Home Improvement Ahead

Home improvements are in the planning stages here at the Hamilton household. I'm so excited! We're going to get some more curb appeal, changing colors of the house, roof, trim, windows.... Also planning some inside changes, new paper in the kitchen, and much more. Don't worry though, hubby and I have no problem agreeing on colors or materials...... We look at the options, discuss what we like, and then he will let me make the final decision (while thinking I am letting HIM make it) hee hee. He's such a sweetheart and he's all mine!

Seriously, I talked to the contractor today and construction will probably start in 4 weeks. Any suggestions from those of you who have gone through this recently? Advice on how not to kill your spouse? How to save money? How not to kill your contractor?

I expect to hear from Jack, Martin, Butch, Angel, James, and the other James, Terry , or Jim, or even Fred,...maybe Rastaman but I don't know if he's interested in such things, ... maybe even Chad.

Raise your hammers, crank up your saws, it's home improvement time!!!!

Comments

[Thomas Hamilton]

I been with her for 34 years and the only time I ever passed out was when I ate some bad oysters.

I'm tough, I can take it.

[Debbie]

Thanks everybody. And thanks Jack, especially for "there is only one "boss" on every job. And the boss should never go to bed mad at her laborer. Treat him right ... work him hard!"

I kind of figured out that one on my own, heh.

We are waiting for contractor to get back to us with bid now. The one we like so far is very local, so no chance of him skipping out. He also comes recommended by neighbors. But if hubby passes out from a heart attack when he sees the bid, we may have to go with someone else, ha.

[jack]

Make a "detailed" outline of the work you want done.

From your list check off the parts of the project that you can do yourself. Take in consideration your time. Is it worth the money you will save? Having alot of time off it's always is worth it for me to do the simple things like paint, hang paper, landscaping etc but I won't take on a new roof. That's too much work!

Make sure you give this detailed list of work to the contractor that will be giving you bids. Get several of course. Tell them you want all the details in a "written" contract.

Also set a "reasonable" time limit for work to be performed. There is so much work here that a contractor will have several jobs going at once and work on the one he's going to get his money the quickest.

Try to get a local contractor if possible. Once an out of town contractor is gone ... he is gone!

Finally there is only one "boss" on every job. And the boss should never go to bed mad at her laborer. Treat him right ... work him hard!

[M a r t i n @ b l o g b a t]

After doing some tough house-building for Habitat in the Texas heat, my advice is any contractor has to be better than DIYS :p. One thing I did do though while looking for a contractor to re-landscape the back yard: check into whether they hired illegals... and politely let them know it ;). As for any other home improvement wisdom, er, I don’t think so, Tim. :p

[Debbie]

Thanks Butch. I'm looking forward to every bit of it. Just like the HGTV with "Curb Appeal", or some other decorating show. Yum Yum

[Butch]

Deb,

There's nothing more exhilarating than making 'big' changes at home! Just the thought gets me salivating...

With the chance to make the rooms appear bigger, let more sun in, new warm colors...

Geez, have fun kiddo...

[Thomas Hamilton]

Sigh...........

[Debbie]

What do you mean "YAWN"? Our home is getting all dressed up for the cold winter ahead, I brag on what a sweetheart you are, and you say YAWN? Oh boy, will friends of Right Truth read all kinds of psychobabble into that remark.

[Thomas Hamilton]

Yawn..............