| |
From a remodeling stand-point, the
issue is simply the value of doing good conceptual
design work before hiring a contractor -- see "It's all
in the Details", below. For the $5,000 that they
will spend to un-do partially completed spaces, they
could have done a conceptual design that would have
improved the entire basement project.
But I was also saddened by what I saw and heard.
Driving into the complex, the homes looked to be large,
attractive homes each set on about 5 acres. But it
was obvious that many corners were cut in exchange for
many square feet of marginal living space. It was
raining and the only place to park was around back.
I had to walk in the rain to a front stoop that was also
unprotected from the rain. The foyer was 2
stories but poorly designed and uninviting. The
foyer led to a 2nd foyer that was unfurnished and also
uninviting. A stark contrast from the attractive
drive through the complex. My clients remarked
that they simply hadn't wanted to put money into
furnishing these spaces when so many other spaces needed
work. It was a good reminder to me about why
I feel good about remodeling the existing housing stock
without adding a lot of unneeded square footage. |
