Please show me your backsplash...

[mrs-b]

We finally got a price quote for changing the gas fireplace to a wood burning one and I was quite surprised at how reasonable it was - under $6k . Unfortunately they can’t/won’t do a raised hearth but we can live with that.

And we're about to spend a whole bunch of money to go from wood burning to gas! Wood burning is charming - but it's smoky, inconvenient, dirty, and a regular pain in the neck. I'm so looking forward to being able to flick a switch! We'll still have one wood burning fireplace out of the three in the house - and that will be enough.

Tomorrow our carpet for our basement comes. After that, the area begins to be useable. The bathroom is still only partially done, but that will be done over the next 4 weeks or so. And after that, the guests start rolling in....

 

[Tekate]

Having had gas and wood, I will take wood, if it's done well. I've had 3 wood burners and one gas burning, 2 of the 3 wood burning smoked the house more than anything, but the one I have here in Maine, it's perfect, it even makes the room a bit warm. The gas fireplace was okay in Austin, but it really didn't give off the 'fireplace' feel, no crackling wood, no heat, but they are gorgeous to look at.

 

[BlingDreams]

And we're about to spend a whole bunch of money to go from wood burning to gas! Wood burning is charming - but it's smoky, inconvenient, dirty, and a regular pain in the neck. I'm so looking forward to being able to flick a switch! We'll still have one wood burning fireplace out of the three in the house - and that will be enough.

Tomorrow our carpet for our basement comes. After that, the area begins to be useable. The bathroom is still only partially done, but that will be done over the next 4 weeks or so. And after that, the guests start rolling in....

How exciting that the space is almost useable! Are you happy with how it’s coming out?

My parents did the same to their fireplace (convert from wood to gas) once all of us had moved out and we always were sad that they did. Sure it’s more convenient but, to me, there’s nothing like pulling in to your driveway and smelling a real (chimney) fire burning. It instantly relaxes my soul. I love watching the fire dance, hear the crackle and pops, and I don’t mind cleaning it out one bit. The coziness and romance of it will never be matched by gas (again, for me). In fact, for the last four years I’ve had a gas fireplace and I keep my masonry fireplace screen, tools, and some logs of wood by it to at least make it feel a little less sterile to me!

I’ve also never had a problem with smoke coming in (unless I forgot to open the flue, which embarrassingly did happen a few times ). This one will be double-sided, so I’m not sure how that will play in to things.

Btw, you’re with the majority of people I know. Most can’t believe we want wood-burning, but it’s definitely the right choice for us

 

[Austina]

We love our wood burner, in fact it was so cold yesterday, we were using it.

 

[Arcadian]

I've had to put a few projects on hold as health is taking a priority and I gotta keep dust in the house to a minimum. So.... I'm going to probably resume in a few months.

I got a price on cabinets for penninsula with install and a beverage fridge (about 4K) I have not had enough time in the day to consider the counter top, but right now, no rush.

For the fireplace wall (yes it will be electric) I know the exact tiles I want. They will be pricey and I just don't care.
https://www.atlasconcorde.com/en/collections/ac/3d-wall-design/room-scenes/3d-wall-07-ultrablade/

Matte white and only because the damn floors are cream colored.

 

[BlingDreams]

I've had to put a few projects on hold as health is taking a priority and I gotta keep dust in the house to a minimum. So.... I'm going to probably resume in a few months.

I got a price on cabinets for penninsula with install and a beverage fridge (about 4K) I have not had enough time in the day to consider the counter top, but right now, no rush.

For the fireplace wall (yes it will be electric) I know the exact tiles I want. They will be pricey and I just don't care.
https://www.atlasconcorde.com/en/collections/ac/3d-wall-design/room-scenes/3d-wall-07-ultrablade/

Matte white and only because the damn floors are cream colored.

That is a GORGEOUS wall!! Reminds me of the 3D woven backsplash I liked for the kitchen (but wrong colors offered). A fireplace with that wall will be stunning

 

[missy]

I've had to put a few projects on hold as health is taking a priority and I gotta keep dust in the house to a minimum. So.... I'm going to probably resume in a few months.

I got a price on cabinets for penninsula with install and a beverage fridge (about 4K) I have not had enough time in the day to consider the counter top, but right now, no rush.

For the fireplace wall (yes it will be electric) I know the exact tiles I want. They will be pricey and I just don't care.
https://www.atlasconcorde.com/en/collections/ac/3d-wall-design/room-scenes/3d-wall-07-ultrablade/

Matte white and only because the damn floors are cream colored.

