after

I think I grabbed too many pix of “during” in my haste. But here are some official afters along with some almost done.

during and some after

before

It has come to my attention that the photo gallery of the outside renovation has disappeared. I’ll put up a few quick photos now while I try to figure out the problem.

is it time for a re-fi?

CNN and Money magazine editors provide this helpful advice along with a calculator.

new emtek coupons (march 2009)

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minimalist kitchen design concept that vanishes

This modular kitchen system is really remarkable. The author suggests that abodes are getting smaller. Susanka aside, I’m not entirely sure that is entirely true so far. However, the next stage of our economic recovery will likely see downsizing for many families.
Philosophical and economic debates, notwithstanding, this is really an intriguing concept, especially for a [...]

removing paint from old hardware

I love to cook with my crockpot, but I’m delighted to find it has other uses. Check out this one from www.thisoldhouse.com
Apparently, the editors at This Old House magazine have discovered a secret use for the old crockpot: it can be used to easily strip paint off hardware such as doorknobs, hinges, light sockets [...]

when reflooring an old kitchen …

Kelly offers helpful tips on her kitchen design blog. Here is some insight into replacing your old flooring without factoring in the height of your counters and what may have been an “after the fact” dishwasher.

new additions to jenn-air’s bronze kitchen line

The Jenn-Air suite of oiled bronze kitchen appliances has added a microwave and range vent. I am hoping another manufacturer will pick up this color line, and the competition will drive down prices a bit.

a study in bronze
bronze (age) appliances

higher-end kitchen remodel: 75% discount

Imagine a higher-end kitchen remodel — that would cost $50K or more if done by a contractor — pulled together by a DIY husband and wife team for a mere $12K. That includes maple custom cabinets and flooring, granite tops and sink, and all the nifty fittings, trims and moldings that can make cabinetry so [...]

the new nyt dream cabin blog

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/11/garden/11cabin.html?pagewanted=all
At long last. I’ll see you all there!

how not to sell your home

Here is a funny blog that features real estate listing photos that are giant don’ts.
http://lovelylisting.blogspot.com/?ref=patrick.net

green tips that make sense from consumer reports

If you are looking for green products you may find yourself comparing apples to oh say peanut squares. Consumer Reports comes to your rescue.

Get a water-saver faucet

· Why: A gleaming new faucet is an easy upgrade, but kitchen models can be water wasters compared with some bathroom faucets. Low-flow bathroom faucets with the Environmental Protection [...]

this idea is tops

Here’s a crafty solution to standard ceiling heights, unceremoniously borrowed with credit to Kelly at Kitchen Sync. I don’t want to toy too much with the 8-footers during the renovation but I like the notion of varying ceiling heights and thought about using coffers in the bedroom and perhaps beadboard and molding in other places. [...]

done done done done done

Have I mentioned that I’m done with my general contractor? Have I mentioned that he had some weird meltdown for which he must be very embarrassed? (and I have on voice mail and email, wow) Have I mentioned that I am finally done? It was almost a year to the day (on the “30- to 90-day, even [...]

short note: done

Well, we are done.
Really.
Reality: Sent a lovely handwritten note and two checks. Wow that got lost in their house. Sadly he didn’t find said checks and note in his kitchen until after I got a really ugly email and voice mail.
So I got all kind of cr@p when i was just doing the right thing.

celebrity voyeur: sjp’s hamptons kitchen

Remodelista sources the products:
http://www.remodelista.com/2008/09/02/steal-this-look-sarah-jessica-parker-kitchen/

cabinets in kitchen design

I stumbled across the website of some Atlanta kitchen designers. http://cdga.wordpress.com/category/portfolio/
I loved many of the ideas and photos. For example, this one features cabinets atop and drawers below. Notice the bump out on the stove, which they also do on the sink side.

Love the raised dishwasher.

Same idea for microwave that creates a bar height counter.

Nifty [...]

electricity: don’t try this at home

I feel pretty comfortable with electricity. Hooking up simple fixtures, I mean. It’s pretty straightforward. It can be more complicated when you’re working with old wiring and new fixtures, however.
The backyard lightposts went together fairly simply. There were some extra wires because of the dusk-dawn feature, and the old wiring is of the thick variety [...]

critters galore

The backyard is full of nature’s glory. Butterflies of all shapes, sizes and colors chase each other and feast on colorful flowers. Bumble bees, dragon flies and wasps flitter about. Geckos (lizards for those of you from up north) abound — as my brother once commented, “It looks like Jurrasic Park.” Well, in minature any [...]

ceviche anyone?

