I am tired. Really tired.
In the four months since the first day of demolition, I have travelled more than I ever have in one year’s time. Chicago. Las Vegas. Atlanta. New Orleans. And James has been on the road as much. Denver. Philly. New York. (Not to mention Las Vegas and New Orleans with me because who wouldn’t want to go to either one?)
Consequently, I’ve spent the summer getting on and off planes and wondering if we couldn’t have picked a worse time to start construction.
Then I remember our original plan which was to begin construction at the start of last November. Looking back, we’re so grateful that did not happen. James had to board a plane to London the week before Thanksgiving and he proceeded to travel back and forth until the end of March.
How exactly was I supposed to make that work? Drag him off the plane on his return, run him to the job site and force him to make finish material selections for a week before sending him off again?
Understand, we never really had a specific start date in mind (unless you count sooner than later). Or thought too much about what was going to be happening in our lives at that point. Just starting, no matter when, would feel like a triumph.
However, most of our clients ask at some point:
“Is this a good time?”
Spring? When the kids are in school. But what about spring break? And weather? Will we get done in time for summer?
Summer? Weather is better (usually). But the kids are out of school and most likely to be at home while the contractor is hammering and sawing. And then we take family vacation. What happens while we’re gone?
Fall? Kids are back in school, but the holidays are just around the corner. And will they be done in time for Christmas? (FYI – you’ve just jinxed your project the moment that question is asked.)
And then it’s winter, and who wants to start then? You know nothing is going to be done between Christmas and New Year’s!
No one time is better to start than another. There will always be challenges in balancing a work life with a personal life while construction is going on around you. In addition to juggling family and work, you’re going to be coping with noise, dust and that porta potty in your front yard. You cannot avoid these elements no matter which time of year.
Remember, I do this for a living (and only have a husband to contend with), and I couldn’t!
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