Very pretty! Love the visual interest with the texture.
(and hope you are in tip top health very soon!)

We love our wood burner, in fact it was so cold yesterday, we were using it.

Having had gas and wood, I will take wood, if it's done well. I've had 3 wood burners and one gas burning, 2 of the 3 wood burning smoked the house more than anything, but the one I have here in Maine, it's perfect, it even makes the room a bit warm. The gas fireplace was okay in Austin, but it really didn't give off the 'fireplace' feel, no crackling wood, no heat, but they are gorgeous to look at.

I am with you girls but sadly my dh won that disagreement and we now have gas at the beach house. While he also loves wood burning it's so much work that this time he really wanted gas. We had a wonderful wood fireplace at our first beach house and OMG it was so nice. And the smell. Nothing beats it. Plus the warmth. Much better than gas IMO. But I will say it is so easy now. I just flip it on no muss no fuss. I have it on all winter haha.

Btw, you’re with the majority of people I know. Most can’t believe we want wood-burning, but it’s definitely the right choice for us

I definitely see the allure of both and really the convenience and ease of gas is unbeatable. The main thing is you know what is right for you and you followed your heart. It's going to be lovely I am sure.

 

[elizabethess]

Quick update! This week we're starting the design phase with the first business we spoke with. Excited to move forward To all who gave encouragement, I appreciate it!

@missy and @Tekate I can definitely see how things add up! So many pretty (and sometimes pretty pricey!) options. That second company threw me off because they said "It costs $X to pull and replace. It costs $2X to change things." No options offered in the middle (our budget is smack dab in the middle!) It felt better when the first and third company both said pricing will depend on actual floorplan and chosen finishes and offered suggestions to get the most out of our budget. Both of those companies suggested, like @ac117 and @ILikeShiny said, that a good option is to prioritize now vs. later.

I can't see what's behind the fridge but is there space to move it further back while still leaving room for the door...potentially to get a counter depth fridge encased with panels and a long cabinet next to it for storage?

Behind the fridge is dining room, and it's hemmed in on either side by the DR entryway and door to the basement. It's a really terrible placement. Definitely want to move the fridge, and put less obtrusive pantry cabinets there instead.

It looks like you could potentially also take the little wall down and instead have a nice size island in the middle, with seating. Or build a nook in front of the large window on the left instead.

Yes, the little wall is changing! Depending on final design hopefully replaced by a peninsula or small island, with seating for a breakfast bar.

My DS has a friend who recently renovated their whole house and went for an IKEA kitchen, and he said it looks really good.

We have friends who have put in IKEA cabinets in both their current and previous house, and they are a good option for saving money while looking contemporary! We're normally happy to jump in and take the DIY route but for this job since there are so many pieces we'd rather just hand things over to pros.

 

[elizabethess]

Matte white and only because the damn floors are cream colored.

What beautiful texture to those tiles! I love how the light plays on it.

We are gaining a wood-burning fireplace at the new house. My husband is into the *idea* of keeping it wood vs converting to gas, but he's never really used a wood fireplace before (I have) so we'll see if it stays that way It's true, though, that if it works well that crackle and smell can't be beat!

 

[ac117]

Quick update! This week we're starting the design phase with the first business we spoke with. Excited to move forward To all who gave encouragement, I appreciate it!

@missy and @Tekate I can definitely see how things add up! So many pretty (and sometimes pretty pricey!) options. That second company threw me off because they said "It costs $X to pull and replace. It costs $2X to change things." No options offered in the middle (our budget is smack dab in the middle!) It felt better when the first and third company both said pricing will depend on actual floorplan and chosen finishes and offered suggestions to get the most out of our budget. Both of those companies suggested, like @ac117 and @ILikeShiny said, that a good option is to prioritize now vs. later.

Behind the fridge is dining room, and it's hemmed in on either side by the DR entryway and door to the basement. It's a really terrible placement. Definitely want to move the fridge, and put less obtrusive pantry cabinets there instead.



Yes, the little wall is changing! Depending on final design hopefully replaced by a peninsula or small island, with seating for a breakfast bar.

Yayyyy excited for you!!! Ah now I see the awkward fridge placement - I'm sure you'll get pro suggestions, but I'm thinking maybe the fridge on the wall to the left of the sink would be a good idea to integrate it into the existing layout OR (if an option), putting the fridge where I just mentioned and putting the sink on an island in the middle so it's centralized. And just doing extra prep space on the wall where the fridge is now (maybe even consider doing 18" deep base cabinet instead of the standard 24" on that wall only do it doesn't protrude as much and gives you more space in the middle). Another consideration would be to shorten existing window in the kitchen so you could extend the base cabinets/countertops down to where that existing little wall is to do a peninsula instead.

