Project Gem Charlotte: In The Weeds
The best way out is always through. - Robert Frost
Welcome back to the second installment of my Project Gem Charlotte blog series. This week is where we really get into the weeds of the actual project.
Quick catchup: Last week I talked about seeing the property for the first time (Yikes!), getting complete measurements once the property was cleared out and creating the initial design boards for my client. If you missed it, read the full post, here. Now it was time to source the surfaces/finishes that are best selected in person: countertops, flooring, and tile.
Throughout this stage of the process there was one overarching lesson: Sometimes in life; despite careful planning, things happen that are out of your control and you just have to see it through and adapt.
First item on the list; COUNTERTOPS. For obvious reasons, my design solution required that all of the countertops in the kitchen and both bathrooms be replaced. I decided to go with a granite because of its durability and while it appears expensive its actually pretty affordable. Win Win!
Depending on where you purchase, granite is either bought by the square foot or the slab and the decision is usually made based on the size of the project and whether a full slab is needed. For this project since the kitchen and both bathrooms all needed countertops we decided to go with the slab route. I took my client around to a couple stone wholesalers here in the Charlotte area. What an experience! It’s certainly not for the faint of heart. Massive warehouses with row after row of stone slabs to choose from. I kept the color palette very neutral throughout the house so I landed on a beautiful piece of granite with beautiful eye-catching swirls. We selected a local fabricator (they cut the slab to fit the cabinets, and plumbing fixtures) and we were good to go.
Smooth sailing right? Nope! When it came time for the countertops to be templated and installed is when things went a little left. I was told a few days before the install that there was an issue with the bathroom sinks that I originally selected so at the last minute I had to source new sinks AND new stoppers for the faucets (Ugh!) while making sure that the new items still worked with the overall design. I got right to work and luckily, I was able to find the items via local retailers before our scheduled install date. Crisis Averted!
Next Item on the list: FLOORING. I specified three different types of flooring for this project, a plush neutral carpet in the bedrooms, a gray wood tone luxury vinyl planks (*Hint: If you don’t have the budget for solid wood these are the way to go!) for the main areas and a beautifully veined white ceramic tile for the bathroom and kitchen areas. I selected each of these while keeping in mind that I wanted a “luxury” feel without breaking the bank or my client’s budget. Things went pretty smoothly for the most part; the carpet and luxury vinyl plank were sourced and installed without a hitch. Phew!
The ceramic tile on the other hand… Thankfully no issues with the sourcing /purchase of materials but on the day of install the tradesman advised that a large portion of the tiles were damaged upon opening the boxes so about half of the boxes needed to be replaced. Good Grief! Of course, as luck would have it the original store of purchase no longer had the tile in stock, and it took some searching and trips to other locations to get the quantity needed (plus extra just in case) to get the job completed. When it was all said and done the flooring turned out beautifully in all areas, especially the ceramic tile in the kitchen and bathrooms. Totally worth it.
Final item on the list: TILE. Fun fact: I really enjoy kitchen design. There’s so many subtle ways to convey a high end or polished look and ROI (Return on Investment) is basically guaranteed. (*Hint: If you’re looking to increase the value of your home; start with your kitchen or bathroom.) Anywho, back to the story. From the time I saw the kitchen I knew that I wanted to elevate it by adding a tile backsplash. I went with a geometric mosaic backsplash with a contrasting pencil trim. Love!
Remember how I mentioned that even with careful planning things can go awry? Exhibit A: I’d calculated the amount of tile needed, so I knew how many boxes of tile were needed for the job. I even confirmed with the store their available inventory prior to taking my client to the store to pick up the boxes. As luck would have it; we get to the store and it appears someone goofed/ system error and they’re actually short 2 boxes! I was forced to select an alternate tile from what the store currently had on hand in a large enough quantity. In that moment I was ECSTATIC that I’d chosen a solid white geometric tile that was easily switched out. Yes! Almost no wasted time and all materials were ready for our installer with no other issues.
So here we are: the painting is completed, flooring, countertops and tile have all been installed. Now we’re in the home stretch, the finishing touches. Tune in next week for the wrap up!
