Monday, May 19, 2008

The calm before the storm


I think this photo should say it all of how our lives have been. ;-) Amazing how much we've accumulated just living in this house - and we're only a family of two. Just think of the mess if we were to expand! We're anticipating our kitchen to be demolished on Thursday- so we've been packing for our trip AND packing away our kitchen.

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Lessons Learned

Lessons Keith and I've learned throughout this remodel process.. (and I'm sure there will be more to come)
1) Don't fall in love with a product so much that you're willing to disregard the price.
2) Make sure you negociate everything you want before you sign the contract. You'll always find things in the midst of remodeling that you've "wish I included that in the price". Once you sign it, the contractor has the bargaining power, you don't.
3) Don't sweat the small stuff.
4) You actually get what you pay for. Really.
5) Your contractor and his workers aren't doing you any favors. You're paying them. You're the client.
6) The squeaky wheel gets the oil.
7) A remodel ALWAYS will take longer than expected.
8) Stop obsessing about "adding on" more projects. (this one I'm still working on- hehe)
9) Everything adds up.
10) You'll most likely go over what you budgeted for.
11) Avoid special order products/materials as ALL costs. This one is an expensive lesson we've learned. (sign)

New Windows!


Can you spot the safety hazard in this photo?


Don't tell animal control...

Monday, May 05, 2008

Approaching 1 year


Keith and I are approaching our one year anniversary. Whew! We made it! We managed to survive a messy house, adopting a dog, a remodel, differences in finances, schedules, eating habits, cultures, tastes... and the list goes on. Our first year together has been amazing. God has taught us so much about patience and understanding. Our official anniversary will be on June 10th. What can I say? I'm tickled to celebrate our first year together as husband and wife.