You either have too many windows or you aren't getting good bids on the Marvin Integrity windows. I don't use the Integrity because they don't yet offer a spacer bar between the permanent mullions. Window selection should start with the features you want rather than brands and prices. Will the interior finish be painted white or stained? Do you want permanent mullions... spacers? Any special shapes or sizes? Special glass? Is it on the ocean or a mountain top? What kind of exterior cladding will the house have? Do you want a sloped sill with a drip? (yes you do) So you want a special color on the exterior? So you want a different sash color from the frame? Do you want the interior pre-finished? The answers to these questions will narrow your window options and save you a lot of time. Just give the list to the suppliers and they will tell you if they can meet your needs. The builder should be held responsible for intentionally low-balling the window allowance in his bid. I would tell him to find me some good bids to make up for this unprofessional self-serving practice. I would even explore taking the windows out of his contract if only to give him a hard time.

How I Loooooove these cat stories!! I couldn't help getting a few tears in my eyes but so many more laughs!!! At 73, I can't say I ever remember a time I didn't have at least one weaving in and out of my legs, tail up, meowing either for attention or food. A few even tried to use me as a scratching post !lol My bff in IL takes in rescues, and at the moment has 21 or 22. The 100 yo historic home she bought 9 years ago came with 2 separate garages, one housing the majority of the kitties, the other is used for storage, but she always keeps the big door open a foot at the bottom, and knows *other* critters take part in the 'vittles' also. Sthe has either 4 or 5 in the house, one being a mama cat w/7 kittens, the very start of her rescue 'mission'. She gave away 2 of those kittens(after neutering!),and never stopped regretting it. They have all found a forever home with her. Her vet/food costs are insane, and when I visited in the summer we found worms in one of the litter pans, and in a two day period, took every cat into the vet to be dewormed. That was $400. It's neverending work! Whenever I call she's scooping, feeding, or rocking one of them in the old rocking chair that was moved out to the garage. She also donates to almost every animal organization known to man, even if it's only $5. She's a one-woman rescue shelter, and I wish I were closer to help. We always say we like animals more than people because animals can't help their situatuon, but people usually can.

Not really sure what my style is but this is my space . I guess I like simple ,not too busy. Thank you , I appreciate any advice you could give me . We were told the wood look ceramic tile would be best . My husband doesn't want carpet. Should I go with the wood look or regular ceramic tile ? Since I have alot of wood , not sure if it would be too much wood grain going on ?

Thank you for the suggestions. To answer the questions asked - we wouldn't need any additional cars as we already have two. Anywhere we move would still be within public transportation distance of the city as that is important to me. However it would be longer and probably on a commuter train with less frequency rather than a bus as I have now. About the slightly smaller home - any homes that are around even the ones that are smaller than ours are atleast $500k more so I am in the same place where I wonder what the value is in moving (which was my original question) The architect I had mentioned came by today and had some great suggestions that we could use to make the area we already have way more functional for us as a family. I am thinking about doing those changes (which she said would cost about ($30K) which involve breaking down a wall and adding a couple more windows and one additional door. The windows and door would require condo approval but everything else should be relatively easy to do! She did mention that it would be difficult to add another bedroom to the upstairs as there is value in keeping that big room as it is for now without dividing it up!