Casa de remodel

Ready for tile

2007-03-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

We are finally done with the majority of the work. Texture was sprayed on the walls this week and the tile shower has been built it just needs to be grouted. Next week we will hang doors and tile the floor. The shower looks great. The biggest problem we are having is that the features we picked makes the other 2 bathrooms look their age. The new bath will have a VERY modern faucet, vessel sink and glass block wall. This is a(dark)picture of the shower tiled but not grouted.

Cabinets and countertops

2007-03-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

We had originally decided on SileStone for our countertops because we had heard how easy it is to maintain and we found a pattern we liked HOWEVER, we ended up going with granite and they are BEAUTIFUL! We found the BEST granite guy in AZ. We ordered the counters on Tuesday and he started installation Thursday and finished on Friday. He is terrific and reasonable. The granite came in about $3,000 less than SileStone and that didn't calculate installation so it would have been even more. We are very happy with the results.

Kitchen changes

2007-01-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since we have posted but there are remarkable changes to share. The garage door went on today (photos to come), the pool fence is up (photos to come) and the kitchen has been gutted, we have a large window and new cabinets have started going in. The appliances will be here this week and the island has been built. I wasted no time filling the new pantry but I still have a few shelves to go. EXCITING!!!

Old view - New view

2006-12-09T18:56:00.000-07:00

roof progress

2006-12-09T18:37:00.000-07:00

Jim and his crew started the roof today. They stripped the 3 layers of shingle off the existing roof and moved several layers of roll paper up there in preparation of laying it tomorrow. He was going to have a dumpster dropped this morning so they could load it while they stripped but it didn't show up so they piled the shingles in front of our house and someone is going to come by and load them into a truck tomorrow. Jim suggested we fill the gaping hole above our front entry with expandable foam before covering it with sheet metal so he will do that tomorrow. It is a messy job it has dripped crumbs of roof all over the new addition so I am VERY glad we did it before we got any of the finish work done in the house.

Tomorrow is Mike the electrician to do the kitchen and I am going to sign him up to finish the garage. Jerry said we needed to get the garage dry walled painted before we get the door in. We got a call from Wayne-Dalton (garage door guys) and they said we also need to frame out the opening before they can do anything with the track. Jerry and Tim are coming on Wednesday to grind down the old beam, install the ladder kit and plug up the vent holes. I will ask them to frame the garage door and hopefully anchor the kitchen wall to the block. We will call for framing inspection today so they will come out Monday.

Roofing & Ductwork

2006-12-07T22:13:00.001-07:00

Starting this weekend!!!

Electrical Update

2006-12-07T22:13:00.000-07:00

Mike came by this morning and said he will be out on Sunday to do the kitchen wall. He suggested we don't order countertops until the cabinets are in place because it is such a precise measurement that can change as the cabinets go in. I think he is right. When we order the counters we should hire HD to install them so they will come out and measure them so any errors will be on their shoulders. SO we should probably go ahead and get the cabinets delivered so Kevin can get started after Sunday. The only thing he is waiting for is Mike to finish so he can drywall the kitchen wall and start demo. Mike said he will run a temp light into the garage for us. I hate not having light in there. I told him we ordered the outdoor lighting. Mike also agreed all new duct work is a good idea. He did say that over several years the flex tube will dry out and crack but it should be fine if we don't bump it or move it so we will just have to keep that in the back of our mind.

Roofing Bid

2006-11-27T15:27:00.000-07:00

I just me w/ Jim from "Do It Right" Roofing - hopefully no relationship to "Dunn Right" Masonry. His bid to strip off the thre layers of shingles and put the new roof on came to $5200...but he would do the job for $5000.

We'll see what the other bids are.

Big-Ass Beam

2006-11-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

Just helped Tim, Jerry & Lamb put in the new garage beam. It weighed a hair under 300 pounds but was awkward as Hell. It should hold up everything nicely.

Roofer #1 is coming here in about 30 minutes.

New Front Window

2006-11-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

Lowes finally delivered our new front window. That son-of-a-bitch is heavy as hell. Now Kevin has something he can do.

