A Cautionary Tale

It all started so simply - an off-the-cuff remark by my wife:

"We should think about replacing this carpet. It's held up well but it's starting to wear."

Of course she was right and I agreed with her. After several more logical, well-reasoned conversations here is the list of work we are in the midst of:

Replace the sliding glass door with a window and a normal swinging door
Install new windows in the family room/living room/kitchen
Install casework around new windows
Install can lights in family room ceiling
Replace can lights in kitchen
Remove can lights in eating area of kitchen, replace with hanging lamp
Install accent lighting in existing alcoves
Install in-wall surround speakers and cabling (*)
Install AV cabling and power for new TV (*)
Install framing to support wall mount for new TV (*)
Buy new home electronics - amp, TV, etc (*)
Buy new refrigerator (!)
Remove/replace two fireplace mantels and tile surrounds
Remove chair rail and bead board from dining room
Remove entertainment niche
Install new baseboards
Install new casework and doors in all downstairs interior doorways
Install new cabinetry
Repaint downstairs of house (including ceiling) (some exceptions, not every room is being repainted)
Install new window treatments in new windows

Oh, and lest I forget - replace all the flooring downstairs. (again, with some small exceptions)

I am convinced that my wife threw in the (*) items above to get me on-board with the rest of the project. Hey - works for me!