Kitchen Reno

  Thinking about a renovation in any of your rooms?  Is it a gut and redo or a modification to what is already there?  Do you really need it?  I mean really need it?  If you have answered yes to needing the reno than you need to follow my advice.  Move, buy a new house that has what you need because it is easier, probably cheaper (in the long run), and you can sell and be moved in before some contractors complete your reno.
  I may seem a little extreme, although my current situation would suggest otherwise.  Three months into a kitchen reno and tomorrow might be the last day, if all goes well, and nothing breaks.  It all began with a commitment that the job could be done, followed by one mistake after another.  All of this could have been avoided with the correct use of two very crucial tools, a measuring tape and a pen.  Correct measurements and writing things down and we would be complete.  From my understanding you do not even need training on how to use these tools, you only need a brain.
  The guys that have been in the house doing the work have been great to deal with and have pointed out all of the deficiencies, making certain they are corrected prior to installation.  They have been a pleasure to deal with and I don't hold them responsible, (as they were not the ones that I dealt with during initial measuring) although I have asked where the boss is and why has he not stopped by to check on things.  I expect I will see him or hear from him when he wants payment.  Funny thing is I to have problems writing things down, such as my signature on a cheque.

  Now, I don't really suggest selling your house and moving, over a reno, although I do suggest that you research who you are using and create time-lines up front.  Get a commitment that the work will be done prior to your changes going out of style and that the time lines are before man gets back to the moon.  All of those construction shows that tell you what to look for and to spend the time selecting the correct contractor, well it appears they are right.  Sorry Mike Holmes for not listening, but I have learned my lesson, next time I will do it myself, that should make for a fun time.