Our New Family

The "package" was delivered to Chelea-Groton Savings Bank this afternoon.

Dee, the branch manager, gave me a hug and thanked me for not bringing this to her in a paper bag or cardboard box.

Dee is also an avid Red Sox fan, and if that isn't enough, she also knows what she's talking about in the construction loan business.

Fifty-four quotes, fifty-four licenses, fifty-four certificates of insurance translates to approximately one hundred bids, interviews, and estimates.

This process has been exhausting.

I was the one to work with the contractors, discussing plans, negotiating costs, and calculating their time on the site. Frank delved into the technical issues, particularly with plumbing. We spoke with THIRTEEN PLUMBERS and found ONE who was willing to work with a Warmboard system. The others were clearly on a different page.

I found the plumbers to be frustrating: I couldn't engage them, I couldn't understand their fees. Frank couldn't either, but at least he could make eye contact. The plumbers are an issue. The rest are not.

Todd and Carl, of T & C Excavation, are gems. They are so different. Carl and I can talk on the phone forever about a million different things. Todd has a marvelous sense of humor and clearly knows his "stuff". They make an excellent team. One's weakness is the other's strength. And when I call them, we always end the call laughing. I trust these guys completely. They're honest, fair, good communicators, and enthusiastic!

Our foundation guy, Phil Fustini, is married to Nicole who has become my ally in all of this. My God!!! I have never laid eyes on her and look forward to meeting her and her children. Phil built our garage on our current home and the builder on our garage marvelled at how well he built that foundation. Even the inspector was impressed, and we know that's not an easy task. Phil understands 90-degree corners, scheduling, commitments, promises. He didn't disappoint on the garage, and I know he won't disappoint on the new house. Nicole is simply someone who gets that paperwork taken care of, and has a clear understanding of what's involved in this project. She also makes me laugh, and let's face it.... if you can make me laugh, you're my friend forever! Phil also referred us to the Todd & Carl team.

Our builder, Dan Atkinson of Atkinson Builders in East Lyme, has a mop of hair that would make any young man envious. I met Dan years ago in my real estate career and forgot all about him until, Carl, the excavator, recommend him. Dan is a high-energy New Englander who is sooooo busy that I wonder if he'll even have time for us. Every reference I checked assured me that this will not be an issue. I'm not sure Dan sleeps. I know Phil doesn't, but wonder about Dan.

Dan led me to Matt Vernotzy, our electrician. Matt is a young, calm, laid-back kid (anyone under 30 is a kid to me) who actually shops out electrical supplies to get us the best price. Matt answers his phone and when he can't, he calls me back within ten minutes. Is that not the ideal contractor? I had a real estate deal that required electrical work, and Matt was all over it, took care of it, and spared me the details.

Matt led me to Scott Harris, the plumber. Scott is a character. Understatement. But man, does he know his stuff. This guy wasn't twisted about the Warmboard, didn't try to sell us fixtures, called when he said he would and provided estimates on time. I could sit on my patio with Scott for hours on end and have a ball with him. Word has it that in the industry, Scott is second to none.

Carl also led us to our drywall guy. Russell Laetris has a new baby (he showed me pictures) and I'll forgive the fact that the boy was wearing a Yankees jersey. I forgive it because this guy came in dead-on with his quote. I saw his work at Groton Long Point and couldn't spot a seam ANYWHERE. Everyone knows that the drywall is the jewelry of the project. One bubble, one blister, one blemish and I am going to be a cranky old woman. Russell wouldn't do that to me. Personable, licensed, and insured... every General Contactor's dream!

Nick of Coastal Construction is our roofer. I love this guy! I love him because he's not a salesman. He just gives me the facts and lets me decide. I call him Joe Friday. Nick is in New London on Connecticut Avenue and is the EPDM master in the area. He came to me via Dan Atkinson and for that I'll be forever grateful!

Frank, my husband and partner-in-crime, is stuck with much of this work. I have promised to help although I didn't sign anything to that effect.

But the truth is, that if you want to build your own home and save money, you have to be willing to do some of that work yourself.

We are installing our cabinets, tile, and wood floors; we are staining the doors and painting the house ourselves (a contractor wanted $9,300 to paint only the house... what???); doing our own patio and pergola in the back; creating the perennial and water gardens ourselves; and finishing off the workshop in the garage.

Frank will be exhausted. I know this.

But I have a plan to make it worth his while.

In the meantime, I have exhaled.

And I'm going to enjoy this time off.

All two weeks of it.

;-)