renovation mishap thread.. share your stories

[partgypsy]

Well, it's going to be a diy type situation, where essentially I'll be the contractor. Yes I'm a glutton for punishment! I do need feedback for layout though. I went to home depot and gave them info, they never got back to me. Essentially where to put the stove and fridge in the layout. Im pretty sure where the fridge is going, but 2 different options for the stove. Keep it where it is now, which is about 30 " from where the sink is, or move it further "left" or make on the other wall 90% from the row where the sink is. My gut is I'd prefer it to be 90% from the sink on the other wall for a couple reasons (including a vent that actually vents outside for stove), but that would mean rerouting the gas pipes, which could be expensive.

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

@missy, this is gorgeous!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the kitchen.
Might be biased, because we picked white cabinets (matted piano lacquer, sleek modern, w/o handles) and white countertops as well.

So sorry about the gc's wife. How exhausting.
At least your DH is there to catch all the mistakes.
Mine is an excellent project manager too, thank goodness.

Our last good laugh came last week. We received an email that stated: We're happy to inform you that the project is finished.
Please pay the last 10%.

Errmmm... I'm living in the place and it's clearly NOT FINISHED.
Oh well... resend the to- do list for the umpteenth time.. tomorrow our project manager and foreman are coming over. We'll see how that goes.

Good luck to you, @partgypsy !!
It's going to be beautiful in the end.
Just don't let them dismiss your concerns, watch closely and don't ne afraid to stand up for youself.

 

[missy]

@missy, this is gorgeous!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the kitchen.
Might be biased, because we picked white cabinets (matted piano lacquer, sleek modern, w/o handles) and white countertops as well.

So sorry about the gc's wife. How exhausting.
At least your DH is there to catch all the mistakes.
Mine is an excellent project manager too, thank goodness.

Our last good laugh came last week. We received an email that stated: We're happy to inform you that the project is finished.
Please pay the last 10%.

Errmmm... I'm living in the place and it's clearly NOT FINISHED.
Oh well... resend the to- do list for the umpteenth time.. tomorrow our project manager and foreman are coming over. We'll see how that goes.

Good luck to you, @partgypsy !!
It's going to be beautiful in the end.
Just don't let them dismiss your concerns, watch closely and don't ne afraid to stand up for youself.

Thanks @kipari! Oh I am sorry about that last email from your contractor team. Yes I feel your pain. I am sure we will be experiencing something similar. We just got another email "addendum" from the passive aggressive contractor's wife about the charge for the garbage disposal installation. Nickel and diming us to death because that was definitely talked about and agreed on before we signed the contract but it was not itemized. So every week at least one if not more we get another stupid "addendum" for an extra few hundred. SO cannot wait to see when they consider our project done and they still owe us $1200 for the backsplash credit since we chose not to go with their tiles and found prettier ones somewhere else. They better not try to twist that expense. Argh. Yes so you can see I feel your pain. Sending you happy completed project dust and hugs.

@partgypsy I prefer the stove not too far away from the sink but I have trouble lifting heavy pots of water etc to fill and empty in the sink and that is why I prefer them not too far apart. Just thought I would mention that in case it helps you make up your mind.

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

Nickel and diming us to death because that was definitely talked about and agreed on before we signed the contract but it was not itemize

I can console you...we had several items that were on our ( exhaustive list ) and they still haggled... I was pretty angry about a single point (our laundry chute), when they just denied it was included. We showed them the list and two emails. Response: "oh well, it's much more expensive than I thought, so it's got to be 10 k more". We questioned them on that a few times , since we felt we could chip in if it was THAT much more for them in work materials and time ( still their fault) than they thought.

We questioned quite a few positions in their calculations and in the end the owner says:"well, we have to make money, too"...

I was livid. She sloppily doesn't research enough, then tries to tell us it was never included, then whines about how expensive it is for the company and when we say we'd pay the materials and work they try to make a profit AGAIN. And also totally brazenly tell us so..

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

Btw, if anyone wonders why I never posted pics of my powder room (on which I had started another thread ): they broke the two porcelain pieces (toilet and hand wash bassin) and now we have to wait 12 weeks (well, half of that time is already over) for the replacements.

 

[missy]

I can console you...we had several items that were on our ( exhaustive list ) and they still haggled... I was pretty angry about a single point (our laundry chute), when they just denied it was included. We showed them the list and two emails. Response: "oh well, it's much more expensive than I thought, so it's got to be 10 k more". We questioned them on that a few times , since we felt we could chip in if it was THAT much more for them in work materials and time ( still their fault) than they thought.

We questioned quite a few positions in their calculations and in the end the owner says:"well, we have to make money, too"...

I was livid. She sloppily doesn't research enough, then tries to tell us it was never included, then whines about how expensive it is for the company and when we say we'd pay the materials and work they try to make a profit AGAIN. And also totally brazenly tell us so..

