Oh, (((((((hugs)))))))))) I am sorry. I don't normally post on this board, but drop by to read/learn.

10 years ago I went through a house nightmare (our house flooded , basically totalled and we redid it from ground up).

I remember days like yours, days when the world appeared black because of remodeling. I must say you have had many nightmares to complicate things for you. I can understand the despair and the regrets. I can not tell you what to do, but I think it would be wise to get several more opinions from other real estate guys (besides the new guy)and see if they concur. If they do, then you know that the advice is pretty sound and if you stick it out you will be okay. Often times, sticking it out is the only choice besides walking away. If it is worth sticking it out, then buy lots of chocolate for your nerves and keep going.

I really feel for you, feeling overwhelmed by a money pit is depressing. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there!

Re: the roofing. I don't know what part of the country you live in, but have you considered just covering the roof until spring? Winter is not the ideal time to put on a new roof!

On the electrical......are they showing up for work every day? Did you get a flat bid and are you happy with the work otherwise?

Winter is often a terrible time to be in the middle of a remodel but if you're happy with the progression and quality of work the subs are doing, then things will make a turn for the better!

Roof: I leave north and all the roofers I talked to told me to fix roof asap despite the cold. I think the house due to location (seats on a hill) is more windy than expected and that got things worse. I did not even know that there was on option to cover.
Electrical: The guys show regularly except for when they have emergency calls. I am happy (so far) with their work. I think they totally underestimated the length of the work and in retrospect I should have hired a bigger company that would send more guys. I am paying a flat fee.

Yeah I am sure I made a lot of mistakes when I chose contractors. I can not understand how some people can save money and get good quality work done. Anytime I tried to a save a penny I got exactly what I paid for : Not a great job.

In my old house we remodeled one project at a time and that was a lot better and less stressful. Last month I had roof, electrical, heating and some plumbing all done simultaneously and I found out the hard way that this type of remodeling is completely different that the one project at a time.... And of course now I have to deal with the bursting pipes and the insurance. ouch.
The way it is right now I think I have to stick it for a year.

It is painful to remodel your house and acting as your own general contractor increases the pain considerably. You chose that path so you have to see it through to the end. Good luck.

I agree. I chose this path. I think the noise of the giant dehumidifiers makes me crazy..... %)

Alexia, Can you feel my shoulders? I'm standing right next to you with some roofing issues myself. This will eventually pass and the situation will hopefully improve. Your not alone . . in fact, I'm going to hold a glass up to you right now and say "cheer's". I'll be back to check up on solutions for my bay window problem and you.

Professional builders and architects deal with similar renovation issues every day. Its hard work especially in cold weather but don't despair; for you it will eventually be over.

It's kind of like having a baby, once it is all done you forget about the pain. Seems like you are having some problems with your contractors, you might want to tackle some of the jobs yourself. If you have the right Tools for the job, it makes it a whole lot easier.

Here is a link that might be useful: Power Tools

"big and fabulous turn of the century colonial " must have had something about it that spoke to you. Can you remember? Yes, every place is a money pit one time or another. Right now you've been dumped on through no fault of your own. Insurance companies never want to pay so brace yourself. And quit being nice. YOu paid the premiums. They owe you. The electrician needs to be jacked up. Remind him of the original time estimate every chance you get. Quit being so nice. The roof. Your roofers are at fault here. They took advantage of you. Shingles don't stick when it's cold. Ever. For anyone. Have them cover it with tarps and do it right next May. Quit being so nice. This isn't a multiple choice solution for them. Do it right and do it when you said you would. Remind them Who's writing the check. And how big this project will be before it's done. There will no doubt be the opportunity for more work if they want it IF you are happy with them.

alexia10, it sounds like you bought an old house. Well okay, the house is giving you fits, but there are probably some really good bones in your house. Old growth wood is a thing of beauty. As for the insurance company, in Texas you can complain to the state board of insurance. It is amazing how fast our insurance company stepped up to the plate after we complained to the board. pinch me is right, stop being so nice. Here is what I have found, after we had to be our own gc (our gc was incompetent), we use only subs who do work without any money upfront. We will pay them for materials or buy the materials. What we have found is that it is a pride thing with the ethical guys, they want to finish or be close to finishing before they accept any payments. Or they will work on a payment plan where they get so much after a certain stage. For our electrician, plumber and HVAC this is how it worked and we gladly payed them at their contracted points. The ones we don't trust are the fast talkers who want lots of money up front. Oh and I stopped being nice, except for the people who are ethical and honest. For them, I will sing their praises to anyone who will listen. Good luck and know that it will all work out.