Amy and Jamie's Big Remodel

We have been wanting to remodel our upstairs since 1991. Running the business, and life in general, have kept us from getting it done.

We have been living with a tiny bedroom with a closet the size of a couple of Kleenex boxes. I'm not kidding! After all, back in the 1920's when the house was built a person had their "Sunday best" and some work clothes and called it good. Clearly not adaquete for these times. I'm no Imelda, but I've got a few things!

The magic really started to happen when we met Ben Meoak. Introduced to us by our friend Emily Standish, we knew as soon as we spoke with him that he was the guy for us.



Upstairs "before" pics

There is nothing quite as wonderful as knowing that you are working with The Best. To me, "the best" means:

• Expert craftsmanship
• Great communication skills
• Patience Patience Patience
• Fair pricing
• Someone who will see you first thing in the morning and is not frightened (and is not married to you).

I'm talking about our contractor, Ben Meoak. (That's Ben in the "before" bathroom picture.)

That I can speak so highly of Ben while we are mid-project speaks volumes of my respect for his work. Taking on a remodel of almost any size can be daunting. It takes buckets and buckets of money and load of energy. I am the designer on this project, so any problems with the designer only takes a look in the mirror to straighten out. ( More on that later......) Back to Ben:

A good contractor can make the difference in the success of the project, and also one's marriage surviving the process. So let's get into that first...

My husband and I have two very different ways of processing information. I'll remain diplomatic and not qualify our different styles, but suffice to say, Ben is able to flow with both of them. I'm still not sure how he does it, but he does it each day.

My husband and I both like that Ben will put his two cents in. When I come up with a design challenge, he understands my vision and knows how to make it happen. He always adds his technical advice, but he never steps on my design toes. He's Mr. Diplomacy.

It is also a reflection on Ben what kind of subcontractors have come into our home. We like all the guys who are working on the project. Ben knows that their work reflects on him, and at the same time, he will hold them to his standards.

So, if you have a project large or small I'd reccommend Ben. I love to see good people busy and the design karma that I'll get on this one should keep me golden for years to come!

To contact Ben Meoak call 971-506-7415 and tell'm Amy sent you!

p.s. Do you want to see more pics and "after shots"? If so, send me an email at info@w9yards.com