I played around with the Lowe's kitchen designer before finalizing the layout of my space. I suppose (just like with everything) that my kitchen layout might not be everyone's cup of tea (ex. my mom who would go on and on about the fridge being "too far"....what do people do in mansions?!?!?!? have everything right next to each other?!?!? ) but it ticked the majority of boxes that were important to me and that's what matters

Also a piece of advice....I was hung up on IG and Pinterest pics and would sometimes want 'exactly that' but I was setting myself up for disappointment bc layouts are NEVER the same and sometimes designs don't translate as well to a smaller space, different layout, existing window/door placement, etc. It's good to draw inspiration from pics you find and certainly have your priority list but also be flexible!

 

[missy]

I played around with the Lowe's kitchen designer before finalizing the layout of my space. I suppose (just like with everything) that my kitchen layout might not be everyone's cup of tea (ex. my mom who would go on and on about the fridge being "too far"....what do people do in mansions?!?!?!? have everything right next to each other?!?!? ) but it ticked the majority of boxes that were important to me and that's what matters

Totally agree. Rules are only good as a starting point and then the space and individual needs takes priority over any "rules".

@elizabethess I like @ac117 's suggestion for fridge placement if that works for you. Agree that is an awkward spot where it is now.

Glad to hear everyone's projects are proceeding relatively smoothly.
And please always remember and don't forget

 

[canuk-gal]

Missy, thanks for responding! First appointment went well, excited to see how they compare to the other two we're meeting next week.

I do indeed love real wood floors, and my gut instinct agrees; trying to match the existing hardwood would be the best option, if we can swing it.

Any thoughts on how to deal with the decorative inlay and transitioning between rooms? Currently it is creating a border around the living room, and cuts across the walkway into the kitchen. I don't think we'd want a border in the kitchen. Debating keeping it running across the walkway vs. removing the part cutting across the entrance and stopping the borders along the wall at the kitchen entrance. Hasty photoshop:





We'd have another transition to consider, into the dining room which also has an inlay border, but reversed colors. And wood on the diagonal! (The original creator of this house was clearly very into being creative with the floors!) I'm hoping it won't look too odd just butted up against the darker wood that would ideally be in the kitchen. Certainly better than paired with the current rustic barn look, right?

I would reduced the size of the stub wall (to the electrical placement) It would open up your kitchen a lot and your hardwood flooring would flow nicely .

 

[BlingDreams]

I ok ladies, I have the perfect example of “contractor math”. See if you can follow along

Refrigerator A = standard refrigerator that comes with our kitchen. Retail value is $10,000

Refrigerator B = upgraded refrigerator I want because it’s a better design and much more efficient use of space. Retail value is $16,000

Submit paperwork to company who checks with contractors/vendors to see what the real final price will be after subtracting A and adding B (both exactly the same size so no changes needed to cabinets or support structures).

Anyone care to guess the price they want for Refrigerator B, before I reveal it??

 

[ac117]

I ok ladies, I have the perfect example of “contractor math”. See if you can follow along

Refrigerator A = standard refrigerator that comes with our kitchen. Retail value is $10,000

Refrigerator B = upgraded refrigerator I want because it’s a better design and much more efficient use of space. Retail value is $16,000

Submit paperwork to company who checks with contractors/vendors to see what the real final price will be after subtracting A and adding B (both exactly the same size so no changes needed to cabinets or support structures).

Anyone care to guess the price they want for Refrigerator B, before I reveal it??

Whyyyy let me see I'd say $19k - 50% more of what the difference is between them...just bc, of course!

 

[missy]

I ok ladies, I have the perfect example of “contractor math”. See if you can follow along

Refrigerator A = standard refrigerator that comes with our kitchen. Retail value is $10,000

Refrigerator B = upgraded refrigerator I want because it’s a better design and much more efficient use of space. Retail value is $16,000

Submit paperwork to company who checks with contractors/vendors to see what the real final price will be after subtracting A and adding B (both exactly the same size so no changes needed to cabinets or support structures).

Anyone care to guess the price they want for Refrigerator B, before I reveal it??

Haha well I am pretty sure it isn't 6K. So I am going to say they want the full 16K for the upgraded fridge. Just a guess. Plus tax of course.

