Hello July! Tough to believe we are officially closer to the end of 2017 than the beginning of it. I’m not one to set New Years resolutions for a host of reasons, but have done my best to follow some advice from Tony Robbins and Raise My Standards. This advice really struck me as it was something that could be done no matter the situation – rock bottom, needing a boost, or from the summit. It could be something small, the first step towards improvement. In contrast to a goal (which is helpful in its own way), raising one’s standards felt very actionable as opposed to being more thought or planning based. In contrast to raising standards, I’ve been very focused on lowering the bar – the breakfast bar. Many of the homes I have visited lately for kitchen consultations have them, and the consensus from many homeowners is that they have to go. Because they are narrow, they don’t serve their intended purpose, and can be tricky with kids as they add extra height to already-tippy barstools. The scale is too small for some homes, and the backsplash between the counter and bar area is generally very short which isn’t very appealing esthetically. The fix isn’t as intensive as you may think and I believe the investment will be well-worth the final outcome. I’m excited to start a kitchen refresh project this week that will remove the raised bar altogether in favor of a larger space and a more modern look. Before and after photos should be up in the next few weeks, but here is a teaser to get started: The coffered breakfast wall nook project has been renamed Cottage Wall for simplicity’s sake – and also because it was confused with Coffin Wall which is not the impression I was hoping for! I was able to pick up materials this week, prepare the area, and perform the required demolition – it was minimal. Here are some progress shots, not terribly exciting but the Northerner in me is happy to see a smooth wall in the midst of all this texture – even if it’s only temporary. Finally, the plans for the new build are done and the files have been sent for rendering. Once I have the images back, I’ll share them here. The home is to be built in the Quail Valley neighborhood of Missouri City and should be listed on www.har.com shortly as well. I’m hoping to break ground in the next six weeks or so – this will be my first permitting experience in Texas so I’m not sure how long it will take to get going. I’m excited to start and share the details of this home with you.
If you’d like to lower your breakfast bar or talk about a project such as my Cottage Wall, please contact The Ashbury Construction Company today!
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This is the fourth week without HOMEWORK! and I’m not missing it in the least. In my house, it barrels through the door in all caps with an exclamation mark because it seems to be a manic, panic-inducing thing most nights. Often left until the last minute, when everyone is at their most tired and least focused, there it looms: spelling test preparation, math worksheet completion, and my (least) favorite: composing facts about a historical character. After working all day and often after the kids go to bed, I find homework wholly undesirable and often complain that I’ve done my fair share already. I think that must be the biggest teacher’s joke ever – for every child complaining of homework and counting the years until they don’t have to do it anymore…only to learn as an adult the misery of doing HOMEWORK! with your KIDS! Our home was built with a desk area in the kitchen, helpful with one school-age child, but once we have multiple kids working on multiple projects, this space will no longer suffice. The current trend seems to be the purpose-built Homework Center and it’s something I can get behind. Besides these centers, I’ve been working on a few other projects lately that all have one thing in common: wide open spaces. From enclosing them to accommodate a set of French doors (or in one case, these fabulous barn doors): to opening them up to create a custom wine nook where there was once a lowly coat closet: It’s all been about spaces. I’ve also been busy estimating outdoor spaces including concrete additions, stone fireplaces, and full kitchens as well as a tricky support post issue and the sweet homeowner that wants it OUT OF THERE, like yesterday ;) I’ve been fortunate to work on some masonry repairs as well, including an outdoor grill that required full removal and replacement of the stone cladding, and some mortar repairs. In terms of my lofty home ambitions, the paint project is on track and and I’ve managed to get a material list together for the coffered wall. I’ve spoken about half-measures before, and it’s sometimes funny what the universe attracts. I’ve witnessed the chalk paint refinishing craze and have lustfully admired the finished projects completed by many of my accomplished friends. I like the idea of a side project, one that isn’t tied to a client or a deadline and managed to find one this past weekend. I know it doesn’t look like much right now, but that’s exactly the type of piece I was looking for. I could have done without the chewing gum affixed to the headboard, but this bed has great style, is substantial, and came with all the pieces. I was counting on building or buying a frame separately but was pleasantly surprised when the rails and additional slats appeared. I have no intention of joining the ranks of professional furniture refinishers but am excited to share the progress of this project with you. Starting with removal of that gum ;)
