*Options I considered for this project:

I considered going out and just buying everything he needed but the budget didn't allow for that.

*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:

Where do I get everything I need in the short time I am in town and with practically no money?

*My motivation to do this project:

I did this project because my son was living in an EMPTY apartment. It is easy to tell your mom everything is OK when you are 700 miles away. I was told don't worry I am a minimalist so I don't need a lot. That's OK but when I got to his place, I was shocked that he was actually sleeping on the floor with a blanket, nothing at all was in the living room the dining room had a small table with everything under the sun sitting on it (mail, laptop, books, you name it) and there was nowhere entertain guests and enjoy the place. So I swiftly went into MOMMY mode and came up with a plan!

*Project Steps:

I asked relatives if they had anything to donate. Got a coffee table, 26" TV, digital convertor box (because he didn't have cable), a comforter set, area rugs and some artwork.

I started searching craigslist for freebies. A woman gave me a queen size mattress set (this can be tricky because you have to careful not to get soiled items that are unsanitary. After examining the home it came from and the mattress set I took it to the apartment sanitized it and place the entire thing in a zip up enclosure. This type of mattress cover is very good to prevent dust mite infestation and any other critters you are trying to avoid. I also got a free desk for his office (that I painted with a $1 can of spray paint) and a great cabinet for the kitchen.

I started searching craigslist and other places for cheapies. I found an IKEA chair for $20, an IKEA sofa for $35. I went to IKEA and found 4 side tables for $7.99 each and used 2 in the living room and 2 in the bedroom. I also got some fabric to create art pieces on the walls and to create a make-shift headboard (oh yeah, the bed frame I found was broken so the mattresses had to go on the floor).

I visited several thrift shops for items (remember decorating is all in the accessories). At the thrift shop I found a sofa table for $7 that I placed the TV on, a metal rack that I used to place his pot and pans on and all sorts of "Knick-Knacks" to go around the place.

OK, I did buy a few items from Brands mart (about 10 kitchen gadgets for $83 including a toaster, coffee maker etc) and I bought a $20 slip cover from IKEA for the sofa.

Advice:

When you have no money, search for free items first. It is all about progression when you working with no budget to speak of.

You must be imaginative and repurpose items.

Materials:

10 kitchen gadgets - $83.00

slip cover and fabric - $30.00

4 Side Tables - $32.00

Ikea chair - $20.00

Ikea sofa - $35.00

Queen Size Mattress Set - $0.00

26" TV, coffee table, comforter set - $0.00

I considered removing just the trees that were closest to the house and leaving several for shade but the backyard was so saturated by all of the rain, in addition to housing an older septic system, that after consulting with an arborist I decided to remove almost all of them and replant new ones. Because of the additional cost for grinding the stumps, I thought about leaving them till a later date, but after getting a referral from the contractor for a reasonable individual I opted to grind the stumps shortly after having the cut down.

*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:

Some of the questions that came up were 1) is removing the trees worth the effect it will have on the environment, 2) maybe I should just remove a couple and leave the rest, 3) can anyone tell just by looking at them if they are liable to fall, and can I really justify partial removal. Well, I am glad I opted to get them out of here. Nine of the 13 trees removed had root rot and you would never have known it to look at them. When the trees were cut down (especially the huge poplar tree right next to the house) there was black rot inside the trunk and who knows how long it would have been before it came tumbling down and the roots of the other trees were becoming more and more visible.

*My motivation to do this project:

When I purchased this home it was found that there were 2 large sweetgum trees that were causing foundation issues (but nothing that wouldn't be remedied by removal). After the purchase, ground saturation due to rainfall in Georgia during 2009-2010 contributed to a tremendous amount of fallen trees that could result in extreme property damage and in some cases possible loss of life. My property backs to seven acres of woodland and on my personal lot there were many mature trees that caused concern, of which several were in such close proximity of my house that I knew they would have to come down. Two of them were less than four feet causing foundation damage and one of them was positioned between the power lines in the front of the home. I contracted a local service to remove the trees and they were removed efficiently and without incident. Several of the trees were found to be diseased (inside with no external indications) and could have potentially caused damage.

*Project Steps:

I received several estimates for the job and they ranged from $2500-7000. I decided upon one company that disappeared on me. I then received another estimate from a company that agreed to do the work and they too disappeared and didn't return my calls. Then one day I saw (and heard) someone across the street in my neighbor's yard cutting down a tree. I asked for an estimate, agreed on a price and got the job done. By the way, this contractor ended up doing work for at least 5 homes on our block. After the trees were removed I called a stump grinder referred to me by the initial contractor and made arrangements to have my stumps ground (this guy also got the work from all of the homes that had trees removed). I contacted the Arbor Foundation and received a shipment of 11 saplings to be planted to replace the trees that have been removed.

Advice:

Weigh the pros and cons of tree removal and the effect it will have on the environment. Have a plan set to replace some of them if not all.

Be careful when choosing contractors, even the licensed and insured ones can be a bit unreliable.

