Home Improvements

[Granny]

So what's you're latest home improvement?

beepbeep and I have been sharing pics of our home improvements.
It's a big part of our weekends.

Our latest project has been the upstairs which is around 700 square ft.
So everything we do is trying to make the most of the space.
We have gutted everything out and started completely over.
Hubby did all this work.

Built in cabinets.
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0015.jpg

Storage in the stairwell.
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0014.jpg

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0013.jpg


There are glass shelves to store our DVDs.
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0012.jpg

[SilverBullet]

Awesome! Looks like he's doing a great job! I just re-did about 200 feet of privacy fence, and I'm about to build a 12' x 18' shed so I can fit both cars in the garage finally! I'm also working on a stand for my 55 gallon african cichlid tank that I'm putting together. It'll have cubby holes for baskets to hold my 1 year old sons toys.

[Granny]

Awesome! Looks like he's doing a great job! I just re-did about 200 feet of privacy fence, and I'm about to build a 12' x 18' shed so I can fit both cars in the garage finally! I'm also working on a stand for my 55 gallon african cichlid tank that I'm putting together. It'll have cubby holes for baskets to hold my 1 year old sons toys.

We did a shed a few years back.
The aquarium stand sounds great. Be sure to post some pics!

[beepbeep]

Due to some recent events, we have ramped up our reno on the other house to get it rented. I don't have pics of today (too tired!!!) but here are pics from our recent work.

Before:
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15302-2/fireplaceb4.jpg

During:
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15338-2/IMG_4566+_Custom_.JPG

After:
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15353-2/IMG_4602+_Custom_.JPG

Another fireplace:

Before:
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15467-2/IMG_4689+_Custom_.JPG

During:
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15488-2/IMG_4696+_Custom_.JPG

After:
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15497-2/IMG_4699+_Custom_.JPG

And we are keeping the second...we just have to have the flue cleaned, close in the exhaust hole and pretty it up.

[Granny]

The progress you two are making is unbelievable!

Looking good.
I can't wait to see how it comes together. :)

[green-lantern]

Why are you taking the one fireplace out?

[green-lantern]

I think I ether put up two celing fans up in the screened in pourch or I built this bar.

You can sort of see the wall in the right corner.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o310/hptech4564/DSCF7184.jpg

I cut that awful closet/wall off and used this long table that was here to turn it into a bar.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o310/hptech4564/DSCF7290.jpg

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o310/hptech4564/DSCF7287.jpg


I really haven't done much to work on the house lately. Most of my spare time has been working on the car.

[green-lantern]

A more up to date pic. You can see the light under the bar. I installed a rope light under it behind some trim. You can also see I need to take the trash out. :redface:

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o310/hptech4564/DSCF8702.jpg

[skater334]

Very nice guys. I think for us it'd be cleaning the garage, can't do any add-ons cause it's military housing.

[2fnloud]

I have been working on re-doing my daughters' bedroom (Yes Alan it is still not done). Mine started out as a "lets just add a ceiling fan to the room and a wall light switch. During the last cut for the gang box my sawsall bound in the slates and ripped a nice section of slat from the plaster. I let it sit for six months then one day I went up there and started tearing the slate down, after about three hours I realized that I was going to need a dumpster.

I took the entire room down to stud, walls, ceiling, and floor. I even removed the 2x10 planks that were on the studs.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa177/2fnloud/Remodel/PICT3685.jpg
junction box I put in the floor for the three new circuits I added. The upstairs electrical was practically non-existent. Three bedrooms, each had their own light and only one outlet. So I gave each bedroom it's own circuit. I only wish that I thought to run this junction box to the attic (brain fart) because now I need to have an access panel just in case anything ever comes lose in there.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa177/2fnloud/Remodel/PICT3689.jpg
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa177/2fnloud/Remodel/PICT3684.jpg
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa177/2fnloud/Remodel/PICT3679.jpg
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa177/2fnloud/Remodel/PICT3678.jpg
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa177/2fnloud/Remodel/PICT3677.jpg

As you can see I got to play electrician, and HVAC guy as well, the house is currently boiler with nothing upstairs. I am planing one day to convert but until then that duct I built between the joists will allow heat to rise up into the bedroom.

You can also see I had guests living in my wall, fortunately the hives where abandoned.

It is all dry walled now needing mud and trim, the project is on hold so I can relax and enjoy Christmas and new years. I will pick it back up in January.

[beepbeep]

Why are you taking the one fireplace out?

The first set of pictures: The chimney was cut off when a new roof was added two years ago. The shared fireplaces were in disrepair, so there really was no reason to keep them. We took them out and are going to make the space in between the two rooms a master walk-through closet.

The second set of pics: The LR fireplace was closed in at one time so that a wood stove could be piped out the chimney. We prefer the fireplace look and think it will appeal more, so we opened it up and are set to repair it and make it prettier. :coo3l:




http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o310/hptech4564/DSCF8702.jpg

Damn....that's nice. All done by you??




http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa177/2fnloud/Remodel/PICT3679.jpg


Uggghhh...thankfully they were empty. What a nightmare had they not been.

[2fnloud]

Yeah I know right. When I pried the boards off to reveal that, I about dropped a load in my pants, then I realized that it was empty. I did have to deal with one but it was only golf ball sized. I busted out a can of 3m spray glue hit up knocked it done and danced a little jig on the hive.

I also noticed a paper wasp hive that was huge in one of my roof over hangs, that too was abandoned. I managed to get rid of most of that with the shop vac.

[sublime_whatigo]

That j-box in the floor is worse that the wasp hives, lol. But I would find something funky with most houses, me being an electrician. When I have some time Ill post some pics, I have tons from the past few years.

[2fnloud]

Matt,

That was my doing. I had my "duh" moment after the fact. I realize that I should of spent the extra 10-12 feet of wire to have that junction box be in the attic.

I will be keeping an access panel in the floor to access it. My uncle is an electrician for the dept. of corrections. He has been an invaluable source of proper information.

However Matt, if you know of a guaranteed way to terminate that junction box so I don't have to have a access panel in the floor, I am all eyes to read about it.

[Granny]

A more up to date pic. You can see the light under the bar. I installed a rope light under it behind some trim. You can also see I need to take the trash out. :redface:

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o310/hptech4564/DSCF8702.jpg

Big garage + man cave = Happy marriage


Yeah I know right. When I pried the boards off to reveal that, I about dropped a load in my pants, then I realized that it was empty. I did have to deal with one but it was only golf ball sized. I busted out a can of 3m spray glue hit up knocked it done and danced a little jig on the hive.

I also noticed a paper wasp hive that was huge in one of my roof over hangs, that too was abandoned. I managed to get rid of most of that with the shop vac.

What a nest!

Your upstairs looks like what we have been doing.
We had to completely tear out everything and start over.

[green-lantern]

The first set of pictures: The chimney was cut off when a new roof was added two years ago. The shared fireplaces were in disrepair, so there really was no reason to keep them. We took them out and are going to make the space in between the two rooms a master walk-through closet.

The second set of pics: The LR fireplace was closed in at one time so that a wood stove could be piped out the chimney. We prefer the fireplace look and think it will appeal more, so we opened it up and are set to repair it and make it prettier. :coo3l:


Ahh makes sense.



Damn....that's nice. All done by you??


Yeah, The cool thing is I used everything that was already here except the wood around the track lighting. I had to extend the wall out for the bar so I used the wood that I cut out of the top of the wall. The bar top was this big long table I cut and made L shaped to fit. It didn't hardly cost anything but time. The bad thing is the people that built the wall had a nail gun and loved to use it. I cussed the hell out of them when I was taking it apart.

[2fnloud]

Big garage + man cave = Happy marriage



What a nest!

Your upstairs looks like what we have been doing.
We had to completely tear out everything and start over.


Yeah, my wife and I decided that this way would be the best way. As we plan to remodel a room, we will be tearing the room down to studs. This way the old settled insulation gets replaced with nice fiberglass insulation.

I have even thought to go as far as stripping the outside to stud, Tyvak wrap the house and then reside. I would need to ask my sources if going THAT far is even required to get the house insulated that well.

The attic floors/upstairs celings have an R factor or 49.

[beepbeep]

Here this is the progress we've had this week (minus some little projects I've been working on like filling in nail holes and punctures in drywall throughout the house).

After tearing out rotted drywall and boards behind:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15581-1/IMG_4778+_Custom_.JPG

After hanging drywall:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15584-1/IMG_4817+_Custom_.JPG

Then, there were two doorways that we wanted to re-situate. The first one led from the LR to a bedroom. We are closing off that doorway, for the bedroom will now be the master bath, accessed only through the master bedroom.

Here is the before on Door #1:
(Sorry, I don't have a better shot of the whole wall with the doorway from before)
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15587-2/IMG_4277+_Custom__001.JPG

After we removed the doorframe (to be used elsewhere):

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15590-2/IMG_4700+_Custom__001.JPG

Where we framed in for the drywall:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15593-1/IMG_4782+_Custom_.JPG

And finally, after the drywall was hung and then mudded:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15596-1/IMG_4798+_Custom_.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15614-1/IMG_4813+_Custom_.JPG

[beepbeep]

Doorway #2--there were two closets in the LR and none in one front 'bedroom'. We are closing off one closet in the LR and opening it up in the adjoining room, which would be that front bedroom.

