Renovation: Progress Report

So yeah, I promised updates along this renovation road we've now been traveling for 3 months (so much for a 6-8 week project, ahem). Well, I would've LOVED to share progress--if any had been made. Seriously, demo still had a loooong way to go as we entered Week 7.

However, we are rolling now. I honestly don't know what's come over the crew the last 10 days, but holy smokes. It's really amazing how much they can accomplish when they, well, show up.

So here's a check-in with our initial project list & some photo updates to document (the photo layout isn't cooperating, bear with me):

Kitchen: 

• Install hardwoods - in progress
• Remove the peninsula- check
• Demolish bulkhead- check
• new cabinetry & countertops - check, check
• new appliances - scheduled for delivery
• new lighting - purchased, pending install
• update wiring - check
• install tiled wall with open shelving - tile, check; shelves pending
• construct banquette eating area 
• move gas line for stove - check

Secondary Bath:

• Demo tile - check
• Replace floors - check
• Install new tub/toilet/vanity - triple check
• Update all fixtures - check
• Remove built-in cabinet - check
• Swap position of toilet & sink to accommodate larger vanity - check

 Living & Dining:

• Update built-in cabinet doors (in living & hall)
• Remove brown shag carpet - check 
• Install chandelier in dining - pending install
• Install can lights in living - check
• Install ceiling fan in living - pending install
• Update fireplace surround & mantle - scheduled
• Bump-out fireplace to accommodate TV mount & cables in-wall - check (big shout out to hubby's carpentry skills here!!)
• Install hardwoods (also in foyer, kitchen, & halls) - underway
• Replace moldings (not originally planned, but due to unexpected ceiling collapse & replacement, the old ones had to come down)

 

Electrical/Mechanical: 

• Replace existing radiant heat & boiler with efficient Central Heat (at least Central A/C is already in place!) - check
• Convert to tankless hot water to make room for master closet expansion - check
• Bring electrical up to code - check 
• Install can lighting in main living areas, per code - check

Master Suite: 

• Expand & renovate master bath - check
• Close doorway from master to guest bedroom - check
• Convert former mechanical room to walk-in closet - check, pending install of Elfa system
• Remove brown shag carpeting - check
• Install carpet

 

B's Room:

• Remove shag carpeting - check
• Install carpet
• Install closet system in large closet
• Convert small closet to reading/play nook

Guest Room:

• Paint wood paneling
• Close & patch secondary opening
• Install closet system

Miscellaneous: 

• Update laundry space - underway
• Repair windows as needed - underway
• Updated moldings throughout - underway
• Sheetrock repair throughout - check, plus a surprise project: the plaster ceilings collapsed while the electrician was banging on the electrical panel, so we had to replace the majority of the ceilings. Of course, that requires some molding updates where the ceiling meets the walls.
• Update paint & finishes throughout
• Replace interior doors
• Bury rear electrical lines to garage

Wow, seeing all those check marks feels good! I mean GOOOOOOOOD. I love crossing items off my to-do lists! A week ago this update would've looked very different. It's a good thing we're making such headway since we have to be out of our apartment in 10 days. Let the packing begin!!!

Once we move in, I promise real, non-phone pics of the finished product. Heck, I may even edit them. Considering that most visits were in the evening, we haven't had power until 2 days ago, & that I often was balancing B on my hip, you're lucky to have any photos at all. Just sayin'.

Renovation: The Before

We bought a house! Woo hoo!!! There's light at the end of this way-too-small-apartment tunnel! Even if the light looks like a terribly dated 40's ranch with tweed curtains and brown shag carpet.

 

We are super thrilled to get into the new house. The large, wooded lot is just around the corner from one of the best elementary schools in town which is actually being demolished and rebuilt, set to open brand new in about 2 years. It's close to everything we love, and is much, much safer than the old digs. The first time we walked through the house, I got "that feeling." Random little things reminded me of the house where I grew up--the attic fan, the rusty glider on the porch, the antique bed that was included with the sale, the garage apartment, and much more. It just needs some TLC. A lot of TLC.

Here's our initial project list and the required "before" photos (sorry for the phone pics):

Kitchen:

• Install hardwoods
• Remove the peninsula 
• Demolish bulkhead
• new cabinetry & countertops
• new appliances
• new lighting
• update wiring
• install tiled wall with open shelving
• construct banquette eating area

Secondary Bath:

• Replace floors
• Install new tub/toilet/vanity
• Update all fixtures
• Remove built-in cabinet
• Swap position of toilet & sink to accommodate larger vanity

 Living & Dining:

• Update built-in cabinet doors (in living & hall)
• Remove brown shag carpet
• Install chandelier in dining
• Install can lights in living
• Install ceiling fan in living
• Update fireplace surround & mantle
• Bump-out fireplace to accomodate TV mount & cables in-wall
• Install hardwoods (also in foyer, kitchen, & halls) 

 

Electrical/Mechanical:

• Replace existing radiant heat & boiler with efficient Central Heat (at least Central A/C is already in place!)
• Convert to tankless hot water to make room for master closet expansion
• Bring electrical up to code
• Install can lighting in main living areas, per code

Master Suite:

• Expand & renovate master bath
• Close doorway from master to guest bedroom
• Convert former mechanical room to walk-in closet 
• Remove brown shag carpeting. Install carpet.

 

B's Room:

• Remove shag carpeting
• Install carpet
• Install closet system in large closet
• Convert small closet to reading/play nook

Guest Room:

• Paint wood paneling
• Close & patch secondary opening
• Install closet system

Miscellaneous:

• Update laundry space
• Repair windows as needed
• Updated moldings throughout
• Sheetrock repair throughout
• Update paint & finishes throughout
• Replace interior doors

You may notice a lot of furniture in the house. We inherited it with the house and are still figuring out what we'll keep, sell, and donate. There is definitely a garage sale in our future!

Stay tuned for updates!!!

House for Sale

Well, folks, we've officially put our humble abode on the market. We've been talking about it for quite some time, and had hoped to have it listed earlier this spring. But, oh yeah, we had a baby. Over the last few weeks, a lot of houses in our neighborhood have been sold, so we figured the time was right. We're hoping to capitalize on any shoppers while the market is in our favor! Of course, being the DIYers we are, we're attempting to sell it by owner.

If you know anyone looking, send 'em our way. You can see the house at www.82Clifton.com

If you've read our blog, some of the pics may look somewhat familiar. Afterall, you've seen the befores & afters along the way. One of the reasons we're selling the house is that we've decided this house is actually "too" finished for us. We find ourselves inventing projects just to kill time, and we know our skills would be better put to use in a house that needs a little extra love. Hopefully, the next stop is our "forever" home or at least a place we'll hear lots of laughter and tiny feet running through the halls for years to come.