permit? what permit? — all aflutter

Ok. So, to say that we bit off a bit more than we can chew might be valid. A remodel sounds fun, right? Pick some tile and cabinets, thumb through a few magazines, narrow down some paint colors and voila! You have a new house... right? No. Not right. I'm sure most of you will find it no surprise that that's not actually how this all works.

We've spent the days since we closed on the house in mid November trying to select the right contractor (please please please say that we did...) and furiously trying to meet every one of the 92 requirements on the checklist set forth by the City of Boulder to apply for a building permit. During the holidays. With my sister and nephew visiting from Australia for nearly a month. While keeping our marriage and sanity intact. Mind you, we knew we would need a permit, but had NO idea what was involved in actually obtaining one. And, we could've chosen a house that just needed a little love, but instead we chose one that needs the removal of an exterior wall in order to create a fantastic kitchen and the restructuring of the interior staircase to create a coat closet and proper entryway. I know the City's regulations are part of what makes this such a beautiful and desirable place to live, but OMG the things they make you document is mind-numbing. Seems like it would be much easier to invite the surveyor, contractor, engineer, architect (my mom, who's not actually an architect, but a creative and talented visionary) and city planning guy all over for coffee one morning and just walk through it. Maybe I'll leave a note in the City's suggestion box. I'm sure I'll hear back...

Of course, these aren't real problems. Not the kind that should keep you up at night or garner any pity, but it's a little stressful nonetheless. When I get overwhelmed I remember these 2 little words... WALK-IN PANTRY (or is that 3 words?) It will surely all be worth it in the end, but oh my... Right now 5 months sounds like a million years away, which is the best case scenario for getting the house move-in ready. We're looking at 6 weeks for word on the permit, which we are desperately trying to get in this week + 3 months for the remodel, assuming that mother nature (and our contractor!) cooperate so we can dig the foundation in the dead of winter. Keep your fingers crossed, would you? xo