Blog Series: Kitchen Remodel in Mexico – Week 7

Hola, amigos! Welcome back to our Kitchen Remodel in Mexico series. Feel free to start at the beginning. Week 1 was rocky. Week 2 was promising. Week 3 we were undeterred. Week 4 was Opposite-Ville. Week 5 could have been worse. Week 6, we asked for some help from Jesus. Follow along below to find out about our Week 7 activities. 

Day 43 – Monday – August 1

It was a full day of dust and noise. Gerardo continued patching the ceiling. He also started a side project to raise the ceiling in our master closet. As in the kitchen, removing the central air ducts allowed us to add quite a bit more height, making the space seem less confined. Are we gluttons for punishment? Yes, we are. 

Team Jesus laid the tile in our problem bathroom, which means they should be able to set the toilet tomorrow. They also repaired the water line to our refrigerator. Remember when it crumbled about 15 minutes into our first day? I know, I know. That’s back when Clinton was in office, and iPods were still the rage. Oh, how time flies!

Since the place is still an absolute wreck, Brad decided to have the television wires concealed in the concrete walls. This will be another giant mess, but Brad’s right. We’ve already ripped off the Band-Aid, might as well take care of everything.

Day 44 – Tuesday – August 2

Team Miguel (just Gerardo) was the first to arrive. He continued with the ceiling rework in our closet. There is still more patching left, but fingers crossed they finish this week. It never hurts to dream!

TV cord concealment continued today. After seeing how big the mess was yesterday, I knew to drape our master bedroom in old sheets to help contain the concrete dust. It didn’t work, but it made me feel better.  

Team Jesus worked for about 20 minutes before they realized they missed something yesterday. They had to lay another piece of tile, so it now has to cure for 24 hours. Maybe, just maybe, that toilet will be set tomorrow. {Insert your own poop joke here.}

Team Jesus proceeded to the door — as if they were leaving for the day. I chased them down and asked if they would work on relocating the plumbing for the island. Remember, Miguel was supposed to have this done several weeks ago. Jesus said Miguel still hadn’t provided him with a copy of the plans. To quote Teddy Bear, “Whaaaaaat?!!!”. No problem. I was able to provide the plans that Miguel probably lost. I wonder if Miguel needs a vacation from his vacation. 

In other news, Brad bought a giant box of Rice Krispies Treats at Costco yesterday. He gives them out at the end of the day as a reward for showing up to work or an incentive to work longer. An eternal optimist, he is convinced these marshmallowy delights will somehow make a difference. I definitely married the right man. 

Day 45 – Wednesday – August 3

Team Jesus arrived around 10:00. They finally set the toilet in our problem bathroom. We feel a lot better knowing it is now done correctly. 20 years later, problem resolved. Hallelujah!

Brad had a rather stern call with Miguel about having yet to send the funds (OUR money) to Jesus to start the plumbing job (which Team Miguel somehow couldn’t accomplish). Moments after the call, Jesus received the bank transfer. Just like that – back in the land of jackhammers. 

Roll call revealed that Gerardo had not arrived to finish the drywall. Miguel assured us he was on the way. Unfortunately, Gerardo never showed. Maybe we need to reintroduce Miguel to his own employees.  

Day 46 – Thursday – August 4

Remember the change order which resulted in a request for more money and a later deadline? Well, that day has arrived, and we are not even close to having our kitchen. Looks like we won’t be paying the second half of the change order — which Brad wisely restructured as a bonus. As much as I like a good discount, I’d rather have a working kitchen.

You know, they used to call George Jones “No-Show Jones” because he didn’t always make it to his own concerts. Miguel is definitely in the running to steal ole George’s nickname. One problem; I don’t think Miguel can sing.

Okay, enough whining. Here’s what did happen today.

Gerardo arrived at 8:30 to apply texture to the walls. This was an all-time early arrival for anyone on the project. He worked until he ran out of plaster. The guy is definitely an artist, even if he has trouble getting to work on time and finishing a job. 

Remember the Rice Krispies Treats, which served as incentives to work longer? I told Brad I really didn’t think they were working. Also, I saw him “self-incentivize” at least 3 treats during the day. He deserves them, though. 

Team Jesus continued jackhammering the kitchen floor to get access to the plumbing. It was a huge mess, and the noise started getting to us. Now Brad and I just laugh as we try to use sign language to communicate.

Day 47 – Friday – August 5 

Team Jesus continued jackhammering, replaced the old, fragile water lines, then relocated the plumbing. That’s it. No hassle, and thank goodness, no surprises. Considering Miguel has been saying “mañana” since July 9th, having this piece done is a huge relief. Thank you, Jesus!  

Day 48 – Saturday – August 6

As promised, Gerardo arrived and started working in the kitchen area. He must have had plans for the weekend because he was long gone by 1:00. If Chronic-Time-Deficiency was a medical condition, poor Gerardo would be in ICU.  

Day 49 – Sunday – August 7

DAY OFF

Recap – Week 7; Kitchen Remodel in Mexico

Renovation fatigue has officially set in. At this point in the project, Brad is the general contractor and Miguel is just a sales guy holding onto our downpayment for “safekeeping.” I would scream, but no one would hear it over the sound of jackhammers.

Weekly Report Card

• Brad gets an “A.” No surprise. He was always a 4.0 student.
• Teddy and I get a “B” this week. We somehow kept it together during jackhammerpalooza.
• Miguel gets a “D-“ this week. He’s only been onsite once in the past 3 weeks, and only because we insisted.  
• Team Jesus gets an “A.” A couple of days could have been more productive, but they did well, considering they had to coordinate with Miguel.