Lessons learned

So it's been more than 2 months since we've started the renovations to my upper-duplex condo and as you can guess it's been a long and treacherous journey with many ups and downs. And it's not over yet. Just like a horse arriving at the stables, it seems like we can't get there fast enough. I've learned a lot along the way, here are a few lessons learned :

1-It will take MUCH longer than expected, however well, you think you've planned your renos because 

          a-suppliers don't carry anything in stock (it always takes 2-3 weeks to come)

          b-your contractor is working on other projects at the same time or the plumber/electrician etc. he's contracted doesn't work on Fridays or Mondays so the job won't get finished before the next week

          c-sometimes you just can't make up your mind about what to buy

2-Supervise the work your contractor is doing day to day especially when he's working on the finishing touches. Take off from work if you can (you probably will have to). Know that contractors don't usually read the instruction manuel. Send your contractor a list of tasks left to be done that he can check off.

3-Be confident in your design. Contractors will usually complain about things not being standard or might even try to bully you but remember that it's your house and you're the client.

4-Don't feel awkward about asking your contractor if he's competent for a particular task. Installing tiles for example, requires a certain expertise and you'll save much more money in the long run if you hire the right person for the job the first time rather than having to do it over.

5-A hood should be 24" to 30" above your range.

6-Always order 10% more tiles than needed.

7-Grout with sand is for tiling when you have more than 1/8 of an inch between your tiles and grout without sand for tiling with 1/16 of a inch between your tiles. The wrong grout won't stick. 

8-Always install the kitchen cabinets without the doors, then the countertops and then cabinet doors. They should go in last so they don't get scratched.

9-Make sure your contractor hires someone to clean and vacuum your home regularly. It should be in the contract.

10-Don't hire a contractor by the hour because you'll definitely lose money. Remind your contractor that you eventually need to move back into your house before you forget where you actually live.

The Quartz countertops in Pure White  are in :

Yeah!! :

The gaz cooktop :

The undermount sink with a 10° curve for easy clean-up (rather than a 0° edge which requires a toothpick to clean) :

Montreal is a Small Town

Since we've started renovating our house, I've discovered a whole new realm of shopping. No more shopping just for ME! but also buying stuff for the house.  

So after going through many Decor magazines made in Quebec which are useful because they supply you with a list of shops that you can actually visit (and not as tedious as going to Milan...if I only had the time ;)) I've been all over the city (and the internet) to find what we need for our place : appliances, bathroom fixtures, light fixtures, countertops, tiles, etc. What I've realized (which kind of depresses me) is unlike Montreal's fashion scene, Montreal has a very small decor/design market. Basically, the choices out there are quite limited (in my price point anyway, which is not super high, like most of us). 

Most of the stores carry the same brands and lines and the only thing that differs is what is shown on display. And what also mystifies me is why the most simple designs are always the most expensive...

However I did find some great items and I'm hopeful that when it all comes together, it will look great.

Ciot, is a great place to get started with its amazing showroom and helpful sells staff. It's a one-stop shop for tiles, stone countertops and bathroom and kitchen fixtures. You can also visit Mondial their sister company for better deals. 

Also, it's good to know that Ciot is the main distributor of Caesarstone and Aquabrass. So basically they can give you the best price out there for those two products. 

Our cabinets are being installed (without the doors for the moment). But still, Hurray !!! :

Before :

After :