Remodeling and biking

Amazingly, we picked the one day this week without rain, and yesterday went for a perfect fall bike ride down in Seattle. Colorful trees, bike trails along the water, trails covered with leaves (and puddles from previous days rain), and actual sunshine for much of the day! Followed by the best meal I've had at a restaurant in a long time, and for only $15. Turns out Seattle has this thing called "restaurant week", twice a year, with many restaurants offering 3-course meals, $15 for lunch or $25 for dinner. I will definitely put a restaurant outing on my calendar for the next round of this, in April.

As for the remodel: I got the drawer quote back from builder #1, and it said, in total:

"DRAWER FRONTS AND BOXES with side mount full extension glides -- 788.00 "

No quantity, nothing about installation, nothing about the type of wood. What the heck? So I emailed back with some questions and got the reply "Does not include installation. I can give the name of some installers if you'd like". This, after I specifically said that I wanted drawers built and INSTALLED. This is the same place that was about to skip including drawer fronts and glides until I reminded them. Crossing them off my list.

Builder #3 came in with a quote of $750 including installation, but has not specified the type of drawer glides. Builder #2 at $1000 still inspires the most confidence but possibly #3 will win out after I talk to him a bit more.

I went to a couple of local flooring places and was pretty sold on getting Marmoleum (aka linoleum) instead of vinyl, even though its about 50% more $$. Much more environmentally friendly, as it's made out of natural ingredients like linseed oil and sawdust, and it has a 25 year warranty. And has some colors that I love. BUT.... they don't recommend installing over existing vinyl, or even over particle board. They want to install directly on plywood. I have no idea what's under my existing vinyl and am kinda afraid to look. And, surely ripping out the vinyl will add to the cost. Or can I do it myself? Once again, stay tuned.....