As regular readers know, we are in the middle of a kitchen renovation (whining all the way). It’s not quite the reno from hell but close. We started the process in January and were rejected by several kitchen contractors. We weren’t sure why. Maybe they were too busy or our job wasn’t big enough. We went through five different companies before someone said they would do it in early fall.
Just like hospital staff, time is elastic for contractors. Three days could be three weeks or three months. Right away is within a week or two maybe. Next week is never next week. “End of the month” is a phrase that is bandied about without any real meaning. In this case early fall was mid-November.
Something else odd was that we were the “kiss of vacation.” I know we are the “kiss of death” as every time we like something it’s closes or is discontinued but this vacation thing was new. The contractor went on a two week vacation the day after meeting with us. This same thing happened with the landscape guy. Anyone in need of a vacation should set up a meeting with us. It’s sure to happen.
We are in week six of the project. It was moving along nicely and looked like it might be done by the end of the year. That was two weeks ago and before I realized that we are also the “kiss of disaster.” The carpenter developed a severe knee issue. He was/is on crutches. We lost a week and it’s not looking good.
As part of the job, I’m replacing the window over the sink. The new one is lower so I can actually see out of it. Window was ordered in July (we think). “End of the month” has always been the response to “has the window come in yet?” Every month from September on, it’s been “end of the month.”
Our window guy does great work and has been very reliable on other non-window projects. That is until we became the “kiss of disaster.” He was supposed to be here the second week in December but he was a no show and no communication. I finally reached out and received an incoherent text. It was the kind of text someone sends when their car is hanging over a cliff. I did pick up that his wife left. He is imploding and hasn’t been working. I dusted off my (nonexistent) psychiatric degree and tried to console him. I’m sending him encouraging messages. Yes, I want to get my job done. He had taken out the old window, recut the framing and set the old one back in temporarily. Since the new window is taller, there is an area above the old window that’s boarded up. It’s just a matter of putting the new one in and sealing it up properly. I know his pain. (But yes, I do want the window finished before hard winter sets in!)
To recap, I have two workers out of commission. Other than the plumber for the final plumbing that’s all the workers I have. Truthfully neither one is holding up the job. That title goes to the new sink and the window (that’s coming at the end of a month) but that’s another story. Maybe I’ll write that at the “end of the month.”
Pingback: Random 5 for January 23, 2022 – Kitchen, overwhelming, cold, critters, Starbucks | Views and Mews by Coffee Kat
I am happy remodeling days for this house are in the rear-view mirror, not that I couldn’t tweak a thing or two. I tried tweaking the household temperature with the all-house insulation and they trashed the basement and garage and it took every weekend until Fall to clean it up. I’m reluctant to commit to anything as we had our share of remodeling fiascoes through the years, some which I shared with you in past comments. My father did a DIY bathtub enclosure many decades ago. He was ripping out something, stabbed a rusty screwdriver through his finger and he was allergic to horse serum (something to do with a tetanus shot) … so I had to drive him from hospital ER to hospital ER, all which were busy on a 4th of July. They wouldn’t call for us and it was before cellphones. That was the last DIY job he ever did.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The electricians had to pull wire through the basement ceiling. They had to go through a room with shelving and a lot of our stuff was stored there. Had I know that, I would have put plastic over all the boxes but to my surprise, they put plastic down. I was totally impressed. This whole group has cleaned up and avoided huge messes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s great they are so careful – I’ll bet they think that it is stressful enough with supply shortages, not to mention angst over COVID and their intrusion into your home (even though you’ve contracted with them) … this is a nicety to help you keep your sanity!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It was because getting dust and dirt all over boxes is the worst. It’s not like you can vaccuum them.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, and it manages to get inside the cracks and crevices where the boxes don’t always seal tight.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My kitchen reno went smoothly but still took weeks, so I feel bad for you. It’s funny reading about it, but I’m sure it’s not actually living it. I did have to chase the painter around (scheduled between the tear out and the new install so a limited time period), and that was not fun – he was a man of a million excuses and unanswered phone calls, but one night he actually answered the phone, from a bar where he was celebrating a big soccer win. So I caught him in a drunken moment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Contractors are a different breed. They like to work for themselves at their own pace. The carpenter finished everything he can until the sink comes. I’m a little worried about the heart broken one though. Our good hearted carpenter heard our story and can finish reinstalling the old window if it comes to that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s kind of you to think of him – it will be a sad Christmas for him having his wife leave him…
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have also been updating our home – new windows (ordered at the beginning of August and installed just last week), new cabinets, back splash, new light fixtures in the dining room and foyer, a new couch was ordered in September and won’t arrive until April, and now looking at a shower renovation. Fortunately, we have been lucky with the contractors and the crews have been outstanding. I hope that luck continues when we have some major landscaping done in our back yard this spring. Hang in there – once it is all done you will be smiling from ear to ear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is if I’m not in the looney bin. Some good stuff happened. We got the dining chairs we ordered in April but we have them stored in a bedroom until the kitchen is done. Appliances are coming Jan. 7 come hell or high water. Crutches guy is back and almost done with his work. Worried about broken heart guy. He’s done work here before and he’s a nice guy. I hope he can get some help to get through this. His window work will hold up the completion of the kitchen (backsplash) but not the ability to have a working kitchen. You have done a lot of work. It takes grit to forge ahead on projects now.
