You can only laugh when your architect uses the word "de-funkafying" to describe the scope of your remodel work in an official manner. And then you can only laugh when the building planner laughs too. And then you can only hope that this little interchange will somehow stay in the building departments mind when they are perusing our plans and push them to a speedy "approved".
There were no fireworks or bells or whistles when we submitted our plans for a permit. It seemed like this monumental moment - the culmination of so many decisions and so much hard work from so many people and then it was just over. Just like that.
So now we wait. 4-6 weeks with the realistic expectation that we will hear nothing before 5 weeks. And then, only then will we get any information about how long the permitting process will actually take, if we chose wisely or if we will be sent to the dreaded design review process. Unknown and out of our hands - it's an uncomfortable and slightly nerve racking space to be in.
But it is part of the process. And all I can do to set myself up for whatever changes, edits, questions and concerns might be thrown our way is to take breaths and remember that this is just a process. And that anything can and will get solved.
So while we wait there are contractors to interview and tile to choose and bath fixtures to find.
6.18.2014
4.03.2014
One last soak
I am starting to get nostalgic for some of the things that are going to disappear this summer.
If all goes as planned, we will literally be starting to de-construct our house in June and well this bad boy is one of the casualties.
Yes, we are saying goodbye to the chartreuse Japanese soaking tub.
I have thought about how we could somehow repurpose it into a cold plunge outside but one of the tricks to repurposing is to know when to say when.
And I am saying when.
4.02.2014
Rustic West Coast Garage Sale
I usually don't do "name your style" questionnaires, but a recent email from Lonny Magazine had me at hello.
I took their What's Your Spring Style? quiz sponsored by IKEA. I answered a few questions, looked at a few pretty pictures and well, I am classified as:
The Hippy
"Philosophically you lean minimal, because, you know, mo’ stuff is mo’ problems, but you just can’t help collecting things: hand-knit afghans, kitschy artwork, and succulents by the cartload. Your taste in textiles runs organic in shape and texture: yes to seagrass and jute area rugs, warm wood tones, and nature-inspired floral prints. You call it “rustic West Coast garage sale.” We call it inspired, see for yourself...
My reaction: Minus the toile wallpaper on the left and the engraved horns on the mantel, I dig it.
In the outside space
My reaction: Love. Love. Love in my pre-kid life.
As for favorite item
My reaction: A big smile - I love sheepskins.
In another living room
My reaction: Love. All of it and every detail.
In the bedroom
My reaction: Minus the wall hanging and the knobs on the dresser, it would be just right. Again in my life pre-marriage and children. Trick will be how to incorporate The Hippy into design that is family and spouse approved!
What I like best about the description that was associated with The Hippy is that philosophically I am a minimalist. And much of the time I lean that way. But I won't pass up a sheepskin and oh boy do I love myself a good flea market. Good to know those parts of me can coexist peacefully.
So ScanMinNoCal (Scandinavian Minimalism meets Northern California), my DIY style acronym was not too far off base at all.
Interested in your own Spring Style, click here.
3.19.2014
3.07.2014
Artist date: New Anthropologie Catalog
I recently met with a naturopath to address feeling fatigued and low energy and aside from prescribing 2000iu's of Vitamin D daily to deal with my extremely low level of Vitamin D and a dreamy Auyerveidc drink called Golden Milk which I have yet to try, she prescribed doing something fun and joyous for myself every day. How come I have to be hit over the head with this same suggestion every few months?
And well Artist Dates are one of those things that I love. Do you know the concept?
In their essence, they are a weekly commitment to fun, play and joy. They don't need to be artistic or creative. Basically it is spending time alone doing something that nurtures a part of who you are. I think as moms we often don't give ourselves the permission to do this sort of thing because it doesn't have a quantifiable action or result.
Luckily for me my Artist Dates usually involve some sort of home design/product store which is thankfully aligned with the theme of this blog, making it both easier to convince myself to spend the time both to do and to share.
I didn't make it out for an Artist Date this week so I did a stay-Artist Date. Okay, that doesn't work as well as stay-cation but you get the point. It was me, the new Anthropologie catalog and a cup of tea and a little boy playing in the sandbox. And now, while he is sleeping, I get to share it.
And here is what happened to catch my eye...
Dhurrie Chair
Striped Linen Pillows
Continental Sofa (though I don't know how functional/comfortable it really is)
Slate Insert Coffee Table
Vintage iPhone Dock (can't help it - I love this)
And well Artist Dates are one of those things that I love. Do you know the concept?
In their essence, they are a weekly commitment to fun, play and joy. They don't need to be artistic or creative. Basically it is spending time alone doing something that nurtures a part of who you are. I think as moms we often don't give ourselves the permission to do this sort of thing because it doesn't have a quantifiable action or result.
Luckily for me my Artist Dates usually involve some sort of home design/product store which is thankfully aligned with the theme of this blog, making it both easier to convince myself to spend the time both to do and to share.
