Mike Filigenzi wrote:Wow, went back over this thread and can't believe that I actually thought we were going to get started on this last March.
Since then, we had a designer fire us (as clients!), picked up a new one, and have a new design that involves moving the kitchen to the area that's behind the current one and then installing a butler's pantry in some of the vacated space. A bathroom will be moved as well. I think my wife and I have a communication issue - we seemed to have a very hard time getting what we want across to the designer. He finally came through after about eight different plans and got us something that eliminates a lot of current problems. It gets us a slightly larger kitchen, doesn't wreck the feel of the house, and will be much better for entertaining. It's the first design we've seen (from about six different designers) that is significantly better than just keeping the current kitchen with its many problems. He's going to draw up detailed plans next and we'll start looking at materials.
Um, no predictions for a start date, though...
Mike, I have worked with the same designer/contractor for almost 20 years. We have done this house over entirely, including the yard. She hires the best subs and each must have the same work ethic that she does or she will not work with them. What I like about her is that she works with what WE want and does not try and push her wants on us. She knows how to handle each of us. When we did our kitchen remodel, I had to put up with my husband who did not want to push the kitchen wall out 6 ft. He told me it could not be done, because there was outside faucet on the wall we were going to use for part of the kitchen. Of course I knew better but also knew that he thought I didn't know about that kind of stuff. I explained to my husband that our family was growing (grandkids) and I wanted enough room to put up another table for the children, plus have more room to move about. My designer handled it beautifully and I got my bigger kitchen. From then on she handled him for other projects and most recently our two new bathrooms.
We always have full contracts with her, start dates, what will be accomplished on each day, who will be here and at what time. Each day, she drops by to check on things. If I have an issue, it gets handled immediately. She orders all material for the remodel before the job starts. If a product is late in arriving, she works around it. She has always finished ahead of schedule. Call backs for issues are handled immediately and her subs call to let us know when they are coming by to fix it.
Oh and by the way....I am very fussy about my home. All her subs wear disposable shoe covers, plus plastic and canvas are put down on all floors leading in and out of the work areas. If any damage is done, it gets fixed.
Just make sure you have a good contract. We pay a down payment prior to start date so she can order product, payment is made in intervals but we hold out 10% of the entire job until we are satisfied and all call backs for any issue is done to our satisfaction.
Communication between man and wife can be difficult during remodels. Gene knows that if I can't have what I want, I will not want anything. I am not unreasonable, and I do keep budget in mind. However he is still a man and if is not his idea, he tends toward rejection.