LikeLike
I feel for you, I really do. This is a tough time with shortages and delays.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I keep saying just a couple more weeks. Right now the thing holding us up is the sink. The first one is lost in transit so yesterday I ordered one from Amazon (who would have thought I’d order a sink there!). Fingers crossed that it comes in. We have everything else ready to installation. Crutches guy is back and almost done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I guess I know what you asked Santa for this year! I sure hope you get it. Merry Christmas and Best of Luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been gifted with healthy cats with season. I don’t take that for granted. Hazel passed 3 years ago on New Year’s Eve and it was preceded by two weeks of sickness. My cats only get sick on weekends and holidays when access to vets is limited. Since her death we have had a few new vets open up emergency hours which is great. Nothing (not even a half finished kitchen) can deflate me more than a sick cat at the holidays. Merry Christmas to you and Salem!
LikeLike
Merry Christmas!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh NO!! I am so sorry for all of this going on! It’s already a tough process for you, and all of this has to be making it all worse. I hope everyone pulls it together and can get your renovation done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m working on patience. We had some good things happen yesterday (and some bad things). I have a firm date for appliance delivery and finish electric. All good. Now if only the sink would show up but that story is coming.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hang in there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ditto what Anne M. said.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m always willing to do consulting if you take me on some hikes with your wonderful Vancouver Island friends!
LikeLike
I’m not planning any remodeling, and hearing about yours makes me happy to keep things as they are. You will have great stories to tell when all is done, and you can relax and have a laugh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is nothing like a renovation to kill writer’s block! That’s the good news.
LikeLike
That is unfortunate about the guy’s wife leaving, but a professional would keep working. Good luck.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He will need to go back to work. He has 3 kids at home. I was surprised that he reacted as he did. He did work here this summer and she was talking divorce then so it shouldn’t have been a surprise. They are both pushing 60 so it is really sad.
LikeLike
If we ever think of changing anything in our house, I’m going to reread these posts and cancel the thought.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your house is lovely as it is. I keep thinking if I had stayed in my old house, that was perfect too. Just a couple of more weeks. Timing is bad with all the holidays.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ll be very happy with the changes once the workmen have gone. It’s marvelous that you’ll be able to see more out of the kitchen window, for one thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not sure why they make kitchen windows so high. I’ve lowered my kitchen window before and love it. It’s so much easier than trying to be taller (which would also be great!).
LikeLike
Love that — a lower kitchen window is easier than trying to be taller. You are so much fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d really rather be taller….
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d like to be taller, too, with a 6′ 5″ grandson to look up to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So you wouldn’t need a stepladder to look in “that” mirror!
LikeLike
I never look in the ritual mirror, anyway. When Nathaniel is here, we don’t need a step ladder for anything. David can reach things on the highest shelf in the kitchen, so he comes in handy, too. The added advantage is that he lives here year round.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t imagine how frustrating this must be for you! When we started our remodel many years ago, we were actually in an economic downturn and workers were plentiful. I know of several people who are dealing with kitchen remodels and are experiencing what you are. Maybe you should start a support group. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes with a margarita fountain!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You did spec one of those in your new kitchen, right?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ummm…maybe I forgot that….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely makes me count our blessings on the work we had done on our house (granted it was an outdoor job, siding and roof) but it went quickly and smoothly. The bathroom remodel took a little longer than we were told but not by much. I definitely would hire them again to do our kitchen when and if we win the lottery. Merry Christmas to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You were lucky. We had a music room walled off and that went smoothly and on schedule. This project hit the wall although the crutches guy is back and working on the trim. So progress!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kate, you leave without words. I just want things to work out for you…. SOON. Just when I think I have seen and heard it all I hear your situation. I am happy you have a place to walk that you love so you can find some peace. Hugs to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are more stories to come. A renovation project is great for blog stories, not so good for nerves. Why, I believe I had the vapors yesterday!