I didn't make it out for an Artist Date this week so I did a stay-Artist Date. Okay, that doesn't work as well as stay-cation but you get the point. It was me, the new Anthropologie catalog and a cup of tea and a little boy playing in the sandbox. And now, while he is sleeping, I get to share it.
And here is what happened to catch my eye...
Dhurrie Chair
Striped Linen Pillows
Slate Insert Coffee Table
Vintage iPhone Dock (can't help it - I love this)
3.06.2014
Plans!!!!!
It's official - we have our first draft of a set of permit drawings! Yippeeee!
After 2 1/2 years of thinking and thinking and drawing and measuring and measuring again, we have a very clearly defined scope and a digestible project. It comes down to removing 2 staircases, building a new staircase, remodeling 2 bathrooms and a few other bits and pieces.
We have some more details to figure out, structural engineering plans to finish and the electrical plan that needs to be designed. I'd say we're 2-3 weeks away from walking into City Hall and dropping off our first set of plans with the building department!
After 2 1/2 years of thinking and thinking and drawing and measuring and measuring again, we have a very clearly defined scope and a digestible project. It comes down to removing 2 staircases, building a new staircase, remodeling 2 bathrooms and a few other bits and pieces.
We have some more details to figure out, structural engineering plans to finish and the electrical plan that needs to be designed. I'd say we're 2-3 weeks away from walking into City Hall and dropping off our first set of plans with the building department!
2.27.2014
Local Resource: Ceramic Tile Design, San Rafael
Porcelain floor tile, in slate and white herringbone pattern. Dreamy.
Glass tile for backsplash in kitchen.
Mini ovals. Love. Just need to figure out who makes it...
2.26.2014
A little bit of sunshine
I really LOVE this yellow upholstered bed. I really wish that I needed it but I really don't. Or I wish I knew someone who could use it. And it's a steal at $399!
The skies are gray and dreary but my morning adventures at 2 local furniture consignment stores provided to have a common theme: little bit of sunshine.
This bin could be so fun for toy storage - but $199 is a bit too much to gather play things in!
This armoire is a little rustic/country looking but it still caught my eye.
But what I really wanted was this lamp - this semi-70's inspired large, yellow beauty. Really I have a vision. And for only $29, I should have bought it. But I am pretty sure I would have gotten the thumbs down from my husband. Makes me think I need a warehouse of my own to stockpile these treasures...
2.20.2014
Inspiration: Sleep
From Domino Magazing, from many years ago
1.24.2014
Refusing to re-invent the wheel
Perhaps it is because I am lazy but I would rather call it clever and efficient. But if someone has invented the wheel, I don't need to reinvent it myself.
Sam Howe of the blog Renovation Diaries didn't exactly invent the wheel, but she remodeled a house, in our same small town, with a similar small budget, with two small boys (under the age of 5) and a similar sense of style. In my book, that means she is basically 2+ years ahead of us in this process. And she lived through it.
Sam graciously visited our project: haus in November and our almost 2 hour conversation provided a wealth of information. She gifted me, a stranger, with the gift of her time and experience and that in this game of home remodeling, is worth a significant amount of cash. Though I do believe that each home renovation is as unique as every marriage or child, there are some basic fundamental similarities in which lessons can (and should) be learned. And why not learn them. There will be plenty of mistakes that we will make on our own and lessons that we will be forced to learn.
I took away these key points:
1. You will bleed money
I don't think I need to explain this one. I think it is just part of the process. But it is good to be aware of and then accept - and then be very mindful where and how the money goes.
2. Renovation cost per square footage is arbitrary
Professionals and home owners and real estate agents throw around figures all the time. I have heard everything from $200-$750 per sq. foot for a remodel in Marin. Crazy. And unfair because it depends on: if you are on a hill or if it's flat, you choose plastic or wood, if live in the dust or move out, if you choose artisans or laborers, if you get your hands dirty or hire a general contractor, if your tile is HomeDepot or Heath Ceramics, if, if, if, if.
For us, we are determined to make it under $300/sq foot. $250-275/sq foot would be a dream. How we get to that, well, there in lines my work and determination.
3. Know what you are willing to do to save money and what you are not
Sam was very honest about what she and her husband were willing to do - they didn't move out and they did almost all of the work themselves (with the help of her father-in-law). Rain, no roof and a brand new baby - amazing.
4. $100K kitchen is truly outrageous
We both agree - we have no idea how someone can spend $100K on a new kitchen. Please, how? Sam is from the UK and my family is from Germany and both of us agree that a really well put together kitchen should cost $25-$50K max. Yes, we understand high-end appliances. But really, how does this work?
5. Service providers will get comfortable at one point, too comfortable
This is a solid nugget of information. And one that we have heard before. In Sam's case, it meant less determination, poorer quality work, less desire to please, more mistakes, more money in the end.
Again, something to be mindful of and address immediately.
6. Trust your instinct
Brushed nickel or brass. He said brushed nickel, she said brass. They went with brushed nickel. Now the ceiling fixture is hung and the work is completed and she looks at it every time and thinks: should be brass.
