Actually, KitchenRedo--your scenario isn't always the case. I'm in the midst of settling my mom's estate. In my state, you just have to file the will with the probate office, then, it's up to the executor to follow the will's instructions. While I did consult my attorney, it was for my peace of mind--he didn't do a thing but tell me I had everything covered. There was no court appearance at all (I only had to go to the county store at the mall to file the will). The will can specify that the executor not be required to file a bond. All in all, I've found it's a very simple procedure. One thing you didn't mention, though--is that the executor/executrix has to file for a federal tax ID #. Now that, I imagine--being a federal requirement--is probably true across the board. As to the question posed by the original poster. Seems to mme, part of the problem is the appointing of 4 executrixes. That's just unweildy, and excessive, IMO. I don't know how you could possibly 'fix' that, if it's how your mom left her will, but I can certainly see that there's probably no real way for you to make effective decisions with 4 cooks stirring the broth. There are 4 of us siblings, too, but mom left me (oldest) as executrix. I made sure I spoke with each of my siblings privately and found out what they wanted most to remember mom--and I made sure the most important things were divided fairly. Actually, all were very cooperative, and really tried to help me, and not be grabby. If your mother didn't want her things auctioned or sold, you really need to honor her wishes. As to how you're going to work out the rest, not knowing you personally, it's hard to really offer too much in the way of advice. I will just add this. I hope you do find a way to work through this. One of the really helpful things, after mom died, was while it was rough having to clear out her apt. in just a couple of weeks, it was so very comforting to get together, and share our memories of mom, as we shared her precious possessions. Precious because of the memories, not because of their monetary value. We did that last Dec. But just this past weekend, one of my nieces came by to go through a few of the things I'd been saving for her--she'd been away at college when we were handling stuff at the apt. And that was another wonderful walk down memory lane. Your mom is right--all those little things she left behind are ribbons tied to memories of her life and love. If at all possible, find a way to share that wonderful legacy. Good luck.

How will a "freestanding pergola" with stand hurricanes no matter what? WHat does the permit office say about this? WHat will you HO Ins. think about about insuring a "freestanding pergola"?

I second the recommendation to drill holes in a few strategic places so it'll drain. We had record rainfall last year when we built, and a framing crew that worked when they wanted to. We did upgrade to Advantech but I still had to insist that the local Anvantech regional manager inspect the swelling we discovered and issue a letter certifying their warranty would still cover any future issues with it. The framers we hired just kept saying the same thing - oh it'll be fine we do this all the time. In the end I'm glad I made an issue out of it too. Before the hardwood flooring guys could lay the floor they had to sand down quite a few seams and charged a good bit extra for it. Only my earlier insistence about it ensured that someone else paid that extra flooring labor invoice. So make as much noise about it as you need to - because you're right, subfloor is important for future enjoyment of your home.

Wow. They used every system in the book. They've got mesh, cement board and what looks to be a mud bed going on there. The GOOD news: it looks like the tile has not received the right coverage on the back of the tile. The trowel marks are very deep and are not showing that there was any attempt to ensure the tile has the right coverage. This looks to be a 'builder's attempt' at being a tile setter. You have every right to have a Professional Tile Inspector come in and judge this work. And that edging is NOTHING I've seen before. Again, this looks like an amateur attempt at a professional job. Personally I would see how easily a tile can be popped up. If it takes very little effort, you have the perfect excuse to require it be done again.