From the LR views:
(taking out and closing in door on right of fireplace)
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15599-2/IMG_3955+_Custom_.JPG

After door frame removal (frame being used on 'new' closet):

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15602-1/IMG_4702+_Custom_.JPG

Framed for drywall:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15608-1/IMG_4780+_Custom_.JPG

And drywalled and mudded:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15611-1/IMG_4815+_Custom_.JPG

From the front room's perspective:

From before removing the masonite from the walls (horrible mold behind all of it..yuck!) Closet will go on the far side of the fireplace, near the window:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15617-2/IMG_3606+_Custom_.JPG

After removing the masonite and finding they had tried to paint some:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15623-2/IMG_4348+_Custom_.JPG

Bringing the doorframe from the LR to use here:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15620-2/IMG_4705+_Custom_.JPG

Chris cutting the outline for the doorway to make the closet:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15626-1/IMG_4824+_Custom_.JPG

And that's where we are so far. It's been too cold (there is no heat/air in the house) for the mud to dry, so we can't sand yet. We are hoping it will be dry by the beginning of next week so we can keep going with that part. Right now we are researching refinishing the hardwood floors ourselves as well as getting quotes to have it done professionally.

[Granny]

Oh, Oh! Questions!

Are the 2 fireplaces back to back and are you planning on keeping them?
What plans do you have for the walls in the front bedroom?
Why do you think this house has such a bad mold problem and what are you doing to make sure it dosen't return?

I'm really envious that you have a clean work area. I have so much junk to work around.

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0016.jpg

Left to right..LOL
Flooring for under eaves, bed for guest room covered with God only know what, Mikes tools, new cabinets to be installed on that side, new TV box I don't want to throw out yet but is too big to store :Doh:, antique armoire that came with the house and a 70's office chair in the back that one of the Grandsons took today for his room at home!

Mike started on this side last weekend. 3 of the 5 cabinest are installed.
I hope to post some more productive pics after next week.

[Ninja Performance]

Was a leaky roof, but it now has a new roof. Wall and ceiling coverings pulled out and disposed of. Sprayer with water/bleach solution sprayed on all walls and ceilings and floors.

Our work area looks clean cause unlike you, we are not living in the house we are working on. So it is empty. MUCH easier to keep clean work areas when there is NOTHING in the house ;)

-Chris

[UTRacerX9]

Wouldn't ya know, lots of handy folk who drive 3/S cars. ;)

I moved into a new house a few months ago, it had a media room, but it wasn't up to my expectations so I had a lot of work to do. I didn't think about taking pics, but I wish I would have. Had to cut out holes in the drywall in the front of the room to install an HDMI connection and route the cables up over the ceiling in the attic to where I built a mounting box for a projector. The room was wired for surround sound, but they stuck the rear speaker wires in a less than desirable location, so had to reroute those as well. Installed an outlet on the ceiling for the projector, then I installed the rear speakers, the projector, and installed remote controlled room lighting, so everything is tied together with my Harmony 1100 remote.

The hardest part was running the damn HDMI cables up the wall into the attic to the projector. Before I could even attempt to do that, I had to install a floor above the media room, as it was just studs and insulation, and it was too hard to work up there while balancing on the studs with all the tools I needed in my hands.

It came together pretty well in the end, it's fun having movie nights here.

My next project I'm planning is either going to be building a full size arcade cabinet running MAME, or doing a firepit dining table for our patio.

[2fnloud]

Wouldn't ya know, lots of handy folk who drive 3/S cars. ;)

I moved into a new house a few months ago, it had a media room, but it wasn't up to my expectations so I had a lot of work to do. I didn't think about taking pics, but I wish I would have. Had to cut out holes in the drywall in the front of the room to install an HDMI connection and route the cables up over the ceiling in the attic to where I built a mounting box for a projector. The room was wired for surround sound, but they stuck the rear speaker wires in a less than desirable location, so had to reroute those as well. Installed an outlet on the ceiling for the projector, then I installed the rear speakers, the projector, and installed remote controlled room lighting, so everything is tied together with my Harmony 1100 remote.

The hardest part was running the damn HDMI cables up the wall into the attic to the projector. Before I could even attempt to do that, I had to install a floor above the media room, as it was just studs and insulation, and it was too hard to work up there while balancing on the studs with all the tools I needed in my hands.

It came together pretty well in the end, it's fun having movie nights here.

My next project I'm planning is either going to be building a full size arcade cabinet running MAME, or doing a firepit dining table for our patio.

I have found a couple pieces of 20x30 OSB work great for movable work platforms. But if the Attic is easily accessible, with the floor installed you now have additional storage space.

[UTRacerX9]

Yep, the studs were 24" apart, so I got several 2' X 4' .75" particle board sheets to cover most of the area. I will probably go back and do the same thing in the spring with the area above the game room, as it is a huge space and none of it is usable for storage right now.

[TonyM]

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0016.jpg

Nice Paslode cordless, definitely one of my favorite remodeling tools!

Did the theater at my Dad's last year.

Before, just a basic media room with no windows:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v399/AJMatson/Theater/P2080178.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v399/AJMatson/Theater/P2080177.jpg

After, pictures don't do the lighting justice. Miraculously, I was able to keep all that crown level all the around the room without a laser, haha. Rope lighting in behind that on a dimmer. Sconces on a dimmer. There's also a nice leather sectional in there now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v399/AJMatson/Theater/P3010222.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v399/AJMatson/Theater/P3010223.jpg

[TonyM]

Also renovated a house last year.

Before:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v399/AJMatson/Flip%20House/before_1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v399/AJMatson/Flip%20House/before_2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v399/AJMatson/Flip%20House/before_3.jpg

After (about 98% complete anyway):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v399/AJMatson/Flip%20House/after_1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v399/AJMatson/Flip%20House/after_2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v399/AJMatson/Flip%20House/after_3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v399/AJMatson/Flip%20House/after_4.jpg

[Granny]

That is some pretty impressive work!
I love the lighting above the crown.

The paslode rocks! I was surprised at how fast Mike can move along on a project using it.
If we can afford it I don't mind buying him any tools he wants.

[TonyM]

That is some pretty impressive work!
I love the lighting above the crown.

Thanks. The crown lighting looks really nice when watching a movie. Shut the doors, turn off the sconces, and just have the crown lights on a tad for effect, great atmosphere, I love it. Uplighting provides such great effect, I really like it in kitchens as well and did it in the renovation house pictured. It also looks neat on tiered/coffered ceilings with some crown to hide.


The paslode rocks! I was surprised at how fast Mike can move along on a project using it.
If we can afford it I don't mind buying him any tools he wants.

Yeah, I have yet to find a more useful tool for getting through big jobs. The true cordless is awesome, no power cord or air line to mess with.

[UTRacerX9]

Great job on the molding, I'm a bit jealous! My ceiling doesn't meet the wall at a 90 degree angle unfortunately, it slopes up about 45 degrees for about 2-3 feet on the front wall and side walls. I thought about putting sconces in before I painted, but opted against that in favor of doing floor LED's on the bottom (I have two risers) for effect.

[2fnloud]

now all you need is to tie in that lighting to your 1000 remote, set up a macro and you would be styling.

[TonyM]

Great job on the molding, I'm a bit jealous! My ceiling doesn't meet the wall at a 90 degree angle unfortunately, it slopes up about 45 degrees for about 2-3 feet on the front wall and side walls. I thought about putting sconces in before I painted, but opted against that in favor of doing floor LED's on the bottom (I have two risers) for effect.

Yeah it's tough to do crown with the vaulted ceilings. I've seen people do it and it can look OK. For how I used the crown, to simply serve as a styling element and hide the rope lights, you may be able to pull it off with your ceiling. Go to home depot and grab a piece and hold it up there at different heights. You may be surprised how nice it looks.

That's awesome you can do risers in yours. I think if my Dad were staying in his house longer term we would have done something serious. The wall opposite the TV has an attic on the other side with room to blow the theater wall out 6-8 feet at full ceiling height, even more if willing to sacrifice the height. That room could be seriously huge with a couple dollars dropped into it.


now all you need is to tie in that lighting to your 1000 remote, set up a macro and you would be styling.

If Dad wasn't planning on selling his place already I may have been able to talk him into it, haha. If I had budget control over the job I would've added a few 'extras' and IR lighting control was tops on my list. Plus he already has a Sony AX4000 remote I got him for Christmas a few years ago so we already had half the equipment!

[Granny]

TonyM do you do this as a career or on the side?

This is one of the things I like about our new community. :)
I have time to get to know everyone on a more personal level.

