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Budget extra money, time, patience
I have an exciting update on my own remodeling project:
We are done! Well, that’s not entirely true—there
are still a few last details that need to be taken care
of, but basically it is done. The new kitchen is very
comfortable, with plenty of counter space, cabinet space
and lighting. My new office is wonderful, with lots
of windows and a large built-in desk. And the new bathroom
is a welcome addition as well. I am delighted with how
it all turned out. I love the cheerful color scheme—yellow
walls with accents of blue and red. I love the sunlight
streaming through the new skylights and windows. I love
the gleaming black granite and cobalt blue glass tiles.
The house is colorful and inviting, ready for family
and friends to enjoy.
As you may recall, I began planning this project in
January of last year. Construction began in October,
and in March we are just about complete. Even with a
great general contractor and no major setbacks or surprises,
the project still took a long time, with some challenges
and added costs. For those of you embarking on your
own remodeling projects, I offer the following points
to keep in mind:
- When the contractor estimates he will be done in
3-4 months, add at least another month to that deadline.
This delay can be the result of several things including:
weather conditions; busy subcontractors trying to
squeeze you into their schedule; parts that have to
be ordered; changes that you decide to make to the
project; unforeseen problems with plumbing or wiring;
or any number of other small issues that come up.
- Apart from the construction costs, there are a
host of other costs you should bear in mind: Because
our kitchen was out of commission for about 2 months,
we ate out a lot. In addition, we had to live in a
hotel for a week while our wood floors were being
refinished. Also, unbeknownst to us, our heating ducts
were left disconnected for several weeks, sending
all our heat under the house. Along with the increased
electricity usage for all the power tools, the result
was three huge PG&E bills.
- Don’t do any landscaping until everything
is done. The yard will take a beating, as the construction
crew brings tools, equipment, lumber and debris through
the yard.
- Just when you think you are done, you’re not—the
new plumbing has a leak; a worker tracks mud on your
new carpet; an electrical outlet does not work.
- If you want to reuse cabinets or light fixtures,
be sure to let the crew know before demolition. Our
crew was pretty good about asking us what we wanted
to keep but even so, a light fixture was inadvertently
thrown away and our mailbox was damaged.
Despite any frustrations along the way, I am very happy
with my house, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
We will enjoy the added space for many years to come.
Next: the landscaping.
This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper
Group papers on March 19, 2005.
Go
back to the list of decorating columns.
All articles copyright 2003-2008 Anna
Jacoby.
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