Days 54 - 69 I should leave town more often

I had to leave town for work for days 58 thru 63. It was a good thing and a bad thing. It was good because I needed to step away again. I was working a lot of hours at the house and I needed a break. But at the same time, things were starting to move forward at a really fast pace! I hated to miss it.

When I left, I had drywall. And when I returned...I had a ROOM. That's right. The attic is now, really and truly, a room. With paint and ceiling texture and a door and baseboard. I'm just amazed. Simply amazed.

Here's a slow progression of the attic renovation.

Raw oak cap on the wall around the stairs

New framing around the windows

Trying to match the door style

And then we get paint and stain:

Looks very close to the other doors

Hello Painters

This may be my favorite thing. The craftsmanship

In addition to the painting upstairs, the kitchen counter was finally "fully" installed. Again, I'm just amazed by these countertops. And by adding 1 1/2" lip to the countertops, I feel like I have more counter space. Plus... BACKSPLASH. Can I just say...I'm so pleased with my choices. Everyone knows Purple is my favorite color, but I think I'm rocking the green pretty well. And black!

Partially painted, backsplash tile started

Loving the tile

Then there's the floor in the master bath...Yeah. I'm geeking out a little...

Subfloor

TILE!!!

And finally... the hardwood floors...almost complete. And so PRETTY!! Coat 3 will be done coming up in the next couple of days.

Stain Choices

Raw floors, beautiful!

2 coats

1 coat

So we're winding down. Or ramping up. Take your pick. It's all coming together like a well oiled machine, except maybe a couple of weeks behind my schedule. I won't be able to move in by September 30, but when I do move in, most, if not all of the small items will be completed. I can hardly wait!

Day 46 thru 49 - The Cabinet Reveal (Among Other Things)

Since we are now post "tape removal" from the painting marathon, I'm pretty sure things are going to start moving pretty quickly.

And to that end... I present "the cabinets". The culmination of my weekends, evenings and stress for the past month. I'm pretty damn proud. I also learned a lot in this process.

Here's the before of the cabinets. Missing handles, crappy paint job. Very unappealing. The entire kitchen is white. It felt so sterile. It's not a small kitchen, but the white made it seem... something (or nothing). So I chose cream and green as my cabinet colors, with a black granite that has a green/gold speckling in it. 

Here is the "almost" finished product. These "pre-installation" pictures give an idea of where my own personal design is going. The backsplash (which is currently the old linoleum from the floors, as seen above) will be a green glass subway tile. Not exactly sure when that is going to be installed, but pretty soon, as things seem to be moving quickly. The cream cabinets up top (which the insides shelves still need to be washed/painted/something), needed to be lighter, in my opinion, to make the room look larger. I also think cabinets that are different colors are kinda... cool. In the picture to the left, the floors aren't finished (and neither is the bottom of the cabinets because I didn't want to waste time painting something that could be damaged by the floors being refinished) but the color of the wood definitely compliments the room. Super excited about that! I still need to paint the pantry door. And I accidentally put the handles on the larger cabinets on upside down. It happens!

During this week, I also finalized my decision on the shower door for the new master bathroom. We passed the framing inspection and I made a final decision on the the rest of the paint colors (of which I am NOT painting). I have to say, the new Pottery Barn colors out at Sherwin Williams are pretty awesome. But...I'm staying true to the house and not going way outside the color palate of the period. However, I'm staying away from salmon, which was apparently a thing in 1922. It's not my thing.

Another big step forward...Insulation! Part of the issue of renovating an old home, especially an old attic, is the lack of ceiling vents, and venting through the eves. Neither of these are options in my house,without a lot of expense. A lot of cities will approve alternate means of venting with insulation, pretty much grandfathering these reno's by approving certain types of insulation. I chose Icynene (or rather Mike did, but I did research it before agreeing). These old houses don't have ridge vents either, which means conventional insulation wouldn't be as effective. It was a cost and efficiency decision as well.  When I walked in to the attic/office/master suite...I was amazed. It totally changed the look of the room. Incredible. The knee walls will have batt insulation behind them, since I don't plan on using those spaces as storage. I know a lot of people disagree, but I really feel this house has enough storage. A full basement, nice closets. These cubby holes/spaces will be lost space. But I'm OK with it. It's starting to look like a real room!

I've been told that once inspections are completed, things tend to go quite quickly. And it's true. Inspection on Tuesday, insulation on Wednesday. I have a couple things left on my to do left... I better get cracking!

Days 29 thru...(it feels like FOREVER)... Day 33

To be fair, I took 3 days off to go to a wedding in Minnesota. 3 days in which I didn't think about cabinets, or paint colors, or tile or even vanities. It was glorious...until the guilt kicked in.