[TonyM]

On the side for now. I'd like to make a business out of it in the not too distant future doing small renovations, theatres/networking/automation, etc. Just too many school loans to payoff from chasing the cushy office job . . . now all I want to do is manual labor (to an extent). :)

[beepbeep]

On the side for now. I'd like to make a business out of it in the not too distant future doing small renovations, theatres/networking/automation, etc. Just too many school loans to payoff from chasing the cushy office job . . . now all I want to do is manual labor (to an extent). :)

Great pics and great job!! I, too, would LOVE to do this kind of thing on the side (which is one of the reasons we bought the other place). Chris, thankfully, likes it, too, though with the economy and housing still in the crapper, I don't think now is the time to pursue it 100%. :sigh: Damnit.

[TonyM]

Great pics and great job!! I, too, would LOVE to do this kind of thing on the side (which is one of the reasons we bought the other place). Chris, thankfully, likes it, too, though with the economy and housing still in the crapper, I don't think now is the time to pursue it 100%. :sigh: Damnit.

Thanks for the compliment.

That was sort of the intent with the house this year, test the waters on the flip market. Didn't lose money, but didn't make as much as planned either.

[beepbeep]

Thanks for the compliment.

That was sort of the intent with the house this year, test the waters on the flip market. Didn't lose money, but didn't make as much as planned either.

Yea, that was kinda our thought, too. We've decided that once we're finished, we're just going to rent it for now, til things pick back up. It's tiring work, but I really enjoy it. Just wish there were more funds to go along with the enjoyment of it.

[UTRacerX9]

Renovating and flipping houses is what my Dad wants to do as well, but after just going through a ton of crap buying the house I'm living in now, we decided there's no way we will do it until we have like 150-200k in cash so we don't have to deal with banks and all the goddamn hoops they make you jump through to get a mortgage now. It's fun to do though.

[TonyM]

House flipping is definitely not for the faint of heart haha. If anyone who's thinking of doing it ever wants any advice or some lessons learned, shoot me a PM and I'll be able to consult.

[Granny]

We spent some of the weekend working.

Remember the room with all the junk?

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/010-1.jpg

We are going for a beach house feel.
The color on the bookshelf (top right) is called blue mist. That is the color all the wood work will be stained.

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/009-1.jpg

I was hoping to get more done but Hubby did good this weekend.

[beepbeep]

Our weekend work

Before:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15611-2/IMG_4815+_Custom_.JPG

After:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15697-2/IMG_4976+_Custom_.JPG


Before:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15614-2/IMG_4813+_Custom_.JPG

After:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15706-1/IMG_4982+_Custom_.JPG

Before:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15228-2/IMG_4393+_Custom_.JPG

After:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15712-1/IMG_4985+_Custom_.JPG

Before:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15723-1/IMG_4384+_Custom_.JPG

After:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15713-1/IMG_4989+_Custom_.JPG

There was more priming, but I think you get the point. ;)

[beepbeep]

But then, Chris gets home with pics of his progress today!!!!

Before:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/14880-2/IMG_4208+_Custom_.JPG

During:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15726-1/IMG_5015+_Custom_.JPG

Before:

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/14886-2/IMG_4210+_Custom_.JPG

After (Goodbye Fred):

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15744-1/IMG_5026+_Custom_.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15738-1/IMG_5023+_Custom_.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15741-1/IMG_5025+_Custom_.JPG

[Ninja Performance]

Lots of work. Only the first pass with 60 grit. Would use 16 or 32 grit but 60 was the coarsest they had. Then need to go over with 80 and then 120. They are coming out gorgeous. Finishing this room and hopefully the other rooms and kitchen today, at least the first course sanding. Then buffing, then urethane (no color, in person the natural color is awesome), then buff, then urethane, then buff then 3rd last coat of urethane.

Doing it for a fraction of what we were quoted for, about $800 all told, versus $2600.

It's sad to think that they were painted, carpeted, vinyl sheeted, plywooded over. Abused. But we are bringing them back to their original beauty. We done struck gold under them nasty carpets and plywood and vinyl!

-Chris

[2fnloud]

I know that there is hardwood floors under all my carpet, but until I get my crawl space and basement properly insulated, my carpet stays put.

[TonyM]

It's sad to think that they were painted, carpeted, vinyl sheeted, plywooded over. Abused. But we are bringing them back to their original beauty. We done struck gold under them nasty carpets and plywood and vinyl!

-Chris

I'm impressed that the hardwoods weren't dried out and buckled/split/separated, etc.

My fraternity house from college has been undergoing renovations for the last 5-6 years. When I was there a few years ago we pulled up a lot of carpet and found most of the place had hardwoods but they were beyond saving. Unfortunate really, but I'm guessing it's a product of lots of spilled beers of a 40 year period hahaha.

[sublime_whatigo]

Looks very familiar. I did 3 rooms years ago, $150 in sandpaper alone per room. I couldn't find all my pics, the last one doesn't have the clear on it yet and isnt the same room.
Before
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b272/mw3kgt/IMG_0234-1.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b272/mw3kgt/IMG_0352.jpg

After
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b272/mw3kgt/IMG_0366.jpg
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b272/mw3kgt/IMG_0364.jpg

[Emilie@GZP]

Oh this is a fun thread! Hans and I recently purchased our first house back in early September, and have been plugging away at it. We took a break over the holidays, we were just working 7 days a week, so, the house reno's took a back seat.

Anyway, I'll post some pictures of our progress so far, I have a blog of our progress, if anyone is interested in browsing it :)
Home Sweet Headache (http://thebudgetbuild.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-11-09T15:53:00-08:00&max-results=7)

Picture of the house the day we looked at it
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/3Scar/Home2/IMG_3393.jpg

Removed the overgrown bush (turns out, it was over 100 years old... someone should have trimmed in once or twice over those years...)
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs777.snc4/67792_10150093995233266_724288265_7574519_7454889_ n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs912.snc4/72560_10150093995383266_724288265_7574526_3148948_ n.jpg

All gone (note the "clean" spot on the side of the house) LOL
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs810.snc4/69028_10150093996393266_724288265_7574556_5402120_ n.jpg

Overgrown back yard
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/3Scar/Home2/IMG_3331.jpg

Removing the overgrown ivy
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs114.snc4/36082_10150093998428266_724288265_7574607_8338672_ n.jpg

[Emilie@GZP]

Powerwashing off the old paint/mildew, etc
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs415.ash2/69342_10150105748269148_691634147_7447211_2879888_ n.jpg

Started repainting
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs011.ash2/33915_10150108817739148_691634147_7494470_2405277_ n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs454.ash2/72742_10150108885549148_691634147_7495915_7889855_ n.jpg

The whole house was covered in years of dirt/grime/mildew, etc. Pretty gross.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs096.snc4/36173_10150110112339148_691634147_7524239_523008_n .jpg

Our neighbor (the gentleman that actually sold us the house) helping us paint :)
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/3Scar/Home2/IMG_4095.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/3Scar/Home2/IMG_4096.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/3Scar/Home2/IMG_4110.jpg

The other side of the house

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs930.snc4/74376_10150118338854148_691634147_7646891_275478_n .jpg

Finished being painted

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs578.ash2/150052_10150116902078266_724288265_7954595_5728180 _n.jpg

[Emilie@GZP]

Painted all the soffits and window trims black (we'll be replacing and recapping all of the windows in the spring time, this was just a temporary fix for the time being)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs489.ash2/76250_10150115284348266_724288265_7931926_2300503_ n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs948.snc4/74107_10150115284258266_724288265_7931922_1711096_ n.jpg



We also replaced the front door (and widened it to a standard size)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs838.snc4/69879_10150093990948266_724288265_7574371_1830856_ n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs291.snc4/40895_10150093991198266_724288265_7574380_1624137_ n.jpg

[Emilie@GZP]

Previous owners crap in the basement, gross walls, gross gross gross

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs708.snc4/62813_496746608265_724288265_7366596_2911650_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs348.ash2/62813_496746588265_724288265_7366592_3939973_n.jpg

Clearing out the make-shift work bench, etc
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs348.ash2/62813_496746623265_724288265_7366599_720983_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs310.ash2/59025_496746773265_724288265_7366604_7544227_n.jpg

Cleaned off the walls, chipped off the old crap on the walls, and laying on new fiberglass reinforced concrete

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs610.snc4/59025_496746813265_724288265_7366612_424659_n.jpg

SO much more sterile! I don't get creeped out now going down to do laundry. Come spring, we're going to paint the entire downstairs, as well as the floor, but there's just too much stuff being stored down there at the moment.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs827.snc4/68783_10150096090533266_724288265_7612243_4236292_ n.jpg

[Granny]

Lots of work. Only the first pass with 60 grit. Would use 16 or 32 grit but 60 was the coarsest they had. Then need to go over with 80 and then 120. They are coming out gorgeous. Finishing this room and hopefully the other rooms and kitchen today, at least the first course sanding. Then buffing, then urethane (no color, in person the natural color is awesome), then buff, then urethane, then buff then 3rd last coat of urethane.

Doing it for a fraction of what we were quoted for, about $800 all told, versus $2600.

It's sad to think that they were painted, carpeted, vinyl sheeted, plywooded over. Abused. But we are bringing them back to their original beauty. We done struck gold under them nasty carpets and plywood and vinyl!

-Chris

It's a lot of hard work but they are coming out nice. Looking forward to the finished product!


