Page 12 of The Other Side

“Okay,” I say, finishing my notes. “This is about another twelve hundred square feet. Just by looking at the amount of property you have, that’s obviously not going to be an issue. I just want to make sure you’re okay with that big of an addition.”

“We have the room, so I’m okay with it.”

“Great.” My eyes lock on Jesse’s before continuing. “Have you thought about where you want the addition and how the layout would be?”

His forearms are planted against the tabletop, fingers interlocked. “I was thinking we could have the addition extended from the kitchen. As far as the layout, I expect you to give me your best advice on that. You’re the one getting paid to design it, not me.”

Just trying to design something that appeases your vision, but okay.

“Of course.” My lips mold into a subdued smile. “I want to suggest extending from the family room. Being that the entertainment room would be added to the first floor, it would make more sense to extend off of another family or gathering space.”

His head tilts in uncertainty, but he keeps a bold eye on me. “I might need more convincing on that, but I’m willing to look at a draft of what you can come up with. I’m kind of sold on extending from the kitchen.”

I figured you were.

“It’s just my two cents based on past experiences,” I explain, palms flipped upward. “If you’re really set on having the extension off of the kitchen, I can draft an option up for you. Then we can weigh the pros and cons from there. How does that sound?”

“Sounds good.”

My eyes are trained forward, landing on the den past the chef’s kitchen. Giant windows allow the sunrays to cast a bright glow inside the house. It’s almost peaceful sitting next to Jesse right now.

Almost.

“As far as the layout, the entertainment room and full bath should be on the first floor. The two bedrooms should be added to the second story,” I claim.

“Okay, I don’t have a problem with that. Maybe I should walk you around, so we can discuss different features as we look at the space?”

I gesture for him to lead the way as I stand. “Sure, let’s do it.”

We walk around for about twenty minutes, and with discussing the differences in extension locations, I’d like to think I’ve dug an inch in Jesse’s dense brain.

“What can I look forward to in the process after I choose a floor plan?” Jesse asks as we re-enter the dining room.

“I’ll bring in some interior designers to talk to you about finishes for floors and countertops. Then, we’ll have to discuss the types of materials you want. For example, radiant heated floors and SMART technology,” I explain.

“I only plan on doing this once, so I want to choose the best grades.”

“What budget are you looking to work with?” I ask.

“About three hundred thousand dollars. Not that it’s a problem for me to pay, but I don’t want to go over that line,” he replies.

I nod, offering a slight jerk of the shoulder. “Unfortunately, the prices of materials have drastically gone up. We may be looking at half a million dollars, minimum. The only reason I mention this is because I don’t want you to be blindsided by costs.”

“I’ve done my research,” he counters, slipping both hands in his pockets. “I’m also a real-estate investor, so I know what the costs of materials are nowadays. I think we can stick to my budget.”

Yeah, we’ll see about that.

“Luckily, there’s some time until we get to that point. And we can always manage costs when that time rolls around,” I suggest.

“Great.”

“Great,” I answer, plucking my backpack off the floor. “I’ll draft a proposal and send it to you in a couple business days.” I meet his eyes when I tuck my binder away. “After, we can discuss any modifications you’d like made. Or any other items you may think to add after today.”

“I’d like the proposal by Monday. No later,” he demands.

“I’ll get it to you by tomorrow,” I counter, draping the thick strap of my bag around my shoulder.

“Even better.” A slanted smile emerges from his lips. Victory lines his expression as he swings his arm across his chest. “Let me walk you out.”