Big Island

Tips on Building a Custom Home: Expect Unexpected Setbacks

Continued from Part 6: Custom Build in Kona Update: Insulation, Drywall & Paint

All phases of our build project were clipping along nicely. Tile setters are in full swing on all of the bath showers, and the electricians have just completed wiring most of the outlets, switches, and ceiling fans, except for kitchen and baths. With some hard work and long days, it appeared we would indeed hit our estimated completion date – until – “Uh oh!” The kitchen cabinets were delivered and being installed, and wouldn’t you know it, wrong size! It only takes one incorrectly sized cabinet to cause a big work stoppage. Yep, speed bump.

We are now stuck for 3-4 weeks until the new cabinet can be made and shipped. This means templates for countertops cannot be made or installed and that pushes plumbers and electricians off the schedule to complete their work. What do you do? Take a deep breath and suck it up. Getting mad won’t help the cause. I immediately met with our kitchen designer and she was already taking every step to expedite the remedy. That’s all you can ask for. Stuff like this can and will happen. Expect the unexpected. My advise? Don’t look for problems, only solutions.

(L) Waterproofing the shower and soap dish inset and floating the floor. The pitch is critical to how the water drains. (R) Dark ocean pebbles to bring the outside in.

Getting up to grade. This means more fill for us. Our slab was extra high and now it’s time to bring in more fill as a base before topsoil. We got lucky – this fill has a good amount of dirt!

Where We’re At

Speed bumps? You can count on them. Overall, we are very pleased in spite of the setback. We are installing as much of the kitchen as possible to keep the momentum, and expecting the new one next week. We will also be starting the outside showers soon!

The kitchen cabinets are here!

Want to Know More?

If you have any interest in building a home in Kona, please contact me. I will share with you my personal experience, from the ground up.

Comments (0) Show CommentsHide Comments (Remember)

Cool. Add your comment...

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Leave your opinion here. Please be nice. Your Email address will be kept private, this form is secure and we never spam you.

More Articles from Hawaii Life