Btw, if anyone wonders why I never posted pics of my powder room (on which I had started another thread ): they broke the two porcelain pieces (toilet and hand wash bassin) and now we have to wait 12 weeks (well, half of that time is already over) for the replacements.

I'm sorry you went through all this and thank you for sharing. I hope your powder room is beautiful when the replacements finally arrive. Just spoke with my dh and he said he is sure we are not smooth sailing ahead and that he fully expects more things to go wrong. Remaining calm and zen (for the moment haha). Hugs to you Kipari.

 

[partgypsy]

We put in our first kitchen. But we essentially put a galley kitchen in a non galley space, and also didn't get rid of a chimney we should have to avoid hassle and expense. I was happy with it for many years. But now that I'm single and there's not another adult body to do cooking/clean up/dish washing, the need for me for a dishwasher and counterspace that is NOT the kitchen table has increased in priority. I am cool with being the contractor. Honestly I am so picky but also a cheapskate it's better for me to do it. Just not looking forward to the cost and the time and the mess. If I leave the stovetop where it is, any issues with it being next to a dishwasher? Or place the dishwasher on the other side of sink? There is room on either side (not moving sink).

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

Definitely crossing my fingers that everything goes smoothly for you guys!!!
And I'm in for a hug anytime, thanks missy!

 

[missy]

We put in our first kitchen. But we essentially put a galley kitchen in a non galley space, and also didn't get rid of a chimney we should have to avoid hassle and expense. I was happy with it for many years. But now that I'm single and there's not another adult body to do cooking/clean up/dish washing, the need for me for a dishwasher and counterspace that is NOT the kitchen table has increased in priority. I am cool with being the contractor. Honestly I am so picky but also a cheapskate it's better for me to do it. Just not looking forward to the cost and the time and the mess. If I leave the stovetop where it is, any issues with it being next to a dishwasher? Or place the dishwasher on the other side of sink? There is room on either side (not moving sink).

I think the dishwasher on the other side of the sink (if there's space and it makes sense) works well unless you have plenty of space with it next to stove. As long as the dishwasher is next to the sink is the main thing. And keeping the stove near the sink where it is if you are happy with that. Does that makes sense?

Aww thanks @kipari! XOXO.

 

[redwood66]

Oh dear to home projects. After a year I still have no baseboards in the kitchen/dining room after ripping out carpet and ugly laminate. And I have taken on this little project myself - painting my kitchen cabinets. We cannot afford new ones and I got an awesome deal on installed solid surface countertops. This is going to be a monstrous undertaking for me so I will probably have green, white, and burgundy/cherry cabinets for years. This pic reminds me I need to get rid of that hideous border up top. One project at a time though. I was testing out these colors to see if I liked the combination and I do. Every other wood product in this house is an oak or walnut variant so who the heck puts this burgundy color of cabinets in on purpose? It had to be a man. We are DIYers and did the floor ourselves. DIY home improvement and construction projects are the ultimate test of a relationship IMO.

 

[missy]

Oh my gosh @redwood66, good luck!

 

[redwood66]

Oh my gosh @redwood66, good luck!

OMG is right. But how bad can it get? I have lived with this ugly color for 13 years. I am not afraid to rip stuff out and attempt to fix it. You ought to see my patch job from removing a ridiculous pony wall by my front door. It's not pretty but at least there is no hole to the outside wall.

 

[missy]

OMG is right. But how bad can it get? I have lived with this ugly color for 13 years.

No it can only be an improvement! Keeping good thoughts for you.


OK so our backsplash guy just this minute texted us pics. Before grout. Once the adhesive dries he will be adding grout. He isn't even half done with the backsplash (we are doing 3 walls of backsplash) and cannot come tomorrow but hopefully Thursday. I cannot tell a thing from the pics. His lens is dirty and he covered the countertops to protect them so I cannot see the contrast next to each other and it looks pretty dark there right now with the light. I'm getting nervous again. Oy.

 

[redwood66]

Your kitchen reno is beautiful!

 

[missy]

Thanks so much redwood! Still much to be done and still much to go wrong.We will see...my fingers and toes are crossed

 

[canuk-gal]

Thanks so much redwood! Still much to be done and still much to go wrong.We will see...my fingers and toes are crossed

Looks really good!

 

[missy]

Looks really good!

Thank you Sharon! I am nervous about the backsplash but since it is still in progress and it won't be finished till the end of the week I will have to practice patience. Not my strong suit as you know.

 

[canuk-gal]

Thank you Sharon! I am nervous about the backsplash but since it is still in progress and it won't be finished till the end of the week I will have to practice patience. Not my strong suit as you know.

It adds warmth and depth. Think tranquil!

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

Looks great missy!!!

