Home remodeling obstacles numerous

By JoAnne Beiermann The Columbus Telegram | Posted: Saturday, June 2, 2012 10:43 pm |

As long as there have been women, there has been a market for remodeling

From what I can figure, it starts early, during our Barbie Dream House years. At first, it really is a dream house: three stories, vaulted ceilings, Ken in the jacuzzi and everything decorated in various shades of pink. Could a house be more perfect?

But then one day things are not so dreamy anymore. That cute little bathroom is now just little. Same with the closet, which cant even begin to hold Barbies evening gown collection, let alone her day wear. And those pink appliances in the kitchen are just a bit much.

We get bigger and so do our houses and dreams. A house that seemed perfect in the beginning soon loses its initial charm, and we find ourselves thinking, what if I knocked out a wall here, bumped another out there, and replaced the flooring. Fueled by the home and garden network and Lowes commercials about weekend projects where a room goes from drab to fab, and you find yourself thinking, gee, how hard can that be?

Which is what I found myself thinking many evenings while sitting in my cozy but cramped family room. Id imagine how it would look to add on a few square feet and take out a half wall between the kitchen and family room, really opening up the space.

But unless they happen to have their own show on HGTV, men do not think like this. Their fantasies never include granite, stacked stone and travertine tile.

Which is why while we were engrossed in our Barbie Dream House, the boys were out back building forts with absolutely No Girls Allowed. Because you just know us girls couldnt resist adding a few throw pillows and curtains and maybe blueprints for a sunroom addition.

Whats wrong with this room? my husband would ask, looking around our family room.

Have you noticed that when youre in the recliner, you need to put your chair in the upright position so I can squeeze by to get into the kitchen? I said. Or have you noticed when all our kids are here that there are not enough chairs for all of us to sit at the same time?

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Home remodeling obstacles numerous