The avocado tree is in full bloom, and I’ve rescued about six fruit that will be ready for the table within a couple of days. Guacamole, ceviche, fresh avocado in salads, yum!
Here are some pictures of those that have yet to leap from the tree branches.

this bud’s for you

Hi gang: This blog has devolved into mostly really-random thoughts that zing around my brain and get typed up for all the world to see. However, for those of you have patiently returned week after week to see what’s new with the house, I do not have any scintillating updates. But I do have pictures. [...]

pool update: tile in

Here is a picture of the new pool tile in its natural environment. Leaks fixed. Tile pretty. Will go with slate, terracotta or brick paver pool deck (whenever I get that far). What do you think?

nobody puts Baby in a corner

With apologies to Dirty Dancing, I have adopted this philosophy for the next week or so. I finally issued an ultimatum to the GC (cc’ing my friend, the attorney, more for her amusement than anything else), explaining that if he did not finish every item on the punch list to my satisfaction by next Friday, [...]

remodeling update: month 10

Where did I leave you oh so many months ago on the finale of the exterior renovation?
I believe I thought we’d be done in May but, ever the optimist, I was mistaken. People have had children in less time. Really.
However, word from the GC is that he is going over tomorrow to do the final little [...]

caulk of the town

I caulked yesterday. The hardest part was figuring out how to load the caulking gun. For those in the same boat, this article below provides step-by-step directions. Also, a tip from HGTV and my mom: If you’re doing the tub surround, wet your finger and run it over fresh caulking. My fingernails were too long [...]

tile-high club

Several years ago while confronted with the ugly cement balcony that overlooked the ocean, I investigated options. I discovered an interlocking tile product that looked beautiful.
In the end, I determined it was only sold in Japan but would eventually be sold in the states. Instead I went with an interlocking wood tile. Same idea but [...]

rub a dub

I would not pay $4,000 for a tub — even a $9,000 copper tub that is deeply discounted — with free shipping and no tax.
But I must admire it. It’s really dreamy! If you simply must have one, check out: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Solid-Copper-Hand-Hammered-Tub/3245613/product.html
Overstock also had a beautiful copper farm sink yesterday that sold out very quickly at [...]

a slick garage floor

I’ve been exploring options to make my garage floor prettier. Obviously I need a hobby.
Rustoleum has a paint product but since the driveway that used to be under the carport-turned-garage is old … that’s not the best option.
They have these really cool tiles that are not at all cheap and are used frequently by NASCAR [...]

ta da (almost)

I hesitate to jump the gun (yet again).
But I had a final walk-through for punch list items with the GC (who by some optimism that befuddles me believes he’ll be doing the inside of this house). That was Tuesday. It’s small, niggling stuff  (and he did not argue any of the points though had a [...]

pool update

As you may recall, I’ve had some work to do on the pool. The surrounding pool deck has been stablized with rebar and injectable grout several feet deep into the ground. A small leak or two in the pool shell were repaired.
Next step is to tear out and replace the first layer of tile (the [...]

solid guidance on ideal patio woods

Laurie, of www.kitchendesignnotes.com, offers insight on the sustainability and the human rights issues/atroscities involved with specific wood choices. If you’re in the market for a new patio ensemble, check out her posting and her response to a specific question about teak. http://www.kitchendesignnotes.com/2008/06/how-to-choose-patio-furniture-aka.html
Resin-covered aluminum, polywood and recycled options are also worth considering.

a work of art for the kitchen

How lovely is this? From the French company La Cornfu comes the CornuFe oven, available here through Williams-Sonoma. It comes in many splendid colors including copper. However, now get this, it comes to you for the amazing price of $8,600 (for a stove) plus almost $2,000 for white-glove delivery and installation. Wow.
Speaking of wow, I’m [...]

where there’s smoke …

What to do with the original fireplace? It’s a big brick monstrosity that takes up nearly every inch of wall space that isn’t glass and effectively blocks about a third of the lake view from the family room. The family room and fireplace were add-ons (enclosing a courtyard) in the 1970s. I find fireplaces pleasing. [...]

welcome

I found this lovely outdoor rug, made by Duracord, which is supposed to wear like iron even in humidity and sun. It is made from recycled materials and is also supposed to be as soft as cotton. The first one I found (4×6 to be used as a doormat) was $299. But after much searching, [...]