I took 3 days away from finishing up those damn cabinets. What the hell was I thinking? But honestly, I was on the verge of burnout. So it was good to get away.

Basically nothing was accomplished on days 29 thru 31. No one, except me, works weekends on the house, therefore, it wasn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things. But when I got back into town, well... things escalated quickly.

Day 32 - Cabinets. Have I mentioned how much sweat equity I've put into these damn things? Yeah, well. I thought I could finish the striping on day 32, but no...it's like the cabinets want to keep me as their captive. They're holding on to the last vestiges of paint like they never want to let go. LET GO, I say! PLEASE. No luck on this day.

Day 33 - Tile shopping. Yes, my most favorite thing in the world. Shopping. Please insert sarcasm accordingly. I got the call from Austin saying that I had to finish up ordering the important pieces. What, exactly, are the important pieces? Well, the biggest item was the shower stall and trim. That was easy. I picked out a  36" X 77" shower surround mainly because it was ultimately less expensive. It's HUGE. And I do mean huge. Like, 2 people huge. Yay (single) me! Beyond that, I had only committed to the 60" vanity. Not a damn thing else. I've said it before, it's the homeowner that slows progress down, and I was doing exactly what I had set out NOT to do. I thought I better just go pick out the tile and be done with it. I went to ProSource, and while they have a nice selection, I couldn't find the backsplash tile that I wanted. The tile that I have my heart set on. The tile that I refuse to compromise on. I did, however, walk immediately up to the tile for the master bath floor that I knew I wanted but couldn't actually find. Had that picked out in 3 minutes (only decision was on the size of the tile; 6X24 or 12X24). I ended up walking out of there without an "alternate" choice for the backsplash. And I totally forgot the tile for the main floor bath. Which means another damn trip. I had a bit of a meltdown in the car on the way back to the house (just to check progress and lights out) and decided it would be a good night to probably take a little step back. In the meantime, here's the list of things I still have to order (and in some cases, pick out) and my thoughts.

• Carpet - Master Bedroom - OMG, it's carpet. Someone make this decision for me.
• Tile - Main Floor  Bathroom - white subway tile, grey grout - I forgot to order it!
• Paint - Kitchen, Main floor bath, Master bath, bedroom - Eh...come ON. Why is this so HARD. Why can't the color fairy come to my house or whisper in my ear "pick this". I know my mom's a retired art teacher, but I can't match socks. This is STRESSFUL!!!
• Plumbing fixtures - both bathrooms - obviously this is important. But the toilets I want don't fit my budget. The faucets I want are also expensive. OH, I have to pick out another damn shower trim set? Great. I'll pick this out when prices meet my princess requirements.
• Ceiling Fan - Master bedroom - OMG, they gave me an easy one! I CAN DO THIS!!!
• Ceiling light - Master bathroom - The differences between what I think I want, what I can afford and what is "in" right now are vast. HUGE differences. But I think I can manage this one.
• Vanity lights - both bathrooms - Again. I think I can stay in budget. I will become "the little reno that could" and my new mantra will be "I think I can stay on budget, I think I can stay on budget". If you're a betting person, and you're reading this.. do NOT take this bet.
• Bathroom window - main floor bath - I will admit that I punted on this one. I gave up. I told Mike to just make this decision. It really wasn't all that important to me as long as it didn't leak, didn't share my guests shower time with the neighbors and didn't ruin the look of the bathroom. I have faith that this was a good item to pass on.
• Main floor bath vanity - I'm back to "it's too expensive, let's think about rehabbing what we have" which is really a pipe dream. I'm going to have to compromise on this one too (and by that, I mean compromise with myself. I can't always get what I want.)

Day 33 ended with the inspections for the electrical and the mechanical being ordered. I also, oddly enough, decided that I wanted a khaki paint in my den. Don't ask. I haven't actually looked at a paint sample yet.

Days 23 - 24 - Sometimes I Listen to People

I decided to change my tactic on these cabinets. For the most part, I think it was the right idea.

Instead of sanding, I decided to strip the cabinets. More mess, but at least the risk of lead paint induced brain damage (or whatever) is reduced. Plus, I wanted my friends to stop worrying! Thanks to those of you that kept telling me... chemicals would be better in this case. So it took me a day to really listen, but HEY! I listened.

However, I really wish I had listened earlier. Seriously. Three layers of paint later, and I'm sure countless saved hours, I hit wood. But not "real" wood. It's a very light oak veneer. Which sadly is not in very good condition. It is, however, much easier to strip paint off of veneer. Who knew! It's a more solid base, I guess. I never once gouged the wood. By the last layer, it was coming off with ease.

