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As chilly temperatures threaten to bring an early winter to Winnipeg, Maurice Chabluk has been forced from his home by a renovation dispute. Chabluk expected his Regent Avenue home's foundation to be repaired with a new addition and bathroom by Aug. 30. But nearly two months later, after early snowfalls and strong winds, Chabluk and his friends are frantically trying to cover a half-exposed basement. "I have no time left. We're working in the cold now and have to get it closed," said Chabluk, who is afraid his general contractor has abandoned the project. The homeowner said he paid $37,000 toward an expected bill of $72,486. .
Most owners choose the floor plan, finishes and fixtures that go into their custom-built homes. Juan Guevara made those choices and more. He selected each interior and exterior component and confirmed every detail in building his $1 million home in Delaware County. He also hand-picked the roofer, framer, excavator, drywall installer and a host of other subcontractors. Guevara made the decision to be his own general contractor, a choice more homeowners are making in projects big and small. He said his decision to manage the project has saved him a significant amount of money and given him more control over the project. "We went to many custom builders and found that, with the money we would save, we could have more house. I expect to save about $200,000," he said. "With a builder, you dont have as much control." Guevara, the owner of a flooringinstallation company, now has a second full-time job making sure the subcontractors show up when they are needed and that they follow the detailed plans drawn by an architect.
Marco Island's first day of public comment on the final assessments for the 2007 section of the city's septic tank replacement program went by with little more than grumbling from those directly affected at Monday's City Council meeting. Instead, more residents reserved their ire for proposed city-run dog parks. Despite a packed room at Mackle Park, just four residents from the five sewer districts — North Barfield, West Winterberry, North Marco, Old Marco and Port Marco — expressed opinions on resolutions relating to both the creation and financing of the districts with few comments from other citizens. These five districts make up the second year of the seven-year $105.6 million septic tank replacement program that has created years-long acrimony on the island. Immediately before Monday's meeting, the city passed out a spreadsheet detailing cost reductions agreed on by council at a special meeting last week.
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