Saturday, November 12, 2011

Under construction


Here is a picture of the hole in the wall. Hubs took down the built in cabinets/TV cabinet and we were left with this big hole. Last year I didn't know anyone to call for repairs, so I hid it with the furniture and accessories.

I have been waiting on this contractor and his carpenter for about two weeks or more. They had to finish a previous job before working on my list. Monday, they started and had to come back today and will have to return tomorrow morning.

I had them install two fluorescent lights. One in the wash room and the second one in our master closet. Both places are so dark and dim. Money well spent. Third project was to install a heater/vent/light in the master bathroom. This was not as easy, but they got it done. Fourth project was to repair this giant hole in the dining room and then texture our bathroom ceiling where the heat/vent/light was installed.


I just had them finish these things and then I stopped any further projects. These guys are nice enough but sort of slow. I was wanting to have new french doors installed, but I am not sure they can do this job. I am waiting on another man to come and tell me what he thinks. We know this man and he built our deck when we first moved here. He is also Hubs' second cousin's husband. He does excellent work, but he has a full time job and does his business on the side, so he is not always available.



I have to say that is it brought back memories of when we did a major remodel of our former home. It lasted four months. No kitchen sink for all that time. Some how we managed to have a wonderful thanksgiving with no plumbing. I have aged since then and my nerves are not as good as they use to be.
OK, where was I? Back to the subject... I don't know why I can't cope with a mess like remodeling, but I think I will wait till some warmer weather arrives. Of course living in east Texas the weather is likely to change any minuet.
Another thought in my head this morning is why do I forget how to spell? I am always doubting my spelling. For some reason the word does not look right even if it is spelled correctly. Do you have that problem? All I have to say is thank goodness for spell check.

OK...back to the contractor and the carpenter... This young man is my boss' boyfriend and I have never had him do any work before now. He is a super fine guy with great character and heart, but he is not confident in his work. At least that is what I perceived.

His bid was wacky in that he kept changing his prices and what he said. I have to say that it through me for a loop. I like definition. I like knowing what the deal is for and I don't want any changes in price once I have negotiated a deal. Just another thing that sounded a red flag.

His prices were a little high for some of the projects. It bothers me when someone keeps telling me what good prices they have as he did. Hello? I wasn't born yesterday. I have worked with contractors before. What is it about the arrogance of youth? This guy is young enough to be my son. Visions of con man floated about in my head. Oh, it is just a feeling. Really.


Anyway to make a long story short, I just heard a lot of loose lips flapping. His man is not a certified electrician. Please don't tell me how much work and experience he has... if my house catches on fire because something was not done correctly, then who is going to pay for that? OH, not to worry because he has insurance, for himself not my house. Whatever...

Yesterday was filled with uncertainty and doubt. I don't like working under those conditions. He wonders why he keeps having problems. The last job he did had complications. Red flag again.! Now I am really questioning myself. In the back of my head I keep hearing " Don't hire friends or relatives or boyfriends of friends."

Concerning the patio doors...he had a way to make them fit. Cut into my house and re frame, then do a bump out on the interior of the doors? What? ..."Don't hire friends or relatives or boyfriends of friends." Second cousin is OK because he knows what he is doing. He is a master carpenter and it shows in all of his work. Proof enough for me.

I don't know, but I am pretty perceptive about people. I kept asking why he was doing something that way and I would get a disguised answer and then the answer changed when I further questioned him. So that is the whole of it. A bad vibe, a sour note, just something tearing at my gut saying "Don't hire friends, relatives or boyfriends of your friends." I am waffling between Hubs and them. I know the right decision. I am going to listen to this little voice. Sometimes no decision is a decision.
I am so thankful for spell check and intuition. In the mean time, what do I tell my boss if she aske what I thought of the job? I am going to have to tell her the truth. My shot of the first picture of the wall is not as bad in person, I picked up something different on my camera.



24 comments:

Sandee said...

Always follow that little voice. You seen to be very perceptive when things don't ring true. Listen to that voice.

I have trouble spelling sometimes too. I think when we get older things just happen like that. I don't necessarily depend on spell check either because you can use a word that is spelled correctly but the meaning is different.

Have a terrific day. Love your tree and thanks for your kind words. I needed them. Big hug. :)

Finding Pam said...

Sandee, This was an expensive mistake. I hope I can get it fixed.
If you really want to know how our Thanksgiving went then go to my other blog. It was not good at all.

I am always glad to lift up a friend with support and prayers.

Big hugs back to you muy friend.
Pam

crochet lady said...

Oh dear, oh dear what troubles. It's best to listen to that inner red flag and not hire bosses boyfriends or friends of friends...I hope it all works out in the end.

Just Be Real said...

Pam here to listen and send you support.....

I agree with Sandee....

Blessings dear one. ((((Pam))))

The Bear's Blog said...

Miss Pam,

Well, I am no stranger to mistakes and making a mess.

Breathe.....relax.....and have some hot chocolate and sit and look at your beautiful Christmas tree. Honest, it works.

