The truth is that Ross had some help on his remodel.

Dave Jones (Jones Builders, 303-520-3909) was our general contractor. We give him and all of his subcontractors an A+ rating and three gold stars.

Jennifer Halstead and Katie Lee designed the kitchen and bathrooms and made suggestions throughout. In addition, Jennifer and her husband Chris provided a furnished place for us to stay. We can't thank them enough for their generous hospitality.

Lynn from Belcaro Paint (303-757-5435) chose the paint colors. She came to the house and spent two hours with Marianne making sure each room was just right. Lynn's consulting services are free at Belcaro, but Marianne asked her to come to the house because so many things depended on light and architecture. Lynn charges a very reasonable $65 per hour for in-home service and Marianne says she's worth every penny and then some to avoid unfortunate color choices that have to be fixed or repainted later!

Painting inside and out was done by the speedy and talented people at Bravo Painting (303-667-6379). Call for an estimate that will knock your socks off.

Benjamin Moore paint was used throughout the house. Paint colors used: Outside: Plymouth Rock 1543, White Wisp 2137-70, and Newburg Green, HC-158. Inside: Rendezvous Bay 726, Revere Pewter HC-172, Glowing Apricot 165, Old Gold 167, Corinthian White 162, Sweet Pea 529, Ivy League 516, Gibraltar Cliffs 1587 and Quiet Moments 1563.

Susan from Lamps Plus on Colorado Blvd. (303-756-1314) came over and helped select much of the lighting and she took care of ordering everything. Her consulting services are provided at no charge to Lamps Plus customers.

Lights used: Bathrooms- Forecast Blush #08400; Hallways- Georeg Kovacs Circles Collection #16203 and #80372; Master bedroom- Art glass wall sconce #17057; kitchen- Pro Track 3-Light Spiral # 30688, Tech Lighting Cube mini pendant cobalt glass #13004-84367, Tech Lighting Metal Man Point; dining room - Tech Lighting Metal Man Point, Pro Track 4-Light Wave Bar #28893, Jeweled Wirework wide mini pendant light #02066; guest bedroom - Tiffany art glass Mission pocket scones; outside- Lumiere de Ville Energy Star 14" #20536.

Bathroom mirrors (also from Lamps Plus): Jordan brushed nickel #57637 and Whitehurst antique weathered silver #08307.

Cabinets: kitchen and guest bath- Medallion Cabinetry Potters Mill maple natural and master bath- Medallion Cabinetry Potters Mill maple espresso. Marianne is especially fond of the soft-close drawers, pull-out shelves, full-extension drawers and the spiffy pantry.

Cabinet hardware: The whimsical animal knobs are by Rosalie Sherman Designs, The rest of the knobs are from the Nouveau II collection at Top Knobs. The wavy pull in black was used in the kitchen and we used the zig-zag pull in black and nickel finishes for the bathrooms, closets and entertainment center.

Tile: hall and kitchen- Capco Tile (we chose a discontinued 18" tile from their remnant room); guest bath- Dal Tile Modern Dimensions Multi-Black Concentric Circles Accent, Carrera Star, Techno Gray; master bath- Carrera Star, Techno Gray and Innova Ice Random Brick.

We used Door to Door Storage for the storage pods which are much easier and more convenient than moving everything in a truck to a storage facility yourself. Their rates are competitive and their customer service is superb. Be aware that you may need a city permit while the pods are at your house if you don't have sufficient off-street space for them.

Questions or comments for Ross? Send him an e-mail!