Written by Sheryl Hawkinson • Photo by Travis White
A few years ago, my husband and I began discussing the possibility of increasing the size of our downstairs family room space. Our 3,500 square foot home simply lived smaller then a conventional home of this size. We talked about "pushing the walls out" this way or that, but never really made the commitment to move any further. Sure we contacted a few contractors, received some bids and even paid for an architect to give us some ideas. Quite frankly; we where simply flabbergasted when the estimates of construction literally crushed our projected budget. Until recently we had given up the whole idea. We just couldn't justify paying so much for a mere 600 square foot addition. Yes, a pool bathroom would be nice and the additional living space would be fabulous however, we just couldn't see spending that kind of money.
As a DIY (Do It Yourself) kind of guy, my husband Rande, thought about taking on the challenge himself. Soon he found himself dealing jobs out to others. I would hear him say, "I can pay someone to do that and I could hire this out." But we would ask ourselves, "How would we know if the guys we hired could or would do the quality job we would be expecting?" Our expectations have always been high and all too soon the project idea was simply being tossed aside again.
After visiting the UBuildIt office in Schertz (a spur of the moment idea since I was in the area) and talking with Lee Randolph, the representative for the Garden Ridge area, I became excited once again of the possibility of more space. I went home energized and eager to tell my husband that we might have found what we needed to get the dream project underway. After a few weeks of discussions and implementing our ideas into a detailed vision, we began the long awaited process.
UBuildIt had what we needed. The "know how" and "know who" that could help us with this exciting mission that we were so zealous to begin. My husband and I were able to meet with the UBuildIt team and pick and choose the jobs we felt comfortable with and hire out the rest. We didn't need to worry if the subcontractors would be reputable or not. The UBuildIt team already did their homework and knew the area contractors that would provide us with the best possible work at the best possible price.
The opportunity to work as our own contractor, receiving discounts on building supplies, learning how to schedule subcontractors and deal with the city and their requirements, allowed us an invaluable hands on experience.
Our project became a family affair. Not only were we able to save money by picking and choosing what we wanted to do ourselves, we were able to assign various projects for all of us, including our 2 boys Jared and Joel.
Demolition was one of those projects. Although we left most of it to the hired crew, Rande and the boys were able to spend quality time together while working side by side as a team removing bricks from one specific area of our home. Those same bricks were recycled back into the project again saving money, materials and space in landfills.
When it came to insulating the new walls, we all worked together and mastered the measuring, cutting and installing of the insulation product into the walls of our new space. Not only did we master the insulation project, we shared in the duties of painting, saving us hundreds of dollars. More importantly the time we spent as a family is simply priceless!
Scheduled visits with Mike Robare of the UBuildIt team
insured us that the work completed exceeded city require- ments and more importantly our own high standards. In addition, if Mike had an idea, he was more then willing to give us direction that ultimately resulted in a better out come for us and our home.
UBuildIt, worked with us as a consultant, directing us through the entire building process. Having the guidance of a professional organization allowed us to feel assured we wouldn't be "taken". From start to finish the expansion was painless and looking back surprisingly fun! The process and outcome has exceeded our expectations, creating new memories to cherish as we enjoy our new living space together.
Our project is now close to completion and we are extremely excited to show off the work that we accomplished, as a family, with the help of our new friends at UBuildIt!
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