What spaces are you working with? Let’s make the most out of what we have, whether it needs to be opened up or closed in. The Ashbury Construction Company is happy to look at any project you’re contemplating. Please contact us today! *photo credits: babble, Sand and Sisal, Shea Homes, Talk of the House, Home Depot What comes to your mind first when you hear the word “zone”? I’ve been fortunate to receive an increase in consultation requests lately, and consistent among the ever-changing variables during these appointments are the tacked-on projects that typically come up at the end of the meeting or as we’re digging in deep on a particular feature. “Do you do that?” It’s a question I am asked frequently – often for difficult or where-do-I-start jobs such as brick replacement or chipped floor tile. I’ll let you in on a secret – I always say yes. When I was eight, my mother referred to me as being “resourceful” and I will never forget the pride I felt at that moment. As an adult, maintaining this trait has set me apart time and time again – I’ve learned in life and in construction and the places where they intersect that almost nothing is impossible. Most projects can be broken down into small segments and there is almost always someone with experience willing to collaborate or lend a hand when necessary. With few exceptions, there is always a way – it may not be straightforward, inexpensive, or quick – but most things can be done. Fast forward to the comfort zone – the subject of this post. We’ve all been there – comfy and cozy and downright settled in to a spot in life that feels good – it doesn’t ask much of us, and likely doesn’t give much back in return. It’s a great spot to rest on one’s laurels with a view of the next step, which almost always looks overwhelming, especially in contrast to the comfort zone. After ten years in construction, I’m nestled fairly snugly in my own version of the comfort zone, which includes quoting (with confidence!) and completing (with ease!) jobs such as water penetration fixes, sheetrock/paint repairs, bathroom remodels, flooring, and carpentry. Aspects of construction that I am fairly uncomfortable with include working at heights, anything to do with electricity, and the use of power tools – especially anything with a blade. If you’ve seen me on site, I almost always have a screwdriver and am happy to pass on the drill. I stay off the ladders and scaffolding makes me light-headed. I installed two lightbulbs for the first time IN MY LIFE a few weeks ago and only because the homeowner was watching me do it. Ridiculous. So, in the interest of continuous improvement, I’m going to undertake a project requiring the use of most of my woodworking equipment. I’m going to take this wall: To this: I’m looking forward to sharing a progress post (with pictures!) or two along the way. These spans of empty walls in production-built homes are fairly common in this area, and I'm looking forward to sharing a solution to fill the space that is less expensive than installing additional cabinetry.
If you have a similar project and would like a consultation, please contact us. If you have a job that falls in the “do you do that?” category, we’re happy to look at those as well. But you already know what the answer will be… *Photo credit of Houzz Happy Monday and hello June! Thank you for reading and for your kind words and incredible support regarding the master bath remodel. My client was sweet enough to post photos and a shout-out to my team on the Sienna Plantation Neighbors Facebook page which has resulted in some amazing feedback and a big increase in appointment requests. It’s my pleasure to answer any questions regarding material sources, colors, and of course to provide an estimate for your project. Friday was our last day at the job and I’m thrilled to share new photos with the 88” frameless glass shower enclosure featuring copper (stay with me) hardware. After debating the differences between bronze and copper over the phone, I brought one of the body sprays into the glass manufacturer to ensure we were ordering hinges and the door handle to match the plumbing fixtures and I am so glad – what they call copper was the winner and the color is stunning. The homeowner was able to test the shower on Saturday morning and tells me it’s heaven. In administrative news, I’ve completed a new document to add to the contract package called ‘House Rules’ and here’s a peak: As my client base is (fortunately) growing, I was looking for a way to track the details regarding their expectations of the manner their home is treated, as well as information such as access details and contact preferences in one place. This form will allow me to keep it all straight, from whether I can contact them during business hours to the names and habits of their pets. It also lays out my job site management strategies and what they can expect from my team. I’ve always felt that it’s a privilege to be invited into someone’s home, especially when asked to perform work in such sacred spaces, and want to ensure that we are doing it right and with respect. Finally, those poor cobbler’s kids… You’ve heard the old saying the cobbler’s children have no shoes, a phenomena where people who are successful at doing something don't demonstrate it in their own lives. I’m disappointed to report this is the case in my home. Save for two of the bedrooms, we are living with the dreaded builder’s beige – two years into ownership. The good news is that I’m ready to change this and will gladly post before and after shots shortly. Until then I’m happy to share the colors we’ve chosen: Hale Navy and Bunny Gray by Benjamin Moore and Plumage by Martha Stewart (paint is no longer available so it will be a color match mixed in Sherwin-Williams base).
