C + B

Cyd and Bennett are hard at work on the bathroom "barn door". Shots before, and after stage I
stripping.

Finally!

All the little steps finally add up to some real progress! We spent most of the morning on the roof of the sunroom - cutting thru the wall to install the vent grill for the first floor bath.
Measuring, cutting, snipping thru vinyl siding - new skills for us!! Installed a couple of temporary light fixtures to the sconce boxes; then flipped the breaker for the big moment. With the flip of a switch...let there be light!!! Let there be fan and light!!!! Check it again!, the fan is SO quiet you barely notice it's running! WE WANT ONE OF THOSE AT OUR HOUSE! We also COMPLETED the vent rotation in the Master Bath - from horizontal to vertical (so that it will run parallel to the right side of the new sink cabinet. Yea! Then we completed installation and insulation of the new duct/vent in the Master Bedroom. I did a quick mow of the front yard. And,
lastly we rigged some water protection over the exposed stoop-less side of the house. We're expecting more rain! Big Saturday!!

Working Weekend

It's a working weekend and we're heading to The Schaumburgs! Maybe a run to Home Depot on the way. Happy Saturday!

Stoop-Less

Yea!  The stoop came out!  We're all Aleve-ed up.... it was backbreaking.  SWL was at Home Depot bright and early to rent the jack hammer (first come first serve).  By the time I arrived, he'd almost removed the whole stoop!  We loaded concrete and wire mesh into the Suburban and made our first trip to the dump.
The bigger challenge was the deep concrete pad adjacent.... it was sitting on wire mesh so was a hammer, crowbar, sawzall, and load operation.  Mid afternoon we made the second dump run!  The removal uncovered several water issues.  Apparently the stoop had sloped toward the house.... leaving the frame under the door rotted, as well as two big spots of standing water against the foundation.  We've had a TON
of rain lately, so we'll see how it dries out now.  Plan: dry a bit, excavate a bit, concrete patch, and seal.  Then we'll fill and plant to slope away from the foundation wall.  Seems like our design to remove the back door was unbeknownst a good plan!

Progress

Baby steps, but progress just the same! We are one extender link away from having the Master Bedroom HVAC vent moved to it's new location (out from behind the headboard)! It was a good team building effort - me cutting out the wall and scurrying around the rafters; SWL - the metal cutter, and having to saws-all some wood out of our way. Aaron (the fabricator) is making our last piece.... tomorrow complete. While I was sawing drywall.... I decided to cut out the bigger opening for the hobbit door. Now SWL will add a new stud to the left wall, and we should be ready in that room for drywall patches. We also have the duct work in place for the downstairs bath fan; some connection work, and opening the outside wall to install the vent flange and I think we're good to go there too! Such little pieces - but important! I got the back yard mowed this afternoon - our rain has FINALLY stopped. Today - little steps.... tomorrow - BIG steps. Goal: The Stoop / Back Door!!!!

Frustration!!

I'm home early to feed and roll the dogs. Sorry about my last post; I rotated my picture in iphoto and it still turned sideways in the post! Man, I am extremely frustrated - my capabilities are SO limited! We'd hoped to really get the fans up and complete today. Unfortunately the box we had made didn't fit properly.... a measure error due to an irregular 2 x 4 spacing. So we'll have to wait and reorder that piece. We did get both ceilings cut so the fans are at least in place! And of course no day is complete without some additional wiring details... run and tack in place the fan to light piece

. We also FINALLY have the MBath sconce boxes in place. We had yet another run to the hardware store to get a shallow box.... due to an errant piece of blocking in the wall! It is always something. My hands and arms are so weak - there are few projects for me. I'm a runner, and I continue to work on painting bits and pieces here at home. We're still hoping to rent the jack hammer yet this week - I guess I'll be an observer there too. Ugh!!

Barn Door?

If Bennett can read my notes and numbers.... hopefully he can research the Barn Door idea for the Master Bath. (Call me if you need clarification)

Errand Day

Divide and conquer..... errand day! SWL headed to the electric place, and to have a custom piece of metal made to vent the first floor bathroom. I headed out to Hamilton Parker to check out the "faux wood" tile as an option for the first floor bath. It is VERY cool stuff. Even though.... I'm undecided. The choice that was the best blend/match with the real wood flooring is great for color, and very un- dimensional. My favorite was very dimensional, and a great color with the wall paper, but probably not the best transition from the natural floors. ???? Meanwhile in the upstairs bath, I'm inclined to risk a door shattering situation. I'd thought we could frame out the wall a bit to accommodate the door opening against it..... but, that actually closes up the shower opening too much. There may be just enough room for the cool barn door idea Cyd saw.... depending on the sliding hardware - it abuts a curved ceiling nitch. So... maybe we'll just see what the installer thinks when he measures for the door. Maybe he'll have an idea! No actual work today... back at it tomorrow!

