Modest Kitchen Budget - that 1 splurge - what would it be?
autumn.4
11 years ago
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autumn.4
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoTom Carter
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
Delicatus - to splurge or not to splurge, that is the question
Comments (42)I'm just reading this post a couple months later, but I am so glad you got your Delicatus! Is it in yet? Would love to see pictures because we are right where you were in January.... I keep being "drawn" to Delicatus (which is only one of the many names it seems to be called!) and I think DH is now agrees that it is so much nicer than the Level 1 stones everyone else has. We will have white cabinets, and I like the way Delicatus looks with them. We haven't found the right stone (or price!) yet, but at this point, I'm more than ready to go over-budget to get a countertop I can be excited about (as opposed to spending less for a granite I'm "ho-hum" about.) Sure hope you are happy with your decision and look forward to seeing your photos when yours is in!...See MoreWhat do you think of this plan for a sloped/view lot (modest budget)?
Comments (3)It's a nice plan. Lovely from the outside, not trendy. The rooms are good-sized, and the arrangement is logical. The whole downstairs is fairly "open", but you have large bedrooms as "retreats", so you have an escape from that open-ness. The simple footprint and (mostly) consolidated plumbing will make it an economical build. As to the slope, I think you need a builder to look at the plan and your land; I don't think we can accurately make any comments here on this board. The only things I'd change: - You have a long master bath vanity with two sinks -- I'd give up some of that space and have a small linen closet INSIDE the bathroom. - The toilet set apart into the shower room is a bit odd, but not a deal breaker by any means. - I think I'd do away with those "computer spaces" in the kids' bedrooms and extend the closets. Big closets help kids keep their rooms clean, and these bedrooms are plenty big to allow desks without the "indent"....See MoreIs a modest 5+ BR budget build possible?
Comments (24)Pg. 206-207 of The Elements of Building by Mark Q. Kerson. (Excellent read BTW) I thought JLC had an article about this a few years back but I was unable to locate it. Cost plus requires two things: Excellent communication, and excellent communication. It is an open contract with no upper or lower limit. Scary? Yes of course, but really all contracts are. Both the builder and client MUST have excellent communication skills. We all think we do, but most of us don't. Lots of different takes on it but essentially this is my take: after choosing the builder: Define Budget Goal Work with designer or architect to create plans to fit within this goal Make sure builder is part of the design process to avoid big surprises Estimate everything out as close to final choices as possible. Builder is completely transparent on how much markup they have on each sub and material they hire or purchase. Also any other expense they plan to charge for. Client understands these are estimates and they will fluctuate during that actual build. These fluctuations must be continually communicated from builder to client. For example, he needs 2 more loads of rock than originally anticipated. Don't wait to tell the homeowner about it, tell them immediately so they can plan ahead for overage. Constant tracking of the budget (over/under) allows the client to make final allowance choices Pros: Builder never loses money unless client doesn't pay. I have lost money on more houses than I'd like to admit. Client only pays for what they get, not the gap between the bid amount and actual. Client and Builder forced to know exactly how the project is progressing vs. the estimate Client has a better understanding of the process and build of their home. Become mini-experts. Super-clients! Creates a we're in this together feeling! Some builders will have a clause that gives them a bonus for coming in under budget. Transparency means trust. No wondering how rich the guy is getting off you. Client has freedom to discuss numbers with subcontractors in front of builder. No hidden conversations to hide prices. Cons: No protection from estimating errors If client or builder is a poor communicator it can be awful If client or builder is not organized it can be awful Character is key to success No motivation to come in under estimate unless there is a specified bonus clause. When the builder is not financially motivated to be efficient with material usage they may not be as inclined to be thrifty. Cleanliness no longer equals profit for builder Requires much more involvement from the client. Punch list can have much less incentive for the builder to finish If there is the right combination of builder and client then this can be really successful. Otherwise look for more traditional contracts....See MoreUpdates with a Modest Budget?
Comments (55)@rathersaucy among your preferred ideas for your island, I think the first works best for direction on a modest budge. Of your “more my style today” photos, I find the last one the most appealing for the combined space. It would help to have more compact bar stools (and do you absolutely need 4?). Is it really impossible to put the 2 rattan lounge with their backs to the island (slender table between them) and a less stuffed sofa against the wall where those chairs are now? ideas for bar stools Ideas for new sofs...See Moreautumn.4
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