This is a tricky piece of advice because it is more subtle than simple style or taste differences. Sometimes brushed nickel or brass doesn't matter. But sometimes it does and one of you knows it. In the midst of decision making, one of you has a strong reaction or gut instinct, one way or the other. And that is what you should listen to.
Thank you Sam for your time and candid honesty! It was such a pleasure to meet you!
Sam Howe of the blog Renovation Diaries didn't exactly invent the wheel, but she remodeled a house, in our same small town, with a similar small budget, with two small boys (under the age of 5) and a similar sense of style. In my book, that means she is basically 2+ years ahead of us in this process. And she lived through it.
Sam graciously visited our project: haus in November and our almost 2 hour conversation provided a wealth of information. She gifted me, a stranger, with the gift of her time and experience and that in this game of home remodeling, is worth a significant amount of cash. Though I do believe that each home renovation is as unique as every marriage or child, there are some basic fundamental similarities in which lessons can (and should) be learned. And why not learn them. There will be plenty of mistakes that we will make on our own and lessons that we will be forced to learn.
I took away these key points:
1. You will bleed money
I don't think I need to explain this one. I think it is just part of the process. But it is good to be aware of and then accept - and then be very mindful where and how the money goes.
2. Renovation cost per square footage is arbitrary
Professionals and home owners and real estate agents throw around figures all the time. I have heard everything from $200-$750 per sq. foot for a remodel in Marin. Crazy. And unfair because it depends on: if you are on a hill or if it's flat, you choose plastic or wood, if live in the dust or move out, if you choose artisans or laborers, if you get your hands dirty or hire a general contractor, if your tile is HomeDepot or Heath Ceramics, if, if, if, if.
For us, we are determined to make it under $300/sq foot. $250-275/sq foot would be a dream. How we get to that, well, there in lines my work and determination.
3. Know what you are willing to do to save money and what you are not
Sam was very honest about what she and her husband were willing to do - they didn't move out and they did almost all of the work themselves (with the help of her father-in-law). Rain, no roof and a brand new baby - amazing.
4. $100K kitchen is truly outrageous
We both agree - we have no idea how someone can spend $100K on a new kitchen. Please, how? Sam is from the UK and my family is from Germany and both of us agree that a really well put together kitchen should cost $25-$50K max. Yes, we understand high-end appliances. But really, how does this work?
5. Service providers will get comfortable at one point, too comfortable
This is a solid nugget of information. And one that we have heard before. In Sam's case, it meant less determination, poorer quality work, less desire to please, more mistakes, more money in the end.
Again, something to be mindful of and address immediately.
6. Trust your instinct
Brushed nickel or brass. He said brushed nickel, she said brass. They went with brushed nickel. Now the ceiling fixture is hung and the work is completed and she looks at it every time and thinks: should be brass.
This is a tricky piece of advice because it is more subtle than simple style or taste differences. Sometimes brushed nickel or brass doesn't matter. But sometimes it does and one of you knows it. In the midst of decision making, one of you has a strong reaction or gut instinct, one way or the other. And that is what you should listen to.
Thank you Sam for your time and candid honesty! It was such a pleasure to meet you!
1.20.2014
Renovations and ROI
 |
| From here, via here |
Let's face it, whether you are remodeling for your own sake or for the future sake of someone else, it would be financially smart to make decisions that will increase the value of your house.
This info graphic makes it easy to digest. And wow, 80% rate of return on outdoor space - that is really nice to see in black and white!
It's a great organizational tool too. I think I could group our proposed house ideas into these categories and then be able to justify spending more on certain things. I did I ever mention that good high quality windows are a no brainer. Don't go budget there.
1.17.2014
Learning SketchUp
This was supposed to happen in October last year and the class was canceled.
Then I was gone for the month of December.
And now it's a new year and well, why not?
Yes, I am taking a SketchUp class!
If you are not familiar with SketchUp, it's a 3D imaging tool that used to be a Google product. It is basic and free - so it's fairly user friendly once you figure out the tricks and tips. And well, since we have this project: haus and we have basically come up with all of the designs on our own, it makes sense that I can use this tool. And I will admit, it's fun. And it feels great to be learning something really new and challenging.
I've got 2 classes left and I am determined, so stay posted for next week's project!
Though crude and just a little bit hacked - this is my very first attempt at a room, with a Nana Wall!
Then I was gone for the month of December.
And now it's a new year and well, why not?
Yes, I am taking a SketchUp class!
If you are not familiar with SketchUp, it's a 3D imaging tool that used to be a Google product. It is basic and free - so it's fairly user friendly once you figure out the tricks and tips. And well, since we have this project: haus and we have basically come up with all of the designs on our own, it makes sense that I can use this tool. And I will admit, it's fun. And it feels great to be learning something really new and challenging.
I've got 2 classes left and I am determined, so stay posted for next week's project!
Though crude and just a little bit hacked - this is my very first attempt at a room, with a Nana Wall!
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