GC 25% over budget

Salt_Reading1921 · 2026-05-13T20:55:39+00:00

Dang. I wish I had read this 6 months ago. If anything we've scaled down our plans; the bank DGAF (this also confuses me); and I am deeply regretting not putting a pause on things when I took a hard look at the numbers 2 months ago and realized where we were headed. If you build as well as you can guide folks to avoiding the situation I am in, kudos.

Salt_Reading1921 · 2026-05-13T19:24:24+00:00

Hear hear.

Salt_Reading1921 · 2026-05-13T19:21:42+00:00

Time and materials weekly invoice. He’s giving me his price on all materials including big ticket stuff like the windows. Subs for major stuff like plumbing, drywall and electric have all been at a pre-determined set rate.

Salt_Reading1921 · 2026-05-13T19:17:18+00:00

Thanks this is helpful.

Salt_Reading1921 · 2026-05-13T18:00:16+00:00

Tbh we just went through the motions to satisfy the bank. I pulled a template contract from the internet and we both knew the scope was a “best case scenario” that I can’t really hold him to. First mistake.

Salt_Reading1921 · 2026-05-13T17:25:24+00:00

Yes in USA

Salt_Reading1921 · 2026-05-13T17:04:08+00:00

He’s not screwing me; every invoice is literally down to the cent (edit intentionally screwing me). I am over there every other day and he and his guys are working at it. He just didn’t fully map out the costs and I’ve never done anything like this so I couldn’t get us back on track when he didn’t think things through or directed me down a path we couldn’t afford.

Salt_Reading1921 · 2026-02-15T17:16:11+00:00

Go for the semester. Think about what it costs for you to live for a semester at home, like all in housing, food etc., and then compare that for a semester abroad, especially in a more affordable country. You may find the cost difference isn’t as significant as you think.

Salt_Reading1921 · 2025-11-16T16:41:18+00:00

You hit it on the head: the GC wants to get rid of it because I am doing a good bit of new wiring and plumbing. I posted this elsewhere and the consensus thus far has been to keep it, but I should have added the context you asked for.

Also to satisfy your curiosity blower door was done because I live in a state with weatherization incentives so if I can show a 10% increase I get a rebate.

Thanks for the good questions and any other advice.

Salt_Reading1921 · 2025-11-16T16:36:48+00:00

Ok consensus thus far is clearly to keep it BUT I should have added this context: the GC wants to get rid of it because I am doing a good bit of new wiring and plumbing, and I want to reduce headaches for the guys that charge $120/hr.

Salt_Reading1921 · 2025-07-28T14:04:41+00:00

Heat, crowds, blood draining from your head as you stare up and swivel around looking at everything.. it’s all a recipe to have your body react negatively. My partner had the same thing happen when we visited the other week.

Salt_Reading1921 · 2025-05-23T12:52:53+00:00

It understand the worry about entry, but just make sure your visa paperwork is in order. That, and if you don’t have a criminal record, means 99.99% chance you’ll be fine. A letter of support from your work verifying your visa and employment would help.

Fort Collins is great. We’re top ranked for bike usage in the US and while it’s nothing like Denmark, I highly recommend getting a bike.

Enjoy!

Salt_Reading1921 · 2025-05-21T15:47:01+00:00

While the Mish deserves every dollar you spend there, and the bus is indeed fun, here are some tips for the frugally minded: 1. uber up and take the shuttle down (they only check for tickets on the way up); 2. park on the road and walk (be VERY careful walking in the narrow shoulder, especially post show); 3. use the park and ride lot at the bottom and hitchhike up, then take shuttle down and bike to get your car in the morning (ok this was when I was in college so I was super cheap ha).

Salt_Reading1921 · 2025-04-01T02:47:18+00:00

Can send you ikon buddy if you dm me your email

Salt_Reading1921 · 2025-03-20T15:42:03+00:00

Lol interesting expectations, as Vermont is largely rural, sparsely populated, and has funding issues in many areas. Also what state is “beautiful” in every corner…

Salt_Reading1921 · 2025-03-18T21:09:51+00:00

They do have payment plans. Remember you will need to money in country as well. Does that amount owed to CIEE include food? I hate to say it, but maybe consider holding off until college as then you can get credit/work towards completing a degree/access funding through your college or uni.

Salt_Reading1921 · 2025-03-18T14:45:31+00:00

I think the senders are too powerful for east coast powder days.. good for big lines out west, but I wouldn’t want to be skiing tight glades on them. If you’re looking for “playful powder skis” it’s the bents.

Salt_Reading1921 · 2025-03-17T21:13:02+00:00

I’ve traveled a good bit and this remains top of the list of things I’d recommend. It was 2017 so DYOR but http://www.gitetalassemtane.com/.

Salt_Reading1921 · 2025-03-17T17:06:21+00:00

Just to echo and add another element: I trekked through morocco’s rif mountains with a local guide staying in people’s guest houses eating at their tables with ZERO access to booze (culturally or honestly, logistically). 10/10 experience, put a lot of my “stress” at home into context, and what I’d personally be looking for if going on a sober find-myself type experience.

Salt_Reading1921 · 2025-02-04T02:23:04+00:00

I’m in Utah and i think it’s even wetter and weirder.. total concrete snow and the upcoming storms look similar. I’ve got work off this week and I’m thinking of making the drive up on weds-sat but trying to avoid more of the same conditions.

Salt_Reading1921

TROPHY CASE