ROOM WITH A VIEW

As I grow older the winter's blues or should I say Portland grays are
wearing me down. When designing the REX house one of my top priorities was
having an abundance of windows. When the sun is shining, I want it pouring
inside. Well my wish has come true but I think I might have over done it a
bit. Every room has a view, some are spectacular, overlooking the blooming
camellia's that we transplanted and a glimpse of Westmoreland*cq park. The
south side is a reality check that we live in the city. Roof tops, backyard
toys and storage sheds.

To be honest, that doesn't bother me one bit. What I am really biting my
nails about is I chose windows over walls. The main floor feels like we are
out in the open. I could bump into one of my neighbors at the grocery store
and they could say "So I noticed you were watching Survivor last night."

The R in R.E.X. stands for Reuse. With all the sunlight streaming in, I
think I will bottle it up and reuse it when I invite friends over to watch a
little telly.

Shannon

Because I Can

Constant change is happening daily at the REX Project. James Ray Arnold*cq head framer, and his framing crew can take credit for that. Their team effort and work ethic are beyond all my expectations. On a regular basis, James will phone me (I switched to an unlimited minute package) and suggest different ways to safe money and build our home more efficiently. For example, our original plans showed a partial enclosed staircase. We wanted an open stair case so changes needed to be made. Instead of bulldozing ahead and charging us an arm and a leg, he spoke with Mike Perrotti*cq our number one plumber, and they decided that it would be less expensive to relocated the plumbing rather than rebuild the structure of the building. Savings, close to $500.00

It’s also the little things that make a big difference. James’s crew spends time recycling everything they can, no garbage is tossed around, and the attitude is always positive. They will take the time and rummage through smaller pieces of wood instead of cutting up new boards. That is saving me money on new lumber.

Growing up in my household, we were not allowed to say the word “can’t” and I believe that way of thinking has given me the courage to try new things. And believe you, me, the REX Project is definitely something new.



Shannon

Working Hard

James Ray Arnold, head framer, and his crew can take credit for many of the changes occurring these days at the Reuse Everything eXperiment.

James regularly phones me (I switched to an unlimited-minute package) to suggest ways to save money and build our home more efficiently. Our original plans showed a partially enclosed staircase, for example, but we wanted an open staircase. Instead of charging us an arm and a leg, James spoke with plumber Mike Perrotti. The two of them figured out it would be less expensive to relocate the plumbing that was to go under the staircase, and then the stairs could be reinforced from underneath. That way the stairs could remain in the planned location and not need a partial wall. Savings: about $500.

It's also the little things that make a big difference. James' crew takes the time to rummage through smaller pieces of wood instead of cutting up new boards. That saves me money on new lumber.

Growing up in my household, we were not allowed to say "can't." I think James must have had the same lesson.

Shannon