Dear L’Arche North Carolina Community,
I hope this post update finds you well. I wanted to provide you with an update on the ongoing renovations at our house.
As with any renovation project, we’ve experienced a mix of wins and challenges along the way. I’m grateful for the work we have accomplished through donations and volunteer work.
One significant setback we faced was the unexpected departure of our first General Contractor. This, unfortunately, delayed the start of our major renovation projects. While we didn’t get to start the accessible bathroom project as early as anticipated, I believe it was a blessing in disguise as we now have a fantastic General Contractor, Revel Build Co.
On a positive note, we recently received some good news from the Durham Neighborhood Improvements Inspector. They agreed that we did not need to cut out larger windows in the basement bedrooms as we initially anticipated. This decision has saved us thousands of dollars. Instead, we will install cubby-storage benches under the windows to allow for safe egress.
However, as we began the renovation, we encountered an unforeseen obstacle: asbestos materials in the house, which were not identified in our initial home inspection. This must be safely removed in the specific areas for the accessible bathroom remodel. Ensuring the safety of our community members and staff is our top priority, so we’re now working with a remediation expert to address this issue effectively. This work will begin on February 12th. While this unexpected discovery means we’ll need to invest more in the renovation process than initially planned, we are committed to completing the remediation thoroughly and safely. I’m proud of the Board of Directors’ decisions to remove asbestos in the house beyond just the renovation areas. While some families may decide to leave ceilings with asbestos in their homes for years and years, we decided for our residents that it was best to fully remediate the affected ceilings. This was not an easy decision as it will cost around $20,000 to do so.
If you’re moved to support this unexpected project or have additional questions, please email me at [email protected].
As a result of these challenges, our timeline for completion will be extended. We now anticipate finishing the renovations by the middle of May. As a Board and Staff Team, we understand that delays can be frustrating, but we’re grateful for your patience and continued support throughout this process.
Despite the challenges we’ve encountered, our dedication to fostering a welcoming and inviting space for every member of our community remains unwavering. Your continued support fuels our determination to overcome these hurdles. Together, we are creating a beautiful home that will provide a community filled with joy and friendship for decades to come.
Thank you for being part of the L’Arche North Carolina family and for your ongoing support as we work towards our shared vision.
In Community,
Laura Steed Lorino
Executive Director / Community Leader