mortgage mayhem

 Are you looking to finance a mortgage? Things have changed dramatically according to this useful article in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/01/realestate/01cov.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=all
I’m not sure what this will mean for me when I sell the first house and look for a bridge loan to do some renovation on the newer house … Stay tuned.

a grass skirt for your boudoir

What fun for a tropical bedroom … with the right accessories and high-thread-count duvet this could be lovely as opposed to kitschy. There’s that fine line between quirky and tacky. The price is quite precious but I’ll bet one could find/make virtually the same bedskirt at a fraction of the price.
http://www.softsurroundings.com/P/Island_Grass_Bedskirt/80/
http://www.softsurroundings.com/P/Island_Grass_Bedskirt/

 
 

tabula rasa: slate, the final frontier

small victories

My new washer/dryer are installed at the new house (the LG steamwashers). With all the construction most everything I moved over there to stage the old house has a fine layer of dust (even the stuff in boxes looks pretty pitiful), so I look forward to breaking in these two little lovelies with a whole [...]

who is this craig, anyway?

I’ll post more this weekend about the house renovation but in the meantime, I’ve had some issues crop up that were not part of the original contract. Concrete restoration/stabilization, pool repairs, some installations, irrigation overhaul, deck surround, washer/dryer install, etc.
Having experienced subs hired by the GC who was supposed to babysit them (at a 15% premium), [...]

fast fix for glass

In my old house I have 12×12 stained glass panels stuck up with doublestick tape which is hidden on the outside by the window panes. I love them and planned to take them with me. However the window configuration in the new house requires me to skip the two garage windows because there are eight [...]

pool update

Well, for the two or three of you who are kind enough to visit fairly regularly a) I thank you, and b) I have a pool update.
I feel almost a little guilt complaining about not wanting a pool that I have. My analogy is that I have an oven because it came with the house [...]

size matters

At least it does in the morning when I’m trying to juggle three appliances with large chargers in one outlet. From www.360electrical.com comes this handy little gizmo, which allows you to rotate the individual outlets. They are only $10 a piece. I found this invention on the House Beautiful website.

 

my dreamish sink

Shortly after my posting on copper sinks I came across this lovely one from Overstock. But I have to ask myself, even with the discount, how in the world should it cost $2,000?
My investigation shows that there is a dramatic difference in quality among copper sinks but how do I know if this is the [...]

shooting for sustainability? more on bamboo

As a follow up to yesterday’s post on bamboo, here is a more in-depth article written by Rebecca Clarren for Salon Life. The article can be found at: http://www.salon.com/mwt/good_life/2007/11/05/bamboo/.
It offers some intriguing food for thought:

Bamboo has arrived. American consumers have embraced the veritable grass with a passion not seen since the first hippie rolled a [...]

kraftmaid cabinets at deep discounts

If you are in the market for Kraftmaid cabinets, aren’t in a hurry, are a bit flexible and live in the Midwest or are willing to trust a seasoned cabinet-buying pro, you might check out Jamie at http://www.cabinetwarehouseoutlet.com/.
He lives near the Kraftmaid outlet, which according to testimonials, is hard to navigate, has a lottery system [...]

a study in bronze

A new photo from Jenn-Air’s oiled bronze collection, which was unveiled in 2007. I am hoping that LG, Maytag or GE come up with bronze at lower price point. But so far, bronze refrigerators aren’t taking off.

i’ve got your number

From Atlas hardware (available in lots of places online, as well as Sears, so it pays to Google and price search) come these perky Atlas house numbers, which I purchased in oil-rubbed bronze. They are perched on little pins that stick out from the wall. They are about $20 a piece (though I bought them a [...]

savings on emtek

 

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what’s the roi on your remodel?

I found a great blog on kitchen design that offers all sorts of helpful tips. You can find it here: http://www.kitchendesignnotes.com/
This posting offers some return-on-investment guidance for those of us embarking on a remodel, which is especially important in this crazy market.

More Tips on ROI

Reno ROI, no this is not the name of a slot [...]

remodeling: the whole enchilada or in stages?