Ductwork Quote

2006-11-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

Met w/ Harry the AC Guy today who can add the new ducts for about $2900 but can put all new ducts in for $3600. A few more quotes to come.

New Kitchen Layout

2006-11-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

The back covered patio is nearly complete - looks great! Photos to be posted soon. The framing and plumbing are almost done as well. Drywall and Electricity coming soon. Until then, here are layouts of the new kitchen.

Linnig Remodel: New Photos

2006-11-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

Finally, we were able to get a few updated photos posted. As you can see the masonry work is all but done (they have a little touchup work to do if they want their final payment). The front entryway has lighted pillars which will eventually be stucco to match the house. There's also a shot of our new french doors. Tomorrow, more framing, plumbing and gaswork. Some drywall will likely go in next week as well as the remaining new windows. Finally, we hope to finalize our new cabinet order tomorrow. This may actually be done before Spring Training.

Framing, Gas & Dumpsters

2006-11-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

The framers started demo today which means I had to get a dumpster. Called Midwest Disposal who are sending out a 40 yarder ($425.00 for 30 days)on Tuesday.

Also called Brad to cap the gas lines - he's stopping over later today and left a message for Estaban regarding capping the water lines.

Very busy day!!

Updates

2006-10-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

The masonry work is all but done - pending inspection today. They have a little more minor groutwork to finish but it looks good.

The plumbing is backed up in the kitch and laundy. Esteban is coming out today to snake the shit out of it.

I met w/ Rich from Cactus Garage Doors (www.cactusgaragedoors.com) today. We either have to lower the new opening to 6'6" or remove the old beam and replace it with one that will give us the needed 8' or so of clearance with the new opening.

Legacy Cabinets Design/Bids

2006-10-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the designs from Legacy. Their bid is under $8000.00 which is far less than we've found elsewhere.

Legacy Cabinets

2006-10-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

I just met w/ Dan Barone from Legacy/Alliant Cabinets. He will work up plans and a bid and hopefully get that to us this weekend. Here's his info:

dbell45@cox.net
602-690-7019 cell

He is a Buffalo Bills fan, though - still upset about the drubbing my Bears put on his team this past weekend. I hope that does not affect the bid.

Optimistic Progress

2006-10-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well, half the walls are now up and passed inspection. The other half will be completed this weekend. Inside, the popcorn ceilings are being removed and the walls are generally closing in around us. Other than that, everything is great!

Goodbye Vern....Hello Arnufo

2006-10-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

Vern was fired due to his contanst delays and bullshit. He owes is $2000.00. I met with Efraims guy, Arnufo, who can complete the job for $4200.00 but will need $2000.00 when he begins tomorrow.

He will have four feet up by the end of the weekend, then we need to call for an inspection and he will complete the remaining blockwork next weekend.

Vern the Procrastinator

2006-10-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

I just spoke with Vern and told him the water heater line is being re-routed today to give him the clearance he needs to begin work on that wall. I then asked him which day he is coming out. He said it likely won't be until next week sometime. I laid into him pretty good since this is the second time he's pulled this shit without even letting us know. I told him to call us back with a definite starting point since he is now the bottleneck on our project.

In other news, I think we should go over to Ikea Friday or Saturday to look at Cabinets. Do you have Cheryl's Dad's number? If not, I'll ask her when she gets out of her meetings.

Brad the Plumber II

2006-10-02T11:44:00.000-07:00

I received this plumber from my friend, Dan, at work. I've got a call and email in to him to bid our gas lines being moved.

Brad Mayo
602-434-8251
amayo.az@netzero.net

Mason MIA

2006-09-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.masonrydunnrite.com/pages/1/index.htm

Vern the Mason scheduled to start laying block was nowhere to be found. Efraim (concrete) is ready to kick his ass and has a cousin who does block (may be an option). Bec called Vern today who was delayed with another job but did not call to let us know - I'm getting sick of Vern's shit but he does nice work - check out the above link.

I had to call Mike the Electrician to cancel his coming out due to our Mason situation. Efraim poured the back patio this morning - it looks great. He added some brown color - very nice.

