We've changed the house plans again. Basically it came down to this. . . the new planned addition was lovely. . .really it was. A new, larger, light filled living room bumped off the back of the house. What's not to like? But (duh!) it made the house cost go 60% over my budget. Hmmmmm. It seems like this could have been predicted pretty easily. So I have spent some time reconsidering my choice of builder. And I've done a little tossing and turning in the wee hours of this morning which led to internet research and ultimately my doing this rare AM blog. (But really. . .once again I marvel at the technology that allows me to get up at any time of day or night and find answers to questions I have! My kids will always take this for granted because they will never have had to wait through a weekend to be able to pick up the phone and start searching for answers to something!)
Bottom line. . . I am sticking with this guy. I've read enough to understand builder mark-ups and construction issues. Yesterday after my meeting with him, and upon hearing the estimate and subsequently amputating the addition and getting the price back down closer to budget, I walked away with a plan that I'm satisfied with. Just need to wait for final figures.
But as in all silver linings, this whole situation has allowed me to revisit my motivations. Much like the afghan issue of the previous post. My impetus for doing all this. . . selling my Coles Farm house and finding a tiny house to live in. . . originated at Chautauqua 2 summers ago. And I know now that I want to stay true to that original vision. I want to live happily and comfortably in no more than 1000 square feet (okay. . .full disclosure. . . the current house will be 1004 square feet but you can't cut off 4 square feet!). I don't want to get lured into additions and expansion. It's just more space to acquire more stuff. Now I've had a bit of a peek over to the dark side of more room and more bells and whistles and have decided to come back to the light of the original decision.
I will be choosing cork for the flooring of the main areas, but vinyl for the bathrooms and laundry room. The kitchen is smaller. . . an issue I am going to have to address with Lowes where I've already paid for the previous kitchen. But the cabinets have not been built yet so it shouldn't be a big problem. The living room is smaller. . . .but except for an occasional book club meeting, it's just me. And that's the point. There will be room for guests, but within the spaces that I will be using on a daily basis. No more guest suites held in abeyance for the occasional visitor.
Fear not, friends who might want to visit. . .there will be a guest room and actually a guest bathroom. . . but it will also be my den/study. And I want you all to come. I will be able to handle one or two at a time max!
So I'm ready to get the latest price quote and then get started. First thing to begin is the new location for the well . Not cheap, but necessary if I ever want to add a screen porch. . .which I do.
Feeling good. Back to basics!
No comments:
Post a Comment