Today, we FINALLY signed the contract for new countertops and backsplash. Yee! We started this process in October, I believe. Between my being totally overwhelmed at the options and Paul being out of town, like, all the time, we couldn't make a decision. I've finally settled on quartz countertops in Storm Grey (I can't make only the color link so the link goes to all the quartz colors). The backsplash is going to be 8x12 tiles set in subway tile fashion in three slightly varied colors that coordinate nicely with our floor tile which also has the same colors (I can't find a link with these tiles but these are other tiles in the same line). The tiles have a small relief in the middle of each tile and the 4-inch tile (listel or lisette, I believe it is called) also has a relief pattern--understated and subtle yet not boring. Just like me. And! We'll be getting a new undermount sink. I think Paul would fit in this sink--it's huge and deep. It's not exactly what I thought I wanted but I already have a little crush on it so I'm sure I'll learn to love it quickly.
We're also going to have two windows in our living room removed. I've had to argue with several men on the removal of these windows and have lived with cardboard in my windows to prove my point. There will still be 6 clerestory windows and 3 humongous (2-3'x10' and 1-4'x10') west-facing windows in the living room. If anything, it is a nicer light in the living room without these two south-facing windows. I disliked these windows when we built the house but 7 years ago, I was too young/naive to speak up and say so when they went in. I'm sure I would have had to argue with men then as well and I'm not sure I would have won the discussion at 25. The windows are on either side of the fireplace/TV nook and the bottoms of the windows are at 6-feet. The windows are 2' x 4'and have no point. They don't open. There is no view out them. I've never even opened the blinds on them. And if viewed from the outside, we have a "face" with the windows as "eyes" and the fireplace vent as the "nose." So, away with those silly things.
Next up isn't cosmetic but one of the homeowner-has-to things. I need to make a variety of phone calls to have windows that have broken seals replaced. According to a neighbor, the windows are supposedly still under warranty but I haven't called to confirm that. I think 4 of the 6 clerestory need to be replaced, one of the 3'x10' windows, and the upper-half of the window in the guest room. What I heard from another neighbor is that aside from the weather in ABQ which definitely affects the windows (all that contraction and expansion), the windows were not manufactured here so they aren't made for our altitude. It does make a bit of sense to me--our house is at 6000 ft. Apparently, my windows have a little altitude sickness.
I've joked with Paul that if he's going to make me stay in this house (which I actually really like), I'm going to keep doing things until I get it perfect (and up to par with what is in our development). Remodeled upstairs two years ago, new A/C last summer, new countertops this year--we're getting there. And we're both still plotting enclosing the back patio. . . .
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5 comments:
You go girl --- nothing like remodeling a house. When will the work begin --- Taking those windows out will be a major project --- even more than the kitchen sink being replaced. Enjoy the summer of diruption. Oh, and of course they will all want to be there to work just about the time you are to go on vacation :0 Life is so much fun. :) :) :)
OOPs some day I'll learn to proofread before I hit send --- that is a summer of disruptions, I don't know what that word I typed is.
Good for you! We purposely bought less house than our budget could afford so that we could pay down debt and also have a car payment (or two). We are working on the debt, we have added a car payment and all that leaves no room for home improvement. After a year and a half in this house, I am already thinking about what I'd like to change. Mind you, they are mostly little things, things I'll be asking for birthdays and christmases to come. I still really love this house we call home. :)
Oh, and the seals on some of our windows are broken too. Mostly the south facing windows. The inspector said that it wasn't bad enough to ask the former owners to fix, but that it would have to be done someday. He also said that Texas summer sun really beats up the windows. I suppose when I wake up and find my windows foggy, I'll know it's time to get them fixed.
We've been in our house over 7 years--wow! When we bought, we were really at the top of what we were comfortable spending and could comfortably afford with a 8.675% interest on a 30 year mortgage (yeah--we bought just before the mortgage rates started going down. We've since refinanced twice and now have a 5%, 15 year mortgage). I think raises and home equity mean we could move to a larger home but there's really no need to do so. I do like my house and we don't really need more room--less clutter/stuff would work just as well.
The kitchen upgrade should start in the next few weeks and only last 7-10 days as they will both be done at the same time so possibly it will occur over my Spring Break. I think it will probably be the last of the Great Home Improvement projects where we're doing stuff just because we want to. After that, it's all routine maintenance stuff. How unfun.
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