhile, he enjoys helping clients who need to purchase a less expensive dwelling. Earlier than changing into a carpenter, Ruddock labored as a contractor within the western area. He acknowledged that he used his experience to look after his 17 youngsters.
“It nuh effectively worthwhile however mi get fi deplete the lumber weh tek longer fi promote. Mi use dem up and take a look at mek a revenue. I promote lumber too. I additionally make chests of drawers, bedside tables, beds and dressers. So you should buy your own home and issues to place in there too,” he stated.