At three years, my "baby" tells me he's not a baby anymore and would like his room painted as well. In red. We're working on a color ;) If we can be of help with any projects in your home, please reach out by phone, text, email, or the contact us page on this site. Looking forward to putting the House Rules document to use for your home! So very excited to share the details (and reveal photos!) from the master bath remodel that is just wrapping up. The homeowners were a pleasure to work with and had the best taste. They knew exactly what they were looking for - when I initially walked the job, they had prepared a PDF document containing three images of the desired shower style, tile, and vanity. Those photos ruled the job and I’m pretty pleased with not only the final outcome but the similarities between the images as well. This is Day One: Progress Photos: Almost There!: The frameless shower glass enclosure is on order and vanity light bulbs are in my truck (which has a lot to do with the lighting in these photos) so I will post more images once those pieces are installed and the light is a little better. There was substantial demolition required, and the client wanted the bulkhead over the vanity to disappear and provide a clean, seamless look for the “new” wall. All of the tile had to come up, the old vanity and granite came out, and the plumbing had to be reconfigured to allow for the new style and features of the fixtures. The shower was enlarged and we added an LED light fixture as well as a rain shower head coming from the ceiling, a slide bar, body sprayer, four body jets and the frameless glass enclosure. Where the outdated tub was, a freestanding lion foot tub was installed with a wall-mount faucet and body spray wand. A chandelier was installed over the tub where there had not been a light fixture previously. The double vanity with center tower was custom built to the owner’s specifications and replaced the in-wall medicine cabinet that was an eyesore and provided little storage. The vanity color was matched to the subway tile to eliminate a possible contrast between the shades of white. The oil-rubbed bronze hardware is carried through the bath, from the door handles to plumbing fixtures to cabinet hardware. The chrome feet aren’t to the owners liking, and will be replaced with bronze ones as well. The granite was honed on site and a piece was crafted as a saddle to create a threshold between the bathroom and master bedroom. These light fixtures wouldn’t have been possible without the removal of the bulkhead and while it presented a challenge, I’m so glad we were able to obtain the look in the end. The tile work was significant – subway tile, cement-look floor tiles, a honeycomb mosaic on the shower floor, and bullnose and pencil accent pieces were carefully installed with epoxy grout to inhibit mold growth. The closet was painted and tiled to match the bathroom, giving the entire large space a cohesive feel. The color is Fashionable Gray by Sherwin Williams and shows as a very pretty gray with hints of lilac. Finally, in my version of "Who Wore It Better" here are the three images I used to guide the project. I would love to hear your thoughts on differences, similarities, or how I sourced material using *only* photos... If you’re contemplating a bathroom remodel and like what you have seen here, please contact us for a consultation! We can complete all aspects of the job and would love to be part of your project. Check back for final images coming soon…
Hard to believe another week has gone by and it’s (almost) mid-May already. Fairly certain the teachers aren’t crying themselves to sleep over this, if their weekly countdown is any indication… I’ve been busy working on a number of projects including replacing a few large pieces of flashing, mortar repair (exterior as well as at the interior fireplace), a tile replacement caused by a plumber (not mine!) dropping his tools, and a master bath remodel that is halfway complete and will be featured here soon. This is the floor tile selected by the client, which was my first hint that they would be incredible to work with. I've not been disappointed ;) The prints for my new build in Quail Valley are almost complete and have taken a very different turn from what’s featured on the Current Projects page here. While there’s plenty to like about the home pictured, it felt at odds with the lot and the neighborhood and I just won’t fight a bad feeling or try to force a plan to fit if it just doesn’t. I should have some images and a description up on the site in the next few weeks and as soon as the rendering is complete, the home will be listed for sale. Through this process as well as many remodel consultations, one question comes up with frequency – how do you know? How do you know the roofline is right? How do you know the kitchen layout will flow properly? How