Recent Activity
Hi Joseph, I'm not trying to argue with a pro, but seeking to understand: why is the price breakdown so opaque? I'm willing to pay for high quality work and materials, especially when an experienced professional can explain the difference between their pricing and that of a lesser experienced person. (e.g., cleaner seams, better vein lining, more difficult install for whatever reason, etc. I also understand the PITA tax, so I try to work well with whatever pros I'm entrusting with my home and my money.)
I'm also willing to pay more for a rare slab if it's what I want. What I would have a hard time with is chunking down close to $40K when the original estimate was much lower. Is it all due the slab cost? Is this stone harder to work with / more prone to cracking or staining and therefore takes more skill to cut and install?
What I found frustrating is the lack of transparency when looking at stones. If I'm shopping for a car, a home, jewelry, etc., I can look at the prices and determine if it fits my budget. If I'm deciding between slabs, I need to go through the process of letting them determine pricing for stone A, stone B, etc., so I can compare the relative cost of the slabs. If I picked out a slab that was many times more pricey than another... it would be good for me to know that from the get go, before I waste anyone's time figuring out the pricing. And yes, I understand that some stones need more work and more slabs if I'm trying to line up veining (for example), but I don't understand why the base price, the cost of each slab, is sometimes a mystery.
Like I said, not trying to be argumentative, just trying to understand the lack of transparency in the stone business. I absolutely respect that better craftsmanship and rarer materials mean higher prices, but many of us don't know what we don't know and probably most of us have a budget limit at some point, so we're trying to figure out where our money is going.
The price paid for the slabs is between the fabricator and the stone warehouse, no?
One note about low fences for small dogs: while they will keep your little dog inside, they will not keep large dogs out, and cannot be relied on to keep your little dogs safe from predators. Even when I had a six-foot privacy fence around my former home's back yard and pool deck, if my Chihuahuas were outside, so was I. My vet told me a joke once: what do you call walking a Chihuahua on a leash? Trolling for eagles.
Thank you so much. I looked at floor decor and home depot and did not find anything else that that keeps the sophistication and lightness without the obvious gray faux-stripe effect or too dark. if you have a favorite oaky color/brand or stores please share.
a vanity doesn't need to match your cabinetry.
Open the space when you remodel and look for a thrifted antique desk to use as a makeup vanity.
When budget allows fill the space with a cabinet that works for your needs... sometimes that's a blessing, it will give you a chance to add something unique AND decide what you really need in storage and ease of use.
Melfairm, I understand your original question and your concern about the TONE of subsequent comments. I too have had situations with contractors where there were concerns and they try to make you think there’s either no issue or want to push a quick, but not best fix to save themselves time and money. So asking experts for advice prior to the conversation makes sense to me. It also seems folks on this forum routinely respond with a condescending and rude tone under the guise of honesty. Honesty does not require rudeness.
you didn't mention the style you were heading into.
I'd look for a round dining table that could expand to an oval, to break up the long room.
a celery linen upholstery sounds lovely, SW Reserved White is a great white with a hint of green. I'd break the rooms up into designated areas but adding a sofa table to separate the entry path from the living room (sofa back to the entry path) including a long runner rather than a small mat by the front door.
separate the dining area from the living room with a credenza... I like the patterned rug, the burgundy/wine is a great compliment to celery green.
If you are keeping the hutch/cabinet what woods are you liking for a table/furniture?
Will you keep all the existing decor style?
I am not Joseph. For one thing, I am not a man. :) But in any case- I am sure that Joseph Corlett LLC will have great info and insights for you - and will address this much more eloquently than I will (and have already done.)
You need another granite. Alternatively, perhaps a quartzite will work for your lifestyle. Quartz is not an option. If you want a marble look, I have already suggested Formica Calacatta Cava. You will have similar issues with the laminate... and will need to be more mindful of your habits; but there are a number of advantages:
1. It is less costly than quartz. So in the event that you and wife damage/destroy it - it is much more cost effective to replace. Damaging and needing to replace quartz is potentially cost prohibitive. So you would possibly end up just living with it.
2. The Calacatta Cava would be my personal choice, regardless - because, imo, it is a much more realistic marble-type look, than anything I have seen in quartz.
I usually try to position furniture so you can take advantage of the view out a window, but in your space I like the sofa under the window because it really opens up the room.
Had to laugh at some of the examples (oversized sectional?!)--thanks, Jan.