Four days until evaluation day and while we have done a lot, there is still heaps to go and we are now unsure if we can get help during the week from those who have been giving us a hand the last couple days. We are resigned to the fact that we can't get what we want completed, but we are going to push ourselves to get as much as possible done. Rushing at the end is getting pretty expensive and the errors made aren't helping matters.
One of the people who has done some really good work for us in the past, has over the last few visits stopped caring about the work he does and has made some very bad decisions and some even worse work. We have tried to ask what is going on with him, but he has said everything is fine and we can't really push it any more. We unfortunately can't have him back here, as we are now having to hire someone else to redo what has already been done and paid for. It is a pity.
We all have off days and we all likely go through periods of stress where we aren't performing at our best, but we also have to consider what impact our actions have on others. In this case, we will likely have been put out a couple of thousand euros for double work, as well as are even further behind schedule than we should be, with both of these factors being pretty big for us, since we are on a budget and a hard deadline.
My wife is quite upset by it though, as we have known the guy a long time and we treat him like family and we treat all of the workers we have had well, even when there have been screwups. There is little we can do about it now, other than fork out more money to have other people come in and hope that the incomplete and shoddy work doesn't get too much attention from the evaluator and instead they focus on what is done to spec. It will hopefully be okay.
If not, whatever will be, will be, as is the saying when there is nothing more that can be done than is being done in preparation to improve the outcome. With a little blur interpretation from the evaluator, things might be okay and since we will be here, we can explain that the finishing work like skirting boards and cornices will be added in the next couple weeks, after we have painted the floor. This way, he we can hopefully be comfortable enough treating these areas of the home as finished, even though they are missing the trim.
For me, I am pretty tired and will start work again after a week "off", going into another extremely busy period before the Summer break arrives in a little over a month. I definitely don't feel like I have had a break and the days rushed by, but after the evaluation and regardless of the outcome, we will be able to calm down a little and take things a bit slower with the renovation work and live a little more easily.
It will also be nice not to have to pay for all the workers simultaneously, as this has been a very expensive month, with a lot of ad hoc work and the bills are continuously stacking up faster than we can pay them. A little breather will be good for the wallet too and hopefully allow for a bit of a recovery period. After painting the floors is a good time for this, as they take four weeks to dry, perhaps more.
The evaluation will be the culmination of thousands of hours of work and the most money I have ever spent in a year, but it will hopefully be worth it to have built a place that we are happy living in and is practical for our lives. The investment into making this our home is far more than a financial one and while we are of course affected by the value of it as an asset, we are also looking at it from the quality of life perspective and how living here is going to affect what we do and to some degree, who we are. It is quite a different lifestyle than that of in an apartment and Smallsteps has really enjoyed the space and has grown into the house, making it part of her process.
A few more insane days of work here and in paid labor, and we will be able to sit back and take it easy, before diving into the next parts of the project - the basement, the glasshouse, the terrace, the garden and the kitchen. We are not sure what we are going to start with, but it is likely going to be the kitchen, as it is a core part of our daily lives and adjusting it to suit our process has a direct impact on our daily routines. But, it is another expensive piece, so it is going to have to wait a little.
For now, the sun is shining and I think we will finish the reno workday with a sit outside in the garden, to take in the feel of evening as a family.
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]
Oh a house! I read about four or five paragraphs before I found the answer. I was wondering what was under development. An app? A front end? An entire new software program that will help people evaluate crypto currencies based on complex modeling and AI? 😂
That’s really stressful when people you trust (and thought you knew really well) don’t come through for you. It’s also shocking how much money one can drop on a big project like that. Good luck with everything, @tarazkp! I hope the rest of your project goes smoothly and it turns out exactly as you hope it will.
:D Perhaps I should explain more each post - it is just that I live this daily :D
It is pretty disappointing to be let down like this, especially in the dying stages when deadlines are very close. It'll work out though :)
Well, and I hope your friend/contractor is okay. It's always concerning when people have a sudden change of demeanor. Maybe it's just burn-out!
Congratulations on your progress so far. Sorry about having to pay double for a particular work.
I hate inefficiency.
inefficiency and inconsideration for other people....
It's a bummer and I am sure very frustrating to have shoddy work done that I am sure cost you a bundle. But this too shall pass and your 'Home " will be a great investment in the big picture. The roots smallsteps will grow in her new home will prove over time to be priceless. Always remember home is where your heart and it sound to me you and your wife have already put your hearts into this huge project. Try to enjoy the journey, as I know you will look back at these days with great satisfaction, knowing that all your hard work paid off.
C'mon @tarazkp, all you have to do is keep writing, you'll cover your losses in no time.😊
Glad you are taking a break, we all need down time to recharge our batteries.
Hope this finds you and your family well and happy.