Sunday morning and a little more positive

Got the estimate on the major remodel yesterday and I spent the day reading and re-reading it.  While the dollars are pretty close to what I have to work with I have so many 'what ifs' in my head.

All my work at Lowe's to pick out what I'd really love to have was a waste of my time.  About the only thing I get to have is the paint for the kitchen.  The contractor has been very appreciated of my input but he has sources that are cheaper.  As soon as he sends me the links to his suppliers I'm going to try and match up what he has vs what I'd already picked out.

I'm hoping his cabinet source can get close to my 'coconut' color on the cabinets.  After spending lots of hours looking and sampling I really want to keep the color scheme that I put together.

The flooring will be another issue.  I'd picked out an Apple laminate for a couple reasons; it's not all that expensive and it doesn't have to be refinished when it's put down.  Which means it goes down quicker.   The contractor has rejected that, going for hardwood for durability purposes.  I'd originally thought hickory would be the wood of choice but now it's just going to come down to cost per square foot.  Like everything else it all comes down to the money.  If I can keep it close to the apple coloring I'll be content.

The quartz counter top is out.  It'll be formica.  I can live with that if I can keep the backsplash.  The contractor said 'maybe'.  Of course the formica has be chosen to match everything else.

If everything else changes 'Cheyenne green' will probably not be the choice for the paint.  I'm almost tempted to say 'white' and then I'll figure it out later.  Cheyenne green only works if the backsplash stays.

I'll be talking to the contractor and the HUD guy on a conference call later today or in the morning.  The estimate has to go to the money people so they can order the appraisal and I need that to happen tomorrow to stay on schedule.  While the total amount of what will be spent remains the same; it's the breakdown of where and how it will be spent has to be really locked down.  That requires lots of tweaks on my part, and the contractor with his sources rearranging funds to match what needs to be done.

I've never done this before and I have no confidence in the process.  Frank says 'piece of cake' and Clarke tells me 'it'll work, you'll see.'  I keep telling myself these people do it everyday and to trust what they are telling me.  One thing for sure, this is the last house I'm ever buying.