Mom always says, "and this to shall pass". (o:

The tree is beautiful. I want to come and live with you.

Heaps of Christmas Hugs,
Prudence

Finding Pam said...

Crochet Lady, if only I had listened to my gut. I am not usually caught off guard like this.

JBR, thank you for your support. I just had to let this go and stop beating my head against the wall.

The Bear's Blog, thank you Prudence for your wisdom. You seem to know just the right advice to give me. Mmmm...hot chocolate...
sounds good to me.

I didn't even notice my tree. Prudence, you girls can come and visit anytime you want.

Hugs to you sisters and to Mom.
Love you bunches,
Pam

Akelamalu said...

I know what you mean about spelling - sometimes even the simplest word just looks wrong even when it's right! :0

My reply to workmen who insist their price is fabulous is "I'll get back to you."

Finding Pam said...

Akelamula, I had to laugh at your response to workman whose price is too good to be true. I wish I had thought of that.

At least I saved myself lots of money on the french doors. I am sure that Hubs's cousin will take care of the problems.

Anonymous said...

"Sometimes no decision is a decision."

Exactly!
I've always regretted it when I didn't listen to that little voice. Unfortunately we get taken off guard now and then. Happens to all of us Pam. {Big Hugs}

The Bear's Blog said...

OOOOOOOOOOOOh Pam,

A HUGE MISTAKE - I mean beyond HUGE - inviting that cranky, old mouth piece of a bear. Sissy would be wonderful, all she would want is to crawl in your lap and hug you.

If you want to really feel better about things I will send "the snit" to you. BUT....it's a one way trip.

Breathe...and just chalk it up to "lessons learned, never to do again". I have a pile of them and probably more waiting to happen.

It WILL GET BETTER. Go sit quietly, and listen. HE is standing right next to you and wanting you to talk to HIM. Honest, and you know that too.

Blessings,
Joyce

DeEtta said...

Best to listen to the little voice, which I am sure you have. Everything will work out.

Beautiful Christmas Tree.

Rudee said...

Your bosses' boyfriend? Don't say a word. Next time you hire someone, tell her you got a better bid and had to think of the money. Everyone understands that.

Travis Cody said...

I'm sorry things went badly with your projects.

You know, I've always taken pride in being an excellent speller. But even so, sometimes words don't look right even when they are spelled correctly.

Finding Pam said...

Dawn, that is what I get for trying to help someone new in the business. I have not had the heart to tell my young boss about how bad the work was.

Joyce at the Bear's Blog, surely Prudence is not that bad? I am sure she would be delightful company.What did she do to get you so stirred up? Thanks for the comforting words.

DeEtta, All I keep saying is "why didn't you listen?" This too shall pass.

Rudee, you know I am going to have to tell her about her boyfriend's work.

Travis,I appreciate your comments. No one can beat me up worse than myself about this project.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

four months for reno...wow. that would drive me nuts. As for the job now..my heart goes out to you...I hate when things go wrong...and drive myself nuts until they're fixed. It time...it will all be fixed though.

As for spelling...I'm in there with you. I can't seem to spell. I wonder if it's cause I'm so dependent on spell check now.

Pam...just want to tell you...your comments to me...always touch me. I think you're the best...Have a great weekend ok..in spite of the house stuff.

Finding Pam said...

Sarah, your life and your book are such inspiration to all that read your blog. I admire the courage it took to share your story with the world.

I am glad that I can encourage you by my comments. You are really the one that touches so many lives.

The former remodel was totally worth it. Tonight I found our that the contractor disconnected other lights in my dining room and the last bedroom. I am going to check my fuse box and make sure something did not trip it.

Take care of yourself.

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

I guess the old saying, "when in doubt don't" holds true. Guess it could have been worse and you have learned a great lesson. I like the "get back to you" response. I'm going to remember that.

Thanks for stopping by and I live in Northeast Louisiana, near the Ark. line.

Blessings abundant to you!

Finding Pam said...

Lea, thank you for stopping by and commenting. I live just barely in Texas near Shreveport. Nice to meet you.

Melissa Lynn Shell said...

Oh dear, it sounds as if you have the right idea about this guy.

Once I had a huge hole in my floor. My husband was fixing a bad leak in our shower, he ended up having to replace some of the floor too.

Finding Pam said...

Melissa, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I hope all is better for you.

bettygram said...

Praying that all comes out correct in the end. My son volunteers, but only gets part of the job done. I hired pros to do my roof.
Spelling also my problem.

Finding Pam said...

Betty, what a joy to see a comment from you. I am coming over right now to visit you.

Mimi Lenox said...

Hmmmm.....you are so particular about your lovely home as you should be. Ask the questions and make them do it right.
It's going to be beautiful!

Finding Pam said...

Mimi, I just found out that they cut the elcetricity to my fourth bedroom and the socket where I plug in my tree. I do not want them back here ever again. I don't think they can fix this.

At least we don't have company for Christmas except our youngest son, Hunter.

Thank you for stopping by and commenting today.