Kathy Price-Robinson of the LA Times has a helpful blog for remodelers, called “Pardon Our Dust.” I just ran across a Q&A in which she tackles the question: Do you take the entire hit on remodeling dust by completing all your projects at one, or do you stage them sequentially? She provides insight from a [...]

counterpoint

When I was growing up, kitchen counters were typically enameled cast iron (my aunts’s houses), ceramic tile (my grandmother’s apartment) or formica (our house). Today, the options boggle the mind. In fact, the new laminates are sort of interesting, though after ordering some samples I don’t think they are for me.
My current house has granite tiles reclaimed [...]

get thee to the scullery

If you are (as I am) planning a new or remodeled kitchen, designer Christopher Peacock offered some wisdom in the New York Times article, “And Now the Six-Figure Scullery,” written by Penelope Green.
Based on his experience with clients asking for features that rarely get used, he developed two Top Ten lists of kitchen features that are [...]

a remodel in shades of green

If you’re like most amateur remodelers (ie, me), you soak up information around you and research when you have time to make the best choices for you. If you’re also looking for alternatives that benefit you, the planet and your children’s children, tons of resources exist on the internet.
It can be fairly overwhelming to sort through [...]

nyt dhd: rip

I’ve been following the New York Times‘ Dream Home Diaries, written by Paul Brown and Alison Davis, for more than a year. This weekend, it came to a rather abrupt but not entirely surprising, unceremonious finale.
There were so many faithful readers who devoted hours of time researching and offering recommendations and warning about potential pitfalls over [...]

backyard gets the green light

I don’t know if you’ve priced post lights but for some inexplicable reason just the top light part (not the post or the other electrical mechanisms) cost nearly as much as a regular coach lantern, and they often aren’t nearly as big. It’s a vast lighting conspiracy though because it’s consistent among product lines and [...]

there’s a birthday in the house

The new house is one year old (to me) today. I should apologize that while it has a completely new outfit for the occasion; its accessorizing is still lacking a few details. But soon. For what it is worth the house marks its 50th year in 2008, which still makes it younger than my current [...]

slate porch and walk

I have been remiss in my blogging. In my defense, I did successfully complete my doctoral comprehensive exams (which I may have noted earlier), which took up January through March. We’re also finishing a $35 million capital campaign and preparing for our big event (to raise $600K in a single evening) which is in two [...]

how does that make you feel? house therapy to the rescue

There have been many moments in the renovation journey in which I was certain I needed therapy, medication or preferably some lovely combination of both in a tropical resort far, far away from any real estate I own.

Turns out I’m not crazy. And I’m not the only person who seemingly needs an official interpreter/mediator/Vito with [...]

you’ve got mail

My new mailbox from Renoma Lighting (aging copper with tapioca glass): I think it complements the Arroyo Craftsman lighting well. These are stock photos so the finishes don’t match as well as they do in real life — both are a slightly patina-ed copper.

a bewitching kitchen?

For the kitchen cabinets — Kraftmaid oatmeal glaze in maple.

With moss green glaze for the island.

Door fronts.

update on biscuit/bisque appliances

As you may recall, I’ve been pondering whether biscuit would look lovely with the kashmir white granite (potentially) and the Kraftmaid maple oatmeal glaze and moss glaze cabinets.
 A very kind man at Home Depot did put an oatmeal glaze cabinet up against a biscuit appliance — and what to my wondering eyes did appear: the [...]

on a clear day …

I may be delusional but the house seems to look spiffier when the sky is blue. So here are a few updated photos. It will look even better when the slate is in, I think.

nearing the finish line

Day 127. Here are some before and after shots, along with a close up of the paint color (the first one). We’re very nearly there … just some additional electrical work, a little concrete work, the slate tile porch and walk, landscaping and new hardware on the garage doors still to come in the next [...]

it can be pretty easy being green

From the Orlando Sentinel (originally from the Chicago Trib) comes a handy article on easy ways to go green:
www.orlandosentinel.com/features/consumer/orl-bk-greenliving011407,0,5124760.story?coll=orl-caltop
50 simple tips from a year of living the green life
Karen Klages, Tribune staff reporter
Photovoltaics on the roof. Geothermal heating under-ground. Spiffy dual-flush toilets all about.
This wasn’t the nature of our eco-mania.
Here are 50 of the best [...]

green suds?

