bozPROGRESS

Progress takes on a whole new meaning when you are doing a renovation with a construction loan. The loan progresses, whether you want it to or not. In fact, we already got our first payment statement, not two weeks after we closed. Progress is relative, for sure.

Example: Certainly, boz and Robert made considerable progress completely gutting the steam shower in the old master bath. (Don't worry - it will go back bigger and better than ever.) We three girls made some good progress tearing up the old (new...not matching all the other old...at a higher level than every other floor in the house...stained the wrong color) hardwoods in the den. boz and Robert also made progress: tearing out crown molding everywhere, repairing plaster at ceilings, removing bathroom floors (and, oh, by the way, exposing the basket weave tile set in 2 inch concrete in the hall bath that, although in excellent condition, does not cover the entire floor, could not possibly be matched in the shower enclosure and may not be saved), removing vanities, mirrors and more in bathrooms. There is definitely progress. Even this weekend, boz and I completed wallpaper removal in the hall bath and most of the same in the old master.

But progress comes at a price. In our case the price is the mess. Because the dumpster arrived a day later than anticipated and after much of the progress occurred; it is not quite loaded. But the den is (loaded with cabinets and vanities and mirrors and wood flooring). And the old master is (loaded with carpet and molding and tile remnants). And the hall is (loaded with tile and plywood and showe surround paneling). Which brings us to this week's challenge. Packing that dumpster like the trunk of the car on a family roadtrip. Our first official expense this week will be hiring a team of workers to help with that. There are volumes of tile and mortar and molding and trim and carpet and tack strips and I could go on and on. Time to move 'em out and clear this space for the finishing touches.

Yep, you read right. At least two guest bedrooms are ready for paint choices. Any ideas? I'll be picking out some favorites and testing over the next week. By this weekend, you may see a finished room or two. And here we are, week two, without even a full set of plans. Progress is relative.