In their endless tours through many a home, where most of us “let it all hang out,” contractors get a glimpse of every kind of personality out there, some of them more unusual than others. I get the privilege of talking to contractors every day, and the following are just 8 of their stories. Not necessarily “remodeling nightmares” – more like brief episodes from the Twilight Zone, only in this case, reality is stranger than fiction.

1. The Bed-Watchers. They come in every shape and size, but they’ve all got a couple of things in common: they live in their pajamas and they are attached to their beds for no particular reason. One contractor was installing new windows in a bedroom and the lady of the house never left the room all day, let alone the safety of the bedcovers. She didn’t do anything, actually (not even sleep), except watch the work for hours on end and get up to go to the bathroom. Another contractor was working on a master bath while the homeowners watched TV in matching bathrobes, bringing every meal to bed for the duration of the job, caring not for noise nor company. (more…)

Pardon us while we break away from our normal remodeling program. A member of the CalFinder family recently lost a friend and asked that we pass on this short note.

You listened intently and offered sage advice; your encouragement was so sincere; you led with a kind hand and constructive criticism; your praise was reflective and meaningful; you were unassuming but the first most of us turned to; you led by example; your medical suggestions and advice were spot-on; your home so warm. . . always available; your gardens so inviting; the meals you and Jacqui prepared so interesting; your desires for a better world so well thought-out; your political commitments clear; I learned about silent films from you; we hunted, skiied, dived, hiked and flew together; I ran in the Oakland and Berkeley hills with you; you jumped in at mile 16 to help me finish my first marathon; you insisted I read your selection of books for my own good. . . and you were right; you loved my mother and always asked about her. . . you consoled me when I traveled west to eulogize her in January; we flew many places together in your plane. . . Zion and Bryce at sunset were surreal when we flew to Boulder from Santa Monica; I remember when you rented a small office in Berkeley in 1982 and told me about the lady who transcribed your dictation. . . with her you swapped audio tapes, books and notes; one day the two of you met and several years later you married Jacqui; many–like I–continue to marvel at your 60th birthday celebration on the ranch in Boulder; how I longed for your 65th; abalone, Chardonnay, and squash blossoms; cappucino in the morning at Ross Street; your patients at Rockridge revered you, the staff looked to you for leadership; my children looked up to you; every friend I introduced was mesmerized by the stories, the comments, the observations, the wit, the wry humor; you made each whom you touched better; we met in 1976 but it seems as though it was only yesterday and there are so many more questions I have that I wish for you to answer; you made each of us feel special, but it was clear the person whom you sought out was Jacqui; so often you’d call home when we traveled and the affection was so evident, the connection was so clear. John, you were a best friend, a mentor, a confidante, a role model, a constructive critic and a big brother. The hole you have left is immense, but I feel so fortunate to have known you, learned from you, and loved you. You taught us well, and if permitted, we shall all endeavor to help Miss Jacqui, your “Sweety”. Godspeed to you John. There’s lots already. Thanks, David Willson

Visit John Austin’s Memorial website to read more stories.

It’s not often that you come across the exceptional, and when you do, it’s something you want to pass on and share. That’s the idea behind our new sister site, Best of Remodeling (BOR), designed to showcase innovative, noteworthy remodeling projects and ideas from around the globe.

We decided that the time to branch out was long overdue. At Best of Remodeling, homeowners and construction professionals, aficionados and amateurs alike, both under or out of the CalFinder umbrella can trade ideas or plain show off. As a community forum, BOR encourages reader participation and feedback in order to be a valuable resource chock-full of the most relevant, timely, and useful information for home remodeling enthusiasts everywhere.

BOR is now accepting entries on custom, high-quality projects to spotlight on our showcase, whether it’s quirky and inventive or modern and high-class. BOR seeks talent from every spectrum; tell us about the nationally recognized remodel you just finished or give your local, neighborhood professionals the credit they deserve. This is a launch you won’t want to miss — check it out, get inspired, or better yet, get involved!

Submit your outstanding work here.