Msmarion, glad these threads have inspired you. Let us know how you do. I, too, find everyone's hard work inspiring. It motivates me to keep going. Today I worked on my clothing closet with my good friend. I tried on all of my dresses, skirts, and jackets. I got rid of 17 items. It was really interesting to have someone objectively evaluate how clothing looks on you. It made me realize how harsh I am on myself! My friend is someone who is particular about how clothing fits, flattering styles, age appropriateness, etc., and it was a positive experience. I got rid of two vintage dresses because they didn't fit or flatter my shape well. I really liked these dresses, too , but I chose to keep others that look much better on me. Two contemporary dresses were nixed because they were a tad short. My friend said I could get away with them, but because I have others that look better I decided to keep just the best ones. The process has started to feel and sound familiar to other culling tasks I've completed -- my closet has a limited amount of space; I have lots of clothing but certain items are the most flattering; these clothes are in good condition; I enjoy wearing them and do wear them. I keep only the best of everything. I am glad to have gotten this far, but still have a lot to do. Slacks, tops, and shoes remain, but I already have more room in one closet. I need to start a list of particular items that would help round out my wardrobe, but I'm not going to buy anything until I have completed the entire culling process. Also started working on removing an applied texture from the walls of one of our bedrooms. Originally thought it was sand-textured paint, but it's a bit thicker than that. I'm using a spackling tool to lift and chip it off. It's a bigger project than anticipated, but I think the results will be better. Tina

Thank you all for the comments and suggestions. It's going to take me awhile to go through them all! There are a few major points that I completely overlooked and will add new sections to the checklist. (Some I have already added): - Island Size - how did I miss this? - Countertop Finish - Tile Countertop mfg - Opinions - great idea mtnfever! - Pantry - Family and Function - another great idea. Thx warmfridge! Still thinking of the best way to incorporate a kitchen "refresh" and electrical cover plates. And some questions: - learningguru - can you explain what you mean by "an area for special features"? Would that be something in addition to the "Special Features Other Information"? - liriodendron - "If electrons could be worn out then there'd be a huge scrap pile of FKB particles in windrows under my computer desk...." LOL! Are you a physicist? And some answers: - nancy_in_mich - Yes, the search box will be able to find text in the write-in boxes and the OTHER boxes. - clafouti - Unfortunately the search function won't let you select 2 entries in the same section. But you can select a single entry then use the Search Box to search for the other. (Does that makes sense?) - warmfridge - The Basic entry form contains the budget question. It's broken down into only 4 categories. Super Low (- DreamweaverMAM - I was hoping that members would use the Cabinet Manfacturer Details section to include details about their custom cabinetry shop. It could be the name of the shop, location, etc. How else could I reword the text that explains the section? And, as jakabedy pointed out, almost each section has an OTHER checkbox where more details can be listed in the OTHER INFORMATION section. So additional choices can be added. And if I've missed a popular choice then I can officially add it as a new choice in the section.

It's always amazing to me how many consumers don't understand that there are very different categories of construction contracts. Each category is very different in terms of how risk and financial responsibility is allocated between the contractor and the owner. Builder's bid forms and contract proposals are always...always...written in favor of the...wait for it...the builder! Surprise, surprise! This is one of the many reasons why many of us here on this forum recommend architects be involved in projects, so that bid forms and contracts for construction are written in an owner's interest. The recommendations are too seldom understood and followed. This thread is an example of a consumer looking for a potential financial disaster.

FYI Romabio is good at what they do ... no argument here.... but they have a limited range of only whites & very light grays and it cannot be applied to anything with conventional house paint on it, only raw unpainted masonry or other mineral paint applications. There are several other mineral paint (aka potassium silicate) paint co's in the US, a couple of which have a sort of "primer" product which can go over conventional paint - try this is one : https://www.beeckmineralpaints.com/ For best results though I think Id still want to get off as much of the paint film as possible .... but without going too far and damaging the brick. Then the primer product, and then the mineral paint. Of course this would be hugely labor intensive or expensive to hire out, that is assuming you can even find anyone who has heard of mineral paint or would want to do it. At the very least find a person who understands the science about this and doesnt shrug off the concerns - maybe there are some other types of breathable coatings that I dont know about. Michelle above is correct - any coatings need to be breathable, or there WILL be damage, its only a matter of time. The brick bldg across the street from me was painted only 12 yrs ago and is already spalling (ie brick cracking and disintegrating) terribly in some places near bldg exhaust vent and other places Its really sad how the big box, do it cheap mentality of the last 30-40 yrs has resulted in so much shoddy workmanship that is now considered the norm.... and actual physical damage. Not many people thinking long term any more, beyond 10 or 20 yrs.