Be proactive when it comes to your property. Trees are wonderful and great for the environment, but if they are diseased or too close to your property, they can cause more harm than good.

When having trees removed find someone to donate the lumber to, such as organizations or families with fireplaces.

I considered waiting until I could proceed with a better renovation, but I could not see myself using the existing bathrooms for any length of time, and besides one shower work sporadically and the both shower enclosures were old and gross (even with cleaning). I had to consider 1) funds available for the job and 2) time frame available for completion.

*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:

The contractor decided upon the shower enclosure and tub without consulting with me. There were many lessons learned and various tips to be shared about this experience including always have an extensive initial discussion about the type of tub to be installed (once the items are in place it is too late to change them without additional costs) but if the homeowner is not kept in the loop some things can certainly fall through the cracks. I am now living with two tubs that are inadequate for longer legged individuals and less than deep enough for a nice bath. Thankfully I took it upon myself to purchase my vanities, mirrors, lighting and faucets and shower fixtures. The items that would have been used were no better than the items that came out of the baths. Another problem I had with this project is that it took too long for the job to be completed. I ended up paying an additional fee for the tile and painting the bathrooms myself.

* Cost Comments:

These items are for one of the baths, there were a total of 2 1/2 bathrooms redone so the cost would be increased accordingly.

*My motivation to do this project:

I purchased a 1976 ranch home from a flipper who performed cosmetic repairs and I found myself having to complete some major renovations including totally removing two bathroom subfloors and all of the fixtures. Although the job was completed the company contracted to do the job was less than stellar.

*Project Steps:

After consulting with the contractor and determining the amounts he had allocated for the materials (outside of the tubs and enclosures which he had already purchased and couldn't return), I used that knowledge to calculate costs and shop for my own materials. I had to add a substantial amount of money to obtain even a descent alternative to what the contractor initially had in mind. BUYER BEWARE!

Advice:

Never rely totally on your contractor's discretion to choose fittings and materials.

Always do your research to ensure you are getting exactly what you want.

Negotiate with the contractor prior to any purchases to determine if there needs to be any adjustments to the available funds to enable your taste of items to be used.

Remember if a price sounds too good to be true, it usually is because you get what you pay for.

Materials:

Vanity - $600.00

Oil Rubbed Bronze Fixtures - $150.00

Mirror/medicine chest - $300.00

Porcelain Tile and accessories - $300.00

I could have opted to fork out the money, fix the leak myself and worry about the roof replacement later, but that made no sense to me. I felt there were really no options other than finding a reputable contractor at a reasonable price to do the job and getting the insurance company to agree to the price. One thing I realized after receiving the estimate for the job and the cost allowance from the insurance company and that was although the insurance company specified three-tab replacement shingles (which were on the house initially) I could opt for architectural shingles instead. There was a bit of a cost difference, but not enough to rule them out.

*Questions and unexpected events that arose during the project:

This experience taught me a lot about home owners insurance and being your own best advocate. The first adjuster that came out to the property was less than thorough. He failed to do an adequate job on assessing the damage which lead to the insufficient conclusion of replacing only one slope on the house and none of the garage. This individual hadn't even addressed the side of the home where the leak had occurred, in addition, he spent most of his time talking on the cell phone as he was examining the property. This was unacceptable.

* Cost Comments:

The small amount needed to complete the project was absolutely worth the peace of mind and satisfaction.

*My motivation to do this project:

I purchased a flipped property and I figured the work that was done on the house was cosmetic and just enough for someone like me to see the potential in the home and purchase it. One day I found water in my microwave and assumed there was a leak in the roof. I called the home warranty company (with which I had coverage up to $1000 for roofing repairs). Unfortunately upon examination of the roof by a professional roofer I was informed that the roof was at the end of its life and there was hail damage. That little fact rendered the roof ineligible for repair under the home warranty agreement. I called my home owners insurance company and was advised that an adjuster would contact me and come and assess the situation.

*Project Steps:

After the first adjuster left and prior to receiving the results from the inspection, I called my home owners insurance company, voiced my concern and asked for a re-evaluation. I then received the initial check, but I did not settle for the decision made by the insurance company. I scheduled a time for the second adjuster to come to my home and also called a local contractor to meet with the adjuster as well to point out the damage. The result was the second adjuster found sufficient damage to justify replacing the entire roof on my home and one side of the detached garage.

Advice:

If you suspect your home roof might have hail (or other) damage that is covered under your home warranty, don't hesitate to have it assessed. It could save you a lot of money and headache.

If you are not satisfied with an insurance adjuster's recommendation, insist on having a second evaluation by another adjuster.

If at all possible be present and observe as the adjuster is assessing the damage and as the contractors are performing the work to ensure things are done to your satisfaction.

Don't just accept the replacement materials that are specified in the cost break down of the insurance company. This is your house and your money to repair it. If there are other materials that you prefer using and the cost falls within the insurance money parameters (or if they cost a bit more and you are willing to add the additional money), by all means choose the materials you want because you have to live with it.

Materials:

GAF-Elk Timberline Natural Shadow Shingles - $150.00