We also met Kevin the handiman. He is friends with Jacq and can fill in the gaps on many of the smaller projects.

Electric Update

2006-09-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

I just spoke with Mike the electrician to determine if his trench needs to be dug before the concrete for the back patio is poured. He indicated the line will run outside of the patio and the old shitty line will be disabled.

Tile Preference

2006-09-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

Here's some photos of a tile job that we hope to emulate. We want the tile as the baseboards and to extend to the front and back patio. The only question is - can the tile guy match the new saltillo to our existing or will we need to rip that up?

New Photos

2006-09-28T08:39:00.000-07:00

The blocks for our new walls were delivered Monday and will be installed beginning Saturday. The back view of the house will give you an idea of where the new patio will be. The front patio is now poured and looks great. I have plumbers coming over today to give gas quotes.

Gas Man

2006-09-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

I just spoke w/ Duncan plumbing. They were scheduled to come out today they will call back to reschedule for tomorrow.

Doors and Windows

2006-09-25T22:36:00.001-07:00

Went to Home Depot tonight to price out new French doors ($1400-$3000 for what we want). They will be sending a dude out to bid the windows soon. We checked back in wi the Cabinet dept there but the price cannot match Victor's so far. The block was finally delivered at 4:00 pm today.

Tips from Kyle

2006-09-25T22:36:00.000-07:00

I have worked with contractors a lot. If you file a complaint with BBB or file a suit against their bond - you will get the pay out from that bond (usually max $2K) and file against a name that is easily changed.

For instance you go to use Mikes Cabinets LLC - he takes your deposit $3000 and runs, or does a shitty job and will not fix it. You sue Mikes Cabinets LLC and the bond pays out cause it is an LLC and he keeps less than $500.00 operating capital in the bank. You get a lien and file a complaint with BBB.

Is Mike scarred for life? Nope - he takes is $175.00 and goes to the corporate commission and opens up M. Smith Cabinet Designs... Bonds up for another $250.00 and calls it a day.

Home Depot can not do that - they personally guarantee their contractors.

Updates

2006-09-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Oliver and I built the temporary wall that will support the corner of the house during the blockwork. It's not pretty but it should hold.

Friday, I placed calls to plumbers & electricians to setup work for next week. The mason starts tomorrow.

George Brazil

2006-09-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

I've got a call into these guys to schedule an appointment.

http://www.georgebrazil500.com/Plumbing.htm

Paul the Framer

2006-09-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

I had an unexpected visit from Paul the Framer today. He came by to see what he could to about reducing his RIDICULOUS original bid of $23,192. Through some creative book-keeping good old Paul reduce the bid to $15,302 which is still a mere $7,000+ higher than Jerry the Framer. I did learn a few things:

(1) Field Expenses = gasoline and other BULLSHIT. Paul generously reduce the original $1300 down to $700. Wow, only $700 for gas on a project that will likely take 3-4 days. What a freakin' great deal that is.

(2) Regular Labor and Foreman Labor - He dropped $1000.00 off of these...so he will only make $1,660 telling these guys what to do.

(3) Misc = $300.00 - I still have no idea what this is and why it's necessary.

(4) Profit = $3,374 - Why the HELL do we need to be raped on everything else on this bid and then have another $3,000+ added on?

This bid is a joke. I'll scan it and post it in the next few days so others can see the BULLSHI0T we have to deal with.

Also, Paul says he can do the roofing for arount $4,000 which he claims is about 1/2 of what others will bid the job for. I bet I can get a bid under $3,000.

E:Mail to Architech

2006-09-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

Ed,

I just called and left you a voicemail. Our project is coming along fine but we’ve run into an issue with the columns for the back patio. One of them is directly in front of where the new French doors will be and we don’t want that. I talked to our framer today and we said our architect would need to revise this and we may need an engineer’s letter approved by the city.

Please let me know when you can stop by to see the progress and revise the design of the columns.