I know that there is hardwood floors under all my carpet, but until I get my crawl space and basement properly insulated, my carpet stays put.

I love hardwood floors but we are installing carpet in the rooms we are redoing now for the insulation between the two floors.
I still have carpet in my bedroom because I hate getting out of bed and jumping on a cold floor. :frozen:

[Emilie@GZP]

Our current inside project is the bathroom. We've collected just about everything that will be going in there, we just need to take a few days away from the shop to knock it out. I can not be without a toilet or shower for any extended length of time :lol:

But here's the before...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs693.snc4/63315_496746538265_724288265_7366590_7825859_n.jpg

toilet cubby-hole

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/3Scar/Home2/IMG_3374.jpg

Not even large enough to wash your face without soaking the entire bathroom floor

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/3Scar/Home2/IMG_3375.jpg

Cedar closet, IN the bathroom... odd...???

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/3Scar/Home2/IMG_3373.jpg


And here is everything we've collected to install in the bathroom, along with radiant heat flooring. The tiles will extend into the second floor landing/hallway and will be radiant heated as well. (background color is a tentative wall color... not 100% decided yet)

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/3Scar/Home2/Bathroomremodelcollage-1.jpg

[Granny]

Our current inside project is the bathroom. We've collected just about everything that will be going in there, we just need to take a few days away from the shop to knock it out. I can not be without a toilet or shower for any extended length of time :lol:

But here's the before...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs693.snc4/63315_496746538265_724288265_7366590_7825859_n.jpg

toilet cubby-hole

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/3Scar/Home2/IMG_3374.jpg

Not even large enough to wash your face without soaking the entire bathroom floor

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/3Scar/Home2/IMG_3375.jpg

Cedar closet, IN the bathroom... odd...???

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/3Scar/Home2/IMG_3373.jpg


And here is everything we've collected to install in the bathroom, along with radiant heat flooring. The tiles will extend into the second floor landing/hallway and will be radiant heated as well. (background color is a tentative wall color... not 100% decided yet)

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d111/3Scar/Home2/Bathroomremodelcollage-1.jpg

I love to see new life breathed in older homes.

That's a lot of progress in four months!
I'm sure the neighbors are glad you moved in and are improving their property value as well as your own.

Two things I like about this house are the stone fence in front and it looks like an awesome patio on the back just waiting for some TLC. :)

Please be sure to post pics of the bathroom progress. I love the vanity you selected. :love3:

[Emilie@GZP]

I love to see new life breathed in older homes.

That's a lot of progress in four months!
I'm sure the neighbors are glad you moved in and are improving their property value as well as your own.

Two things I like about this house are the stone fence in front and it looks like an awesome patio on the back just waiting for some TLC. :)

Please be sure to post pics of the bathroom progress. I love the vanity you selected. :love3:

We've been enjoying every minute of it! A few neighbors have come up to us and told us they appreciate seeing the work we're doing... probably because it's been the eyesore of the block for the last few decades :lol:

We opened up one of the walls in the bathroom... the last time it was touched... was like 1954 or something :lol:

That vanity... that was my deal of the century. It's a $1700 vanity from Home Depot. I found it on craigslist, with a cracked/missing top, for $800 (brand new, broke in shipment). I talked him down to $600 (included both sinks). When we get there to pick it up, he says he has this jet tub, had a little scuff from delivery, so, it was refused, and ended up in his warehouse. He wanted $400 for it, I told him I'd give him $300, because it wasn't EXACTLY what I wanted (I wanted the exact same style tub, just a drop in and not a jet tub....) :cool:

So, we went to Home Depot to get a replacement top. Took us about a week for them to find the part number for us, I used my 10% off coupon I had from Lowes (they both accept competitors coupons FYI!!), so, we ended up ordering a replacement granite top, for $515 shipped. It showed up... and they had just sent us an ENTIRE vanity... Hans and I nearly fell over :lol: We had them double check all the skew numbers, and part numbers, and order sheet... they said that's what the warehouse sent them... I guess they wouldn't sell just the top? No idea. So, after a much to-do, and a bazillion phone calls, we ended up with 1 and 1/2 vanities for less than list price of one... still no idea what we're going to do with the other one... :p

[beepbeep]

Chris finished sanding the floors and started coating them with polyurethane. They look AMAZING!!!

These are before/after pics (with only the first coat of poly):

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15747-1/IMG_5301+_Custom_.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15762-1/IMG_5325+_Custom_.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15751-1/IMG_5303+_Custom_.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15763-1/IMG_5327+_Custom_.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15750-2/IMG_5298+_Custom_.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15767-1/IMG_5335+_Custom_.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15756-1/IMG_5304+_Custom_.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15758-1/IMG_5317+_Custom_.JPG

[Ninja Performance]

Some same pics but with a B4/After setup

LOTS of work on the house in last few months. Lots of demo, rebuilding, removing doors to seal up with drywall to change the layout, some all building/rebuilding. Lots of painting.

Then came the floors. All painted, and or covered in glue/vinyl/wear and neglect. So, rented a drum sander, edger, and buffer. After a hard week of work I have 2 coats on the floors. Here are pics from this morning with the first coat before I applied the second coat. After that dries I will do the buffer roughen up and apply the 3rd and last coat.

Before:
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/14818-1/IMG_4155+_Custom_.JPG

After sanding and first coat of Oil Polyurethane Gloss Clear
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs063.snc6/167348_182922585063930_100000385698674_510712_4132 005_n.jpg

Before:
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/14878-1/IMG_4208+_Custom_.JPG

After sanding and first coat of Oil Polyurethane Gloss Clear
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs043.snc6/167370_182920888397433_100000385698674_510705_6099 401_n.jpg

Before:
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15097-1/IMG_4283+_Custom_.JPG

After sanding and first coat of Oil Polyurethane Gloss Clear
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs009.ash2/33795_182921208397401_100000385698674_510707_79524 49_n.jpg

[Emilie@GZP]

wow, those look amazing! You guys are doing a great job :)

[Ninja Performance]

Thanks!

-Chris

[TonyM]

Looks great man, lots of work but looks great.

[green-lantern]

Good job guys! those floors look great.


Edit: Oh BTW Hans and Emile, your guys place is looking great also!

Edit again: OK I haven't been keeping up with this thread. Nice work everyone! lol

[Emilie@GZP]

We just found out Home Depot and Lowes are having a 20% off sale on kitchen cabinets.... :runaway:

[Granny]

Thanks!

-Chris

So when can I move in? :)

[beepbeep]

So when can I move in? :)

So it WAS you who sent in a rental application...I knew it. ;)

[Granny]

And a job app!

[Ninja Performance]

2nd coat of Polyurethane dried. Hand sanded all the floors and wiped down with mineral spirits. Applied 3rd and final coat of Polyurethane! Wood floor restoration DONE! Very hard work but worth every minute. They turned out SO much better than expected. Being our first Wood floor restoration I was very worried. But I think we done did good!

-Chris

[Granny]

We just found out Home Depot and Lowes are having a 20% off sale on kitchen cabinets.... :runaway:

Did you find anything you liked?


2nd coat of Polyurethane dried. Hand sanded all the floors and wiped down with mineral spirits. Applied 3rd and final coat of Polyurethane! Wood floor restoration DONE! Very hard work but worth every minute. They turned out SO much better than expected. Being our first Wood floor restoration I was very worried. But I think we done did good!

-Chris

Congrats! Nothing better then getting a project finished.

Mike was trying to kill me yesterday hauling sheet rock from the truck and up those go to hell steps. Then the 2 of us trying to get it positioned on the ceiling and screwed down.

So here are a few pics of what we did get done.

This is the chimney in the center of the house.
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/016.jpg


This is the chimney coming up the stairs
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/015.jpg


This is the new view coming up the stairs.
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/001.jpg


Mike built his and hers closets.
They look like an out house! LOL. We were going for rustic.
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/002-1.jpg

And we still have a big mess!

We did have a new unexpected tool purchase this weekend.
Home Depo had a Ridgid router set that retails for $200 on sale for $130.

[Ninja Performance]

Looking Good!

-Chris

[Ninja Performance]

2nd coat applied and hand sanded, 3rd coat of polyurethane applied! Floors Completed!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1393.snc4/164591_183843911638464_100000385698674_516211_3309 344_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs041.snc6/167125_183844051638450_100000385698674_516214_2233 405_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1366.snc4/163844_183844101638445_100000385698674_516215_1646 019_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs780.ash1/167094_183844178305104_100000385698674_516217_3408 27_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs791.ash1/168130_183844228305099_100000385698674_516218_4011 288_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs050.snc6/168088_183844271638428_100000385698674_516219_4755 424_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs799.ash1/168917_183844414971747_100000385698674_516223_2340 3_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1393.snc4/164536_183844448305077_100000385698674_516224_8221 97_n.jpg

http://l1.sphotos.l3.fbcdn.net/hphotos-l3-snc4/hs1385.snc4/163734_183844521638403_100000385698674_516226_3383 355_n.jpg

-Chris

[beepbeep]

Looks great, Granny. What are your goals for that room?

