How do I make decisions before getting a bid?
Jessica P
5 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (30)
Virgil Carter Fine Art
5 years agoJessica P
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Before we get some bids...
Comments (2)Your picture and description tells me absolutely nothing about where your options would be. I don't see a firepit area so can't even use that as a frame of reference to figure out what you're describing. I really think an updated picture would be best to get any good response that also makes sense as to what you already have....See MoreGetting closer to making backsplash decision (I think).
Comments (5)I really like the Crossville tiles but perhaps a different shape than those squares - what are they 6x6? They have got to have a huge range of shapes and sizes just looking at the website pic you posted. Do some combination of big and small with a detailed row to keep it from being boring. Your kitchen has a rustic, earthly feel to it so maybe 6x6's are the way to go instead of the more trendy subway shape. I wouldn't do 4x4's though. They look year 2000 to me and your kitchen it too beautiful to date it. I would probably put the 6x6 squares on a diagonal though. To me, it looks much better - more interest and movement without being crazy and certainly not boring or static like a grid. I think the smaller brick shape *is* more modern even though it is still a subway shape. It's the smaller shape that makes it feel that way. And the tiles Olandy posted are gorgeous too but the scale is too small. 1x1's get really busy in a large space. Personally, it would make me dizzy while standing at the sink. Have you looked at Sonoma Tile Makers? I know someone posted their a link to their tantrum glass tiles but they have a huge range of basic colors that come in all different shapes and really neat decorative tiles. We used them for our bathroom three years ago and I did a combination of decorative 1x8's as a border, 4x4's, and 6x6's. If you are interested I'll try to take some tiles pictures and post later. I admit I haven't read all your backsplash threads so I might not know the vibe you are going for and these could be way off but here are some ideas from houzz. I did read you are drawn to simple and plain, tonal tile but are you worried all together it will be too boring? If so, why not just add a "little something" over the cooktop or behind the sink or both to give it just a touch of interest without going over board. Here are some ideas and maybe these all have too much going on for you but you could limit the "extras" to whatever amount you are comfortable with. The field tile in all of these is very calming and tonal though. [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/english-tudor-kitchen-traditional-kitchen-portland-phvw-vp~131656) [traditional kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by portland kitchen and bath Robin Rigby Fisher CMKBD/CAPS [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen-backsplash-traditional-kitchen-new-york-phvw-vp~852438) [traditional spaces design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-home-design-ideas-phbr1-bp~s_2107) by new york tile stone and countertop Portico Tile & Fixtures, Inc. [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/showroom-display-traditional-kitchen-boston-phvw-vp~96089) [traditional kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by boston kitchen and bath Venegas and Company Certainly not these colors but maybe something like it in what works with your kitchen colors: [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/aston-road-kitchen-traditional-kitchen-boston-phvw-vp~87928) [traditional kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2107) by boston kitchen and bath Venegas and Company [[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/sen-design-kitchen-and-bath-professionals-traditional-kitchen-san-diego-phvw-vp~73516) [eclectic kitchen design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-kitchen-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_709~s_2104) by san diego photographer Chipper Hatter Architectural Photographer...See MoreOT: How do you make a decision to spend a lot of money?
Comments (19)I can't spare you some of the agonizing, but it might help you to separate out one type of concern from another and so maybe whittle down to the real priorities. Since it sounds like you are buying the piano to really play it, and you have the ability to detect differences in pianos and what you like and don't, I would first focus on that--the piano you would most like to play ( that fits in your house, of course!). Holding value (monetary value) has some importance but maybe less for pianos than for cars, say, since most people go through several cars for themselves, kids, etc. and get future benefits from a good trade-in. You might not end up buying the piano that you most love to play if it in fact is so expensive it would hurt your finances in some way. Everyone has some price that is too high--though the number of OO's might vary a lot! Or you might determine that you simply don't VALUE the very best piano. I bought a guitar a while back and I knew I did not need or want the "best" guitar and did not need to impress anybody with how cool my guitar was. Also I am a beginner and knew I might not become a real expert. I did buy a better guitar than I expected, and maybe I should have bought one much cheaper until I learned more, but the price was okay for my finances so I made a "match". If I were actually a good guitar player, I would not hesitate to buy a much better one than I did but again, I think the focus would be on what played the best, felt the best, that I myself got the best sound from, and that might be different for me than for another musician. I am sure that must be true of pianos to some extent. So if there is one single piano you keep going back to because you love how it sounds/plays and you "can" afford it, buy that one. If there are a couple that are sort of equally good but in different ways--and I mean in terms of musical quality, not prestige or later value ( I had that dilemma with guitars) , that is where I would get some feedback from another musician/piano expert. The car price comparison is fine as long as you look at in the right way--you don't value European sedans (neither do I) so you drive something cheaper and buy pianos. For other people it is the opposite and that is perfectly fine. You might enjoy reading some things by Amy Dacyzn (The Tightwad Gazette). She is or has been an extreme saver and re-user and most people would not want to do as much of that as she does. But that was not her main point or her greatest strength. Her mantra was, save on everything that you can that really has no value or benefit to you if you were to spend more; don't let your money just slip away on this and that. Don't buy things just because other people do if you really want something else. Decide what is really important and don't whine that you can't afford it, because it is likely that if you really focus and avoid daily spending traps you can afford a lot of really nice things--just not EVERYTHING. Her deal was empowerment to be in control of spending. Several posters above gave good examples of that. Typical examples that have been used in some budget/happiness books is a person who wistfully says they would love to take a trip to Europe,it's their heart's desire, but just can't afford it--said while sitting on their new sofa that cost $2000. So your situation is an extension of that--there are people who have your same income who actually cannot afford a major piano purchase because they have a huge mortgage and have bought cars, and furniture, and jewelry instead. Which is perfectly fine unless all they really want is a piano!...See MoreHow do you make appliance decisions when there's so many bad reviews?