do you know the colors will work? HOW DO YOU KNOW? Sometimes, I don’t. In this world, certainty seems to be vanishing at an astonishing rate and very little feels permanent. For a control junkie like me, this is terrifying and has the potential to lead to absolute decision paralysis. But the flip side – and there’s always a flip side – is that *most* things can be fixed. Not always easily, perfectly, or cheaply – but just as lumber goes up, it can come back down. Tiles can be broken; grout can be dug out using a pencil. Hardwood planks can be torn up and the glue scraped up only to be replaced with new, perfect pieces. Walls can be repainted, holes can be patched, light fixtures can be relocated. I’ve had the pleasure of working on many of these “fixes” for clients lately and can tell you with absolute certainty that it always feels impossible until it’s done. I love bold colors but shy away from using them in my own home. There are some gorgeous kitchens out there featuring rich shades and while they are lovely and intriguing, I’m not sure they are a fit for my personality. Half measures however, might be just the thing in this case. Plus, if it’s an absolute fail, all that has to be remedied is the island. Glass half full, right? That said, which projects are you contemplating? Do you have something around the house that just isn’t right – either as a result of someone’s mistake or simply not to your taste? Or something you’d love to do but require a push to move forward? Please get in touch today for a no-pressure consultation – you’ll be glad you did.
*All photos courtesy of Houzz Raise your hand if you’d like to know where, exactly, April went? Between end-of-year activities, the feeling that summer is just around the corner, and spring construction fever, I feel as though I have been spinning this whole month. Easter felt very late this spring and it’s as though everything really lit up after that weekend and hasn’t shown any signs of stopping since. I have been fortunate to work on a number of projects over the last few weeks and while they couldn’t have been more different, their common theme was the kindness of the clients. In one case, I was hired to manage a flooring replacement that had come completely off the rails – a difficult and frustrating situation for the homeowners - yet they remained remarkably patient and gracious throughout what was a trying time. Sheetrock repairs, new paint, new staircase flooring, a (tricky) water penetration issue, master bath remodel, and outdoor kitchen with patio expansion round out what I’ve been working on lately and I’m so thrilled to have some “after” photos to share. Providing project management services on the flooring job I mentioned provided both challenges and positive learning outcomes. I wasn’t involved in the selection of the crew, materials, or design and in some ways it felt as though I was thrown in the middle of a home improvement reality TV show, complete with a varied cast of characters. We spent a lot of time discussing transitions (as in the changes between two types of flooring) which led me to think about the transitions we face in life and how sometimes, staying the course can be both the easiest and most difficult option. Maintaining consistency is challenging at the best of times, but especially so in the face of change – whether it be something we are choosing to change or something that is being changed for us. These days, the siren song of “new” calls at all hours and it’s tempting to abandon the routine for something fresh or out of the ordinary. On the other hand, doing nothing is sometimes the easier route – situations have a way of working themselves out one way or another, and I have been relieved on occasion that I waited to reply to a message or take action on something that resolved itself in a better way than I could have managed. The philosophers among us may also have us believe that not choosing is a choice… In the end, the flooring project turned out better than expected and incorporated a design I have never seen before but will definitely recommend in the future. It’s all the magic of the client, the fabulous FM, and the flooring crew that worked incredibly hard to pull everything together. The treads, landings, catwalk and hallway are a durable yet pretty laminate product and the risers – well, they speak for themselves. Glass, stone, and metal tiles you would expect to see in a backsplash application were used for the otherwise unglamorous “back” of the stairs to great effect. The homeowners are in love with their new showpiece and the name of the tile – champagne toast – defines their life to a tee. If you’d like to discuss a flooring replacement, any of the projects mentioned above, or something completely different please contact us for a no-pressure consultation. We’d love to add a little sparkle to your home!