Five years ago, I wasn’t at all environmentally aware. I liked the environment, naturally (unless asked to camp out in it), but I did not understand the impact of everyday decisions on its long-term sustainability. Truth be told, I’m still learning — and amazed at all there is to discover about how we can mitigate our [...]

renovation time in dog years

As the new year starts, my “30- to 45-day — even if it rains every day” exterior renovation (enclose garage, add porch, move doors and windows) is nearing its 124-day finish line. It’s like dog years.
Those of you following the New York Times’ Dream Home Diaries blog/saga of Paul Brown and Alison Davis may find [...]

more savings on emtek (30%)

You would think I rep for the company. (I don’t). I’m just a big fan (and have been purchasing lots of hardware), and the big box and specialty store prices for Emtek are out of my league.
I had to pick up a few more parts and pieces for both houses and wound up at www.homeannex.com, [...]

all quiet on the southeastern front

For the one or two people who frequent this blog (and the other 2,000 who have wandered here at some point), I apologize for having been so uncharacteristically quiet.
I did finish my 26th doctoral class, so I start comprehensive exams in January. This quarter was the toughest so far on every level, and had it [...]

you say biscuit; i say bisque

I’m toying with the notion of bisque/biscuit (depends on the manufacturer) appliances (rather than my keenly sought-after yet very pricey Jenn-Air oiled bronze) to fade into Kraftmaid’s Oatmeal Glaze cabinets.
 I’ve visited Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Expo … and I can’t find a bisque/biscuit appliance anywhere — to hold up next to the Kraftmaid cabinets to [...]

new emtek coupon (nov. 30 deadline)

Update:
I was searching for pretty, bronze garage door handles/lifts. I looked and looked (and looked) and found very little, and nothing with an arts and crafts, craftsman or mission style.
So, then I thought, why not purchase two 8-inch door pulls that match the entry set, put them sideways, and pretend they were meant to be garage [...]

to my gc: “you had me at ‘hello’”

Well, apparently I’m not the only one who is experiencing general contractor woes. It’s nothing deadly, and is mostly annoying. We’re starting to creep over budget and construction time will easily take double what was originally estimated. I guess, given other home renovation horror stories I’ve heard, I should count my lucky stars.
He came on strong, [...]

construction day, hmm, i’ve lost track

It’s day 46.
Well, I have been a really bad blogger. But on the sunny side, I’ve been a dedicated doctoral student and an insanely busy fundraiser, with lots of great results. You can’t do everything.
Speaking of which, I’ve not made tons of progress on selling one house. I did meet with three realtors (during the [...]

the renovation evolution

If you click “view all images” it will give you a less frenetic version of the slide show.

home security and fabulous professionals

Yesterday, my architect drove by the renovation to see how things were progressing. She noticed that one of the windows was open, although the screen was in place. She didn’t have her key with her so emailed me immediately upon reaching home.
I sent a note to the general contractor, who called me a couple of [...]

construction day 25

Here’s a look at the relocated windows, the porch roof and the new door space.
kasper-october-010.jpg

the not so big house

Recently, thanks to Carol, Eva and several other readers of the infamous New York Times Dream Home Diaries, I’ve discovered the work of architect Sarah Susanka. She promotes the “not so big house,” which defies the current McMansion trend of more is more and bigger is better.
Instead, she promotes a more sustainable model, in which families [...]

construction day 19

Magicians indeed!
Note from the general contractor:
We have made a new front door opening appear at Kasper, the neighbors are going to call us magicians!!
Everything is looking great; electricians will be doing their thing next week; garage doors are ordered; entry doors are on their way, all is well.

construction day 17

The concrete block is up, the windows came out today, and the framers are finishing the front porch.
img_0223.jpg
porch.JPG

rainbow over the lake

sunrise over the backyard

This is the view from the back porch in the morning.

a column on, well, columns

Details. Details. I’ve decided to go with foam columns and exterior window trim to avoid Florida’s wood-rot/termite issues. My current house is stick construction and, well, let’s just say the exterior has had to have a good bit of work done to rehab it after six Florida rainy seasons.
I never thought I’d want concrete block but [...]

dream home diaries continued

John and Belle have an update on the New York Times Dream Home Diaries blog, which continues to drive readers batty. If you’ve not yet tuned it, it’s both fascinating and excruciating by turns. Sort of like a train wreck you can not look away from.
Yesterday the bloggers decided in mid-construction that they may want to flip [...]

construction day 12

Note from the Godsend general contractor: Things are going very well. We accomplished much of the block today, we should finish it on Saturday. My framers started today and should be finished today with the exception of a small shortage of decking board that I will take care of myself and not require them to [...]