LikeLike
I’m glad I’m never able to even get hold of anyone so they don’t start and then don’t finish. You may want to Google or YouTube how to put that window in just in case it does arrive. Hopefully it delivers to your house and not his while he is struggling. If not, maybe you need to drive by his house once a day and see if the window is leaning up against his garage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a second story window so that complicates matters. I’m just hoping he pulls himself back together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the hearty chuckle. Second story window is an entirely different ballgame. Besides counseling, my may have to send him a few home cooked meals for the freezer. Oh wait, you can’t do that because the other guy in your construction life hasn’t put the sink in. Please – don’t lose your sense of humor. I think you may need it a little while longer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh the construction stories aren’t over yet. Stay tuned.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooooh! How hard it must be to put up with all the delaying nonsense. I admire your persistence and endurance. Screaming somewhere private might help.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, lots of that. Walking has done me a world of good. It was either walk or there would be a homicide.
LikeLike
hugs to you and we cross all things we can cross for a good end, with the kitchen you like and what becomes THE place in your house . we had the same sh*t, the tiler disappeared and we got someone who did it for us two days before christmas… sadly he was a moonlighter and had to cut all the tiles inside, so o one can see him… with an angle grinder… well at least we all and everything is dust in the wind…. oh my…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cutting anything inside is the worst! I had one contractor do that a long time ago. Now they all do it in the garage or the driveway.
LikeLike
That guy Murphy is in the middle of this for sure!
Good luck getting your contractors well enough to complete the reno.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Crutch guy is back. No crutches but achy knee that is limiting but he’s shouldering through. No word on broken heart guy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh gosh…what a PIA.I miss the good ole days when you could hire people to do a job and they just showed up and did the work. I’m sorry you’re dealing with all of this drama. I guess it will make you appreciate the kitchen that much more once it’s done. Hang in there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I miss the good old days too. The kitchen without countertops or appliances is looking so much better. I set up an electric fry pan under the exhaust vent (the only appliance installed) and that has improved my outlook. Lots more stories to come. My advice to anyone who has writers’ block is to redo their kitchen. Stuff happens.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a game! I sincerely hope your team of workers get over their ailments and suntans, and set to with sorting out finishing the job. We recall a builder taking four years to build a garage as he was doing it ‘between jobs’. When it was finished, it was another eight months before the doors were fitted because it was ‘an unusual size’. Happy holidays Kate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are horror stories. A neighbor added an enclosed porch and it took two years. No plumbing, simple electrical. First contractor stopped in the middle of the job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We had some contractors building a garage for a property in the next road. They laid two row of bricks, then all work stopped. Seems they took the full money in advance and legged it, having put insufficient foundations in the wrong place anyway. There’s a new guy working there now, or was, and the garage is half built, but in the right place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
“…time is elastic for contractors.” Yes it is and months are interchangeable, rarely specified. End of December or end of March, it’s all in the name. 🙄 Happy holidays, in spite of this?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Today is a better day. I found my sink on Amazon (can you believe that?). Delivery Thursday (can you believe that? We’ve been waiting 3 weeks for the other one). Contractor is doing one last check on the sink before I click on Amazon. We’ve been having good luck with Amazon deliveries during this holiday season. Hope I didn’t jinx myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s so frustrating, Kate. But you are handling it well.
We are also apparently the kiss of death. Our tile guy was mid job when his mother died. Our general constractor got him back on track, but it took weeks. They ultimately did a beautiful job renovating 1/3 of our tiny house: kitchen, dining room, laundry room, powder room. And then our contractor died before starting our bathroom renovation.
He was only in his fifties.
LikeLiked by 2 people
At our old house, we had two areas that need tiling — backsplash and shower. We got a bid from a guy. We called back to tell him we were going with him and never heard from him again. This was well before covid when contractors were looking for work. We read in obituary about a month later. He was 52.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The subcontractor who did painting told me at the funeral that contractors lived hard, played hard, and died young. Mostly of heart attacks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Based on what I’ve seen, I believe that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What misery! We have a contractor we use who is very good and reliable, but he’s our age or a little older and I dread the day he decides to retire. He’s replacing one more room of flooring beginning of January…we should get the last bedroom and hallway done, methinks, sooner than later.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aging contractors can get problematic. It’s a very physical job and takes it’s toll. Get him in to do everything you want before arthritis sets in or his joints need replacement. Our window guy likes to work with a helper but he’s been having trouble getting and keeping anyone to do this kind of work. I guess the younger kids want to create video games for a living.
LikeLike
Luckily our contractor has several helpers, all younger than him. Maybe one of them will take over eventually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Neither of mine have helpers. The heartbreak guy has been trying to hire someone for months but the best he can do is getting someone to work for a week or so before they go missing. He pays them well too.
LikeLiked by 1 person