 

[BlingDreams]

Whyyyy let me see I'd say $19k - 50% more of what the difference is between them...just bc, of course!

Haha well I am pretty sure it isn't 6K. So I am going to say they want the full 16K for the upgraded fridge. Just a guess. Plus tax of course.

Before the big reveal, here was my guess...

They probably get refrigerator A for $6,000 since they buy quite a few of them, so I guessed they’d give us a credit of $4,000 (keeping 2k for themselves). Then I guessed they’d get refrigerator B for around $13,000 but charge us the full retail of $16,000.

So that gives us $16,000 - $4,000, with a total expected price of $12,000.

Nope.

They want $22,000 for a $16,000 refrigerator AND that includes them keeping the $10,000 refrigerator!



Needless to say I’ve told them to double check their math and if it doesn’t change then they can shove it!

 

[missy]

Before the big reveal, here was my guess...

They probably get refrigerator A for $6,000 since they buy quite a few of them, so I guessed they’d give us a credit of $4,000 (keeping 2k for themselves). Then I guessed they’d get refrigerator B for around $13,000 but charge us the full retail of $16,000.

So that gives us $16,000 - $4,000, with a total expected price of $12,000.

Nope.

They want $22,000 for a $16,000 refrigerator AND that includes keeping the $10,000 refrigerator!

Wow they are blatantly crooked. Low lives ugh. Sorry about that @ILikeShiny. It's OK to make money of course but this is not right.
I'd take their 10K included fridge and then get the upgraded one yourself if you still want it. Don't let them make all that money and keep the 10K fridge. Fuming for you right now.

 

[BlingDreams]

Wow they are blatantly crooked. Low lives ugh. Sorry about that @ILikeShiny. It's OK to make money of course but this is not right.
I'd take their 10K included fridge and then get the upgraded one yourself if you still want it. Don't let them make all that money and keep the 10K fridge. Fuming for you right now.

Yep. Exactly what we’re doing (actuall added that to my post just as you were responding!). When we move in I’ll see if I can sell the 10k one and if not we’ll just use it for the time being.

 

[ac117]

Before the big reveal, here was my guess...

They probably get refrigerator A for $6,000 since they buy quite a few of them, so I guessed they’d give us a credit of $4,000 (keeping 2k for themselves). Then I guessed they’d get refrigerator B for around $13,000 but charge us the full retail of $16,000.

So that gives us $16,000 - $4,000, with a total expected price of $12,000.

Nope.

They want $22,000 for a $16,000 refrigerator AND that includes them keeping the $10,000 refrigerator!



Needless to say I’ve told them to double check their math and if it doesn’t change then they can shove it!

I don't understand Tell them they need to go back to elementary school before they give you any updated numbers!

 

[missy]

Yep. Exactly what we’re doing (actuall added that to my post just as you were responding!). When we move in I’ll see if I can sell the 10k one and if not we’ll just use it for the time being.

It's always useful having more fridges. Right now we have 4 at the beach house (but really need to get rid of one as that is even too many for me lol) and we got an extra fridge for our Brooklyn apartment too as it really comes in handy. And when one starts breaking down that extra fridge is a lifesaver while you wait to get the other one repaired. Maybe you can move it downstairs? I know you have the space.

 

[Arcadian]

Quick update! This week we're starting the design phase with the first business we spoke with. Excited to move forward To all who gave encouragement, I appreciate it!

@missy and @Tekate I can definitely see how things add up! So many pretty (and sometimes pretty pricey!) options. That second company threw me off because they said "It costs $X to pull and replace. It costs $2X to change things." No options offered in the middle (our budget is smack dab in the middle!) It felt better when the first and third company both said pricing will depend on actual floorplan and chosen finishes and offered suggestions to get the most out of our budget. Both of those companies suggested, like @ac117 and @ILikeShiny said, that a good option is to prioritize now vs. later.



Behind the fridge is dining room, and it's hemmed in on either side by the DR entryway and door to the basement. It's a really terrible placement. Definitely want to move the fridge, and put less obtrusive pantry cabinets there instead.





Yes, the little wall is changing! Depending on final design hopefully replaced by a peninsula or small island, with seating for a breakfast bar.


We have friends who have put in IKEA cabinets in both their current and previous house, and they are a good option for saving money while looking contemporary! We're normally happy to jump in and take the DIY route but for this job since there are so many pieces we'd rather just hand things over to pros.

