Of things fire and contractural

Remember that feeling of having an eyelash in your eye? You know, so painful you can't keep your eyes open to get it out.....crying, excruciating pain? Then, you get the lash out and look at it on the end of your finger and wonder how such a small thing could have caused so much discomfort?

That is what contract issues are like during construction.

For 2 months I've been selecting fire/security vendors.....listening to experts.

• "You need a commercial system."
  
• "No, you only need a residential system since you are living in the space."
• "You need a hybrid - commercial on the first floor, residential on the remaining."

They talk to other experts. They talk to me (moron). They provide estimates. Then, just when I'm about to make a decision and get over the hurdle, the lash moves to the other part of my eye causing me to wince and start the whole process all over.

And, I have a contract where security and fire equipment are documented. The contract is signed and payment agreed upon. Why the heck don't I just say, "you know, I thought I could solve this problem but I can't. You guys install the system you priced in the contract and I'll be happy."

The next time I'll say that.......real early. So early I'm already saying it. Don't come at me with more decisions that appear as they should have been made before we ever signed a contract!

Yeah right! I'll get a full more lashes in my eyes before this one is over.

Alert: Progress in Progress

We met yesterday to review "Permit Drawings".

David, Scott, Tom and I met yesterday for a long, 6 hour session. It was rough but I'm happy with the outcome. The drawings are complete enough for two purposes: accurate pricing and building permit.

The estimate I currently have is a ballpark that enabled me to get a loan. I've got the loan. Now, the fun starts. David will use these drawings and price each area accurately. If we're still in the ballpark, we're good. If the new pricing doesn't fit in the budget, we get to lower quality or remove items to make the project fit in budget. In the current economy, I'm a little nervous.

Of course, nothing moves without building permits. These drawings will go to the city folks for approval and permit so we can begin construction. Current plans have us starting work in 3 weeks.

It was hard writing this with my fingers crossed.

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

"Wait. Design. Pay Interest. Wait. Design. Pay Interest."

Queue Jeopardy music.....

"What is the progress stage of 308 West Main, Alex."

There seems to be progress but none to write about. We meet for our weekly Tuesday meetings and discuss material, elevation and other details of the floor plan. When complete, they go before engineering and the city for approval. Hopefully I then get permits and work begins. Until then, there's nothing much to write about.

The waiting is the hardest part
Every day you see one more card
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart
The waiting is the hardest part

Appraisal Returned

The appraisal came back today and was very near the amount that I needed it to be. This means the bank will loan me the money needed for construction. So, onward toward Building Permits and City Approvals.

The appraisal process was interesting: no buildings in the downtown core have been built, refurbished and then resold. So, what's the basis for the folks performing the appraisal to make their estimates? This posed some challenges. In the end, the building's appraised value = Purchase Price (approved during purchase loan) + Construction Cost.

I've been reassured that NO buildings for sale after refurbishment is a good thing for me as it shows the building is a good investment and will climb in value. I'll know in time.

Demolition is nearly complete. The visual impact of removing the "stuff" is significant. The space looks cool. Very cool. But it also looks empty and the task to make it seem like a home appears more daunting. I'll take some pictures this weekend.

Demolition Permit Granted

Permit submitted and approved. Demolition contract will be signed tomorrow. Work should begin very soon.

Danny Mac took a bunch of photos today of the interior. I will find a way to host some of the photos for posterity sake. Dan had spent time inside 308 when it was a dance club. There's a photo of he and Kelli on the cover of a local newspaper that I'd love to find. Anyway, he didn't quite remember Ringside looking as it does today. That's unfortunate on many levels. But, mostly today because Ringside was once a vibrant part of the Triangle scene.

Even though I've had a couple of months to adjust, it still seems like a daunting series of tasks to turn this space into a home and business.