My family jokes that it’s not officially Easter until my Mom has wished everyone a “Hoppy Easter” – a ridiculous pun that gets the best of me every year. Hoping it was a great weekend for you and your family and that the Bunny was good to all. Just before the holiday, @OfficialMetrie posted this delightful image in their Instagram feed: While it isn’t a wreath made of Peeps (delicious or wasteful?) it is absolutely perfectly suited to the spring holiday and cleverly done. I’ve been a longtime fan of Metrie’s products, using them whenever possible but always where necessary. Their look books (available online at metrie.com) are unbelievable and offer lots of inspiration. What is not so inspiring? The standard baseboard offerings installed in most of the new homes I have visited. The profiles are drab, the height is far too small for the commanding sizes of the rooms, and they leave much to be desired. Additionally, they are typically painted a color that isn’t altogether pleasing in an oil-based paint. I encourage my current and potential clients to consider replacing their trim any time they embark on a remodel project. This can be labor intensive and usually means doing most of the principal rooms at the same time so as not to clash with "old" trim, but the results are well worth it. Plus the added benefit (in my mind anyway) is the chance to change the trim color and use an acrylic-based paint. There are definitely some differing opinions out there but in my experience, using an oil-based paint on your trim isn’t a good idea for a few reasons. The paint can yellow and harden over years and will not flex with the expansion and contraction of the trim material over time leading to chips and cracks. Any touch-up work must also be performed with an oil-based paint and it can be problematic to remember that when doing other touch-up work with acrylic-based paints. Here are some images of projects we’ve completed using Metrie trim products: This is my favorite Metrie image: Goodness I love cased openings! If you are considering a remodel project or would like a consultation on improving your trim situation, please reach out by email, text, or phone today. We’ll “hop” right to it ;)
I’ve been reading Unshakeable by Tony Robbins (so good, right?) and it has encouraged some new and “big” thoughts. Not all to do with financial planning, but also regarding the bigger picture in general. I’m fascinated by Tony and the following he has amassed, as well as his mission and goal to teach all. Like many, he had a tough past but has turned it around to motivate and inspire others. He is also incredibly good at what he does. Early in the book there is a section that references the concept of “reverting to the mean” which is an investment theory that suggests prices and returns eventually move back toward the mean or average. While I’m not expecting to build any homes for pricing last seen in 1954, I believe this concept to also be true of people. We are made up of characteristics and abilities which create specialized skill sets that allow us to excel in some arenas, while conversely doing poorly in others. Education and experience will help shape and perfect what we are good at but ultimately our strengths shine and guide us towards success. I am a big believer in the 10,000 hours of skill mastery concept but with a caveat – the skill should be something one is “good” at and willing to master. For instance, I am a terrible cook. It’s no secret in my circle and once in awhile I imagine trying to turn this around, but in the end I would be neither willing nor able to devote 10,000 hours in the kitchen. As Kristin van Ogtrop gracefully puts it, this is simply “not on the menu” for me. Yes, there are other areas where I showcase less than stellar performance (although I won’t lay them out here!) but it’s the tasks I am especially proficient at that continue to call me back; this is my interpretation of reverting to the mean. I am working on becoming a better visualizer or “big picture thinker” but when it comes to small details, I nail them. Particular details, exacting standards, the types of tasks that most people run from – those are in my wheelhouse. When I started this latest venture, I imagined focusing on large-scale, cosmetic improvements (I call them “the pretty”) such as the images here: Lately though, most of my calls have been from homeowners with water penetration issues due to poor/nonexistent window flashing. These issues can be tough and the stakes are high. Many times they have had other tradespeople attempt to fix the issue only to see it return. These have not been simple jobs where the roof - or easier yet – the window itself is the culprit. These jobs have necessitated brick removal and replacement, a scary concept for many homeowners. I’ve found myself in old brick yards with grass up to my thighs (and no, I don’t even want to think about the snakes…) digging through pallets of loose bricks to find the right match for the job. These projects, once completed successfully, have become a point of pride for me and the masons I am fortunate to work with. While those beautiful, glossy closet islands are calling my name, I think my true calling has to do with getting the details right and doing hard things. Doing Hard Things has become a “thing” in my home after the immigration troubles our family faced last year and I have chosen to focus on this with my kids as a result. I have come across too many who either can’t or won’t do hard things - lucky for them if they haven’t had to. I encourage my kids to accept challenges directly and get down to brass tacks, as my grandfather used to say.