I have an ikea kitchen and I really love it. To extend the kitchen I'll be going back there for my peninnsula when I can handle the amount of dirt/dust in the house. I def. recommend using their design center services. its worth it (does not add that much to the cost of things.)

 

[Arcadian]

@ILikeShiny I guess they didn't offer no lube with that type of screwing That is CRAZY. I would be saying some uncouth stuff.....lol

Girl get your own frige, tell them to leave enough space for it....

 

[BlingDreams]

It's always useful having more fridges. Right now we have 4 at the beach house (but really need to get rid of one as that is even too many for me lol) and we got an extra fridge for our Brooklyn apartment too as it really comes in handy. And when one starts breaking down that extra fridge is a lifesaver while you wait to get the other one repaired. Maybe you can move it downstairs? I know you have the space.

It’s a 48” refrigerator so there will be plenty of space (especially when it’s back to being just the two of us) but it’s the poor use of space inside of it that irks me. It’s like bathroom cabinets that are just holes... no drawers, no shelves, just space. Why do that when a few tweaks would make it so much better??!!! I love how the SubZero has three different compartments per side so that you don’t have to open up the entire refrigerator or freezer to get what you want

To satisfy @missy ‘s request for photos, here you go! What I what we’re being given vs what I wanted

 

[BlingDreams]

@ILikeShiny I guess they didn't offer no lube with that type of screwing That is CRAZY. I would be saying some uncouth stuff.....lol

Girl get your own frige, tell them to leave enough space for it....

You know, that’s my next route. Finding out what credit they’ll give us to not put in any refrigerator and we’ll just buy something after we move in!

It’s crazy... our NSO requests for the structural part have all come back except for one thing and they were reasonably increased charges; I’d guess 10-20% profit. If this go around with the design gallery is any indication it’s going to be scary when the rest of our NSO’s start pouring in.

Should I mention they want 4K to change the edging of our kitchen granite?? Original price of granite we chose with a bullnose was $4,500. New quote for a different granite (still a level 4 and I have in writing from the seller that they’ll charge our builder the exact same price) but a different edge (cove DuPont) came in at an $8,500 quote. Again I sent back a WTH note!

DH says they just don’t want to customize certain things so they jack up the prices. I’m starting to think he’s right. Unfortunately our master bathroom is entirely customized and we’re still waiting on the quotes for structural AND design gallery....

 

[rocks]

Yep. Exactly what we’re doing (actuall added that to my post just as you were responding!). When we move in I’ll see if I can sell the 10k one and if not we’ll just use it for the time being.

There are "open box" distributors...never used, full warantee straight from the manufacturer.

Luxury builder builds a $4mm spec house. Buyer doesn't like the brand new subzero bottom freezer built in fridge, wants subzero French door fridge. Bottom freezer fridge is removed,never having been used and is sent back to distribution and is sold as open box at a significant discount. Full warantee. Common on the east end.

 

[Tekate]

@elizabethess this is going to be wonderful.. looking forward to watching this!!! Prioritize now! great advice. Our change came in 7K higher than we had hoped before starting, one thing is: we changed something, I added a new fan in the family room. I changed the tile to glass from regular in the kitchen, the wallpaper cost more than projected, but most of the extra money came from us, we asked for two coats of paint instead of the one in the beginning. The biggest cost was the granite, new oven and microwave and labor.

Wishing you the best and least stressful change..

Quick update! This week we're starting the design phase with the first business we spoke with. Excited to move forward To all who gave encouragement, I appreciate it!

@missy and @Tekate I can definitely see how things add up! So many pretty (and sometimes pretty pricey!) options. That second company threw me off because they said "It costs $X to pull and replace. It costs $2X to change things." No options offered in the middle (our budget is smack dab in the middle!) It felt better when the first and third company both said pricing will depend on actual floorplan and chosen finishes and offered suggestions to get the most out of our budget. Both of those companies suggested, like @ac117 and @ILikeShiny said, that a good option is to prioritize now vs. later.



Behind the fridge is dining room, and it's hemmed in on either side by the DR entryway and door to the basement. It's a really terrible placement. Definitely want to move the fridge, and put less obtrusive pantry cabinets there instead.





Yes, the little wall is changing! Depending on final design hopefully replaced by a peninsula or small island, with seating for a breakfast bar.



We have friends who have put in IKEA cabinets in both their current and previous house, and they are a good option for saving money while looking contemporary! We're normally happy to jump in and take the DIY route but for this job since there are so many pieces we'd rather just hand things over to pros.

