The Jello and fruit salad for me is setting up in the refrigerator. There are no more leftovers of any sort. So, finding something to eat is on the agenda.
We have another bathroom remodeler coming at 5 pm. Hopefully, it is less than $31K. I am still settling a dispute with another company. They won't even meet with us because we cancelled three times as they came to our house and we were not home. No, they never showed up as we waited an hour for a rep to come. So, we cost them money? All lies. There is more to this bizarre tale.
Sunday night was well below freezing. But, we are very warm as long as I keep a house jacket on and my feet covered with a throw. Tommy has a throw and jacket, too.
The second bath remodeler just left. Actually, all they do is the tub or shower. It is $13K to take out tub, put in shower. AND, it will be three months before parts arrive. We will be left with a half-done bathroom when they collect the $13K. Argh! We have to hire other people to do the rest.
We have one more company to talk with. I doubt we will go with them. You would recognize the name. Do you have a company you can recommend? Or, warn us about?
There was nothing on last weeks ads that we wanted. We saved money.
I think I can sleep all night tonight
You used the term "house jacket." I assume you mean bathrobe or "house coat," which reminded me of a funny family story. When my daughter was about 9 or so, my husband took her to Macy's in the mall to help him pick out a Christmas present for me. I had specifically asked for a new, cotton terry cloth bathrobe. When I opened the gift, our daughter proudly regaled the family with the tale of how she was the one to get the gift, because the clerk, who, after she asked my husband if she could help him find anything, looked utterly confused when he said "yes, I am looking for a house coat for my wife." Daughter realized the clerk was confused so she said, "It's an old fashioned word for bathrobe. We need to find a bathrobe for my mother." Daughter then said "so I told Dad to sit in the chair by the register, and that I would handle it, and the clerk and I picked it out, Dad gave me the credit card and I even signed for it!"
ReplyDeleteWhat she picked out was a fleece, animal print bathrobe. I don't like fleece, or any synthetic fiber, but that little girl was so proud of her selection, and handling the transaction, that I wore that thing every night until it wore out!
Meg,
DeleteThat is a precious story. Cute.
I have several jackets that are made of sweat suit material. They have a hood and kangaroo pockets and zip up the front. I have one I wear in the house. It gets dirty from spilled food and whatever. I only wear this one in the house because I hate the color. I cannot just wear any of them and get them all dirty. Right now, I am sitting in my house jacket and have something smeared and dried on both sleeves, chest and bottom. It will be washed tomorrow.
I’m laying here with layers as it’s definitely turned colder. Bathroom remodels are so expensive, but a walk in shower would be amazing to have.
ReplyDeleteBelinda,
DeleteMy covers are not conducive to staying warm! But, I persevere. I am so excited to get my king size wool blanket.
Tommy has not flinched at any price! He told the guy he was afraid now of having to pull himself on the shower bar and try to get his feet over. Hopefully, this will be good for both of us.
I definitely would not use two different contractors/companies for your bathroom. Makes it easier for them to overcharge you or put the job off because it's smaller
ReplyDeleteobscure,
DeletePlus, I am left to coordinate when they will be here. If the first one does not show or finish when they promise, the persons putting in the shower will be held up and maybe put off the installation until it is convenient for them. The finished product must mesh. We just want it done. At the prices they want, it should just be done.
There's a company called "Bath Fitters" here in CT that does the sort of job you're talking about. Don't know if they are nationwide, though.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried engine searching for local plumbers who could do the job?
Sue,
DeleteBath Fitters is on my list.
PS: why doesn't the company who does shower-only work WAIT until all the parts come in and then do the job? I would give them some sort of down payment--like for the materials that have to be ordered--and that should be good enough before you hand over the rest of the money. I would never pay in full for a job that hasn't even started...
ReplyDeleteSue,
DeleteAll the parts come in one box. Then they come do the shower only. Oh, they do require a payment each month for three months. No, of course, we would never pay up front.
$31k is way too much for a bathroom remodel -- unless it is a HUGE bathroom. Meanwhile, for someone to just come in and "slam in a shower" the bid is screwy, not a good one.
ReplyDeleteTry avoiding those companies "specializing" in bathrooms, and find a good general contractor. Any contractor can pull out the tub, put in a walk in shower, and refinish the bathroom. Its minimal plumbing, and (probably) zero electrical, and simply refinishing walls.
Not rocket-science.
Call some general contractors in your area for a bid... Walk in showers can be the plastic units (that are everywhere, and not all that attractive) or they can be a no-trip shower pan, and new wallboard (either greenboard or tile underlayment), and tile. The biggest hurdles are moving the tub drain (meaning floor sewer line) and, fixing any long-term dry rot from water penetration over the years.
Nothing that any handy guy (with a contractors license) can't tackle. Check and see what permits are needed for a bath remodel -- because you CERTAINLY want to do that. And, check the licensing and bonding of the contractor. https://genconbd.alabama.gov/default.aspx (Check the roster. It's also a good place to FIND a contractor to call for a bid.) Check out general contractors, remodelers and plumbers.
Do not hire someone without the proper licenses...and most of these companies pushing "walk in showers" may be operating under the "radar" of the state agencies. And, for the people who are trying to mess with you about "missing appointments" you can sure contact the licensing board about that, too. Also, you can negotiate bid price, and "milestones" of the project (to pay more towards the bid). I would stay, no more than 20% to start (with a signed contract), 20 or 30% at the mid-point, and then the balance, after completion. Its all negotiable. I've purchased all of the materials, and just paid a labor bid. It's another option. (More of a pain, but you have more financial control that way.)
Find someone you like, and can work with, who is a licensed contractor, and you can talk to previous clients. You might go/call to a plumbing store (not big box, a place where contractors buy their stuff) and ask for recommendations. Just avoid these "we'll slam in a walk in shower" idiots.
meetsy,
DeleteI have thought of a bunch of that stuff. The first guy we turned down flat who offered us a 'deal' before he left has someone else coming for a 15 minute meeting with what sounds like a new deal.
The trouble is I know no one or anything about any stores down here.
Right now, I am too sick to wonder about anybody or anything. But, I will keep the list above to show Tommy. His opinion was that $30K is 'too damned much.'
Guy next door and his twin are in construction and his mother cannot even find an electrician!