Most of time I start these blog entries knowing exactly what I’m going to write. Other times, like today, I have no idea what to say or how to say it. I think the latter tends to be the case, when my mood or emotions about the project are a little low, a little worried, a little impatient, or all of the above.
Definitely feeling those emotions at the moment. There is progress, but some big line items continue to be postponed or delayed or just feel really slow. It’s looking like final completion is not a reality by Christmas, although the goal is still to have us moved back upstairs by then.
My main concerns are 1) the living room which is still skeletal (ie framing only) and is awaiting an engineers affidavit and submission for inspection and hopefully approval before hvac, insulation, plaster, and electrical can be installed, 2) the floors, which can only be sanded and finished after painting and most everything else is done, 3) kitchen countertop- these were templated last week but take ~10 days in production, and 4) all the things that still need to be built like master bedroom closet and dresser, dining room bookcase, and… my precious staircase.
The list in not short and there are not many days to count down. Not to mention the long punch list of things like lighting install and patch up work and hardware, etc etc. And I have not even touched upon the exterior siding or painting which has not begun and may need to wait for warmer weather/Spring. Looks therefore like we will be at this for a while. As they say, renovation projects always take double the amount of time and double the amount money one expects. Common advice turned into lessons learned for us.
Yes, there are bound to be challenges in a project of this scope and timeline is probably the most common one. I should’ve just been more mentally prepared for delays. But I’m doing what I can, as Christmas approaches, to see that joy can be found in the process and in the fact that being able to do this is, quite simply, a gift and a blessing. On that note, I will joyfully share some recent images. What do you think of the progress?
Above: Living room ceiling trussed, Fireplace framed, More framing everywhere, Kitchen fridge paneled, Prep for painting, Some festive decor, New Garage doors.
From House to Home 