If you haven’t already, it’s my hope that you focus on what you are good at and allow success to follow. We are bombarded by messages that we can do anything, making it difficult to determine what we should be doing. By zeroing in on what you are naturally good at or tasks that come easily to you, you will revert brazenly to your own mean. If you are experiencing an issue in your home that sounds like what I’ve described above, please reach out for a consultation - this issue can feel enormous but the fix is less painful than you might imagine, and you’ll feel immeasurably better once it’s taken care of. Stunning cabinetry projects are welcome as well… In the twilight years of her life, my grandma used to sit in a living room chair and tell me all about the projects she was going to do. “When I feel a little better, I’d like to find a new ottoman for that chair,” she would start. “If I’m not so tired tomorrow, I’m going to pop out and look for a few new pillows.” From her perspective, she had full view of all the things she would like to do and felt frustrated when she was unable to. Five years later, when I had my first baby and was stuck on the couch all day (and night!), I experienced similar feelings. The term “trapped under a baby” felt quite literal and I spent much of my mental energy on composing to-do lists for the small amounts of time when I had full use of my legs and both arms. The ability to survey and focus on your surroundings while being totally unable, for whichever reason, to accomplish change or make an improvement is incredibly discouraging. The concept of “I’ll do X when Y happens” is prevalent and has many variations: “I’ll cut back on coffee when work settles down.” “I’ll start an emergency fund when I get a raise.” “I’ll get back to the gym once Girl Scout cookie season is over.” These are only examples but in each case, the positive action is being postponed pending an action that is controlled by a secondary source. These chain reaction scenarios happen at home too – “I’ll get some artwork when the curtains are up.” “I’ll hang curtains when we paint.” “I’ll paint when the kids aren’t so hard on the walls.” So begins years of living with bare, builder-beige walls and without window coverings. After awhile, you stop seeing it – it’s as though you’ve become snow-blind in your own home. But when others come over, they wonder how long you’ve lived in the home or if you’re getting ready to move? You see posts on Instagram, on blogs, and are overwhelmed by home décor advertisements where everything is pulled together, coordinated and cozy. How close are you to loving your home? I’m willing to bet you’re not far off. In most cases, you chose this home from a pool of others, and there are features that please you and are appreciated. But – and there’s always a but – there are some things you’d like to change. I have built and lived in custom homes – never have I met the perfect plan, or had a homeowner design one without at least one flaw. The most perfect home and design that I have built to date had an extraordinary feature – laundry chute on BOTH floors that landed in the basement laundry room – but suffered from a terribly shaped corner linen closet that forced me to fold all our towels into triangles…I can’t make this stuff up! After all of these experiences, I believe there is something that can be improved in every home to better suit you – its occupants. Sometimes these are small and easily manageable, sometimes it’s a large-scale purge and deep-clean, and sometimes (my favorite time!) it requires construction. So, what do you need? Additional cabinetry in the kitchen? A vanity in the powder bath? Built-in desks upstairs for the kids? Thicker carpet underpad? A fresh coat of kid-friendly paint? Big or small, we would love to help with an in-home consultation. Please contact The Ashbury Construction Company by phone, text, email, or through this site today.
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AuthorJulie Monkhouse Archives
April 2020
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