Measure twice

This week, I feel like the details of this project are starting to get away from me. I’m very particular about things, so it is frustrating to see errors and have to deal with them (or learn to accept them).

I’ve looked at many houses over the years, and know a good renovation from a sloppy one. Since starting the project, I’ve been determined to do everything I can to make sure this is a good one. That means all the details must be handled just right.

Continue reading “Measure twice”

6 month update – parking, roofing, and rot, oh my!

We are now officially into the 6th month of the project. After our village issued the work permit on August 17th, 2017, we applied for a parking permit on September 15th, 2017 when it appeared work was imminent. Our house is walking distance to two schools, and there are street parking restrictions as a result.

Our driveway is long and narrow, and only wide enough to accommodate a single car. Since the contractors can’t park on the street, the driveway is their only option. The parking permit allows us to park our car on the street when contractors are using our driveway.

That permit was good for six months, and the police officer we received it from told us to return to have it renewed. When we returned last week, the police department denied the renewal. Maybe it was just a bad day, or maybe a neighbor has been complaining. Who knows.

Continue reading “6 month update – parking, roofing, and rot, oh my!”

Addition progress: roof, electrical

Progress over the past two weeks has been considerable.

The framing of the addition is nearly complete. The carpenters are nearly finished with the roof. For the first time, we are able to see the true size and character of the addition.

Continue reading “Addition progress: roof, electrical”

July 14 Budget Update

Happy Bastille Day.

We continue to rack up the overages on this project. Our project manager emailed us today with some bad news. Winnetka sent us feedback on our permit requests.

First, we need to upgrade electrical to 400 amp and bury our electrical line, rather than just move it. That’s an $18k fee. Winnetka owns its own power utility, and evidently charges far more than is reasonable.

Continue reading “July 14 Budget Update”