House Renovations have begun!
If you follow me on social media, then you know that we’re excited. We’ve talked about buying a beach house for a few years now and finally were able to make it happen. I love a good house project …so LET’S DO THIS!
After meeting with several contractors and various providers on new decking, siding, HVAC, flooring, countertops, etc we decided it would be best to partner with a contractor who could manage the whole project in case issues were discovered during demo. We knew of a few leaks and other issues and were most comfortable with a team who could address and resolve these problems as we go. After a few weeks of collecting estimates and talking with various folks, we decided on a local small business contractor. We couldn’t be more pleased so far. He’s done a great job in communicating and keeping us in the loop since we can’t be onsite the entire time.
Flooring.
After a last-minute change in the flooring product (the one I had picked suddenly went on back-order until late January), Aaron (the contractor) was able to find a similar floor that was available, local and could be picked up the same day. The flooring is now installed and it looks great!
I don’t think the kitchen cabinet color goes with this new floor choice very well, so we’ll be looking at options to either paint or resurface the cabinets. We have a new white quartz countertop on order. So a new cabinet color is a must now.
New Hardie Plank Siding and my HGTV moment.
On EVERY single HGTV renovation or makeover show, there is a dramatic moment when the contractor finds an issue that throws off the plan, the timeline and the budget. He then calls the homeowner with the ‘bad news’ and they come up with a solution.
We had THAT moment yesterday when Aaron called then sent photos of rotting wood he found under the vinyl siding that we are replacing. We knew there were leaks and damp walls when we purchased the house and agreed to buy the house ‘as is’, hoping that it would be a good investment at the right price. We had (and continue to have) our fingers crossed that nothing major emerges as an issue that needs to be resolved. However, the rotting wood is significant and needs to be removed and replaced. It’s a bit costly, but not much of a surprise. It just throws a bit of wrench in the budget and the timeline.
Apparently they now need to have the local structural engineer come out to evaluate and then get a permit from the town. It will change the schedule by a few days…but ‘it is what it is.’ When all is said and done, the house will be awesome!
Decor & Furnishings.
I’d love to have a house interior that is cohesive and coastal, family friendly and elegant. I’ve been shopping, researching, finding my inspiration and hope to design an attractive home that is beachy and functional. That is the fun part … but as my husband keeps reminding me, I have to watch the $!
If you’re interested in planning next year’s family vacation with us, shoot me an email at Elizabeth@carolinaviewsllc.com and I’ll reach out once it’s complete and ready!