Lutron is a leader in the lighting control industry. It was founded in 1959 by Joel Spira, a physicist and inventor, working in his spare time out of his own small Riverside Drive apartment in good ole' New York City.
Read moreSnapshots: Construction Update - Shower
There have been no more unfortunate site conditions since my last post...and let's hope it stays that way. I like surprises as much as the next person, but I've had my fill of them for the time being. So you don't think it's only been bad news thus far, I thought I would show some of the positive progress that the wonderful team has made
Read moreHighlight: Bluetec Cabinetry
Bluetec Cabinetry
Pat Blewitt, originally from Limerick, Irelandarrived on the shores of NY in 1989. He quickly felt a kinship with the city and the life-style! Hereturned in short order to make the Big Apple his permanent residence. A cabinet maker by trade he established himself as a foreman and installer of quality cabinetry. Pat not only fell in love with the city but married a wonderful local girl who has beenhis life long support. When there is time, Pat enjoys relaxing with his wife, Mary and two sons, which definitely keep him on the move.
- Pat is very passionate about his work. He takes great pride in the final product...whether it is a small bath renovation, for yours truly, with intricate detail or a gut renovation of a penthouse apartment in Manhattan.
- A typical success story is Pat renovating over 6 homes for the same family within a 10 year period....no they don't just like to move alot! This speaks volumes to his amazing relationships.
- Blutec Cabinetry which Pat founded in 1993 has over 20 full-time employees and an amazing 6,000 sq. ft. shop in Yonkers, New York.
- Pat, not only does great cabinetry but is known for his quality general contracting throughout the industry.
Alberto Gonzalez has worked for Blutec for 9 years and is the shop foreman. He is responsible for the millwork layout, delegating the projects and the accuracy of the final installation. Alberto is an integral part of running the jobs and the backbone of the shop. Without him ....how would the job would get done?
Week 3: Unfortunate Site Condition
Unfortunate Site Condition #3:
There is a 3" difference in the ceiling height, from one end of my hallway to the other! Unbelievable.This project is feeling like a chapter in Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House....the money pit!
What is a designer to do? The existing ceiling, at least is not about to fall down (definitely a plus) but it will be looking very strange to open my front door with the new closet doors not aligning with the ceiling. Wood lathe is rotten but no water damage this time!
Options:
1. Leave it alone and close my eyes every time I enter my apartment?
2. Drop the ceiling...given the fact that it is 9' -3" but only 9'-0" in other sections?
CON:
- More work
- Delay in time completion
- More expense
- Loose 6" of ceiling height
PRO:
- Brand new ceiling (although I did not know I was in need)
- Thank goodness the GC and millworker made me aware of this site condition. Honesty is always the best policy...no matter how painful
- No imminent disasters!
- NO need to close my eyes when I walk into my new apartmen! Of course at the rate that things are going...I may be in the dark by not being able to afford the Con Ed electric bill!
- The possibilities of some better lighting in my new dropped ceiling is definitely a positive consideration.
Solution:
- A brand new dropped ceiling is in my future!
- Perhaps a stay-home vacation is, also, in my future, who needs the exotic tropical isles when I can have a new dropped ceiling and recessed lighting too? Stay tuned...there can't be anymore unfortunately site conditions, right?
Week 3: Work in Progress
Photos of the crew hard at work
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