We moved into our new home 3 years ago! At that
point in time, it was already 40+ years old. It wasn't really new by any means
and needed serious renovations. We didn't have extra cash and we didn't really
care about appearances.
Our (this is precisely where Craigley would interject,
if he could, to change "our" to "her" or make it so to
reflect it as my choice!) sole purpose in purchasing a home in our
neighbourhood was so that the boys have access to better schools. So, we (or
rather I) went over budget and picked up something that made us the proverbial
"house rich, cash poor" people! (If Craigley could step in again, he
would say that it is not even a house! It is a “Town House” that comes with
monthly maintenance fee which technically wouldn’t make us very rich…hmmm!) It
didn't and still doesn't bother me as I truly believe the long term benefits
far outweigh the short term pain.
Anyways, to continue on with the home reno story...
Our parquet floor started buckling last summer. I
learned about it in Science a very long time ago - expansion and contraction.
Our parquet was absorbing the moisture in the air during the warm months when
air-conditioning is on and doing crazy things like literally popping out of the
floor. So, we got a dehumidifier and I patched up the broken parquet with tape.
Believe it or not, this was a better plan than placing chairs over the buckled
areas like pylons. Our home looked like some amateur obstacle course. So, the
taping down made it less chaotic.
Craigley wanted to get rid of the home, the mortgage,
the impending reno and just move out. Perhaps that is where his frustration
stems from?! To have a wife who puts him in a financially precarious position
and refuses to budge!! Guilty as charged. There are days I want the boys to
know that if their dad is upset with their Momley, there is a good reason.
Anyways, to continue on with the home reno story...
After almost a year of living with a patchwork floor,
it was time to fix the problem. I just didn't realize how big an undertaking it
is. I casually spoke with some parents at school while we waited around and got
an abundance of advice.
...go for
engineered wood; hardwood is overrated...
...hardwood is
the way to go if you want to increase the value of your home...
...buy the wood
and do it yourself; you will save a bundle...
...shop around
and get as many quotes as possible...
...do it when
the kids are at school...
...do it over
summer holidays...
All good advice and a lot to think about!
Finally, we got down to it a week before "Back to
School"! It was supposed to have finished within 5 days. It took 2 weeks
and a day, and the workers left with a day's worth of work to complete the
reno. They took off 6 days ago and have somewhat contacted us. I have
communicated twice now. Our garage is filled with debris and our home continues
to be a construction zone! I did the mistake of paying everything upfront; I
have no leverage over the reno people! So, I wait; I have no choice!
This home reno story will one day have an end…till
then, I hope, someone got a laugh out of it if not KPF. Happy birthday my
friend!
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