Difficult times, but sadly one has a 'happy' ending
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
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Anyone build a house/ have difficult time w/ builder?
Comments (15)We have been in our home 11 years this Friday. We made the mistake of hiring a friend as our contractor. He was first a plumber, then expanded, got his contractor's license, etc. Did a good job, quality work. But, I should have listened to my dad when he warned us about hiring a friend. We had to fire him about 75% of the way through. He was way over budget and it didn't seem to bother him - after all, it wasn't his money. We were pretty lucky with the sub contractors other than going through two brick masons, then having to hire a third one to come back and do little items like steps, etc. Also a vinyl guy who did he screened porch area. We worked with our builder on the subcontractors. Some where people he had worked with, others we chose. Once we fired our friend (of course that friendship has ended!), we of course had to deal with the subcontractors completely on our own. I did much of that as my husband couldn't devote as much time. It actually wasn't bad and if we ever (although I don't see it happening!) build again, I think we would strongly consider contracting the work out ourselves. At least now I have a pretty good list of who to use! We had little things here and there. Nothing major and I can't think of anything that wasn't taken care of pretty quickly. I cannot imagine dealing with major problems for two years (as someone mentioned)!! That is just completely unacceptable. I must say as tired and worn down as you get through the process, not to mention stressed, those feelings really didn't carry over once we moved into the house. Although a friendship ended, and that was sad, we knew it was for the best and didn't dwell on that. We just recently learned that an acquaintance who was friendly with our builder experienced some of the same problems when he built his house with our former friend. Pretty much cemented the fact that we knew we were not at fault. We are very happy in our home and love where we are. I hope you will soon feel that way about your new home. tina...See MoreFurbabies: Life, Adoptions, Surgeries, Happy Times . . . and Now Loss
Comments (48)Awww, thank you all so much. It's getting a bit easier every day, but the hole in my heart still hurts a lot. Today was the first day I left Ronin and Sasha to meet a friend in town for lunch. The "kids" did ok while I was gone and we went for a nice walk when I got home. Today is the first day Emily has not called me from college sobbing because she's mourning her Chloe Bear. So, I'm hoping that she's healing now, too. Stratfordroad: thank you for that. I truly believe that we will, and since I've had dogs I've loved pretty much my entire life, there will be a huge, happy pack meeting up with me someday. That's a good thought to hang on to :^ )...See MoreVery difficult time figuring out how to decorate new place
Comments (33)I like simple art, and art I have tried. "At first you might not think you are an artist, but you will be surprised what you can come up with after some practice. Find a large, pre-stretched canvas at a thrift store, buy Oops paint from your local hardware store and experiment with different brush strokes. You might come up with a modern masterpiece." --------------------------- I'd try tape on that wall, to estimate sizes to buy - maybe 2 on each side hung vertically, with top edges a bit above top of laundry opening, not too perfect here....See MoreOT How are Things in These Difficult Times?
Comments (13)Ann and Kath, good for the majority of people in Australia that they are sticking to the advice and getting through this. We have a 'track and trace' system which is meant to send a message to ones' mobile/cell phone if they have been in contact with a 'positive tester' in the community. Only possible if the parties concerned have filled in a short form detailing where they have been (usually in a restaurant/bar) and they have given their real name and phone details. DD who runs a restaurant/bistro says one customer insisted his name was 'George Eliot' which she said was more likely than Mickey Mouse, but when he left had the grace to say he had lied. His friends thought it was funny but . . . Of course in some areas people are on the lookout for rule-benders and phone the police at the slightest infringement eg four people talking in a group. On the other hand a small number defy the authorities and hold illegal 'raves' or parties of dozens if not hundreds of guests. One individual has already received two fines of £10000. Ann, this thread was obviously considered unsuitable by someone here who reported me to Houzz central control. They didn't agree so let it and me back in. Carolyn I meant to add that most office staff are now working from home or may just hit base once a week. And early in the year we had kind neighbours who picked up shopping for us. Getting a supermarket 'slot' for home deliveries is proving very difficult....See More- 6 years ago
- 6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
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