I have these friends who hired an architect to draw up some plans for their house, paid him a lot of money, and were completely unsatisfied with what he came up with. I stepped in to help even though I don't do houses, mainly because they are friends and also because N has MS, so this project is not just about making their home nicer, it's about making it wheelchair accessible so that N can get around if she ever has to have the wheelchair. Right now it's leg brace and drastically reduced mobility.
They are really funny people, so we've had a lot of fun working together. Also - F is friends with their daughter I. The two of them went to preschool together, and are still friends even though they go to different schools.
The other architect failed to consider things like: existing windows (headers) that could be used for doors or openings, putting N's therapy room where there is LIGHT rather than a wall with no windows (ugh!), existing ceilings and how that would work with new rooms. He even had one scheme where he moved the kitchen to a completely new location (moving water and gas and everything else - this is slab on grade! this would mean a lot of jackhammering and cost). He also didn't give them a floor plan to show which walls come out and which are new, which means that it's impossible for a contractor give any sort of preliminary pricing.
So - I think they are really happy now! They keep emailing me to say thank you. They brought over pizza last night and desserts and we hung out while F and I and D watched the US v. Sweden match.
So I guess the work isn't free... the pizza was really good!
Giving Away Work for Free
June 13th, 2015 at 03:16 pm
June 13th, 2015 at 03:27 pm 1434205659
That's just sharing your God-given gift of being able to look at things from the necessary perspective! So glad that you were able to give them practical advice!!
My son asked me if I was interested in taking up soccer. He found my daughter's cleats (used from Lacrosse) and told me he heard there was a fun club for 40+s. Not quite sure on that, probably a lot safer than roller derby.
June 13th, 2015 at 04:49 pm 1434210571
June 13th, 2015 at 05:01 pm 1434211269
Thank you for such a kind offer for your friend.
June 14th, 2015 at 12:20 am 1434237610
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June 17th, 2015 at 02:43 pm 1434548630