Rome wasn't built in a day. And this project won't be either!

The county permits were finally secured in early June. Very special thanks to Al Christensen of the Mason County Development Department, in Shelton, Washington. Since then we have spoken with quite a few new contractors about concrete/structural changes and pouring, necessary with these new plans.

We recovered from losing our framer (Jason Brown), due to his lack of licensing or expertise. The lesson we learned is that a referral is just a referral when it comes to construction/renovation. I needed to do more diligence and background checking, which I ignored last February when Jason tore into the home. As a result of this temporary setback, I am over budget by approximately $18k, so far. This amount includes our costs for hiring Bob Turpin (structural engineer, Olympia, Wa.), Dolphin Quest Designers (for blueprints) and the fees for permit. We have written off the funds paid to Jason, it isn't worth stressing about him!

For those of you who know me personally, the bigger the challenge, the more focused I get! And specific too. So far, there have been various Shelton, Washington and Mason County area contractors who think I am going to simply hand over the entire project. They do not want to address my literal and intensive requirements by taking each and every segment of this Step By Step. You see, we happen to know there is too much fat in contractors bids and the more they can add to a proposal, the bigger their fees. We have to be careful, especially now.

All I want today is the concrete and framing work out of the way. I am in discussion with others about separate work for pool, but that's about it until we can get this very important segment completed.

Fenix Electric is out, as the referral for Jason Brown came from them. We are now speaking with A/C Electrical out of Tacoma, Wa. We'll see how it works out.

Thanks to Latinos Evergreen of Shelton, Washington for taking care of the grounds and stonework around pool. We really like it.

One final note for this month; I have learned so far the reason Mason County and Shelton, Washington is so undervalued with its real estate is because of people. It's an amazingly central area to Olympia and Seattle and not being nurtured properly. Nothing more, nothing less. I have never encountered so many negative individuals, Good 'Ole Boys, naysayers, and generally toxic "opinion makers" over there holding the region back. A great opportunity for someone like me!!!!!

However, I love the neighbors around this house and appreciate all of their help and support. Mike, Katie, Sue and my neigbors to the east, a giant THANK YOU for welcoming us to the block!

As far as the rest goes, I am naming names this month: Stephen Whitehouse (attorney in Shelton), Holman & Associates (Survey Company), The Carnahans (previous owners who lost property to the bank!) you all can disappear anytime. You are a distraction and not necessary to the advancement or improvement of this project, and never were!

My name is Gene Dexter and this is MY HOUSE! Welcome.

www.BuildDextersHouse.com
www.GeneDexterHomes.com