#pfcook

Making selections for a new home or major renovations can be looked at in terms of the Agamemnon Theory. Agamemnon, in ancient Greek mythology, was a King who led the Greeks into the tragic Trojan War so well described in The Odyssey. Furious that Paris of Troy seduced Helen, his sister-in-law, Agamemnon seeks revenge. His actions, understandable initially, build upon each other until the bitter end results are catastrophic. 

How this pertains to Deby and me as we make selections for our renovation project is that each decision, while reasonable (maybe) based upon the previous decision, could produce financial catastrophe if we maintain that mindset. You can see the dangers of an Agamemnon trajectory. So we pick and choose, pick and choose - with functionality and energy efficiency remaining our top priority. 

For instance, we did upgrade to a really nice Therma-Tru front door so it would be logical to set it off with fantastic (expensive) light fixtures, right? Of course then the next step would be a pricey marble entry floor, etc.

There are simply so many options, so many selections so before we act like fat kids in a candy story, we check ourselves over and over.  Moderation is the key! Picking and choosing, picking and choosing.

Another selection we did not want to compromise on was the EIFS stucco, because not only does it look great (example)

but it is an excellent insulation choice. Having the inch and half insulation on the exterior of an older home is great way to seal it up, and will be an investment.

We did however, limit the stucco details around the windows, because the cost-devil is certainly in the details. Plus, when it came to the garage, which will not be heated, we decided to use Hardie fiber cement siding instead of stucco. The siding will work with the Tuscan Cottage look, and it will save a lot of money.

The stone we chose was in our original price-package allowance - a great selection from Dutch Quality Stone from our supplier, PF Cook,

I did remove the stone from the lower portion of the rear and side of the garage and will bring the siding to grade to save some money there. (Picking and choosing, picking and choosing!)

This is the fun, glorious and maddening experience that is building a truly custom home. It's what we're all about at Bachman Builders - the anti-Agamemnon builder. 

Stay tuned! Lots more selections to show you.