I managed to get 1/2 the kitchen cabinets stripped and sanded. The interesting thing about my little house is the craftsmanship. Maybe it's not just my house, but the era. Even the base of these cabinets are lined with oak flooring/small planks. And the molding/trim around the upper windows and lower doors is lined with a red paint. I'm sure it was pretty back in the day. Although judging on the linoleum we took out, I'm not too sure.

One bad thing over the course of these two days....we had heavy rains. And apparently I'm going to have to move some more dirt, or eventually get some professional grading done. There was a little bit of water in the basement. I know it happens. I know I need gutter work. But it was so disheartening to see. Kinda like dollar signs flying outta my grasp. I took this on, I knew the risks, but that basement may be the death of my budget. If not my sanity.

Here's some pics of the cabinets. I'm really rather proud of myself!

2 of 8 after, plus a lower door

2 of 8 drawers before

Uppers after sanding

Uppers after

All but the baseboard is done

gooey mess

Upper doors after

The last half to go

Day 22 - Paint Selection

I spent, literally, hours fielding texts and calls and visits to my desk from people who were concerned that I wasn't "using a mask" while sanding these cabinets. Seriously. 

I grew up with lead based paint. I'm FINE! I'm sure I chewed on more window ledges with lead based paint than your average kid. Mom still says I'm "special".

But honestly, yes, I was using a mask, I was washing my hands before eating/drinking. I may have had an open water bottle in the general area, but I think I put the cap back on. I was being careful.

The point is...Thank you to all my friends for your concern. I know I made sarcastic remarks about not wearing a mask, and how much harm could it do, especially after my "college years"... but you all made me realize that I have great friends.  Safety first!! I'm impressed.

But all this got me to thinking...maybe sanding wasn't the best, or most efficient, method. I'd take the night to think about it.

So, I picked out paint. READ: I MADE A DECISION!!

I needed a little break (and a chocolate shake, but I denied myself!) and spent, easily, 45 minutes staring at colors at Sherwin Williams. I also talked to a few people in the same position (it always looks so good on the chip) and commiserated with a few others (I hate this process, I can't match socks). I ended up with a 3 color combination that I hope will work. But knowing myself as I do...I will change this scheme right up until the last possible moment. This is how I roll.

Day 21 - DIY Kitchen Cabinets... Continued

Nothing will compliment "The Sink" more than clean, crisp cabinets and some good hardwood floors. Since we now know the floors will be original, I thought to myself... "self, why not refinish the cabinets?" Logical. Economical. Definitely something I could do on my own. This will keep the house close to in the period, since I really didn't have the budget to re-do the entire kitchen. Nor do I have any clue how to design a kitchen around the sink, right now. I'm just having the team renovate the counter top and floors.

The guys ripped out the old counter top (the same linoleum that was one the floor) the previous day. I figured this was my chance to get in there, before the counter top and back splash (ALSO the same damn linoleum) were installed and I had an open work space. Nothing to mess up, nothing to worry about. I borrowed some collapsible saw-horse like things, a small electric/orbital sander, bought some 80 grit sand paper and a mask and started to work. (on Day 20, I was using a block sander... smart, huh?)

I removed half the drawers and cabinets after I decided that sanding them in place wasn't going to work and mainly because the stupid "vintage" stove is still in the kitchen, wedged in front of the sink and beside the refrigerator. I'm calling some one to haul that POS away as soon as possible. At any rate, I removed all the hinges and handles, keeping them in a baggie for reuse or resale. I'm feeling on top of my game. I can do this! LET'S START SANDING! 

Epic. Failure.  Well, not really a failure, per se, but not exactly the outcome I was expecting. 

The first layer of paint, applied by the last owners, either peeled off like Elmer's glue (remember when you were a kid and you glued your palm and then peeled it off like a second layer of skin) or adhered like it was welded on. No in between. 

After about 2 hours, I had managed to get through to the 3rd layer of paint in some spots. The second layer was a gray and the third a (nice) pale yellow. Both of which, I am sure, are lead based paint. Which, FYI, shreds the sand paper like toilet paper. I managed to get through the 2 uppers and 4 drawers when I had to call it a night. This will be my weekend project. Or several weekend projects, including painting. Which I haven't yet made my final decision on. But I was on my way to DIY Kitchen Cabinets. Woo hoo.

