I don't know what they have to be irritated about, they moved up the date, not you. Have you found out when the window is going to be installed? Can they start the other part of the demo that doesn't involve the window. It doesn't take that long to install a window.

Take a deep breath. It's only the beginning!!!

Our GC scheduled our demo to start 1/2. In theory, that would have been a fine date, only we were out of town 12/23 - 12/31. I was feeling major panic before we left on our trip that, in addition to the laundry and packing for myself and two little toddlers (husband can pack for himself, although if you saw his outfits you'd say "not really ..."), I'd have to get a head start on readying the main floor as well (we had all furniture moved out during the remodel).

What I should have done (shoulda woulda coulda) is say to the GC: "that won't work for me, it'll have to start the Xth instead." Full stop. But I didn't, and in all fairness to our GC, he didn't know beforehand how I was feeling and the tightness of it.

I'm concerned with your story, buehl, that if you don't put the kibosh on this rushing-you nonsense that this project will quickly be out of your control. I read you have a PM and a GC, but it's still your home, so you are the ultimate boss and things should be done to make you happy.

We ordered cabinetry for our den, and I was told it would be ready mid-December. November 9 I got a call saying the cabinets were ready and they wanted to deliver now. Essentially, I told them "no way" and that I expected them to keep the cabs until we were ready for them. I'll tell you, I was a little surprised that their initial response was "okay." I had totally steeled myself for a fight and I didn't have one. (for which I was grateful -- I'm not a good fighter)

Anyway, my long point is that you have to just put your foot down and let them know this is untenable. The PM / GC will have to wait until the window is done. They knew this before going in, and nothing's changed.

Please keep us updated! I'll be thinking of you ....

I would say that in any reno, if something is moved UP, you should be celebrating. It is the rare project that actually is finished w/in schedule. I'd look at it as your kitchen will be done faster than you thought...

As long as you are able to accomodate an earlier start date
I would go for it. Only if it all works out...I certainly wouldn't
compromise any work being done by rushing it.
I have rushed into a job before to accomodate someone else and
lived to regret it. Here you go....

I thought first you were ranting because things were delayed. After building our house for 18 months, I'd be glad to have had anything happen earlier rather than later! I understand it's a stress, but try to embrace it!

Buehl,

If you can't start the demoing before the window is done, just tell them. It's your house, and YOU get to be in charge!

When the granite was being installed, one of the guys nonchalantly turned to me and said, "Oh, we're coming Wednesday to finish the floors!"

"Oh, no you're not", couldn't believe I had the guts to say that! Anyhow, we're still not ready for the floors, still have one more room to demo and then plaster, paint, etc. Hey, the wood is here, I have paid for it, I have paid for the installation they have done. I will book them to finish the rest of the upstairs when WE are ready.

Like some of the above posters, thought you had a month DELAY, so as you go to bed, think "it could have been worse! :>)"

Wanna hear about window delays? Luckily we were delayed during summer... but went for several months with NO windows... just plastic sheeting_ guess that isn't an option in the middle of winter?!

Why is it your problem that they had a cancellation? That's the only reason I can think of for them to move things up! But this bit about changing the plans and expecting you to be ready is unprofessional and also rude. Like coming early to a party. If she'd called and said they were available to start demo a month early and could you be ready by the new date you'd probably be happy with her, even if you said no, rather than distressed.

Just tell her you plan to be ready on the appointed date and expect her to be too :)

Stick to your guts here - the work is stressful enough (really - and I was one of those who thought it would be fun - I am so tired of the mess I could scream) why start it stressed out?

Could your GC call the other contractor and ask about window installation? If the window guys were supposed to have it in by late December and they are still stalling, then they should maybe feel some heat from you (or GC) about their timing . . . it seems to hinge on them, and why is your job being pushed back?

If I remember right, you have small kids (or kids anyway) and I know how hard it is to just get back into the routine of life after the winter break from school. Tell your GC and PM that you will be ready on the established date and don't be bullied into putting yourself and family out!

Good luck!

Nica

Thanks everyone! I did call our PM/GC back last night. She's the one that had insisted that the window be done before they start since the window people are independent of her part of the project. We talked and she thinks they may be able to work around it if necessary.

I am trying to get the window people moving, but no guarantees since they don't have the window. They only have Thursday deliveries and if it's not on this week's truck that means the earliest is next week, after demolition starts.

I also don't have my pantry door...but I'm going to take your advice and stick to my guns...I'm OK with them starting, as long as they don't hassle me that I don't have the door yet...it's their fault for starting early!

And, yes, MommyCooks, I do have 2 children...and one or the other has been sick or injured it seems since Thanksgiving...so that's been added to my stress! My children come way ahead of the KD and the kitchen!!

Again, thanks everyone for reminding me that ultimately, I'm the boss!

Glad it's taken a turn for the better then. if the GC is the one who wanted the window to be done first then it simply isn't fair that she'd now be po'd that it's not. SHE changed the schedule.