For Better or For Worse!?!

AKA ~ How I Became a Skilled VooDoo Doll Maker  :/

​To begin, allow me to say that I am not in any way besmirching Maine or its crafters, because I'm sure that the same thing happens in every state in the union, my native Virginia included, but.......honestly....we've had waaayy too many intensely manic days, weeks, months, while trying to construct this beach house!  Sheesh!!

​My hubs and I have been on the fast-track to frustration for the past two years now, and we truly do SO hope that that proverbial 'light at the end of the tunnel' is looming large, creeping ever closer.  HOWEVER!  Never has the cliché term 'caveat emptor' been more apropos than during this home construction process.  

​Most recently, we've been dealing with a local fireplace/stove dealer.  To say that this process has been more than a challenge is a gross understatement.  Point of fact: a couple of months ago, our stove guy sent us an estimate for the cost & installation of a propane stove for our basement.  Looked good ~ we signed it and sent him the deposit. 
Conversely, when we (just) received the estimate to install our antique woodstove (pipe & chimney cap only, as we own the stove) in our great room, we received a ridiculous price quote.  I mean really outrageous.  So I responded via email, stating that the pricing 'seems a bit high' and asked why that was so, only to receive a snide & curt response stating that, if we 'didn't like it' (the high estimate) he would return our (basement LP stove) deposit and we could find someone else to do both jobs.  Huh?  What happened?

From what we've been told (by Maine friends), because we are 'from away' and are constructing a home on Maine's bold coast, it is assumed that we are 'beyond rich' and are, therefore, fair game for price-gouging. 

​But by no means has this fellow been the only one who has offered-up such irritatingly sophomoric behavior however.  We've recently experienced very similar verbal & figurative foot-stomping while dealing with a local bank loan officer, an appraiser (OMGosh, that's a WHOLE 'nuther story right there!), and two other builders/contractors, &c.

Thus, another chapter has officially been added to 'The G Spot' storybook. One day we'll laugh and laugh about it.....but for now, I have found that there is a pressing need to become intimately familiar with the ins & outs of the construction and proper use of voodoo dolls..........

.....to be continued.....   ;)