I've Dug A Hole For Myself Again

Out of sheer frustration at the amount of work needed to rehabilitate my condo and because I'm not so handy (I don't even own a power drill), I contacted a highly recommended general contractor to do some work for me. My list was initially short and modest. But as I was going through the work that needed to be done, I started adding in extras that I wanted.

Here was my original "need-to-do" list:
1.) Fix garage door opener and hardware ($650);
2.) Patch drywall and paint ceilings/walls and replace baseboards ($5,000);
3.) Replace corroded pipes under sinks ($1,000);
4.) Replace broken fire door ($950);
5.) Get HVAC/furnace serviced ($100 + repairs extra);
6.) Remove heavily soiled carpeting and replace ($4,000);
7.) Replace kitchen sink and broken garbage disposal ($1,325);
8.) Refinish tubs in master and guest bathroom ($1,650).
TOTAL: $14,675

Not too crazy, right? After all, most of those items were recommended by my inspector.

As I was walking through the condo explaining my needs, my mouth detached from my brain and started spouting off stuff I wanted done as well. Suddenly, I no longer wanted carpet; I wanted hardwood floors. I couldn't live with the ugly fluorescent lights -- I wanted recessed pot lights in the living room and kitchen. I also wanted a ceiling fan with lights in the master and guest bedroom, which requires additional electrical work. The drab laundry room needed some pizzaz, so I wanted a glass backsplash added to the walls between the cabinets. And here's the pièce de résistance -- I want the guest bathroom entirely remodeled because the fiberglass tub is old and cracked.

*Sigh*

I'll let you fine folks guess how much my revamped rehab/remodel job is going to cost me. I'm a bit depressed right now to tell you how I intend to finance this as well, but as I'm sure you've already guessed, I'm going back into consumer debt.

*Sigh*