Happy 2013 Everyone!
The past two months have gone by in a flash. Since the death of my Siamese Angel, my remaining cats have adjusted rather unpredictably. Phoebe, my little "scared cat," who likes no-one but me, has become more affectionate. Jacob, her opposite in nearly every way, has become an almost full time lap cat. Both are currently enjoying a "staycation" with the staff of their cat hospital, which now provides boarding...
In mid December, I awoke to the sounds of water dripping in the utility closet in my flat's small hallway. After frantically calling a non-responsive contractor and several friends, one of them happily gave me the number of her sister's fiancee. He is a contractor and has been a life saver. He drove in on a Sunday and after quickly determining that the source of the leak was from the hot water heater in the apartment above mine, he purchased and replaced a needed hose. Unfortunately, damage had been done.
The owner of the unit uses it as rental property, so while its tenant was sympathetic, she could do little to help. The owner initially misfiled a claim and it was twelve days until his company adjuster showed up. In the interim, I contacted my insurer and got a water remediation company in to dry to floors and closet. Approximately thirty percent of my laminate flooring had to be taken out and the concrete subfloor dried. Additionally, the air handler and hot water heater needed to be taken out, the closet dried and treated with anti-microbial chemicals to inhibit mold and the walls and ceiling drywall in the closet taken down and replaced.
The hall space is so tight in this flat that the driers and other necessary work meant no access to the bedroom or bathroom for me and a potentially frightening experience for the pets.They were boarded and brought home, then re-boarded as a succession of subcontractors and my general contractor as well as an inspector have been through our home. I have had two stays in a nearby hotel and now await the installation of new flooring.
Since the hall floor was out, I asked my general contractor if he could expand my bath and bedroom doorways to bring them into compliance with ADA requirements. The 36 inch openings are so much easier to navigate, and an ADA compliant roll in shower, sink and toilet are in the offing. The shower requires changing the location of drains and pouring a properly sloped floor. These need to be finalized with an inspector before further work is completed. I will be leaving for yet another hotel this week.
Until Next Time...
5 comments:
That's dreadful....and the poor cats...they must be so bewildered.
Fingers crossed that all this work is finished soon andthat it is easier to get round your flat.
You really do not need all these problems....and I daren't ask about the loony neighbour.
i hope they are able to make those changes for you...and i know hotel living is not the grandest but...enjoy the adventure as you can...
Wow! So much activity! I'm sorry you and the cats have been through such disruption, but it sounds like there's a "silver lining" in that you'll finally have your unit brought up to standards. Try to see all of this as a vacation. :)
Sorry to hear about your misfortunes : there are few things more destructive to property than water. Hopefully some good might come out of it all and eventually you and the cats can move back into a better, more convenient apartment.
Bummer. Kind of amazing how much damage just a little continuous drip of water can do but it sounds like your life will be easier once this has gotten done so I am glad it happened, even though inconvenienced the changes are not to beauty up the joint but they will add so much to your comfort that in this case a drip was a win!
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