It's been a while since I felt like writing here. As you can imagine a lot has happened in the last three weeks. I set an opening date for my vacation rental and I am getting really concerned that we're not going to make it. I have an inspection scheduled for the 2nd for state licensing as a temporary lodging house which is what short term rentals/vacation rentals are classified as in Wisconsin. It's such an antiquated term and I kind of love it for that.
I learned this week that I will not be able to include use of the hot tub in the rental, which is a big bummer. Wisconsin has some pretty stringent rules governing that unfortunately. I am lowering my prices by $100/night as a result. We will have to add straps with locking buckles to secure it. We can use it when we're there at least. I got in it Saturday night when I had the house to myself and damn, it's wonderful. It's a big hot tub. I'm such a dork - I didn't look at the control panel closely and I didn't see the button for turning the lights on. Next time for sure!
I mentioned in an earlier post that I decided to buy a vanity for one of the lower level bathrooms; we picked it up on the 23rd, with intentions of getting the old countertop with sinks demo'd and the new vanity installed. However, we had a couple of setbacks.
1.) the pallet jack damaged one of the sections (it has three sections)
2.) the plumbing requirements were above Bond and Wil's level
The guys were able to save the day regarding the vanity damage by glueing the break in the wood and clamping it until it dried. You'd never know it was there now. Home Depot credited me $253 back onto my credit card as compensation, so that was good. We really couldn't afford the time of reordering, so I was really glad that they could fix it. Thankfully Wil had clamps along!
We have a plumber coming to look at the pipe situation tomorrow (Wednesday). It's very likely that he'll be able to make the changes right then and there. WP and Stark will be up there later in the week to finish up the remaining things on the punch list. Unfortunately, this late in the game vanity change is causing Stark to redo things he had already completed. I feel bad about it, but that's how it goes. There is one flooring panel that will need to be replaced, and I'm not sure how he's going to do it seeing as they click into one another. He'll also have to redo the vinyl base on that side of the room, but that's pretty simple.
Wil is coming back to help this weekend. Hopefully he and Bond can get the vanity hung, sinks installed, lights installed, and I can get the wall painted, and then we can get the mirrors up. I
really need this to happen.
I ordered a three compartment dispenser for the main floor bathroom shower, so that needs to be installed, too. Oh, I also had the lady who made the shelf nightstands make me 6 28.5" long shelves for over the toilets (two shelves over each toilet.) I will pick them up on my way north and the guys will need to install the brackets for them this weekend.
I have a 3 day weekend coming up, starting Friday, so I'll be heading to the house Thursday night, I think. I have painting to finish and I would like to get all of the bedrooms made up properly, and I need to clean. I still have things to haul out of the house, too. I can't believe how much work this has all been.
Monday, the 1st, the fireplace inserts are getting done. Finally. Woot! Tuesday, the 2nd, the inspection happens, the refrigerator and dishwasher get delivered, the driveway project (hey all, I decided we needed to widen the driveway on the scary hill) gets a layer of 3-6" rocks added to what they've already done, and the new 65" TV should be delivered. (I'm going to need that hung asap - maybe Bond will come up that day, too.) I'm going to be there for all of this, mainly because I need to meet with the county inspector.
Wednesday evening my niece is arriving at the house. She'll spend the night and take photos the next day. She's a professional photographer. Her family and their friends who are in their pod will arrive that night for the weekend. So, they are officially my first guests!
Last Saturday the arborist our neighbor recommended (a friend of his) came to scout the property. He's going to take down 9 trees (actually, I think he's also taking down some smaller scrubby ones, too). For a cash job he's charging $4K. I'm so relieved that it's not double that amount. It cost me $2,650 for the one tree that was against the garage, so I was really worried. He said he'll have the work done before spring thaw.
On Sunday I interviewed two cleaners. The one I am leaning towards as my primary cleaner is going to do a test cleaning on Monday, the 8th. I am considering having the other cleaner come on the 3rd before my niece arrives.
On a personal level, things are okay. I'm still dealing with hurts over old things with B that continue to affect our relationship. Once I get this house launched I'm going to delve into the topic with her. Wish me luck. Bond has been snappy/curt on and off for weeks. I believe it's related to the stress of getting [STR Name] done. I get the feeling that he's sick of working every weekend. I will be glad for all of our sakes when we're past the renovations.
B put her back out Sunday evening. It's really bad. She went to the chiro yesterday and is going back again tomorrow. I hope she hasn't herniated a disc. Tonight is date night so I'll get to see her. We're ordering food and going to her place. I feel so badly for her. I know full well how much pain she's experiencing.
I talked to Franki and her kids' relationships are all on the rocks. I feel for her. On a more fun note, she got Smatch to start remodeling the kitchen. He didn't want to do it. Said he was fine with it, and she said she wasn't and he could either spend the money now to do it, or when he dies she'll hire someone to do it, so he may as well do it now when he can enjoy it (and save the money of paying someone else to do it. ) He got up the next morning and started working on it. Bwahahahaha!