Why did I think it would get easier?
Posted 04-09-2009 at 10:12 PM by scifimom
I hope you'all don't think I'm not enjoying this journey to having my own business. I am but it is crazy and I'm not used to so many ups and downs.
So, lease is signed. I THOUGHT that would be the start of moving right along. We figured out that the second door I wanted was not in my sq. footage and I really wanted that door. It turns out that if someone wants to buy the building they need to occupy 51% of it to qualify for an SBA loan. If I included my door and the space beyond it would put me at 50% thus messing it up for the other person. We've been messing around with common areas this week and have come up with something that works all around. Good. Now time to move forward.
Whoa there! Start with contractors! I interviewed one who turned into a crazy man when he saw the building was not finalized. He said he didn't want to get in the middle of it. Next guy liked the place well enough but came in with a rough bid of $200,000 after I told him my budget was around $130,000. I met with him today to try and bring the bid in line. I'm meeting Mr. $125,000 on Monday to see what he says. Remember him? The guy who always said it would cost $125,000 no matter what I was looking at? I won't say I'm desperate but I need to move along here.
In the mean time my lovely agent Zack, who thought he'd be out of the picture by now, is trying to nail down just exactly what is left to be finished on the building. The landlord needs to pay for a lot still (I think) like getting power, gas and sewer into my place. I need to have him pay for that mongo heater/ac that goes on the roof. I think I'm in for another round of talks and in the mean time my 3 months free rent is being eaten away.
I did get a great designer to help lay out the kitchen. It is beautiful. I'll add a photo to my album when I get a few minutes.
So, it is still a bumpy ride. I did find out that we can submit plans to the building department and start building as long as we keep everything open for inspection. I may be open in August! Way cool..
I did upload a picture of my building but Niko, even though you told me how to link it here I'm hopeless and can't figure it out. I'm sure the rest of you know how to hunt for albums so please do so and see my space!
So, lease is signed. I THOUGHT that would be the start of moving right along. We figured out that the second door I wanted was not in my sq. footage and I really wanted that door. It turns out that if someone wants to buy the building they need to occupy 51% of it to qualify for an SBA loan. If I included my door and the space beyond it would put me at 50% thus messing it up for the other person. We've been messing around with common areas this week and have come up with something that works all around. Good. Now time to move forward.
Whoa there! Start with contractors! I interviewed one who turned into a crazy man when he saw the building was not finalized. He said he didn't want to get in the middle of it. Next guy liked the place well enough but came in with a rough bid of $200,000 after I told him my budget was around $130,000. I met with him today to try and bring the bid in line. I'm meeting Mr. $125,000 on Monday to see what he says. Remember him? The guy who always said it would cost $125,000 no matter what I was looking at? I won't say I'm desperate but I need to move along here.
In the mean time my lovely agent Zack, who thought he'd be out of the picture by now, is trying to nail down just exactly what is left to be finished on the building. The landlord needs to pay for a lot still (I think) like getting power, gas and sewer into my place. I need to have him pay for that mongo heater/ac that goes on the roof. I think I'm in for another round of talks and in the mean time my 3 months free rent is being eaten away.
I did get a great designer to help lay out the kitchen. It is beautiful. I'll add a photo to my album when I get a few minutes.
So, it is still a bumpy ride. I did find out that we can submit plans to the building department and start building as long as we keep everything open for inspection. I may be open in August! Way cool..
I did upload a picture of my building but Niko, even though you told me how to link it here I'm hopeless and can't figure it out. I'm sure the rest of you know how to hunt for albums so please do so and see my space!
Total Comments 3
Comments
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This looks like a great location. I have really enjoyed hearing about the trials of starting your own business. What is it that keeps you going instead of throwing in the towel? Many at this point I think would of said that is enough and moved on.
Good for you!Posted 04-13-2009 at 09:31 AM by Nicko
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Sometimes I do think I should have thrown in the towel, but I've promised so many of my caterer and chef friends that I'd do this. I can't let them down. Secondly, I realized that I've been in IT for 33 years. I can't imagine working another 10 years in the business and being sane once I get out. My brain has moved on already and it would probably kill me to move it back. Thanks for keeping up with my blog. It helps to have support for this project.Posted 05-13-2009 at 08:48 AM by scifimom - I have been in IT for the past 10 years and sitting at a desk everyday has really taken it's toll on me. In that regard I can totally relate to what you are talking about.
It is such a difficult call because although I miss being in the kitchen I don't think I could go back to those hours for that pay. Now I have so much time with my family I feel blessed.Posted 05-14-2009 at 03:30 PM by Nicko