Sincerely,

T & B
Monterey Way Project

Framing Update

2006-09-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

I just met w/ our Framer. We need to build a strong temporary wall about 2 feet behind where the new block wall will be (Oliver and I should be able to do that). Once we talk to Vern on Monday and get his schedule, we need to contact Jerry again to let him know Vern's gameplan so they can coordinate efforts. Jerry is involved in another project and it may push his involvement in our project back to the second week of October. Vern could begin in the front so and it woudn't impact Jerry's portion. He also said the framing of the garage will be done in a day or two.

As for the columns, we need to contact our architect and have him revise so they don't end up in front of the French Door or new windows. Some cities require an engineer's letter to approve such updates. Also, some cities require approval prior to building others will be ok upon inspection. We need to find out what Scottsdale requires. I'll call Ed today to talk about the columns.

Once we have the redesign approved, we need to contact Jerry so he can revise his order/bid.

Patio Columns

2006-09-20T09:41:00.000-07:00

Efraim dug today for the new columns for the back patio. One of the columns is lining up in front of the new French Doors - Not Cool! I have the framer and mason coming by today - we need to figure something else out.

Remodel Update

2006-09-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

Today, Oliver and I cleared out the laundry room and I took down the remaining pool fence. Esteban is here now working on the plumbing.

Last Wednesday, Mike the electrician came by and discovered that some of the outside line needs to be replaced - unexpected expenses...not fun.

!!! New Photos !!!

2006-09-11T23:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of the garage pad as well as the deconstruction of the storage room. Needless to say, I was not real happy with the corner of the house being without support. I put up a post and we called the contractor out to make sure all was cool. If the corner of the house colapses tonight, then it was not cool!

Framing 101

2006-09-11T22:29:00.000-07:00

I just talked to Jerry the Framer and he will schedule a time later this week or early next week to go over the bid with this. He also said he can talk to Vern about the 8x2 beam needed for the corner of the house.

Vern the Mason

2006-09-09T15:20:00.000-07:00

I just met w/ Vern the Mason. The 3' walls on the front patio are not in the original bid - extra cost, there - fantastic. The area near the corner of the storage shed will need to have an 8" beam for support. I have a call in to Jerry the Framer to get a timeframe on this. Also, the electric for the pool light will need to be moved so the block can be tied in there. I have a call in to Mike the Electrician on this.

Fun stuff!!!

Pads, Masons & Framers

2006-09-09T11:39:00.000-07:00

Today, Efraim put most of the concrete pads in. We still need the front and back patio but it looks really good thus far.

I called Dunn-Rite Masonry today. Vern will be stopping by later to determine when he can begin his portion.

Finally, I called Jerry the framer (and left a message) to determine when we can meet to go over his bid.

Tonight, we have some friends stopping over. Going to Monte's for dinner then we will watch the ASU game!!!

Photos to follow once my wife brings gets the camera out the van!

Footers and Fightin' Words

2006-09-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

Today, Efraim put in the forms for the garage and front patio pads. I called Vern, the mason to determine if the front patio needed footers to support the walls. He said yes. I let Efraim know that. Efraim basically said Vern was full of shit and lazy but he would take care of it for us. Picture this Vern and Efraim are both old, overweight dudes. I say we have a wrestling cage match. The winner was correct about the footers.

In other news, I called Victor, the cabinet maker - a referral from Esteban, the guitarist/plumber. He's coming out Monday to give us a bid. Tomorrow, we've recruited Oliver's friend Dan to help us clear out the storage room so that can be torn down and Vern can begin masoning (that's masonry jargon....I think). We'll get started after my wife gets back from selling more houses (today was her first sale...we think - how kick-ass is that?)

That's about it for now. The monsoon is filling up Esteban's trench so he will need to clean that out before he can continue. More photos and updates soon......

Recent Photos

2006-09-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

Progress

2006-09-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

So much has happened lately. The footings have been poured, a new trench has been dug for the plumbing and the kitchen drain pipe has been put in place. It is causing problems for the dog because she won't jump over the two trenches to get to the backyard. We hired Vern for masonry and have a framer in place, now to find a roofer and all around handy man.

