What's Happened Since
Bob (CA architect) and I interviewed architects in Portland to find someone with local knowledge, who knows his way around the building department, who has a similar approach and an appreciation of our plans. We would need a liaison to submit permits, and a local architect to oversee the building once it begins. We found an extremely experienced recruit in Ralph. He has turned out to be invaluable.
From Ralph I got the names of three general contractors he thought would be a good match for me and the house. Fortunately and unfortunately, the builders he recommended were all reputable and very well qualified. Since this is by far the biggest (costliest!) undertaking I'll ever be up against, and since I have to work with this person (and vice versa) for almost two years, this was a huge decision. The bids were close, so it came down to compatibility. I was stuck. Ralph came through with a couple final observations that helped me make the right decision. Skip was the choice. He has a deceptively laid-back personality, but he's on top of everything.
Now we needed a meeting of the "team." Bob and his associate flew to Portland and joined Ralph, Skip and me for a two-day session of shared thoughts and answered questions. It was productive. I felt even more comfortable and confident with everyone on board.
At one point, Bob sent me a great email asking if we could have a "moratorium" on revisions so we could get a firm plan to submit for building approval. It was his tactful way of saying halt! desist Billie! I was the one wondering why it was taking so long--believing my relentless refinements were cosmetic and not structural, so wouldn't affect the submittal. After his subtle request, I got the message loud and clear, and I was able to restrain myself so the building plans could be turned in to the county. Now we wait for the permit.
In the meantime, back in Northern California, my charming Cape Cod is still on the market. Even though I lived in the bubble that is Silicon Valley, I evidently missed the peak of the market I was aiming at. Want to make an offer?
From Ralph I got the names of three general contractors he thought would be a good match for me and the house. Fortunately and unfortunately, the builders he recommended were all reputable and very well qualified. Since this is by far the biggest (costliest!) undertaking I'll ever be up against, and since I have to work with this person (and vice versa) for almost two years, this was a huge decision. The bids were close, so it came down to compatibility. I was stuck. Ralph came through with a couple final observations that helped me make the right decision. Skip was the choice. He has a deceptively laid-back personality, but he's on top of everything.
Now we needed a meeting of the "team." Bob and his associate flew to Portland and joined Ralph, Skip and me for a two-day session of shared thoughts and answered questions. It was productive. I felt even more comfortable and confident with everyone on board.
At one point, Bob sent me a great email asking if we could have a "moratorium" on revisions so we could get a firm plan to submit for building approval. It was his tactful way of saying halt! desist Billie! I was the one wondering why it was taking so long--believing my relentless refinements were cosmetic and not structural, so wouldn't affect the submittal. After his subtle request, I got the message loud and clear, and I was able to restrain myself so the building plans could be turned in to the county. Now we wait for the permit.
In the meantime, back in Northern California, my charming Cape Cod is still on the market. Even though I lived in the bubble that is Silicon Valley, I evidently missed the peak of the market I was aiming at. Want to make an offer?
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