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We all know America is always changing and moving. As a nation,
we grieve with New York and the thousands of families whose lives have
been shattered. In the wake of the terrorist attacks on New York, our
country has been changed. The ongoing war on terrorism is a demonstration of dedication to the
commitment to freedom that our Commander in chief holds, that our nation holds. We support him.
May God bless and keep our troops safe.
What seemed important before has... faded. We realize our
families are precious, more than we knew. September 11th was just another
day to rush around and be consumed with endless busy-ness.
But now... We've learned a deeper appreciation of family.
Somehow, Home Improvement and Remodeling have been pushed back into perspective.
Compared to valuing those we love, that new kitchen may not be worth the
time and stress it can generate.
Think long and hard before you dive into a big project.
And if you still need to go ahead, bear in mind remodeling the home you
live in can take a toll on your family. I've seen marriages crumble under
the weight of stress and pressure from a poorly planned project.
Compared to the reality of hundreds giving their lives
to save others, our daily problems feel shallow and insignificant. Their
sacrifice has reordered our priorities. So in whatever we choose to do,
let us move ahead with humility and respect, not squandering the relationships
many have given everything to protect and preserve.
Rather than pursue consumption and materialism, we have
learned, at great cost, what really matters. So, if you find yourself
still faced with a necessary project, plan it well and avoid the trap
of small things becoming all consuming. Put together a project so that
you protect your family's sanity and peace. Advanced
preparation saves energy, resources and our environment. Our homes will
continue to need work; that's part of life. There will always be a need
for repairing and improving where you live. But don't build a house at
the expense of your home. We see families come unglued from hasty decisions,
poor communication and impulse changes.
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Before you even start a project, evaluate the real
stress and pressure you may have to deal with. Consider these simple,
practical steps:
#1) Find a friend or neighbor who is in the midst of remodeling.
Ask them if you can ride "shotgun." Read their contract. See
how things get done. Watch how the plans are interpreted. This will give
you familiarity and exposure without cost.
#2) Locate one or two retired contractors. Try the local
senior center, or churches. Offer to buy them lunch in return for looking
at your project. They are usually brimming with experience and only too
glad to share it.
#3) Find friends and neighbors who have completed a remodel
similar in size to yours. Alternatively, you could check out your local
building inspection department. They have lists of permits issued. You
can call these owners a year or so later. Make them the same offer: a
free lunch in exchange for their experiences.
Most remodels which include partial reconstruction, such
as new foundation, floors, walls, like an addition, often take four to
five months. You may hear promises of completion in three, but even on
"rush" projects, time drags on.
Each of these suggestions will give you inexpensive insights
into what it's really like and how each project pressures a family. Evaluate
school and vacation schedules. Don't underestimate the stress involved
and- build your project on paper so those arguments over who get's to
decide what are resolved before you start construction.
Life is a precious, wonderful gift. I am awed and humbled
beyond words that so many gave so much, without thought for their own
safety. May we never forget.
Copyright © C. S. McMinn 2003
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