[Granny]

Obvious storage is one of our main goals.

When it’s completed I plan on having a bed in the smaller area for when guest or the Grandsons come to visit.
They go inspect it every time they come over to see how much work pawpaw has done. lol
On the larger side I want to have a sitting area with a futon for extra sleeping arrangements with a TV
plus a work space Mike can work on his models and I can do sewing, crafts, etc.

It originally had walls on both sides of the steps separating the 2 areas.
We removed them to give it an open loft feel.

[Ninja Performance]

Attic is HUGE. Peak is 14'. It's 1800 sq ft. So We are going to build 2 rooms and a 1/2 bath up there and use the lower ceiling areas for massive storage. First we need some proper stairs. So here we go:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs765.ash1/165646_183847181638137_100000385698674_516234_3328 856_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1360.snc4/163246_183847238304798_100000385698674_516236_7681 96_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs268.snc6/179679_183847204971468_100000385698674_516235_4455 721_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs062.snc6/167258_183847261638129_100000385698674_516237_8010 176_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs041.snc6/167137_183847271638128_100000385698674_516238_4934 29_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs009.snc4/33796_183847291638126_100000385698674_516239_81065 54_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs787.ash1/167746_183847318304790_100000385698674_516240_5062 371_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs014.snc6/166450_183847334971455_100000385698674_516241_4039 582_n.jpg


-Chris

[Ninja Performance]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs780.ash1/167030_183847364971452_100000385698674_516242_3564 479_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs756.ash1/164701_183847374971451_100000385698674_516243_1195 588_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1355.snc4/162716_183847408304781_100000385698674_516244_3785 940_n.jpg

-Chris

[Granny]

I have been thinking about why no one has used that space before?

Then it's like..OMG!

It's over twice the sq ft of our upstairs and what a PIA that has been.
I'm quessing there is no electrical or plumbing so all of that has to be added.
Maybe some changing of the ceiling joists..big job!

[Ninja Performance]

Yeah, we will have to move some of the center diagonal dropping supports and change them to vertical ones. Not a huge deal for the room it will gain. Electric and plumbing I like to do so other than cost and some time no biggie. It will double our space of our house, give us huge storage, and probably looking at an open office/one bedroom/and a half bath.

-Chris

[Emilie@GZP]

That is going to be some amazing additional space! Can't wait to see how that all comes together :)

[Emilie@GZP]

Did you find anything you liked?



We didn't like any of the cabinets they had :sad: They were all pressboard/particle board crap.

Hans saw that the local college has a cabinet making class... he's thinking of taking it :lol: .... that should be interesting... although, I'm not gonna lie, I'm kinda tempted to take the class myself. :p

[Granny]

Yeah, we will have to move some of the center diagonal dropping supports and change them to vertical ones. Not a huge deal for the room it will gain. Electric and plumbing I like to do so other than cost and some time no biggie. It will double our space of our house, give us huge storage, and probably looking at an open office/one bedroom/and a half bath.

-Chris

Mike likes doing electrical but hates plumbing!
You can save a ton of money if you don't have to hire either!
I'm looking forward to seeing how fast you and Vickie put this together!


We didn't like any of the cabinets they had :sad: They were all pressboard/particle board crap.

Hans saw that the local college has a cabinet making class... he's thinking of taking it :lol: .... that should be interesting... although, I'm not gonna lie, I'm kinda tempted to take the class myself. :p

Do it!
If I could take a performance engine building class then you can do a cabinet building class!

[Emilie@GZP]

you took a performance engine building class? *high five*

We're both handy people, so, I see no reason why we couldn't figure out how to build cabinets. And if I have to drive Hans to those classes, I may as well take it too :) If we do, I'll post up about it for sure :p

[Granny]

Why are home impovements so dity! LOl
We spent hours cleaning up today and still have to demo the antique armour to get it out. :(

[beepbeep]

I'm looking forward to seeing how fast you and Vickie put this together!


No more for us for a while. We ran out of money for improvements. ;)

And yes, no matter how much I try to stay up on the clean-up part, I'm always RE-cleaning. :Doh:

[Granny]

No more for us for a while. We ran out of money for improvements. ;)

And yes, no matter how much I try to stay up on the clean-up part, I'm always RE-cleaning. :Doh:

It's hard.

Materials are crazy!

You and Chris have been working so hard.

If you don't mind maybe you can help me make decisions on my loft because the sooner I get done the sooner you can visit. :)

[beepbeep]

It's hard.

Materials are crazy!

You and Chris have been working so hard.

If you don't mind maybe you can help me make decisions on my loft because the sooner I get done the sooner you can visit. :)

The sooner you meet your goal, the sooner I am visiting. :Innocent:

[Granny]

The sooner you meet your goal, the sooner I am visiting. :Innocent:

Don't think for one moment that when I'm putting this project together I don't have you in mind.
A nice cozy place for you to visit!

[Stakie]

This makes me want to do more to our house. I just can never get my boyfriend to help me do crap. Spring cleaning will do it though. We need to re-paint everything.. re-do our wood floors and get a few new doors for the house!~

[Ninja Performance]

This makes me want to do more to our house. I just can never get my boyfriend to help me do crap. Spring cleaning will do it though. We need to re-paint everything.. re-do our wood floors and get a few new doors for the house!~

That's poopie. Luckily Vicki and I work together pretty well. We tackle projects together doing different aspects and or helping each other on things we can't do ourselves. Makes the jobs much easier.

-Chris

[beepbeep]

Don't think for one moment that when I'm putting this project together I don't have you in mind.
A nice cozy place for you to visit!

I'm talking about your other goal......

[Granny]

This makes me want to do more to our house. I just can never get my boyfriend to help me do crap. Spring cleaning will do it though. We need to re-paint everything.. re-do our wood floors and get a few new doors for the house!~

Somethings I don't mind doing by myself like painting but big projects are hard to do alone.

I just keep telling Mike how sexy I think he is swinging a hammer and usually he's happy to help.

[Stakie]

Our house is a project in itself. I guess it's a bit overwhelming. We work alot and when we get home.. we just want to relax! There is so much to do too! I mean, we scrapped our whole living room and mudded it. (It had icky popcorn stuff... ON THE WALLS!) But we haven't painted it yet. I got primer on the doors and on our windowsills but no actual paint. We painted our hall way.. which is short and got our kitchen floor re-done.. but.. nothing else.

We have two rooms to get new carpet on and paint those before we do. Fix a leak in our ceiling. Gah, I could go on and on!

[Granny]

Our house is a project in itself. I guess it's a bit overwhelming. We work alot and when we get home.. we just want to relax! There is so much to do too! I mean, we scrapped our whole living room and mudded it. (It had icky popcorn stuff... ON THE WALLS!) But we haven't painted it yet. I got primer on the doors and on our windowsills but no actual paint. We painted our hall way.. which is short and got our kitchen floor re-done.. but.. nothing else.

We have two rooms to get new carpet on and paint those before we do. Fix a leak in our ceiling. Gah, I could go on and on!


I'm bad about looking at the "BIG picture" and then I don't want to do any of it because I get overwhelmed too.

Maybe start by setting aside a few hours a month.
I bet you would be surprised at how much you could get done and somethimes after I get started I don't want to stop.

[Stakie]

That's a really good idea!

I know when it gets to spring time we are going to have at it again. But that is just a great idea. It can get very overwhelming. Maybe I should try to just little things rather then EVERYTHING!

[beepbeep]

That's a really good idea!

I know when it gets to spring time we are going to have at it again. But that is just a great idea. It can get very overwhelming. Maybe I should try to just little things rather then EVERYTHING!

Best way to go about it. Before you know it, you'll have made good progress---but pics are required. :001_tt2:
Just be careful and not get sidetracked into OTHER projects that you come across that need to be done, too. I am really bad about working on something, then coming across something else that needs attention, so I leave job 1 and start job 2, etc.

[Stakie]

I'll have to take pictures. The house was really bad when we got it. Like... REALLY bad. So it's still... kinda bad.. but not unlivable now.

[Ninja Performance]

Just drove out to Columbia (2 hours) to pickup a craigslist white 1 piece fiberglass tub/shower enclosure WITH all the plumbing (shower diverter, spout, shower head etc, drain lines) all for $85. Hell Yeah!

Bathroom remodel next week! It's for what will end up being the spare full bath. It is a full now but has a homade steel shower (box) that looks to be installed by a 10 yr old. And leaks out of every pipe and around the pan.

Eventually we will build our Master bath in a bedroom that connects to the front bedroom. We closed in the doorway and knocked down the fireplace and broke through a closet to join them with a large walk thru (length wise) closet. So the master bed is 13X13 and the master bath will be 13X13 with a 4X13 closet in between with a straight pass through but you can walk through what used to be the small closet door that now opens to the walk through since we took out the fireplace.

You get that?

-Chris

[Granny]

I thunk I did!
Be sure to take plenty of before and after. :)

I need to get back to staining and I think Mikes going to build me shoe storage thingies.

