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Post by sunshine817 on Mar 7, 2010 14:17:34 GMT -5
No worries, Gitte.
I have a friend who works in intercultural training -- she goes in and helps smooth the bumps when countries merge or are acquired across national and cultural borders. Glad it's her -- it's high-stress, with lots of travel and lots of time putting out fires that started from something intended absolutely innocently.
She said that some of the biggest problems she fixes are over humor that just didn't translate.
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Post by mossie on Mar 7, 2010 14:44:52 GMT -5
Annette,
I had not intended to worry you about cat burglars. there are slippery paint products that can be painted onto the drainpipe to make it difficult to climb. Or the pipe can be fitted with a collar of vicious, but ornamental ;D downward facing spikes to deter climbers.
As for contractors I'm sure Darryl knows how to write a contract. A very useful phrase is "Time is of the essence" In other words the job must be finished by the specified date. However be very careful once you get contractual, if you change your mind, or require extra work, then Mr Contractor will demand an extension of time, and money, to accommodate you. He loves "extras" like this, as they can be overpriced and make him a handsome profit.
Both sides should finish happy, you with a nice job, and him with a sensible profit. Think pre-nuptual agreement ;D ;D ;D
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Post by mossie on Mar 7, 2010 14:50:39 GMT -5
To Sunshine. I know my odd sense of humour can rub some people up the wrong way. But I'm a bit rough round the edges and just a big softie underneath. ;D ;D  As we used to be told "You should not have joined if you can't take a joke"  |
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Post by Truffaut on Mar 8, 2010 7:44:43 GMT -5
While the timing absolutely leaves me boggled, at least I do understand the price -- I went to look at paint at the Leroy Merlin and nearly fell over when I saw the price of the paint. That's the price with us providing the paint! Roughly $90 for 3/4 gallon (don't ask--paint comes in 2.5 litre containers....) And like Sunshine says, that's not for top-quality like Farrow & Ball--it's more like Sherwin Williams. |
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Post by Truffaut on Mar 8, 2010 7:52:09 GMT -5
Fortunately, we've had a new bathroom and new kitchen installed; new windows; refinished floors; walls patched and painted; electrical improvements, and an interior ravalement. Aside from having the balcony resurfaced, we don't have anything else that needs to be done for the forseeable future (yay!). We just had chairs reupholstered, but that wasn't a big deal and it was done within a week. One key is to find really good workers. They're out there, but you need a really good network of friends to be able to find them.
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Post by framboiseetrose on Mar 8, 2010 12:21:11 GMT -5
I love your apartment - the perfect square, as Shoesy said, after the remodel - can't wait to see it. Congratulations for finding the perfect one!!! Worth all the wait and earlier disappointments!!! So happy for you!!!   |
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Post by MaisonMetz on Mar 15, 2010 12:19:11 GMT -5
Annette -
I'm woefully behind in catching up with what's been posted recently on OPF and have just read your news. Congratulations on finding such a great apartment! What a grand adventure to be able to create your own niche in Paris...enjoy every moment of the adventure.
Jo
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Post by jo on Mar 15, 2010 12:53:38 GMT -5
Annette, I'm also catching up on OPF posts (just back from a wonderfully relaxing week in Cuba, lots of R&R, just what we both needed!). Your apartment looks absolutely wonderful and the location is really fantastic! Den and I are so happy for you both and we can't wait to see you guys in the fall to congratulate you in person. I remember you guys talking about buying an apartment in Paris when we met last May and now it's a reality! Life sure is good sometimes, isn't it!!
Jo
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Post by Darcy on Mar 15, 2010 13:38:51 GMT -5
And I have been equally remiss in reading all the posts about your new venture - just read them now, though.
Wow!! Congratulations!! I can only imagine how excited you and Darryl must be!
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Post by Shoesy on Mar 22, 2010 13:10:11 GMT -5
Annette - Glad to hear about hurdle # 1. I have no idea how many hurdles are left, but I'm sure everything will be fine. Once again, good luck ! |
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Post by Darcy on May 26, 2010 16:46:33 GMT -5
CONGRATULATIONS!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ** blue, beige and red is as close as I could get to blue, white and red! |
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Post by jo on May 26, 2010 16:54:49 GMT -5
Woohoooooooooo! Felicitations to you both. Den and I are so happy for you guys and hope we can take a peek at your beautiful new place this fall.
Enjoy the rest of your stay, this is the icing on the cake!
Jo
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Post by sistereurope on May 26, 2010 19:38:59 GMT -5
my MENTOR!! ;D congrats!!
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Post by Sandy M on May 26, 2010 20:05:43 GMT -5
That's wonderful news, Annette!!! You and Daryl must feel sooooo great right now! Congratulations on owning "your" own place in Paris!!!
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Post by Shoesy on May 26, 2010 21:31:46 GMT -5
;D Hooray ! So happy for you and Darryl. ;D
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Post by mossie on May 27, 2010 2:34:37 GMT -5
Yes. Let me add my good wishes and may you enjoy it for many many years.
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Post by denise on May 27, 2010 3:03:06 GMT -5
;DCongratulations from me also. It must be such a relief to have the whole deal completed.
I hope you have many happy trips staying in your own little piece of Paris.
Denise
Love from Paris
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Post by Jody on May 27, 2010 4:51:40 GMT -5
Congratulations...now let the work begin!!
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Post by mez on May 27, 2010 5:27:53 GMT -5
Congratulations!
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Post by luckyluc on May 27, 2010 7:32:13 GMT -5
Annette repeat after me " Je suis parisienne."
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hahahha