Switch on, switch off.

16 years ago

Delays. Being the general contractor, they're all my fault with a little bit of circumstance beyond anyone's control.

Basically, the city inspector did not keep a confirmed appointment for a final inspection before we were allowed to close the walls. I started crying (something I bet normal general contractors don't) when I realized nobody was coming and it was holiday time, so nobody would. For days.

We had to get that inspection before we could build a sofit. The sofit holds only some lighting and the vent duct, but the duct had to be inside a one hour firewall.

6 days later, we passed that inspection. I scheduled carpentry guy to build sofit and finish hood. Plumber guy to come and run the 4 feet of duct that we aren't allowed to and Electrical guy to wire it up for a test prior to final enclosure.

Carpenter guy had started another small project, Electrical guy had a van breakdown two hours before they were supposed to be here and more days pass. The test was a good idea as it took them a while to get it straight and fired up.

Hood Good! Now, for walls!

Our only gucci thing is doing veneer plaster instead of plain drywall. It will have the appearance and sound characteristics of plaster, but is well under the cost of plaster. In this economy, we were able to snag a qualified person for the installation fairly inexpensively - we're paying maybe 10 percent more than plain drywall. Part of the hood will be plastered.

Now that we're ready for those installers, they had, of course, accepted another job and need some time to finish that up. 5 more days.

Meanwhile, the flooring arrived at the flooring place and they're asking when we want to pick it up. After we get it, we have to let it acclimate for a week. I have no place to put it until we get rid of 15 sheets of blue board.

I would build cabinets a while, but I have no place to put them - we are slowly emptying the dining room of the former cabinets - dh is getting a heck of a study out of them. Plus, the measurements may change as they true up the wall surfaces. I have some slack in the floor plan so I'm not worried about losing an inch here or there, but I'd like to know where.

Right now, I'm spending the down time trying to organize a decorating scheme. I am kinda worried that the selection of color choices is growing and not shrinking. I'm happy that I will soon be able to see the room wearing just plaster. Its been hard to "see" anything with all the medium blue of the insulation hanging out.

We're doing ok considering the floor plan was finalized on Dec 15th and the pantry framed around the 20th. It's just been so long to get to this point in our totally unexpected remodel and it feels like every moment is waiting for it to be done.

I turn the hood lights on (and off) everyday to see them work. Sometimes, I turn on the fan too!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

Buehl
16 years ago
Hang in there! Progress will continue...maybe not as quickly as you'd like (or fantasize!), but you'll get there.

Congrats on passing that inspection!
jsweenc
16 years ago
Wow, frustrations and delays! You've got some great therapy with the hood -- gave me a good laugh -- and the decorating, and this forum.

It sounds like many municipalities require permits and inspections, even for remodels with no new foundation. Is this most common, or does it vary widely?

Keep on keeping on, and thanks for your input for the rest of us in the meantime!
Related Professionals
Mobile Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Waco Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Trenton Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Albany Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Vernal Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Hilo Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Victoria Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Sebring Kitchen Remodelers · Des Moines Kitchen Remodelers · La Crosse Kitchen Remodelers · Salina Custom Countertops · Owensboro Custom Countertops · New Braunfels Custom Countertops · Stamford Custom Countertops · Canton Custom Countertops
rhome410
16 years ago
Hugs to you! It will happen...and be worth the wait. Love the image of turning on and off the hood...I would do something like that, too.
steff_1
16 years ago
So glad things are getting done now.

This is a great thread to remember when someone asks if they should be their own contractor.

jsweenc - If you are changing electrical and mechanical (duct work) and moving or changing walls, you do need a permit. In many jurisdictions, you can do an update without a permit. There are some cities that require a permit for all work. It's best to check the website of your local jurisdiction even if your contractor says you don't need a permit.
Stacey Collins
16 years ago
bmorepanic,
I can totally relate to what you are going through, as I have been the GC for both our (stalled at 90%) kitchen reno, and unexpected master suite rebuild. The master bath nearly did me in. I DID cry, several times. I also realized I could not ever be a real CG because I don't have it in me to be confrontational with the subcontractors. (I think it makes matters worse that a lot of them don't work well taking orders from a woman...) I had to call DH home from work a couple times because of that, which made me feel awful. I hope you have not had any contractor conflicts yet, sounds like not so count your blessings on dodging that bullet!

In any case, -hugs- and hang in there!
bmorepanic
Original Author
16 years ago
Heart felt thanks to all of you.

I'm finding out that being GC means--
(1) You are responsible for the trash and clean up.
(2) You prevent all the subs from punching each other out.
(3) You are your own day laborer - if its unskilled and messy - it's your job!.
(4) You are the purchasing agent and expediter.
(5) You listen to the complaints, the whining and the snarling just to figure out if point 2 applies or if you need point 4.
(6) As GC, try not to laugh out right at the excuses - for why the stuff isn't being delivered on time or why guy isn't coming today. It weakens your bargaining position.
needsometips08
16 years ago
Isn't all this permit/inspection stuff the pits?

We are stuck trying to still GET the permit for plumbing and altration! We have the window moved already (did the work pre-permit), and now we need to create a "seismic retrofit plan" to get the permit in hand, and then implement it. What a pain it's been! I truly don't even think it's necessary for simply moving a window over 17" - and we didn't take out any structures or important points in those 17". But now we have to drill a bunch of anchor screw things into the foundation. As if the 4 that are already there in that 10' space isn't enough! We will have bolts every foot in our foundation when we are done.

Here's the real kicker. We have to pay for the full cost valuation of the job, which they estimate it to be $2,000. Real amount of money for the job: $400 (in materials - it was DIY). But they have to make their money ya know - any which way they can get it. Beaurocracy at it's finest. Truly, it's criminal.

Congrats on passing the inpection! Keep us informed how it's coming along. Those of us in the same boat like to hear how your project is going.