(Post 195 of 263)

I was stood up yesterday and today for the reno, so I reached out to the owner of the company to see what the heck was going on, to advise that there are a few issues with the paint and concrete that need to be addressed, and that I’m withholding funds until I see some of the big-ticket items that I paid for (cabinetry, sink, boiler).

Within an hour, the main contractor was here to deal with all the issues. He started going into detail about why I was stood up and I said that I really don’t care about why or even that there is a delay, I just don’t want to be stood up, especially now that my schedule is back to its normal levels of ludicrousness.

We then had a look at the concrete and paint issues. He agreed that the sink counter cracking was from the pounding as they were pulling out the rebar and he assures me that I won’t notice them when they’re done polishing. I have my doubts, but we’ll see. He said not to even think about paint at this point, but to plan on having a day where they guys are going to be standing by with a paint brush waiting for me to point them to areas that need work. So all of that is fine.

I also finally got a chance to see a hint of my cabinetry! He pulled out a sample of the wood, which was cedar, as promised. The stain he’d picked was fine. It wasn’t wow, but if he’d showed up with the cabinetry in that colour I would have been happy. He said he could go “up or down,” and I said that if it wasn’t too much work, I would like the colour just a titch darker to better match the island and sideboard, plus I think darker will offset some of that bright yellow. He said he can do that. We also had a look at the light switches that I want.

The plan is to do three full days next week, Tuesday, Wednesday, and then be done Thursday. I’m not holding them to that. 🙂

It’s nice to have a bit of a break. My cleaning fairy was here today so I get a lovely clean house for four days!

Back to work I go. I’m setting myself the goal of having the house all paid off by the end of the contract (18 months) rather than still having a couple three years to go on the mortgage. It’s not an unrealistic plan, but it will require discipline and my not doing any more renos! But I’m so renoed out that I think that’ll be easy. 🙂

(Post 194 of 263)

Finally ready for cabinetry and the electrician!

This was the first day that I really inspected as I know they are finishing up the paint and concrete work so it was the now-or-never moment to get nitpicky. There’s a ton of paint touch-ups to do.

I was pretty devastated to find a huge structural crack in my sink counter, which probably happened when they were cutting the rebar. So I need to address that today. I suspect it can be filled and will virtually disappear under the polishing, but I’m bracing myself for a “it’s no big deal” conversation.

All of the concrete is cracking, but I did my research before going WTF and learned that’s normal as the concrete dries and settles, so I’m not worried about that. I actually like the effect and can’t wait to see everything polished. I suspect the cracks are just going to add colour and texture. I’ve seen polished concrete in other people’s homes and I find it amazing that the current matte dusty finish is going to get so soft and shiny — maybe today!

(Post 193 of 263)

Concrete nearly done, priming nearly done, cleanup started!

Prepping for the backsplash behind my new small appliances counter.

Backsplash behind my new small appliances counter.

(Post 192 of 263)

Me: My knees hurt and are very stiff.

Canadian doctors in Quebec and Alberta: Lose at least 75 pounds and then you can whine about your knees. Until then, stop wasting our time.,

(Never could manage it because, as it turns out, I’ve never had anywhere close to 75 pounds to lose — why did I only learn this at age 40 in another country?!)

My Pilates teacher here: Are they f’ing morons? You don’t have enough excess weight for that to be the issue, not with how your legs are pure muscle. You have some kind of osteoarthritis. Ask your doctor about this medication. It’s stupid expensive, but I’ve seen it do miracles. You’re too strong for these exercises to be difficult and painful.

Doctor here (free consult through Whatsapp): Oh, I didn’t realise your knees hurt. Why were you afraid to ask for help with them? What? Wow, they’re really idiots and uncaring up there. Yep, try this stuff for three to four months.

Walmart pharmacist: Here’s how you can save $300 total on the first three boxes and then get the fourth box free.

Mexican healthcare is amazing. 🤩

(Post 191 of 263)

🎵This is the reno that never ends. It just goes on and on, my friend.🎵

Day 11, but day 16 since we started!

The guys weren’t able to come yesterday and could only do a short day today, finishing up the backsplashes except where I’ll have the new cabinetry. They are now saying they will be done Tuesday, so I’ve moved my estimate from Tuesday to Thursday. 😆