Sunday, October 30, 2016

post 34: final thoughts

We want to thank Custom Design Homes, Inc, for making our project such a success! For the past 8 weeks, Dmitry and Alex have been our new best friends - the people we correspond with more than anyone else. They took Garrett's design and shepherded it from a concept on paper to an actual space. Along the way, it was so clear that they understood what we wanted, and shared our concerns about the integrity of the design as well as keeping things on time. They told us in the beginning that we would be able to move back in in 6 weeks and we actually moved in in 5.5 weeks. When does that EVER happen??
Needless to say, Garrett and I wholeheartedly and without any reservations at all recommend them for your remodel project.
Their contact information is:
Custom Design Homes, Inc.
Dmitry Onishchenko
cdhinc@comcast.net
P.O. Box 1006
Clackamas, OR 97015
Many people will wonder when embarking on a project like this:
How long will it take?
How much will it cost?
From start to 100% complete, we were at 8 weeks. And it was only that long because our closet doors took AGES to complete. Minus the doors, we were complete at 6.5 weeks.
Cost is tricky. I can tell you a range: a project of our scope (1 new bathroom, re-doing an existing bathroom, and re-doing a kitchen) could cost anywhere between $90k-$150k. It really depends on the existing conditions of the house and the finishes you pick.
I CAN tell you that our custom kitchen cabinets cost $14,000 since I know a lot people will want to know just that little cost detail.
Did we stay on budget?
We did-ISH. We added a lot of stuff as we went along (surprise!) For our changes and our changes only, we went over the original budget. For what Dmitry and Alex originally priced, the budget/cost did not move. 
Lastly, Dmitry's cast of subs were all stellar - each and every one was a professional through and through. If you only need a certain trade, Dmitry says to feel free and email him with a question, and he'll get back to you a name of someone. Isn't he the best??I honestly don't have enough words to say how much we appreciate him, Alex, and all of the subs that came through here in the past 8 weeks.

Alex Onishchenko, Garrett, and Dmitry Onishchenko posing in our kitchen

post 33: 100% complete!

We are 100% complete and completely settled back into the house!
The last things to be done were getting the doors for the master closet - special order doors from Western Pacific that took a long time to get made and installing Flor tiles in the back of the kitchen for a walk off area from the back deck.
Here are some photo highlights. Because there are just so many photos, I added them to a Flickr album:
https://flic.kr/s/aHskKW3cDJ
View them all there!


Sunday, October 2, 2016

post 32: 98% complete and moved in

Sorry for the late post but Garrett and I have been so busy packing up the bunker and then unpacking the pod. It's been crazy over here!! There are still some small things to do like bathroom mirrors, master closet doors, stair railing, and upstairs shower glass but we are at 98% or so complete.
Dmitry and his crew busted their butts so we could get in here on time! We really can't thank them enough!! 
Moving: ain't it fun???
Unpacking: in the thick of it.
Are you really taking my picture right now???
We haven't found everything its permanent home but it's good enough for now. We can think hard on usage and ergonomics when we aren't exhausted!




Mirror will go above the shelf where it says NO PAINT. Vanity lights will be cut into the mirror.
I never thought this couch would a) be able to be moved into this small room and b) fit in here. I'm happy to be proven wrong on both counts!
View from couch

Radiant floor heating control panel. My favorite new thing!!!!
Closet moved into. Just need doors - they are on back order and will arrive around 10/10