Getting ready

Getting ready for a remodel sounds simple enough don't you think? After all you get ready for stuff all day long right? You get ready for work, you get ready for lunch, dinner, etc. etc. Those are things you do every day though and are seldom given much thought. Unless you remodel regularly, this will take some extra effort on your part.
No matter what your project will be, first make a plan. Let's say you are planning to remodel your one and only bathroom. You might find it comforting to know where you will be doing your business for the duration of your project. Do you have a back up in case that neighbor moves before you can finish the job? What will your neighbors say when the big blue porta-potty shows up in your front yard where you usually park the Chevy?
Does the job you have in mind require a permit? Finding out that it does after you have the job underway can be a bit of a show stopper. Imagine the local building inspector pulling in to your driveway as you are loading your old bath tub into the back of your cousins truck. When I told my inspector that it was the worst couch I had ever sat on, I found out he didn't have the sense of humor I had hoped he would!
It's good to know what you want before you start, but it's better to have what you want before you start. Imagine finding out the day after you did your demolition that the vanity cabinet you wanted was back ordered and wouldn't be in for at least 8 weeks? Where is your husband going to leave his moustache whiskers and nose hair trimmings until that cabinet shows up?
If you don't already have one, get a tape measure and use it frequently. Not only are they good for stealthily poking your kids, but measuring your old things before you take them out will assure that you don't end up carting that 300 pound cast iron tub up three flights of stairs only to find out that you will now need to step over your toilet to actually get into the tub. (Sorry John in Oakland, I know I promised I wouldn't tell, just remember to keep that seat down buddy!)
How long is this job going to take? How much is it going to cost? A general rule is to expect an 15% more than you initially anticipate. Maybe your kids wouldn't mind starting out in junior college?
I guess that will keep you thinking for while (Both of my readers!). Next time job safety? Don't forget, I do requests!

TTFN, Rob