[Emilie@GZP]

BATHROOM DEMOLITION!!!!!! :lol:

I have some videos too, I'll upload those tomorrow. But we ripped out the first layer of walls (wood paneling and press-board walls), and ceiling... only to find another layer of metal tiles... on top of old plaster walls... this should be fun. click the facebook link for pictures for now. :)

Login | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=372983&id=724288265)

[Granny]

Goodie!

[Hans@GZP]

Beginning of Day 1 of bathroom demo

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/168079_10150177163778266_724288265_8943903_3427619 _n.jpg

End of Day 1 of bathroom demo

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182485_10150177222713266_724288265_8944894_6741960 _n.jpg

[Ninja Performance]

Looking good.

-Chris

[Emilie@GZP]

Our toilet... is in our tub. :lol:

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182031_10150177842793266_724288265_8957088_6345958 _n.jpg

[Emilie@GZP]

New PVC poopy pipe going in (got rid of the old metal pipe), and with all the jostling around, the hot water pipe sprung a leak... *sigh* We may be getting a new hot water heater sooner than we expected. LOL

[Hans@GZP]

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182754_10150177931598266_724288265_8958802_7641718 _n.jpg

[Granny]

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182754_10150177931598266_724288265_8958802_7641718 _n.jpg

MMMM...beer. :drink:

What is it about construction and beer?

I think there is a Budweiser bottle in one of the pics I posted. :Innocent:

BTW I hate you people with the large bathrooms. :Doh:

[Hans@GZP]

This house requires beer to work on it. I haven't had a beer in almost a month before I started this bathroom renovation. I had 5 beers while doing the plumbing that day LOL.

The bathroom in this house used to be TINY. Like... I don't know if they even had a shower in it. It was opened up to be pretty large, but we're making it even bigger so we can get a double vanity in there along with our washer and dryer. No more having to go from the 2nd floor to the basement to do laundry. Emilie better love me long time for this.

[Emilie@GZP]

This house requires beer to work on it. I haven't had a beer in almost a month before I started this bathroom renovation. I had 5 beers while doing the plumbing that day LOL.

The bathroom in this house used to be TINY. Like... I don't know if they even had a shower in it. It was opened up to be pretty large, but we're making it even bigger so we can get a double vanity in there along with our washer and dryer. No more having to go from the 2nd floor to the basement to do laundry. Emilie better love me long time for this.

You better love ME long time for doing YOUR LAUNDRY now. Because you will ALWAYS have clean underwear. As of right now, I wait until I am absolutely DESPERATE before I go downstairs to do laundry. LOL

BTW... sledgehammer.... coming right up!

[Emilie@GZP]

Hans just texted me with this... :lol:

(that's our dining room ceiling, btw LOL)

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/182847_10150181950484148_691634147_8639181_6397595 _n.jpg

[Granny]

Is he working in the bathroom? :huh2:

[Emilie@GZP]

yea :lol:

So... it looks like we'll be redoing our dining room ceiling a little sooner than we thought :laugh:

[Ninja Performance]

woooops

-Chris

[mb3000]

Finally got around to fixing my driveway. Used to dip down around 2', just enough so I couldn't get the vr4 past without scraping. Took just around a week to bust out the old concrete, lay the forms, wire, and expansion joints, as well as pour and strip said forms.

It came off the truck with a little more gravel than I would have liked but it ended up fine after some patch work .

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad128/mb3000gt_photos/IMG_0583.jpg

[beepbeep]

http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad128/mb3000gt_photos/IMG_0583.jpg

Great job!! We should get you to pour the floor to our will-happen-at-some-point garage!!

[Granny]

Nice mb3000!
I have a terrible drive. :(

I will be staining and polying forever!

First time using water base stain and poly.
The stain is tricky...has to be even.
The poly is OK...nice finish.

No odor and can repeat coats quickly.

[Granny]

Hubby has been busy building this...

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0033.jpg

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0032.jpg

[Ninja Performance]

Re plumbing the entire house with PEX and building full bathroom from scratch. Day one complete. Replacing Copper (roll and straight), PVC, Galvanized steel, and cast iron. Hot water heater was plumbed with 3/8" in and out. Now it is 3/4" in and out. Old system full of transitions from 3/4" to 3/8" and back again with many lines using 3 different pipe materials and sizes. Yes, a big cluster.

Made two main trunk lines of 3/4" (hot/cold) and dedicated 1/2" lines to each appliance off the main trunks. Crawl space only 2' in some places. Sore and tired but good progress today!


The Before
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15807-1/IMG_5689+_Custom_.JPG

Sink with no P Trap....And sor some reason 3 pipes connected to eachother...not even straight.
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15804-1/IMG_5634+_Custom_.JPG

Same sink drain, running uphill to the sewage line.
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15810-1/IMG_5694+_Custom_.JPG

-Chris

[zapman2000]

Is this a new house or just fixing what was always wrong?

Sent from my HTC EVO using Tapatalk

[Ninja Performance]

Is this a new house or just fixing what was always wrong?

Sent from my HTC EVO using Tapatalk

House we bought back in October, the one we refinished the wood floors in and many other things. Work in progress!

-Chris

[Granny]

Same sink drain, running uphill to the sewage line.
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15810-1/IMG_5694+_Custom_.JPG


That is epic fail! :dizzy:

Find any spideys under there? :ohnoes:

[Ninja Performance]

That is epic fail! :dizzy:

Find any spideys under there? :ohnoes:

Spiders, cave crickets....yeah, good stuff. I normally come out from under the house with spider webs all in my hair. Luckily I aint skerd or we would have to pay someone to do a lot of the work I have done under the house. Electric, plumbing, jacking up the entire one side.

-Chris

[Hans@GZP]

Got a 200 amp service yesterday. Now I have to get the electric company to turn off the power to the house so I can install it.

With the new tub, we realized our hot water heater is too small to even fill it. I need to put in a new hot water heater anyway. It looks to be around 30 years old and it's only 30 gallons.

Emilie ordered up the mirrors for over the vanity and we need to order up a 15 lite interior door for the bathroom still. We also need to buy a new washer/dryer. Our current ones are too large to be put into the bathroom. We're looking at the new LG washer/dryer all-in-one combo for some real space savings. It sucks since our washer and dryer are virtually brand new. Anyone local looking for a good deal on a washer/dryer?

Electric is all roughed in. Today we're finishing our framing, plumbing of the sinks, then onto putting up some drywall and hardybacker.

[Ninja Performance]

Copy Cat, I just replaced our 20 yr old 40 gallon yesterday with a new GE 40 gallon.

-Chris

[Emilie@GZP]

Copy Cat, I just replaced our 20 yr old 40 gallon yesterday with a new GE 40 gallon.

-Chris

haha I just replied to that on FB :p

Yea, we knew we needed to replace the water heater soon, but it still worked OK. With the new tub and everything... it's just not going to cut it. So, that pushed our plans up on the new purchase.

This is the Washer/Dryer combo unit we're looking at. It has overall great reviews, and still allows us upper storage that a stackable wouldn't give us, and will fit perfectly in the bathroom (unlike our current separate washer and dryer)

LG Electronics Washer and Electric Dryer in White - WM3987HW at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/Appliances-Laundry-Clothing-Care-Stacked-Washers-Dryers/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbv7g/R-202336996/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053#BVRRWidgetID)

These are the mirrors we ordered up
http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/75/7522ba0b-2d1b-4d9b-96c7-9f22751b973d_300.jpg

These are the sconces we ended up going with above the vanity (3)
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/184876_10150185359968266_724288265_9042269_1973417 _n.jpg


I have to admit, I'm really loving the shopping part of all of this. LOL :p

[Ninja Performance]

Day 2 of hanging dry wall in the new full bath. Today we should get done hanging and first coat of mud.

-Chris

[Granny]

haha I just replied to that on FB :p

Yea, we knew we needed to replace the water heater soon, but it still worked OK. With the new tub and everything... it's just not going to cut it. So, that pushed our plans up on the new purchase.

This is the Washer/Dryer combo unit we're looking at. It has overall great reviews, and still allows us upper storage that a stackable wouldn't give us, and will fit perfectly in the bathroom (unlike our current separate washer and dryer)

LG Electronics Washer and Electric Dryer in White - WM3987HW at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/Appliances-Laundry-Clothing-Care-Stacked-Washers-Dryers/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbv7g/R-202336996/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053#BVRRWidgetID)

These are the mirrors we ordered up
http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/300/75/7522ba0b-2d1b-4d9b-96c7-9f22751b973d_300.jpg

These are the sconces we ended up going with above the vanity (3)
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/184876_10150185359968266_724288265_9042269_1973417 _n.jpg


I have to admit, I'm really loving the shopping part of all of this. LOL :p

I bought an LG front load washer and dryer set a few years ago and love them!

[Granny]

Ok...LOL!
Everyone is starting to make me look like a slacker. :loser:

Hubby finished the his and hers outhouse/closets with shoe shelf on both sides with secret storage.

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0035.jpg

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0037.jpg

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0036.jpg

More staining over the weekend. I'll poly next and put back glass shelves.
I love how this stain allows the grain of the wood to show thru with color!

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0043.jpg

After finishing stair banister/bookcase with glass.