Another Monday?!

The start to another week.... could it be week 4?  We're wishing for a break in the rainy spring weather we've been having - wanting to tackle the stoop, and so the removal of the kitchen door.  No luck.  So,
we're going for the installation of the bathroom fans.  We removed a section of the Master Bath floor today, in order to access the ceiling and side wall of the first floor Bath.  I think we have a plan to construct a vent box that will run between floors (thru the 2nd floor plate) and exhaust the downstairs Bath out the back wall of the upstairs Bath dormer.  More complicated than it should be!  The Master Bath will be simpler,
and in fact we got it cut out and put in place.  It will be vented thru the dormer roof by the roofers - when they come to install the attic fan.  So more plaster dust and sawing.... the photo fog is real life dust!!  Have a good week all.

Easter Weekend

The holiday weekend has come and gone - with little progress on Barrington Road.  Cyd and Bennett made a very quick trip to see the Bernard boys - it was a sad evening.  Without the cooperation of the weather - to give us a couple hours to plant and mow.... we opted for brunch at NorthStar and a walk thru the Merchantile.  So our big step forward was finding a pair of great vintage stage lights to use on the kitchen ceiling.  Bennett got them dis-assembled and cleaned; we'll research a couple parts and get them rewired for installation.  The plan is a long pipe running down the kitchen ceiling, and the fixture clamps attach like they would for the theater!  Pretty cool.

Chipping Away

Hard to believe we continue to work on wiring! I did my best effort to wire the attic access - but left SWL to figure out why jct. box to light - to light - to switch.... isn't working? I leave him my mess, and move on to set placement and connect the kitchen cans. My hands are so fatigued they barely function, today might have been the only pretty day of the week, so I moved on to the out of doors. I removed (mostly) the bush next to the stoop - in preparation of jack hammer day; and also removed the boxwood that were growing under the front taxis. I did my best to hang a new front door fixture.... as usual had to be rescued to complete the job! Pathetic!
So I mowed the front lawn... we're expecting rain tomorrow. Dad was planning to head out for a run, and the next thing I knew he was "getting his exercise with the sledge hammer" - got the Master tub out. Wow, that bathroom looks huge without the tub and soffit!! Little steps and we're chipping away at this huge project. Happy Easter everyone!

Day Off!

We've taken the day off to run some errands, pay some bills, and order some parts.  SWL tracked down some venting pipe to move the HVAC feed in the Master Bedroom further down the wall so it's not behind
the bed.  I did the daily Lowes run to get a second closet light fixture, and some electrical boxes to use in the attic.  We arrived home just in time to receive the Restoration Hardware delivery of Dining Room chairs
as well as the Master Bath sconces!  Love them.... and now I can determine how wide I can place the boxes - and then how big the mirror can be.  We're thinking of having a wine walk thru this evening to make a plan for tomorrow.  Our weather has been CRAZY (storms and loss of electricity last night) - but your front yard tree is beginning to bloom!  Gorgeous!

I figured it out once.... but can't find the screen to scale the photos!

Catch Up!

Well- lots going on, and I'm a bit behind. We have house guests and had dinner plans last night,
so I'm playing catch up! Thanks for the new blog look.... might mean my photos need to be better?
Anyway, yesterday was the big electrical panel update which meant we were pretty much in the dark all day. Of course it was a very overcast and dark day too! SO- I almost completed the wiring in Cyd's closet; drilled and dropped wire from the attic to connect new upstairs closet fixtures that are tied to switches rather than pull chains!; papered the MBR floor to get ready for work traffic when we get to framing out the closet for drywall; and was SWL's mule carrying loads of debris from Master Bath demo. He got all the tiled walls out of the Master Bath, as well as most of the soffit, plus continued with wiring here and there. The bathroom tub will be next for demo.... and then the kitchen door! We left early for dog duty, cocktails with Romes, and dinner with Yuhas' - home late - duh!

Enough Wiring Already!

The wiring continues  :/  .... We installed the can over the Master Bath Sink and SWL removed the existing sconces there.  Tomorrow we will pull those 2 wires back into the attic and reconnect them in a junction box, leaving the upstairs circuit as it was- minus the bathroom.  We also pulled a wire from Cyd's closet into the attic.... so we're READY to wire there!  I find the little things hopeful..... seeing the closet door in the space.  I don't know where the day went!  MORE wiring tomorrow with Mr. Goubeaux - hopefully some demo too.

