While Bryon and I are full-force DIY when it comes to the outdoor components of Star & Sparrow, we know some jobs are best left to professionals. Case in point: redoing the kitchen, bathroom, and flooring. We’re good at little projects here and there, but for something with lots of moving parts, it’s smarter and faster to outsource that work. Besides, since our home is our haven and we plan to be here for a very long time, we wanted top-notch results.
Our remodel was originally scheduled for mid April, but the corona virus put a pin in that plan. The pandemic also affected how we got—or didn’t get—some of our supplies. Curbside pickups, wrong orders that couldn’t be replaced in time, a last-minute change in vendors when no one would finalize our countertops. However, even with all that, we were lucky the job started mid May.
When we remodeled our kitchen in San Leandro, we mistakenly had the project managed by Home Depot, who passed it along to one of their many contractors. Work would happen for a couple days, then nothing for several days or a week. With our bedroom right off the kitchen, life became a challenge. We even lived in the basement for a while during the asbestos abatement. Cooking was no longer fun: our refrigerator was in the shed at the back of the yard and our makeshift prep area was downstairs with no sink. Towards the end of the very long three months, take out almost every night. The job finished late and over budget.
This round was a much better setup. We moved the old fridge to the garage, which has a sink. Right outside the door—a covered patio for the grill. We could sleep in our trusty travel trailer, when our bedroom filled with door frames and bathroom supplies. Not only that, but we worked with a thoughtful husband-and-wife team who communicated what was happening and when. Though some unavoidable setbacks pushed our schedule longer by a week or so, the final result came more quickly and less expensively than our last remodel…even though we had more work done this time.
And let me tell you, I LOVE it! Last Friday evening when I got home to a nearly final kitchen complete with appliances, I hooted with joy, admiring our dimmable lights and double oven. I even tested out the ice maker, taking some cubes in my hands to show Bryon ice we didn’t have to make ourselves.
To top it off, we feel good supporting a new business in our own community, rather than paying a management fee to a big box store. By the way, local friends, we highly recommend Team Taylor Renovations if you need any work done!
While the house was being completed, Bryon and I put all our energy into the farm, getting a lot done during these four weeks. Poultry run finished, chickshaw built, more birds added to the menagerie, more seeds started, garden tilled, veggies planted, garden paths mulched, bee swarm captured. Things are coming along a little faster for some aspects than anticipated and we’re excited to keep sharing our journey with you all, as we have even more planned for the near future!