 

[Tekate]

ILS!!! wow.. the red part below, I could pick any edge I wanted, now you are building a very high end house in a very high end expensive area (my husband is from Alexandria, bro-in-law live in Old Town) your house is going to be magnificent, but it seems to me that your builders are used to people just carte blanche allowing them to blow their money, just because one has some bucks does not make it okay to want to overcharge one, I'd buy my own refrigerator, they should credit you 10K, I am somewhat incensed for you, paying top dollar for top work is what I want it life, but I don't want to pay for the builders Ferrari.

Love the fridge you picked.. don't like the other one as much, your choice on what you want to do. I'm already planning my vacation there next year

You know, that’s my next route. Finding out what credit they’ll give us to not put in any refrigerator and we’ll just buy something after we move in!

It’s crazy... our NSO requests for the structural part have all come back except for one thing and they were reasonably increased charges; I’d guess 10-20% profit. If this go around with the design gallery is any indication it’s going to be scary when the rest of our NSO’s start pouring in.

Should I mention they want 4K to change the edging of our kitchen granite?? Original price of granite we chose with a bullnose was $4,500. New quote for a different granite (still a level 4 and I have in writing from the seller that they’ll charge our builder the exact same price) but a different edge (cove DuPont) came in at an $8,500 quote. Again I sent back a WTH note!

DH says they just don’t want to customize certain things so they jack up the prices. I’m starting to think he’s right. Unfortunately our master bathroom is entirely customized and we’re still waiting on the quotes for structural AND design gallery....

 

[BlingDreams]

ILS!!! wow.. the red part below, I could pick any edge I wanted, now you are building a very high end house in a very high end expensive area (my husband is from Alexandria, bro-in-law live in Old Town) your house is going to be magnificent, but it seems to me that your builders are used to people just carte blanche allowing them to blow their money, just because one has some bucks does not make it okay to want to overcharge one, I'd buy my own refrigerator, they should credit you 10K, I am somewhat incensed for you, paying top dollar for top work is what I want it life, but I don't want to pay for the builders Ferrari.

Love the fridge you picked.. don't like the other one as much, your choice on what you want to do. I'm already planning my vacation there next year

This, exactly. We’re willing to spend, but we spend discerningly. I am a careful buyer so what they’re proposing is nonsense to me. Glad I’m not alone!!!

We’re awaiting the response on their review of the quotes. I’ll update when I hear more!

 

[Austina]

We have a saying here @ILikeShiny which I think fits the bill perfectly

Tell them to “shove it where the sun don’t shine!”

Honestly, that kind of exorbitant charging is racketeering!

 

[missy]

It’s a 48” refrigerator so there will be plenty of space (especially when it’s back to being just the two of us) but it’s the poor use of space inside of it that irks me. It’s like bathroom cabinets that are just holes... no drawers, no shelves, just space. Why do that when a few tweaks would make it so much better??!!! I love how the SubZero has three different compartments per side so that you don’t have to open up the entire refrigerator or freezer to get what you want

To satisfy @missy ‘s request for photos, here you go! What I what we’re being given vs what I wanted

Thank you for the pics and yes no question the Subzero fridge has a wonderful layout. Though our 48" Subzero broke down twice (knock wood working well now and fingers crossed it long stays that way) the layout cannot be beat. I do love it. And the company is darn nice as even though our fridge is 14 years old (and long out of warranty) when it broke down last year they covered most of the cost which was over 3K so I was very pleased. Though for the beach house we went with significantly less expensive refrigerators for a main house I can see why you want what you want and you should get it.

Also a very sharp looking fridge. But no matter what you do I am glad you are not going to get it from those criminals.

The cost of your granite however (not the upgrades) was extremely reasonable. I think our contractor has something in common with your people sadly in that they really upcharged the heck out of everything they could.

Anyway focus on that soon you will be free of them and have your dream house. And I have to say it really does take the sting out of all the aggravation. Remember what we went through? I don't give it a second thought or any energy anymore. Happy with the results and glad we are done. Except one loose end as my dh is going to write an honest and clear review of all that went down because I wouldn't be able to have a clear conscience without at least sharing this with any potential customer so they at least have the facts before hiring these people. Knowledge is power and just going to share the facts and just the facts.

This, exactly. We’re willing to spend, but we spend discerningly. I am a careful buyer so what they’re proposing is nonsense to me. Glad I’m not alone!!!

We’re awaiting the response on their review of the quotes. I’ll update when I hear more!

My fingers are crossed for you @ILikeShiny.