Working Weekend

Wow, it's Monday and back to work!  More electrical today... slow but sure.  I have to keep my artistic side engaged, so I'm organizing my paint chart this morning.  Funny how I don't love painting, yet on this project - it makes me feel closer to the reveal!  The palate looks great all together on paper, exciting!  My
stack of doors and shelves is growing out in the cave.  Hoping that when real painting time comes - everything will reinstall quickly!  Have a good Monday everyone!

More of the Same

The wiring continued with big runs from the panel all the way to the attic!  Not much to show for it, but it i was a big step that needed doing.  Now we can finish wiring the master bath (after demo); with the little hitch of taking the bath wiring OUT of the existing run of the whole upstairs so that it can stand alone on it's stronger 20 amp power.  (there will be no blown fuses when the hairdryer is in use!)  We also need to wire Cyd's closet..... decisions on lighting there please!  I added (with a little saws-all support) an outlet in the inside of Bennett's Study cabinet..... future TV there.  I also added an outlet behind Bennett's dresser - so there could be lamp and possible TV set up as in Philly.  At home, 2nd coat of gray on study shelves and drapery hardware...... and that's all folks.  We're ready for wine..... and a low key dinner.  Tomorrow - more of the same I suspect to be ready for panel installation Tuesday.  Later in the week - final demo!!

The little stuff - a bit at a time!.....Sunroom cabinet doors, and choice of wallpaper!!  Fun.

Modern Touch

Forgot to post a shot of the fireplace - I got the brick primed to paint this week.  I had my doubts about it
being white.... but Cyd came up with a photo which showed how fresh and modern it looked.  Just primed
but you can tell how great it will be!

SAL Electric

Electrical team work today.  I think we got the first floor bath wired, aside from the fan.  We are almost
complete in the kitchen too!  I was the sidekick - following along to clean up the runs, and tack wire along
the joists.  Tomorrow will be more of the same.  Gene Goubeaux will be on site Tuesday to install the new
electrical panel in the basement - so we're hoping to having wiring under control for his inspection!  Not
big progress in photos - but big steps none the less!  Stormy Saturday here - hope you're all having nice
ones where you are!

Face Lift

A new face on Barrington Road!  I was really excited to get the shutters changed and the front door painted, thinking it would really be a new face to this cute little house.  Actually  accomplished what I set out to do today too!  Funny that the hardest part by far was getting those suckers off the house in the first place.  They are fastened with nails that are like a fishing hook... sort of flexible ribs that don't like to come out.  Brute force is what it took - and fortunately I didn't go flying off the ladder.  I bought a little contraption to turn my regular paint into a spray.... but that was a bust.  It was SO tiny it was like spitting out paint drops.  A brush worked just fine - and Nanny was happy to assist me on the driveway most of the afternoon.  Thanks Mother!  So the blow by blow:  Dogs to the park, coffee with Cheryl, trip to Lowes, painting shutters and door, visit to see Cheryl & John's new house, dogs/ blading, back to the house to put the doornob back on and lock up!, finished bagging the bushes & swept up the garage, lugged home the shelves and closet door from Bennett's room,  spray painted hinges and grates from the sunroom......wine and posting.  I feel pretty accomplished!  Tomorrow?  Cheryl and I may play a bit, and do some planning for her place.... and maybe some bush trimming or even some yardwork at Oakridge?!  It is spring today - and gorgeous - yay!

Update and Photos Coming!

Uggggg! Crazy busy and having a hard time finding time to sit down and post.  Just checked in with 1160 Pine Street and loved seeing their last couple days - and Try it Tuesday #16!!  SWL got off to Naples yesterday afternoon; and Cheryl and John arrived last evening..... so time has just slipped away.  I'll get the doggies out this afternoon, return to the house to finish up my project of the day, and hopefully get back in
time this evening to download and post!

Weekend Work

Had a partial family weekend with Hunt and Cyd in town.  We've done all the first floor demo, leaving just the upstairs bath..... a big job in a small space!  So we struggled to decide exactly what a group could accomplish.  We actually spent most of Saturday off site; meeting with our new Astor and Black rep. Steve, and ordering a few spring items for the guys!  Sunday was gorgeous.... actually summer like, so although we started with some kitchen wiring we soon all ended up working in the yard.  Hunt did the first official mow - and the old mower we got with the house started first try!  Cyd proceeded to pull out almost all existing shrubbery.... going with the clean slate route.  Goodbye old roses and buggy bushes.  Nan and Da came by for some Grinders subs - and the day ended on an upswing. Bennett and Cal  - we missed you.