( remind him of thoroughly washing off the excess grout. Some like to leave it on too long and then wash it off with acid... not something you want anywhere near natural stone or wood... just saying... )

 

[missy]

Looks great missy!!!

( remind him of thoroughly washing off the excess grout. Some like to leave it on too long and then wash it off with acid... not something you want anywhere near natural stone or wood... just saying... )

Thank you Kipari! Just checked with my dh and he said that Darren (our backsplash guy) will wash it off properly and will not use acid. I appreciate your advice and will make sure he talks to Darren before the grout is added. Never hurts to be sure and double check!

It adds warmth and depth. Think tranquil!

Thank you Sharon. Trying to be and think tranquilly.

 

[partgypsy]

Redwood I like the white paint, and the green, but yes the burgundy got to go. Looks like you have good coverage with the white.

 

[redwood66]

Redwood I like the white paint, and the green, but yes the burgundy got to go. Looks like you have good coverage with the white.

Thank you. There's about four coats on there. I was worried about coverage as well with that dark stain. My original plan was to use the Java Gel Stain but decided that was too dark and went for it with a color. I didn't want all white upper and lowers since we have dogs, dust, and plenty of barn mess that makes its way into the house. I think I'll like it because its kind of Farmhouse looking. I ended up with that backsplash which is the faux tin because I couldn't make up my mind on tile right now so this is temporary but who knows how long that'll be? Lol.

 

[GliderPoss]

My parents wanted to renovate their house - mainly kitchen, bathroom and add onto the desk to turn it into a conservatory. Got 3 quotes from local builders, all were about $100K over the budget suggested by the architect!!! They went back to the drawing board, simplified everything etc - put out to tender again. Only 1 builder bothered to re-quote as apparently (unbeknownst to my parents) that particular architect is really NOT popular in town... In the end it was getting so stressful & expensive for my elderly parents they just bought another house up the road instead. The sold their existing house (nice area) within a week - problem solved.

 

[missy]

My parents wanted to renovate their house - mainly kitchen, bathroom and add onto the desk to turn it into a conservatory. Got 3 quotes from local builders, all were about $100K over the budget suggested by the architect!!! They went back to the drawing board, simplified everything etc - put out to tender again. Only 1 builder bothered to re-quote as apparently (unbeknownst to my parents) that particular architect is really NOT popular in town... In the end it was getting so stressful & expensive for my elderly parents they just bought another house up the road instead. The sold their existing house (nice area) within a week - problem solved.

Sorry your parents went through that stress HotPozzum but glad they found a better house and didn't have to deal with that mess and expense. There were times I thought hmm it would've been preferable for us to move than renovate but the location of this house was perfect for us. We knew before we purchased it (2011) that we were going to gut reno the kitchen and that we had to expand the basement and add a gas generator and change all the floors upstairs etc. But if we could have bought the perfect house for us in the perfect location it would have been preferable.

Happy it worked out this way for your parents.

 

[Austina]

Don’t worry @missy, it’s going to look spectacular

 

[partgypsy]

yes Missy, looking good! when I was at home depot I saw multiple backsplash tiles I loved! I'd like to have a lot of my kitchen either white or off-white. But I already have a functional tile backsplash. Current one is green tiles with accent tiles in peach. I don't mind the green but the peach feels dated; it only works because it matches the countertop. If I change out the countertop I will need to change it somehow. if I keep that countertop, don't necessarily need to change backsplash (or only due to boredom!)
(my favorite! it is marble, don't know if that will stain easier though)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/MSI-Gre...aic-Tile-10-sq-ft-case-SMOT-GRE-HBP/206279726

 

[missy]

Thank you @Austina and @partgypsy.
I’ll keep y’all posted. Hoping backsplash will be finished this week.

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

Hey fellow renovation troopers. I hope everyone's projects are going well. After yesterday's meeting we decided we need a break and DH booked a week of skiing. We're leaving tomorrow!
I'll just lay in a lounge chair and have them serve me cheese based dishes (french alps, lolol ) and red wine ... well, some champagne for aperitif as well.
Keeping fingers crossed !

 

[missy]

Hey fellow renovation troopers. I hope everyone's projects are going well. After yesterday's meeting we decided we need a break and DH booked a week of skiing. We're leaving tomorrow!
I'll just lay in a lounge chair and have them serve me cheese based dishes (french alps, lolol ) and red wine ... well, some champagne for aperitif as well.
Keeping fingers crossed !

Wise decision and enjoy!!!! Wish we could join you. Oh I’m ready for this to be finished. Have fun @kipari

 

[kenny]

I, for one, don't have the stomach for all the disappointing delays, cost overruns and mistakes I so often hear about when it comes to hiring contractors to work on one's house.
I'd rather live in a worn out house ... and we do, but quite happily without all that contractor-related stress.

If something breaks I can usually fix it myself, but I've no interest in making my house dreams come true.
I'd rather spend my time and money on things that matter to me.