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0041.jpg



And here is the riddle of the day!
Identify the epic fail....

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0038.jpg

[Ninja Performance]

Looking Great Granny!

-Chris

[Granny]

Looking Great Granny!

-Chris

Thank you...care to guess on the epic fail?

[YoshiBishi]

I don't have a before pic, but we did this entertainment room in the basement.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4903009056_6ea877a829.jpg

We painted on the screen using special projector paint and lined it with felt.

[Hans@GZP]

That entertainment room looks badass!!!

Here are some updated pics of our bathroom.

Where the ladder is will be our washer/dryer unit.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181575_10150187091368266_724288265_9059511_4729127 _n.jpg

Roughed in toilet and jet tub.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183350_10150187091648266_724288265_9059512_6321178 _n.jpg

Roughed in electric. This is where the double vanity is going.

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183903_10150187091913266_724288265_9059513_2151537 _n.jpg

Built in shelf for inside the shower.

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182010_10150187093128266_724288265_9059519_5222614 _n.jpg

The shrunken hallway from the previous over-sized hallway.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/179838_10150187093613266_724288265_9059522_4636396 _n.jpg

[Granny]

I don't have a before pic, but we did this entertainment room in the basement.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4903009056_6ea877a829.jpg

We painted on the screen using special projector paint and lined it with felt.

That's nice!

Doing entertainment rooms is a big home mod.

[Granny]

Did I say how much I hate you people with large bathrooms?

The area where your tub and toilet is bigger then my whole bath...lol

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/041.jpg

It looks really good.
I was telling Hubby this afternoon that everything you have selected for this project is something we would have.

I'm looking forward to seeing it completed.

[Hans@GZP]

We're just blessed by not really caring how many bedrooms our house has LOL. It used to be a 3 bedroom with a tiny bathroom. Somewhere down the road, they enlarged the bathroom and got rid of a bedroom. Now, we enlarged the bathroom even more. The original bathroom in this house was TINY!!! It was even smaller than your bathroom. I don't even think it could have had a bath or shower in it. When we were house shopping, we saw one that was listed with a half bath only. We thought it was a typo.... but nope. It did have a shower in the basement.... but that can't be officially considered a bathroom. Half bath was on the 2nd floor LOL.

[Granny]

We're just blessed by not really caring how many bedrooms our house has LOL. It used to be a 3 bedroom with a tiny bathroom. Somewhere down the road, they enlarged the bathroom and got rid of a bedroom. Now, we enlarged the bathroom even more. The original bathroom in this house was TINY!!! It was even smaller than your bathroom. I don't even think it could have had a bath or shower in it. When we were house shopping, we saw one that was listed with a half bath only. We thought it was a typo.... but nope. It did have a shower in the basement.... but that can't be officially considered a bathroom. Half bath was on the 2nd floor LOL.

As you can see we replaced a vanity with a small pedistal sink and turned the toilet around so the tall guys in my house wouldn't have to sit sideways! LOL!

[YoshiBishi]

That's nice!

Doing entertainment rooms is a big home mod.

It is probably a lot easier than what most of you guys are doing. It is just some painting and running wires.

We are doing our kitchen next, will have to take pictures this time around =).

[YoshiBishi]

We had a lot of standing water in the back yard after it rained, so we decided to pour some concrete and make a patio. This was a pain in the ass. Next time, I'm hiring someone.

Before

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5475121525_4a537d4122_b.jpg

After

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5259/5475722400_3ed9eeac87_b.jpg

The wife also did a great job at fixing up the front yard. There was nothing but grass in the front and she added a nice little flower area.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5176/5475125683_444ee46445_b.jpg

[3Srunner]

I thought I would post my little project seeing as it is the reason (along with my job) I haven't been able to wrench on the car for months. So where to begin... Well I'm only 25 and this is my first home. However, I really picked up this first house as an investment, not a true home. Intentions at first were to do the basics that needed to be done, clean it up and sell it. I estimated about 6k in repairs and a 2-3 month turn around, about 10 months and 20k later I'm still not finished. I wouldn't say I underestimated costs, I just had a few changes from the original plan. It really ended up being more of a renovation than a flip. Fortunately I was smart enough to purchase my first project with a decent margin, it's easy to see how people can get into this business and get over there head quick and lose lots of money. It's been a great learning experience for myself and as of now I'm happy I've taken the project in this direction vs the quick flip idea, even if I don't make as much money.

Well here's some pics from when I purchased it, some demo, and present. Currently I have 90% of the drywall finished and starting to mud. Oh and if anyone has suggestions they are always welcome! A bit late for any major changes, but I always keep an open mind and love listening to what other people have to say/suggest.

Outside
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4938889274_66b054efb5_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4938310267_23c01bd8d5_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/5505378222_dc560a3516_b.jpg

Interior
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5504805083_3665451aa8_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5116080045_dae24c7bdd_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1150/5116683208_4a9cacded7_b.jpg

[3Srunner]

Some of the major changes made (not all pictured)...Instead of having a separate dinning/living room I added a 3rd bedroom (was a 2 bedroom) and created a single larger living room space. Vaulted the ceiling in the living room and added the skylights. Also took down the wall between the kitchen and living space hoping to give the small house a slightly more open feel. Along with that I moved another wall back to create a larger kitchen which will add a lot more room for cabinets/countertop vs the old layout. Downside to this was a smaller utility room. Still working on the kitchen design/layout, lots to do!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5505403578_dbaca955df_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5219/5505405830_c14ea1a778_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5504906793_c6a4067ecb_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5505495362_d913ed0d90_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5505500782_e89cc6bc94_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/5504901285_e1af62548b_b.jpg

[3Srunner]

Hubby has been busy building this...

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0032.jpg

Very cool and creative!

Is the drill now trapped for life???

[enollava]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5504805083_3665451aa8_b.jpg

Dude, how could you knock that awesome opening between rooms down? It was perfect for hanging a bead curtain in the shape of a Mario Brothers mushroom.

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRa3JjSPozUQepsykWtXKstoZn6Kx3yD RTb9Ioxg5L1BSkP8xmlqw&t=1

You totally depreciated the value of the house by missing that opportunity. ;)

[Ninja Performance]

Mushroom doorway. I think that is a first for me.

-Chris

[vr4chick]

Sean and I are prepping his house to be sold....We will update our progress with pics.

We are still debating on whether to add an additional garage or not.

[vr4chick]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5504805083_3665451aa8_b.jpg

Dude, how could you knock that awesome opening between rooms down? It was perfect for hanging a bead curtain in the shape of a Mario Brothers mushroom.

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRa3JjSPozUQepsykWtXKstoZn6Kx3yD RTb9Ioxg5L1BSkP8xmlqw&t=1

You totally depreciated the value of the house by missing that opportunity. ;)

Love me some Mario Brothers....Maybe that doorway will give you a one up :p

[beepbeep]

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0043.jpg

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0041.jpg



Granny, that stairwell is kick-ass!! Can't wait to come visit and see it in person!!!

[beepbeep]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5259/5475722400_3ed9eeac87_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5176/5475125683_444ee46445_b.jpg

Wow...very nice.

3SRunner....ok, you win. That is some massive renovating there. Looks like LOTS of fun (and yes, I'm serious). Can't wait for the finished pics.

Bathroom remodel pics coming soon. :coo3l:

[Ninja Performance]

Bathroom remodel pics coming soon. :coo3l:

Remodel...LOL, Total Demo and build ;)

-Chris

[Granny]

Very cool and creative!

Is the drill now trapped for life???

No it's not trapped for life. ;)
He has it built where he can take it in and out easily.

That's some project you have taken on!
Looks really nice so far and I like your ideas on upgrades.
Keep posting pics on your progress.


Granny, that stairwell is kick-ass!! Can't wait to come visit and see it in person!!!

:up:


Bathroom remodel pics coming soon. :coo3l:

:popcorn2:

[3Srunner]

Dude, how could you knock that awesome opening between rooms down? It was perfect for hanging a bead curtain in the shape of a Mario Brothers mushroom.

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRa3JjSPozUQepsykWtXKstoZn6Kx3yD RTb9Ioxg5L1BSkP8xmlqw&t=1

You totally depreciated the value of the house by missing that opportunity. ;)

No kidding, my biggest regret!... What's funny is that the original owners were actually pretty upset when they heard I knocked down this wall. And I'm not going to lie, it was pretty nice getting extra lives every time I walked through it...


No it's not trapped for life. ;)
He has it built where he can take it in and out easily.

That's some project you have taken on!
Looks really nice so far and I like your ideas on upgrades.
Keep posting pics on your progress.

Didn't look like it was coming out in the pictures, that's a pretty big plus!

And thanks a lot I appreciate it! I'll be sure to post more as the project moves along. Shooting for completion by May 1st!

Shawn...

[Granny]

After staining and polying the stairwell I decided I wanted it distressed.
So I took the sander to it! LOL!
No turning back now but Hubby seems to like it and I think I do too.
I'll post pics when I"m done but I think it fits the beach feel I want.

