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Survive a remodel with sense of humor
Well, we are about half way through our remodeling
project. The addition is framed, the roof is on, the
doors and windows are in, most of the plumbing has been
done, and the electrician comes this week to start the
wiring. It has been very exciting to see the two-dimensional
designs come to life before our eyes. My husband and
I have been do-it-yourselfers for years, and this is
the first time we’ve let a contractor manage a
project. It has been an interesting learning process,
as well as a lesson in patience. Don’t get me
wrong—the contractor and all of his subs have
been great, and we are lucky that there have not been
any major problems or delays. Still, during a remodeling
project, one needs patience and, above all, a sense
of humor to get through the process.
I offer these Remodeling Survival Tips to my readers:
1. Try not to stress about how long it is taking. Have
realistic ideas about time schedules, especially this
time of year when holiday vacations cut into work time.
2. Expect delays. There are only so many hours in a
day, and you may have to wait for inspectors, parts
to be delivered, custom items to be made.
3. Remember that you are not your contractor’s
only job. When the workers are at your house, that means
someone else’s project is waiting.
4. Be prepared to live with dust. It is everywhere!
Invest in lots of plastic sheeting and remove anything
you don’t want to get dusty.
5. Laugh when it starts raining right after the skylights
are cut in. Be very grateful and say thank you to your
contractor when they don’t leak.
6. Laugh when you have to wear coats (and even hats
and gloves) in the house because the heating ducts are
not connected and all the heat is staying under the
house.
7. Try to laugh when you get your PG&E bill.
8. Laugh when you’re washing dishes in the bathroom.
9. Thank your neighbors for living with the noise and
the collection of huge trucks in front of the house.
10. Be amazed at the variety of microwaveable dinners
available. It has been hard to get motivated to cook
when your kitchen has been reduced to a microwave and
toaster oven. We’ve been trying lots of restaurants
and eating lots of convenience foods.
11. Thank your kids for being good sports. Our Christmas
decorations are minimal this year, much to their dismay,
and their space has been invaded. The TV is in the cold
family room (with no walls or ceiling), and it is hard
to cuddle up together on the kitchen chairs.
12. Try not to complain—I feel so lucky to be
able to have my new kitchen, office, bathroom and improved
family room. Feeling grateful and thankful keeps me
in good spirits.
This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper
Group papers on Dec. 11, 2004.
Go
back to the list of decorating columns.
All articles copyright 2003-2008 Anna
Jacoby.
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