VI. THE TRICKSTER, THE BROOMSTICK, & THE FIRE

So you might be wondering why it's taken three weeks for an update. Here's why. It's Halloween! Tomorrow actually - and two days to our original move-in date of November 1, 2016.

Think we're ready?

October 24, 2016

So let's see, what is it I'm thinking? Oh yes - we are the orphan project run by a General Contractor who doesn't know what a schedule is but does know how to talk up getting paid. 

THE TRICKSTER!

At first, things were moving along pretty good, even though he delayed putting in our permit (without our knowing - something else we eventually found out) because he hoped to get in on our windows deal.

But then everything slowed down. We had provided our vision for the house in pictures and lists of what we wished to see it become. No need for questions because everything was mapped out room by room. 

However, we found it odd that he keep forgetting our folder with the plans and dimensions for the kitchen, and our list of expectations and vision. 

We asked ourselves how can the project manager advise others on what needs to be done if he has none of our notes? Nor his own - but then again I'd never actually seen him take a note.

But, whatever. We kept the faith. But then he kept coming up with constant reminders that I needed to 'add something in for him' every time we talked about future work, when in actuality we had a flat fee agreement - not a 20% markup. 

Funny how he forgot that too...

Then there was this. A couple of weeks ago I walked in and found that what was supposed to be a half wall in the kitchen was built as a full wall. Oops. It's OK. These things can happen. But...

A day later when it became a half wall as it should - it was too short! Gee, wonder if it was due to no plans for the poor carpenter, who really is a good guy and does nice work - if he is ever shown a plan.

So you guessed it - third time's a charm. 

(Oh, and BTW, our General Contractor tried to blame me for 'not telling him'.) What! - "It's on the plan!" 

His response? A mumbled 'whatever'. For the love of God.

This is just a tip of what has been annoying. There are so many others. So out comes:

The BROOMSTICK!

Clean up this place it looks like a pig pen. Get the plasterer back here to clean up the caked on popcorn that is strewn everywhere! Organize your schedules so we can get this project moving! I made out another list for everyone.

So I'm happier...

The wall is now at the right height.

The place is cleaned up.

And the ceilings are somewhat prepped. We can't drywall the kitchen ceiling until after inspection.

However, I find by accident that the $1,100 electric range we were keeping is now broken - did I say I found that out by accident - and my thermostat for the AC also broken... There is it hanging there. The AC and the stove were the only two things working in our little bank foreclosure. Sigh...

The two lead guys are there together so I ask about the stove and no one knows anything. The General Contractor immediately says 'It wasn't me I didn't do it and I'm not paying for it" (do we protest too much too soon??) but our second in command offers to fix both the stove and thermostat. (Thank you.)

A week goes by and we get the electrician in - Alan, best guy on the team besides Super Dave. But no one else shows up. I've been asking for two weeks now for the remainder of the demo to be completed (door frames and baseboard, some closet shelving). Without bitching too much here... but then again - Broomstick! 

Suddenly I get this text message (in gray) - you see, he's been avoiding me. This message came after I asked for a meeting with everyone involved so we could make out a calendar. Maybe that would work seeing as lists don't. 

Electrical, plumbing, drywall - all happening in the next three days? Hmm... Something wasn't right and I could tell I was being fed a line of bull. (And of course he never showed up for the meeting. The only one that came was the second in command.) 

October 25, 2016

So I go down to the permitting office and ask to have my file pulled. 

Pants on Fire! 

There were no inspections scheduled. And the three forms required before an inspection could be scheduled were never completed. 

There we are - a red-hot lie. 

October 27, 2016

The FIRE!

To make a long story short - he's out. 

The one thing the Luz's do not tolerate is someone lying to us - with one hand dipping into our bank account. Never mind the disorganization and the manipulation to boot! We are at least three weeks behind schedule.

I am now the new General Contractor. 

Paul would have been but his trouble getting around these days precludes him from it. So he's my backup - the best ever.

But - we did meet some great people during all of this, most of whom suggested that we finish the project ourselves - after all we hired our own floor guy, windows guy, roofer, and pool team. 

Many of these new friends even offered to help us in any way they can as we move forward.

Nice people do exist!

We are in the process of hiring a plumber, dry wall specialist, carpenter, HVAC guru, countertop guy, and painter. Everyone else is lined up.

So where did we find this General Contractor? He was referred to us by a reliable source because he used to be well sought after. But he's had everyone snowed lately. Which I found out is not only my opinion, but there are others who feel the same. 

If you don't respect what you do or the people you do it for - it's time to quit.

So no blame here. Just a blip on the screen, a bump in the road, a rock in my shoe, a pain in my ...!

All is good. 

And we discovered the tadpole culprits. Guess they'll all have to move out soon. 

Because, here are our colors for the new pool floor.

And pool border tile. The pool will be edged with white bullnose tile surrounded by ice-gray pavers.