I called for an inspector to come out today to check Esteban's plumbing but Efraim (concrete guy) said he checked the pipes and they leaked so I cancelled the inspector until Esteban can fix his leaky pipes. Thank god Efraim is looking out for us! He said the inspector will come out a few times for free but it doesn't put them in a good mood when they have shotty work to inspect and if they don't pass the work it means they will have to make another trip. Not the way I wanted to get started with the inspector!! Pictures to follow!

Jack, The Plumber

2006-08-16T16:26:00.000-07:00

Just met w/ Jack the Plumber, who will have a bid back to us by this weekend. Next up - Esteban, the Plumber...due here any minute.

Paul's Framing Bid

2006-08-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Paul stopped by with his framing bid - $23,000+. After review the details, we knocked off a few fees and are down to $22,500+. This sucks and seems excessive. I've asked for a breakdown of the job to see how much is being allocated for the front and back patios.

Paul has Todd, the Mason coming by tonight to bid out the job. Vern's bid came in at around $10,000 (which maybe a fair price). We'll see.

Two other contractors are coming by tonight. Good times.

As a sidenote, Paul does to roofing so I'll ask him to bid that out.

Finally!!!

2006-08-12T17:19:00.001-07:00

Efraim and his crew have been working their asses off in 104 degree heat to prep for the new concrete work. Below are some photos. Met w/ Vern the mason today (he raises mules) and seems very interested in our job. Hopefully his bid aligns w/ the budget!

Wednesday Meetings

2006-08-09T22:45:00.000-07:00

Today, I met w/ Jerry the Framer and Dave the Plummer. Quotes should be coming back next week. Interesting points to consider:

(1) Prior to framing, make sure the concrete guy inserts the necessary bolts according to the plan....same w/ the masonry.

(2) Before pouring the back slab, the outside plumming needs to go in.

Concrete Update

2006-08-05T15:50:00.000-07:00

My wife met w/ Efraim yesterday to discuss concrete. He wants 50% upfront for materials and salaries - also he can begin next Friday.

Decisions, decisions!!!

In other news, Dave the plumber will bid the job next week. Tomorrow is Mike the Electician's return.

More meetings

2006-08-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

Paul from Eagle Concrete came by today and took measurements to prepare a quote. I really hope this will be the last concrete bid we get. I think we have met with enough concrete guys to make an informed decision. Paul was a referral from a neighbor and seemed to know his stuff. I am interested to see what his bid will look like. He said he will send it to me in the next few days.

Paul the Framer

2006-08-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

We met w/ Paul the Framer tonight. He's coming back w/ a demo, framing and electical bids. He also has masonry guys he can refer to us.

Mike the Electrican

2006-08-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

I just talked to Mike. He will be over this Sunday after 8:00 am to discuss the electrical detail.

Plumbers

2006-08-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

Pending callbacks from:

Sam's Plumbing
(480) 855-0057

Grace Plumbing Services, Inc.
(480) 704-3785

Crapper Bid: United Site Services

2006-08-02T15:17:00.000-07:00

Double-click on the image to enlarge.

Dumpster Bid: Roll-Offs USA

2006-08-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

Thank you for contacting Roll-Offs USA for your container needs. Listed below is an instant quote formulated from your online submission.

This quote is valid for 7 days of receipt. We value your business and provide tremendous customer service.

Approximate Container Size: 30 Yard (22' L x 8' W x 6' H)

Contents: Interior Demolition Exterior Construction Roofing

30 Yard container, includes up to 10 days rental, pick up and delivery, one haul and fill to water level. This fee includes the first 3 tons of weight. Any additional weight over the allotted 3 tons will be charged at $74.00 per ton. The container size is approximately 22' L x 8' W x 6' H.

Total Cost: $665.00

If your are interested in scheduling a container, please call us at (800) 377-3867.

Thanks again for contacting Roll-Offs USA.

Sincerely,

Lisa Rodgers
Customer Service Representative
Roll-Offs USA
sales@roll-offsUSA.com

Dumpster Bid: 2 Junk It

2006-08-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

I talked to Pete from 2 Junk It who said we would need a separate dumpster for concrete (approx $323.00) and one for the rest of the stuff (40 yard = $375.00 for two weeks with $25.00 per week after that. Additional fees are accrued if the weight exceeds 5 tons)

For more info, go to: http://2junkit.com/

Concrete de Efraim

2006-08-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

I talked to Efraim today to let him know we want him for our job. He will be over Friday around 3:00 to go over the details/contract.