the teeny tiny powder room

I’ll be adding a small half bath to the house and have chosen this vanity from Overstock.com. It has arrived, and it is adorable. When I purchased it, it was $499 plus 20% discount and free shipping. It’s back in stock and the price has increased but it’s still lovely at either price.

construction day 10

The rainbow yesterday foretold good news on the home renovation front.
Although you can’t see too much yet, we’ve had great progress. I tried to download pix but it isn’t working tonight for some reason. However, you’ll see links to the photos below.
kasper-sea-dip-sept-2007-035.jpg
kasper-sea-dip-sept-2007-030.jpg
Concrete block was delivered. New piers dug around the garage, old supports moved, temporary [...]

emtek coupon alert (with new Oct. 15 deadline)

I was searching for pretty, bronze garage door handles/lifts. I looked and looked (and looked) and found very little, and nothing with an arts and crafts, craftsman or mission style.
So, then I thought, why not purchase two 8-inch door pulls that match the entry set, put them sideways, and pretend they were meant to be garage [...]

bronze (age) appliances

I have been yearning for Jenn-Air’s new oil-rubbed bronze collection since they first mentioned them about a year ago.
They aren’t cheap. In fact, the refrigerator is $3K, dishwasher is $1,200 and the double oven is $3,400.
I think I was willing to splurge if I could find it in the budget but as I’m planning the [...]

construction day 3 (with update)

Note from the general contractor: All is going very well. We are set for our inspection on Thursday, I had hoped for an inspection today but it was not in the cards. I am going to be pouring the new concrete on Friday morning so if pictures are part of the plan, good photo opp [...]

construction day 1

Finally. Sept. 10 marks day 1 of external construction. The concrete sub will be beginning the process. Stay tuned.

pop the cork

I’m investigating cork as a flooring product. It has many advantages, as it’s durable, sustainable, insular and kind of bouncy. It can be applied to concrete or a subfloor, and it comes in tiles, planks and sheets.
On iFloor.com I found dozens of different varieties as far as color and texture. I’m going to have to see [...]

i’m floored

Hello: As I’m watching the New York Times Dream House Diaries commentors go into nuclear meltdown with the bloggers’ lack of attention to detail and planning ahead, I’m amused and befuddled.
But more importantly, I am reminded that I need to make some final decisions on interior finishes because when one house sells, the interior of [...]

breathing room

Sunrise over the lake. Makes all the renovation drama worthwhile.

Twilight on the ocean. Makes everything worthwhile.
It has been a lovely day! I am counting my blessings.

links to the external plan and elevations

kasper-front-elevation.pdf
kasper-side-elevation.pdf
kasper-outside-floor-plan.pdf
These are the PDFs for the outside floor plan and the elevation from the front and side. Before photo is below:

What do you think of the changes?

on to permitting

The architect finished the owner revisions last week and the plans are ready for the new GC to pick up to submit for permitting Tuesday. Wonderful news!
I shall share the floor plans and elevations soon.
Happy labor day — in honor of all the laborers who will soon be toiling at the new house.

a tale of two blogs

Several readers of the New York Time’s Dream Home Diaries have recommended a blog by Jason Hammond in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Building from the Ground Up. It provides very detailed reasoning, sound advice, and excellent resources for any novices building new homes or renovating an existing property. I’m also impressed with his demonstrated commitment to [...]

the new gc: progress and permitting

I have a new general contractor. GC1 was let go and is returning the full deposit. Signed with GC2 yesterday (after receiving the line-item budget), and he will go to permitting next week. The architect is making some minor revisions to the plan. The first stage is mostly external: enclosing the carport, creating a utility room [...]

update on the general contractor

I’m reasonably certain I’m the only one who finds my home renovation experience even remotely interesting. I guess this is sort of like therapy by electronic journaling … with the potential for someone else to review and care, lol. And yet with lots of hits it’s quiet out there. Join in the conversation!
Big news: Just [...]

why am i doing this???

Hello: When I get stressed about this whole reconstruction drama, the bills, the search for a new GC, and the dust I’ll likely be living in for awhile, I’m reminded of why I chose to buy and renovate in the first place. Have I mentioned it’s mid-term week? I’d better go get busy.

new gc

OK: I give up.
After sleeping on it and engaging the counsel of folks who are experts in lots of stuff, I decided to engage a new GC … even if I’m not getting the very best one in town. I suspect part of the problem was that I am a small fish in a big [...]