In summary, the first week of November is going to be busy. We are contracting with the plumber to start next week, the kitchen cabinets are coming in next week also (although we'll have to postpone them) - the windows and doors are to arrive November 4th, the tile guy is scheduled November 7th - and the pool reno should begin in ten days to two weeks. Plus all of the appliances are in the warehouse ready to go. 

Just have to pull the rest of it together and voila'!

Wish us luck!

V. Why Southbay

So here is why we chose this location.

There is a gym, a huge heated outdoor pool, 4 miles of walking trails that snake around the development, a waterfront park (that snuggles up to the intra-coastal waterway), a beautiful clubhouse and marina, and a very active social calendar... although the Luz's are known to be a bit reclusive. But... I suspect I might interest the Mr. in some old guys' card games. :D

A picture, or in this case pictures, are worth a thousand words. The waterfront park:

The heated pool: Gonna love this come winter.

This is the view from the pool looking west:

And a look at the marina. The clubhouse is on the right:

And below:

One of the many walking trails:

Here are some shots of our house (second one in) - new roof, chimney not yet painted:

This is from our driveway, looking across the street:

And some general neighborhood shots:

Here we are back at the park (10 minute walk). I cannot wait to find myself on that bench... and just be...

Every time we pause and stay present with the underlying energy,

we open ourselves to refreshingly new possibilities. Pema Chodron

Namaste...

Come visit!

IV. Getting Serious Now

October 1, 2016

It's Saturday, but demolition is again underway. Cabana bath...

This was it before... It's a bit backwards. The sink was on the left in the picture above.

Here is the garage before demo...

And after... That wall was where the closet and shelves were. That closet near the hot water heater is also gone.

Oh, and they discovered one snake. :) Nice slippery Black Racer. Here in FL they are the good ones.

Everyone loves a big gap in a ceiling. This is the garage where the guys took down all of the damaged sheetrock from that big hole in the roof.

Here is a shot of the kitchen before the house went foreclosure.

And demo'd... That's David, or Super Dave as he calls himself... The man is a machine!

The upper cabinets are gone - so no more tall guys making dents in their foreheads.

We, or I should say they... had to remove the window as the pass through counter-top went right under it. Should have that wall and the tray ceiling gone this week!

Yay! Loving this wall demo.

October 4, 2016

Attended the Association Architectural Review Committee meeting this morning to see what they thought of our front door color selection and for approval of the new windows. We will be installing New South Windows in white vinyl. Can't wait to get that started, but alas, not until another 2-3 weeks.

Here is our front door color - waterscape, along with the 'proper gray' house and 'snowfall' trim colors. All were approved.

October 6, 2016

So everyone knows that Hurricane Matthew is about to make landfall in SE Florida, expected tomorrow evening to hit right where we left in Palm City. Best of luck and lots of prayers for all our friends and families there!

The hurricane brought good news to us though, as our wonderful friends Marge and Rick came to seek shelter here in Venice. So great to see them and we are praying that their home in Fort Pierce fully survives the Matthew challenge!

We took them by the house and had quite the shock upon entering... OMG! We thought the ceiling fell but what you see is intentional. Being that we were taking down two walls, the tray ceiling had to go. There's its frame hanging down. 

Glad I'm not the electrician working on that menagerie of wires. Just waiting now on the permitting process before continuing.

Here are some other shots. I can only magine what Paul is thinking... I bet it starts with an 'F'.

And then there is dumpster #2. Time for a swap-out,

But the good news is the roof looks great!

Remember this? :0

As much as this is a bit fun, we can't wait 'till some RE-construction begins. Guess it has to get worse before it can get better - but I think I need to see something pretty soon! By that I mean something new, something beautiful, something awesome... sob sob.

But lots to be thankful for, especially this week that we are not in the hurricane belt.

Good luck Florida fighting off Hurricane Matthew!! 

October 6, 2016 at 9:15 P.M.

October 7, 2016

Thankfully our east coast friends made it through the hurricane with mostly tree damage and less than 24 hours of no electricity. Whew!

So on we continue. Found the house looking a bit more cleared out today. Driving up the roof looked great! Landscaping could use some work, but one step at a time!

Walking in, we found the kitchen ceiling in a heap on the floor. (Thank God!)

Here is the rest of it with most of the wiring tied out of the way...

Yahoo! We have lost the walls! Love this shot.

Today I spent time planning for where all the ceiling lights and fans will be going. And found that none of the closets have lights. I guess they had mystery wardrobes back when - just grab whatever!

Tomorrow the popcorn ceiling removal begins (it's everywhere!) and then the patching of the ceilings can get started. Our carpenter Eric is patching up the garage ceiling and walls already.

Soon the electrician will work on that wiring puzzle.

Ran into a bit of an oddity today... When Larry and Dave removed the 'planter' they found that it had no bottom. So, now we have to fill it in so we can get the pool decking done.

This is actually our first 'surprise'. Not so bad I suppose.

So that's it for this week. Hopefully in the next install, all those beautiful visions we have imagined will actually transform into reality. Stay tuned!

P.S. Guess who is feeling better!