Framing by Paul

2006-08-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

I just spoke to Paul Bland who was referred to us by James White for the framing, demo and other parts of the job. He is working on a bid and will stop by tonight on or around 6:00.

All Juiced Up

2006-08-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

I just spoke w/ Mike the Electrician to let him know we wanted him for the remodel. He will call back later today to talk about next steps.

He did ask about the Demo?

Dumpster Pricing

2006-08-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.rolloffcontainer.com/order.asp
1 Ton = $399.00
2.5 Ton = $549.00
3.5 Ton = $635.00

http://roll-offsusa.com/specials.php
5% discount if ordered online
I requested an online quote

http://www.homeconnections.com/
I requested additional information online

Port-O-Potty

2006-08-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

I've requested online quotes for these nasty cesspools. Only the best for our sub-contractors!

http://rentalsite.com

Royal Restrooms

National Contruction Rentals

United Site Services

Another week lost

2006-07-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

Wow what a fast week! Robert came by and picked up plans. He does masonry and comes by referral from a neighbor. We should have a bid in a week or two. No real rush since he is secondary to the project right now.

My husband called Efraim (concrete) again to firm up some information he threw out on the verbal bid. Efraim said demo would be around $2,000 but if he could find some 'cheap labor' he might be able to shave that price down a bit. Our cleaning lady and her assistant sang the praises of Efraim so much that we have to re-consider him as the 'man for the job'.

I finally hooked up with the planning review guy that approved our plans to get my/Mike the Electrician's questions answered. We played phone tag so long we ended up solving the game by email which actually worked better because now I have the answers in writing.

On to inteview plumbers, roofers, framers and decide on an electrician....

F&R Concrete Bid

2006-07-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

We have our second concrete bid (although Efraim's doesn't really count as he provided a verbal bid). Over $13,000. I'm not sure if that's good or way out of bounds. We'll see after a few more bids.

A real Quote?

2006-07-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

We had an early morning meeting today with Thom, an electrician that has done some work for us in the past. He was a refreshing change from the meetings we have been having. He did not want his own set of plans, he asked questions, made notes and offered suggestions like: ironing center in the new laundry room, instant hot water in the kitchen, a warming drawer, etc. He said he would work up a quote ON PAPER (something new for us) and email it to us with some referrals for the other work we have to do (i.e. framer, plumber, etc.) I look forward to getting his email!

Tips for the Remodel

2006-07-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

My wife's cousins came over for lunch, fresh from their two-week tour of Italy. It sounded like a fantastic trip. Maybe we can do that someday.

After an artery-clogging lunch of KFC and cheesecake, we started to review the plans. Great points brought up by Steve:

(1) Use the same tile troughout the house for continuity.
(2) Determine the theme for the look of your house and stick to it.
(3) Fix/replace the things you don't like (arched windows in the front)

There were likely others but I don't want to steal my wife's thunder. This is her blog!

Mike, the Electrician

2006-07-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

I was awaken this morning (7:15 am) to the sound of a strange voice in my kitchen. The voice belonged to Mike, Mike the Electrician - a referral from our cleaning lady. He gave us a ballpark bid of $2500-$4000 for our job. Again nothing in writing which is frustrating to me. He kept saying "Trust Me" which made me question his trustfulness and he seems a bit chauvinistic but for some reason I think he may be a good fit for the job.

He gave us many tips that will save us money and actually take away from his fees.

We will bounce his bid off my wife's electrician brother (who unfortunately lives in IL). We will talk to at least 2-3 other electricians to see how they stack up.

Blueprints

2006-07-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we received enough copies of our blueprints to wall-paper over half the damn house. Now to find the right contractors and hopefully a job supervisor to oversee things when we cannot.

Efraim's Concrete Quote...Not Quite set in Stone, or Paper!