[Ninja Performance]

Getting over zealous, bouncing from too many projects at once can put you into a big mess. Especially when one is under the house to re plumb the entire house, in the house to demolish and build a new full bath, electrical work both under the house, in the attic, and in various rooms in the house and other small things that come to mind while walking (running) from project to project every 15 minutes.

Here is the "project material and tool" room for all our projects. It's NOT like me to not put tools away before the next step etc, but our two large tool boxes were buried in 2 rooms we are storing lots of our things in from the move while projects are being done. So we would get tools and they would end up in the back room. It became a cluster. Sometimes it took 30 minutes to find a supply or tool you knew you had an hour ago. But with too many projects going on there wasn't any time to clean it up. Vicki would do a small organize sort every few days. But it would be right back to mess in a few hours. Yesterday this room WAS my project.

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15813-1/projectcluter1_jpg.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15816-1/projectcluter2_jpg.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15819-1/projectcluter3_jpg.JPG

CLEAN
http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15822-1/projectroom4_jpg.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15825-1/projectroom5_jpg.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15828-1/projectroom6_jpg.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/15831-1/projectroom7_jpg.JPG

-Chris

[J. Fast]

My entry was pretty boring so I decided to terrace the ceilings, add crown moulding, add a light fixture, and add traverntine tile to the ceiling above the front door which matched the kitchen floor tile. What do you guys think?

Just finised painting drywall terrace and installing crown moulding, fished new wire, marking tile layout on ceiling.
http://i788.photobucket.com/albums/yy163/JFastMotorsports/Colorado3s/Entryceiling.jpg

Finished installing tile. Used normal thinset, took forever to get each piece to set, had to hold each piece for several minutes each.
http://i788.photobucket.com/albums/yy163/JFastMotorsports/Colorado3s/Entryceiling2.jpg

Finished grouting the tile, painting the new moulding, and repainting the front door. Also decided to add a rope light behind the crown above the hardwood. I think it came out pretty sweet!
http://i788.photobucket.com/albums/yy163/JFastMotorsports/Colorado3s/Entryceilingfromdidning.jpg

Another angle from dining room facing living room.
http://i788.photobucket.com/albums/yy163/JFastMotorsports/Colorado3s/Entryceilingdone.jpg

What do you guys think?


EDIT: Took about 30 hours to do everything

[beepbeep]

Wow. That is some nice work right thar. Did you do all of it yourself or did you have a helper? I can't imagine trying to do all that overhead work on my own. Great job!

[J. Fast]

Did you do all of it yourself or did you have a helper? I can't imagine trying to do all that overhead work on my own. Great job!

Allison gave me a hand out with measuring and setting the crown. No help with tiling ceiling. It was really no fun, I basically was shoulder pressing over my head for a couple of hours. My arms were limp noodles by the time I finished setting all the tiles.

I got the idea from the Colorado Parade of Homes. I've been walking thru houses and brainstorming every year since I first bought my home in 2004. A few years ago I walked thru this gorgeous Waterfront Lakeshore House with Alli. The entire kitchen ceiling was covered in tile. I really liked how it richened up the look of the interior finishes. That's where this came from.

The whole thing was pretty inexpensive compared to a lot of my other home improvement projects. I picked up the light at "The Great Indoors" for $50. Bought the crown and chair rail trim at a local 2nd hand millwork surplus store called "Extra Building Supply". It was $0.50 per ft. 200lf cost me $100. The trim paint was $15.00, and the traverntine, thinset, and grout were the leftovers from installing my kitchen floor. I didn't have anything to do with the scrap traverntine so I cut it into smaller squares and rectangles which prolly saved me $200 in tile. I want to say the trav was originally $3.00 per sq foot.

Thanks! You guys keep up the hard work too! :)

[Granny]

Beautiful work J.Fast!

I love big bang for little bucks.
In the pics it looks like you have painted close to the same colors as us.
Is that green or gold?

[Ninja Performance]

Very nice Jfast!

-Chris

[Granny]

My last hopes for a vacation this year are gone but you do what you have to do.

The 2 oldest Grandsons are spending more time at the house so a lot of what we are doing centers around them visiting and there is the little one. V V V

We have a room in the basement we built for the kids to hang out years ago and have tried to keep it free for dinners with the family during holidays which is now down to 1 day a year.

So today Mike and I shopped for furniture to turn this area into a cozy room the family can use more often.

I hope you can get a flow of how the area is from the photos.

This is the view walking in. I don't use the PC anymore so Mike wants to get rid of that and the desk.
I do like it because it has photo and scrap booking programs I still use so maybe it will go upstairs to the crafting area. I think I can find a smaller computer desk.

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0075-1.jpg

As you come in and go to the left this is the new view.

The oak entertainment cabinet stays but will be moved somewhere! LOL!
We have a round bar we are thinking will go nicely in the corner in front of the big shelf minus the TV.

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0077.jpg

This is the view as you turn back around towards the way you came in.
The round bar is on the left.

The futon is going but the antique bakers cabinet on the right is staying.

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0080.jpg

The new furniture set is a couch/love seat/oversized chair and ottoman in a nice mod green.

I'm hoping the rag rugs we currently have will match in a funky mod meets relaxed style way.

I'm open to any suggestion on furniture placement or decorating. :)

[beepbeep]

Looks like it's going to be a nice family area. Can't wait to see it in person!

[Granny]

My funky green furniture is not green ...LOL
It's really brown.
Glad I didn't buy window treatments!
No pics until I get all the clutter out of the way.

[Ninja Performance]

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/16048-1/IMG_6071+_Custom_.JPG

http://www.import-power.com/gallery/d/16190-1/IMG_6592+_Medium_.JPG

-Chris

[J. Fast]

You taking it over from there? Contractor done or are they putting the siding on too?

[Ninja Performance]

You taking it over from there? Contractor done or are they putting the siding on too?

Taking over the project from here. Permits/inspections allow non licensed homeowner to do whatever work they want as long as it passes. So...Lots of work to do. But I enjoy doing it, and seeing the final results.

-Chris

[Granny]

I can't believe you got all that done so fast but time is money.
Looks nice. :)

[Ninja Performance]

Thanks. Research on contractors, and not paying anyone anything until jobs were done. Everything came in on time and on budget to the day and about $200 dollars due to a little extra concrete.

-Chris

[Hammer]

Chris are you doing Home Improvements as a form of income? And if you are, is the price of real estate holding up in your area enough to make a profit doing that?

[beepbeep]

Chris are you doing Home Improvements as a form of income? And if you are, is the price of real estate holding up in your area enough to make a profit doing that?

We were originally going to do that, but have put it on hold right now. I have always wanted to get into home renovations, but the economy just isn't there for it right now.

[Granny]

We tried to get in a weekend project but it's going to take longer...

First we had to get an inspector.

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0087.jpg

Top notch supervisor on the job...

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0088.jpg

Then the clean up crew!

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0090.jpg

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0091.jpg

Still needs steps and lattice.
http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/IMAG0094.jpg

[beepbeep]

Very nice, Granny!!!

[Emilie@GZP]

That looks so much nicer!! :)

[SilverBullet]

Does anyone have any experience adding a second story addition? I have two bedrooms that are side by side, and I want to lengthen both of them about 15' off the back into my backyard. Then, I want to add a room above those two rooms which would become a playroom with a half bath.

I'm trying to figure out if my existing slab foundation is stong enough to hold the extra weight, and if my existing walls can hold the weight (2x4's). The half bath would go above an existing full bath, so all I'd have to do is extend the plumbing up the same wall into the new half bath.

[UTRacerX9]

When was your house built? Do you have a basement? Typically the average ranch house in the south is poured with the same foundation thickness you'd find in a two story house, so you'll probably be fine on that part. With a basement though, I have no idea.

Either way, to do something like this you'll need to get an inspector and permits to do this, so they will look at that and tell you if it is ok.

[beepbeep]

Either way, to do something like this you'll need to get an inspector and permits to do this, so they will look at that and tell you if it is ok.

I don't have any experience so far, but we are planning on converting the attic to livable space. The main thing I wanted to say was make sure you get permits and hire licensed contractors for what you will not be doing yourself. I don't know what your state laws are, but getting permits for this stuff is very important!

[SilverBullet]

When was your house built? Do you have a basement? Typically the average ranch house in the south is poured with the same foundation thickness you'd find in a two story house, so you'll probably be fine on that part. With a basement though, I have no idea.

Either way, to do something like this you'll need to get an inspector and permits to do this, so they will look at that and tell you if it is ok.

It was built in 1988, and no basement. However, on the room I'd like to add I will probably include a small storm shelter, so that would probably be considered a "basement" type area..

[SilverBullet]

I don't have any experience so far, but we are planning on converting the attic to livable space. The main thing I wanted to say was make sure you get permits and hire licensed contractors for what you will not be doing yourself. I don't know what your state laws are, but getting permits for this stuff is very important!

I'd be doing most everything myself, except for the concrete. I have a cousin though that is a saleman for a huge concrete company here locally, and he'd be able to provide a lot of guidance and I could do all the forms and rebar myself, just not the actual pouring. I definately would get permits, inspections, etc.