What a week!

We've been so busy this week that we literally didn't have time to post!

Let's start with WEDNESDAY.... I received a call from Marling's, the cabinet and countertop contractor. There was an "accident" at site while installing our kitchen granite countertops. Luckily, no one was hurt and the granite wasn't broken. Casualities included our granite kitchen sink, some floor tiles, and a cabinet door. To keep progress moving, they asked if I could go pick up a new sink and bring it to site ASAP. Negativo... I was in Milwaukee. So the fabricator, who broke the sink, ran to Home Depot to get a replacement. (BTW, I love that store. Even though he was honest about breaking it, the store replaced it for free.) Of course, the rest will be fixed at no cost to us... whenever they can get a replacement cabinet door.

I went to the house to view the damage that night, and found two other mistakes with the granite. (1) The edges were squared, and I ordered rounded, aka bullnose. What are we to do??? If we rip it out and have it redone, the entire house will be delayed for another FOUR weeks! Turns out we weren't charged for the bullnose, so we'll keep it squared. Don't tell me you don't like it... because I don't either. (2) The first floor bath has one sink, and the lower level bath has two sinks. The faucets I selected were different... as I went cheaper on the basement bath. Well, the fabricator drilled the holes opposite... so the bathroom faucets are drilled in the first floor countertop, etc. THIS was easy for ME. I told them to upgrade the house to the nicer faucets at no cost to me rather than find a new piece of granite and start over again! I must confess that the plumber, the fabrictor, and Marlings all took time to call me and explain that the mistake was not THEIR fault! Frankly, I don't care WHO screwed up as long as it's fixed.

THURSDAY: They continued to install the granite countertops and plumbing fixtures. I stopped by to approve something (I don't remember what), and discovered yet another additional cost. The house contract included a screen porch, tongue and grove pine siding. However, the contractor doesn't plan on sealing it! That's like drywalling and then asking "did you want paint?". He wants to charge another $900 to oil, seal, and paint the outside. Cripes.

FRIDAY: Lee had to meet the sprinkler company and the landscaper at site. They have finished the fine grading, and Lee finally approved the plan. I'm so thankful for Lee, because I wouldn't have the patience to work on the landscaping the way he did. Lee and I made a list of at least twelve mistakes or issues for the contractor to address. We also found out that they turned on the air return (furnace and AC)... so all of the construction and drywall dust is being sucked into our ventilation system!! WE ARE NOT HAPPY.

SATURDAY: We stared at more tile samples trying to select a kitchen backsplash. We took about five different options to the house, and none wowed us. Sorry, but we hate to spend a lot of money on something we don't really like. So... we'll be without a backsplash for awhile.

SUNDAY: Dust O' Dust!!! We learned the carpet is scheduled to be installed tomorrow. There is SO MUCH drywall and construction dust, that we were worried they would throw the carpet on top of it. Lee and I worked for 2-3 hours, both with separate ShopVacs, cleaning up as much dust and debris as possible. We met with a window blinds company and received a good case of sticker shock with their quote. We then spent a few hours assembling the new screen porch furniture. At LONG LAST, we enjoyed our first beverage with our friend Tom on the screen porch! It was wonderful!!