2006-07-16T00:44:00.000-07:00

Efraim stopped by to drop off the plans and give us his quote - verbally! Is it me or should you shy away from a contractor who won't print out his bid? Anyway, good old Efraim quoted me $6750.00 but told me he would have to rip out the concrete from the carport rather than set new footings and rebar and add to the existing pad. The last concrete guys we met with told us ripping up the existing pad was not necessary.

Who's lying here?

Concrete meeting

2006-07-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

I met with Efraim yesterday who is 'retired' but does concrete jobs such as footings, pad pour etc. He took a set of plans and promised to give them back by this evening. He comes by referral but is not a licensed contractor (seems to be a theme). We should have our first bid soon!

Remodel Brainstorming

2006-07-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, my wife's cousins are stopping over for brunch. They have a beautiful home near Squaw Peak which they remodelled a few years back. They should have a ton of good input for our project - plus we get to eat!

WhisperFlo

2006-07-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

Our remodel took a unexpected turn the other day. Our 30 year old pool filter decided it was time to retire. So with our cement pond looking like a real pond, I placed the call to Premium Pools. Our absent minded pool guy installed the supposed Cadillac of pool filters - the WhisperFlo. Damn near $600 later, the pool is clean and the WhisperFlo seems to be living up to its reputation. Now on to bigger and better things with the remodel to our casa.

Scope of work

2006-07-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of our existing home and a sketch of what we will have once the project is done.

Our first sub-contractor meeting

2006-07-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

We have decided to do an ‘owner build’ remodel rather than hire a general contractor to try and save some money. I had interviewed several general contractors and they quoted a fee in upwards of $30,000 just to manage the job. That didn’t include them so much as lifting a hammer once. After finding out how expense a G.C. is we asked my mom (a snowbird) to manage the project while she was in town this past winter. (We actually thought we would be done by now.) My mom is amazing and has the knowledge and experience we need to handle the job but we had such a delay in getting the plans that my mom is back home until December and we cannot delay the project for another 6 months. We are going to have to manage the project ourselves but you can bet I am consulting mom every step of the way.

I emailed all our friends that are local and asked for any referrals or advice they could offer on our project. We got a few names but for the most part we are on our own to find subs to do the work. We met with Frank and Richard today from Frank’s Concrete which I got from craigslist.org. It was obvious that Frank was the skilled laborer and Richard was in charge of the business end of things. They want a copy of our plans before they will give us a bid but we haven’t decided to hire them so we are reluctant to give a copy of the plans to everyone that walks through our door since every set costs us money. We really like them but they are not licensed or bonded and could not offer any homes in our area for us to visit as a reference. Those seem to be some pretty big red flags as I think about it. Our goal is to meet with at least 3 contractors for every part of the job which is so time consuming especially when you don’t have everyone lined up.

We have a permit!!!

2006-07-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

After almost a year of excuses from the architect we finally have a full set of plans. The architect personally dropped the plans off at our house at 3:30 PM, Wednesday, July 5, 2006. I thought it was perfect timing since it was the day after a long weekend. No one seemed to even be in town let alone want a building permit, right? Wrong!! I showed up at 3:50 PM not knowing the last appointment of the day is taken at 4. The lobby was full of people that probably had the same misconception I had about it being a slow day and the desk clerk tried to turn me away because she was concerned about ‘her people’ getting out on time. She asked me to come back the next morning but I explained to her that my husband was home with my three kids and the youngest is a 4 month old infant. I pleaded with her to get me in and I am happy to say it worked. She put me at the desk of a planning review guy right away but told me they would only have time to review my plans not issue a permit. I have been told that if you develop a rapport with the person reviewing your plans you can distract them and get your plans approved with less scrutiny. I can’t tell you for sure if it worked but I can tell you I know more about his wolf pups than I ever thought I would and my plans were approved within the hour. To my surprise the lobby cleared out pretty quickly and by the time the reviewer stamped the approval on our plans they were willing to issue a permit right then with no revisions required. The woman in charge of permits was anxiously watching the clock because she was bent on getting out by 5 PM and there was a bit of typing to do before she could be done. She was very abrupt and had no time for chit-chat. After a quickly typed application, a few standard forms, an invoice and me cutting a check I had a permit in hand.