Do you ever have those days where reality seems out of control? There is so much going on around here these days – between building a new home, putting a plan together to redesign and rebrand Sassy Moms in the City (more on that soon), keeping up with current projects, searching for new projects, managing homework, the girl’s activities and did I mention that I’m co-chairing our school’s annual fundraiser event – there aren’t enough hours in the day! Boo hoo right?
Don’t get me wrong – I’m no different from you, but there are days and moments where I need a reality check. Most recently was last Friday when we met with our builder and the cabinet company. We arrived at 10:45 am with a few ideas in hand (photos from Houzz) and that’s about it. Not knowing what to expect, assuming this was a moderately simple homebuilding task, we were so naive. It’s just cabinets – how hard can this be?
Famous last words! After childbirth that was probably the most torturous thing I’ve ever experienced. We left the cabinet company at 5:30 pm, accomplishing only the kitchen and a powder room.
Driving back to city, my husband and I were so defeated. For starters we have no idea how much the cabinets we selected will cost. In our minds we could have blown the entire budget and will either have to start over or go to a different manufacturer. While the rep had walked our home in advance to obtain measurements and provided a sketch of the kitchen area, this far from enough preparation for someone like me.
We spent a significant amount of time narrowing down door styles, debating over colors, design details, etc – ALL FOR THE KITCHEN- that after 6 hours I couldn’t concentrate to even make it through the master bath. Finally I gave up and Tim took over. I should just let him handle every room!
Leaving the cabinet company just in time for rush hour, it took two hours to get home. As we sat in bumper to bumper traffic dazed and confused, reality set in. That’s when I realized our designer should have been with us. A friend had warned me to bring her, but I thought the process would be completely different.
There is no way I should have gone into that meeting with three other men. I love my husband dearly, but he doesn’t really care that much about cabinets, my builder was great offering suggestions for a few things, but the cabinet rep was taking my lead. That is a recipe for disaster.
Returning home we ate in silence while drinking copious amounts of wine. I’m not sure we even spoke the remainder of the evening.
Building a new home has definitely been a learning experience – and we’re just getting started. If I can give you any homebuilding advice it would be to hire a designer, even if it’s only for a few projects. It will save you so much time and reduce the stress that comes along with making so many decisions.
At the end of the day I’m trying to enjoy the process and not get too overwhelmed. Ok – now back to reality!
Do you have any advice for building a new home to share??
