Post #223790 by Bargoyle on Wed, Mar 29, 2006 1:08 PM

Met with general contractor today. Alot more work needs to be done in the house than I though (I'm sure you found the same thing hodad...that damn soot gets in everything!)

Their basic take is that its pretty much unsavable. All the grass & matting has to come out and there's no way to save it at all (cant be sealed, cleaned...nothing).

I asked about sealing the bamboo and he didnt seem to think it would work. Not sure if its worth taking the risk...it might seem clean, and then the first hot, humid day we have and the whole house erupts in the stink of soot.

Basically, I've got three options as I see it.

1. We rip everything out, and I have them attempt to rebuild it, matching the way it exists now as close as possible (take tons of photos, etc) and perhaps change a few little things along the way(more permanent shelving etc.)

2. We rip everything out, and they give me a budgeted amount of $$, based on material expense and my man hours, and then I re-build it (again) the way I want it, and add improvements at my own expense (sink, bigger bar area, etc)

3. They rip everything out, they give me the cash to rebuild, and then I take the money and I blow it on fast cars, loose women, and the Craps table at Foxwoods....and the bar becomes just another boring old room...maybe a home office?

Now I know what you're thinking, but believe me, for the past few hours, #3 has been the frontrunner.

However, knowing myself as I do, I know option #1 or 2 will be the way I go.... oooooooooo...unless option 4 is like, get the money, fly Bamboo Ben out here, have him TOTALLY improve on my original design.

I'll keep everyone posted. Still have no way to get photos off the camera, but will post some pics in the next few days (I'll just buy a new usb cord).

Thanks again to everyone for their well-wishes and suggestions, and sorry you're going thru it too hodadhank...it sucks.

ps. I think tmrw begins mug cleaning!! whoohooo!