Morningside Renovation

Our Journey Through The Renovation Process Of Our Future "Forever Home" In Morningside (Atlanta,GA)

Tag Archives: Construction


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We Shall See

I met with our GC today at my office.  I’m hopeful that something was accomplished and that we’re on the same page however he didn’t take any notes and said a few times that “we’ll figure it out when we get to it” and that he’ll “give us plenty of time” with regards to advance notice in making decisions/selections. He didn’t stay very long, he said that he had another commitment.  He also couldn’t give me any sort of schedule or timeline, however I did give him a copy of the plans which Julie and I had marked up.  We shall see but I’m not feeling too good about it, just skeptical and disappointed – really wish that I could have discussed everything in more detail and not felt like I was under a time constraint or that we were such a bother.  Confused is probably also an accurate feeling, maybe I’m overreacting and this is how it’s handled with residential construction – but I sort of feel like we’re being held hostage. 

As for my concerns with the depth of the grading, he said that it was fine, still doesn’t make sense to me but then again I’ve never built a house before.  Guess that I’ll be doing some research on Renovator’s Place and Fine Homebuilding.  And thankfully I have a lot of wood to split, great way to take out my frustrations.


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Holding!!!

Well our GC informed me today that the grading for the carport is correct and it is exactly as shown on the plans.  Ok, he’s correct, however it isn’t what we discussed numerous times.  I haven’t been educated in reading construction documents however I do know that numerous times we discussed our size requirements  with him as well as the architect. 

Tip: do not rely on anything verbal, make sure any changes are in writing and reflected on the plans – this “miscommunication” is now considered a change order (additional costs).

Also found out from our GC that the concrete guy is requiring that the foundation wall design be approved by the Permit Department before he will pour the walls.  Delay!!  Why was this not known or even drawn before now? Plus, I had to remind our GC about stubbing the basement for a future wet bar as well as the possibility of adding an outdoor room on part of the future deck. 

Frustrated, Concerned, Scared and somewhat Mad are pretty accurate feelings that I’m currently experiencing. Our GC tells us that we can deal with the various issues and concerns “when we get to them” but that’s doing little to comfort me.  We need to meet with him, we’ve yet to sit down with him and go over the plans in detail and have only walked through the property together twice for about 5-10 minutes each time.  Email and phone conversations can accomplish a lot however I think it’s time we go through everything in more detail.  This isn’t a little job and in my mind we’re spending a considerable amount of money – we’re overdue for a meeting. 

UPDATE:  I made the call and we’re scheduled to meet with our GC tomorrow, hopefully we’ll all leave on the same page and more importantly that this will reduce any further delays and/or miscommunications.

Tomorrow’s a new day and I’m looking forward to us getting back on track.


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Happy Valentine’s Day

The grading was completed on the expansion portion of the house yesterday so I went by to view what will soon be covered in concrete.  Not quite sure… but I think we have a problem, still have some diggin to do.  The plans call for an 8′ finished ceiling in the basement, however I’m 6′ and I’m able to reach the top of the floor on the main level of the existing house.  I know this can’t be correct as we’ll need to account for the joist, foundation, sub-floor, etc… Also the carport is smaller than what we discussed.  I sent an email to our GC just to alert him to what I’ve discovered. 

On another note, while Julie has enjoyed deciding on finishes, colors, etc… I’m starting to scare myself.  I’m now a subscriber to Better Homes & Garden‘s website and bought a copy of the latest Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Renovation Style.  Thankfully we were left with a lot of wood that needs to be split – think that I need to go and split some in the near future for a reality check.

Pics of the grading process, you can see that Max had a blast and felt very much at home:


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Appliances

We were just informed today that we need to have our appliances selected within the next 30 days so that they can have the proper dimensions to be able to accurately layout the kitchen.  That’s a lot to decide in such a short period of time.  Julie traditionally goes for the aesthetics however I want something that’s going to last and standup to the rigors of 2 boys – my hope is that we’ll find a happy middle ground.  So much to do; just subscribed to Consumer Reports and we’re planning to visit Builder Specialties as well as Ferguson‘s this weekend.


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A Little Anxious

Ok, I’m probably overreacting but I’m feeling a little anxious.  We’re 3 1/2 months away from the projected move-in date and a hammer hasn’t even been swung yet. 

So I asked our GC for a schedule and I was quickly informed that they don’t do that in residential construction, it was as if he found it funny that I would even ask.  He even stated that “he hasn’t lost a house yet” and that there are way too many variables.  That goes totally against my wife and my personality but what can you do?  He’s calm, the designers calm, they’ve done this before – Julie and I will have to be more disciplined with our patience.  But I still can’t help but think “what comes next”?


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Demo Begins

Yeah!!  Our GC just informed us that his crew is planning on demo’ing the old detached garage as well as the deck and back of the house where the addition will be added.  Next up grading, foundation, framing, etc…  Can’t express the excitement we’re feeling and knowing that in just a few short months this “structure” will be transformed into our home.


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Here We Go

Our GC just informed us that he’s meeting with the silt fence guy as well as the foundation sub tomorrow to discuss everything – wish that they had done so while we were waiting on the permit but nonetheless we’re excited to get this going!!  Big question is what do we do next?  So  much to do and decide in 5 months but thankfully our GC feels confident that all can be accomplished – thankful for his laid-back attitude.


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Yes!! Approval

Our GC has now submitted everything to the city and it is all cleared up – he said that he’ll pick up the plans tomorrow.  Let’s get it going, can’t wait for work to start back up!!