Comments (18)Thank you all so much for the really excellent advice. Each of these comments is extremely helpful to me. I can't tell you how much better of a mindset I have about the whole thing. A combination of people understanding how it can become overwhelming - if you let it - but also learning how to set some logical criteria for making a decision (such as features, price, warranties, using psychology & a pinch of salt with reviews, strongly considering the customer service of the company, deciding what your priorities are and keeping your sanity are some ) has helped me a LOT to get a grip on this endeavor. :D Finally to understand that nothing's perfect but narrowing the margins can give you a pretty good shot at succeeding. If you've found some place with pretty good customer service you've got that as a fall back. Getting that this is NOT an investment but an expense also changes my point of view and understanding about it. (Ugh, marketing ploys. It's always like they are doing you a favor and not just trying to get your money). There's a lot more that you've explained here but I just really wanted to thank you and say it's made a massive difference to my whole outlook and feelings about it. I was able to make a decision this morning that I feel good about and feel a bit like having a glass of wine and some cheesecake - that's how relaxed I feel about it! c: Quite a difference from the semi-hysterical exhausted fearful creature I was, haha. Cheers everyone. ^^...See MoreJessica P
5 years agoLori
5 years agoHal Braswell Consulting
5 years agoUser
5 years agoJeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
5 years agoJessica P
5 years agoJessica P
5 years agorobin0919
5 years agoAnglophilia
5 years agorobin0919
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoJessica P
5 years agoJessica P
5 years agoKristin S
5 years agoSammie J
5 years agosandi125
5 years agorobin0919
5 years agoJessica P
5 years agoJessica P
5 years agoVirgil Carter Fine Art
5 years agoulisdone
5 years ago
Related Stories
ORGANIZINGHow to Get Your Papers Organized Before Tax Time
A professional organizer offers a manageable plan for tackling those paper piles now to make April a little easier
Full StoryDIY PROJECTSGet Organized: Make Your Own Stylish Corkboard
New project for a new year: Craft an inexpensive custom pin board to keep papers, photos and more neatly at hand
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESThe Dumbest Decorating Decisions I’ve Ever Made
Caution: Do not try these at home
Full StoryHOUSEKEEPINGBefore You Roast Those Chestnuts, Make Sure You've Got a Clean Chimney
Here's how to ensure your chimney is safe for holiday gatherings by the fire
Full StorySMALL SPACESGetting a Roommate? Ideas for Making Shared Spaces More Comfortable
Here are tips and tricks for dividing your space so everyone gets the privacy they need
Full StoryMOST POPULAR5 Ways to Pare Down Your Stuff — Before It Gets in the Door
Want to free up some room around the house? Rethink gift giving, give yourself a shopping mantra and just say, ‘No, thank you’ to freebies
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESMake Sure You Read This Before Buying New Plants
Follow these 10 plant-selection tips to avoid buyer’s remorse
Full StoryKITCHEN ISLANDS10 Decisions to Make When Planning a Kitchen Island
An island can serve many purposes. Here’s what to consider for one that works best for you
Full StoryBATHROOM MAKEOVERSBefore and After: Tub-Shower Combo Gets a Major Update
A mother-daughter bathroom in Toronto now has function and style, thanks to clean design and custom storage
Full StoryMOST POPULARBefore and After: 5 Laundry Rooms That Make Washday More Fun
Pretty wallpaper, pullout baskets and a bed for the pup help these laundry rooms work for their owners
Full StorySponsored
Charles Ross Homes