On a different topic, when I got to the house earlier, there was a note in my door. None of the neighbors have really been around, so I had no idea what this was about. It was from a guy who, many years ago, had been in an estate sale at the house. (This had to have been pre-2006, which makes me wonder how much awesome stuff was in that sale!) He remembered the built in desk and colonnade and had seen the dumpster and assumed someone was remodeling and "if I (sic) was getting rid of the built-ins" to please call him. Also, if I was going to tear out the Hydrangea Tree out front, would I please let him know first, as he'd like to try to replant it at his place. Needless to say, the answer to both questions was "no", but I called him back and thanked him for his note, but I was keeping both. If something changed, I will call him back, yada yada yada, but those built-in's aren't going anywhere (why would anyone rip those out?!?!). The tree, well...that's a decision for a later time.

Day 20 - Behind Schedule

Today was the day it sort of hit me in the face...I was slightly behind schedule (me, not the contractors!) and potentially over budget.

Mind you, I was only over on quotes. So I hadn't actually SPENT any money yet. But still. I was bummed. My "caviar tastes on a beer budget" were catching up with me. Drat.

Today was also the day that I met with the electrician for the placement of the outlets and lights in the attic. You can tell a good electrician by the notations he makes on the boards. Weird hieroglyphic like things that only electricians know. So strange.

Anyhow, he liked my ideas for the placement of outlets/switches. And we agreed on most everything. He thought for sure I was a "can light" kinda girl (I am not) and was pleased when I gave the big negative on can lights. My rationale (which is probably outdated) is that they are hot. And it's an attic. I don't need a spot light on my bed. I need to be able to enjoy my space, and soft lighting through strategically placed lamps will suit my purpose. He did, however, give me a little bonus. He placed the switch for the outside light (motion light on the driveway) at the top of the stairs. That way, if I was concerned about anything outside, I could turn the light on while still upstairs. I thought that was pretty cool. So I like John. 

I'm going to have almost 10 foot ceilings at the tallest point, where the collar ties will be placed. So I'm putting in a ceiling fan. I still have to decide on my lights in the bathroom, although I'm pretty sure I've made that (overpriced) decision.

Feeling rather good about things, I should have known it would be short lived. The plumber was ready to rough in the shower, but...he was waiting on an inspection at another location. I thought I had gotten a reprieve from making decisions.  Nope, not so much. It appears that because I've been stalling on the vanity decision, I may have unwittingly delayed the bathroom installation. While that choice was still up in the air, the tile had to be picked out. I got the "get on it" talk. The only saving item was that the plumber was waiting to finish up the other location, but I could potentially be pushing back my own work. Bad homeowner. I'm back on the hunt from a vanity this weekend. Sigh...And floor tile.

I started the sanding of the kitchen cabinets. That's kinda fun and mindless. And tedious. I

"During"

 did impress myself by removing a few layers of paint, made easier by the fact that the previous owners did NOT prep the old surface at all. Only being able to work on these a few hours a night may not be enough to keep up the pace. So I'll probably change tactics this weekend, sand the lower cabinets so that IF the counter tops need to be placed, I'll have that at least sanded and primed. But again... I haven't

Obviously "the before"

even picked out a color. Well, I have, but I haven't made my final decision. It's on the "List".


One step forward, a couple to the side. Nothing backwards just yet. But at least it's just my fault. I can handle being angry with myself!

Day 17 - A Little Down Time

At some point, I realized that I might just have to do laundry, pay my bills and do my dishes, instead of being at the house all the time. But it's hard. Between working long hours at my regular job, and running up to the house every evening, or at lunch or when I have scheduled meetings with Mike, I've really started to run myself a little ragged. Even my day of shopping the previous weekend took it's toll.

So today I laid low, paid my bills, did my dishes and caught up on the blog. I also, however, manage to pick out tile for the kitchen backsplash!

That's right. I made a decision! This is a green glass subway tile that I think goes really well with the period of the house. Along with the color scheme that seems to be coming forth. It plays off the granite that I chose reasonably well, and isn't too expensive for the area I need. I bought one, and I'm hoping to show Mike on Wednesday, at our weekly meeting. I have an idea for the wall color and the cabinets are going to be an "old white". It's starting to come together, slowly but surely. Progress!!

At this point, I have 8 weeks until I need to move in. 8 WEEKS PEOPLE! I'll be pulling my hair out (which reminds me, I need a cut/color) as the time grows shorter. I am starting to get more apprehensive, but still excited. 

Funny story...while I was looking for this tile, I decided I better look for the tile floor in the master bathroom in the attic reno. The salesman, a really nice guy, said that I should bring something in, a cabinet panel, a paint sample. I said to him that I would, but it's an addition, not an existing renovation. To which he said with a smile on his face, "Well, for as long as you walked around the store, you should have a good idea of our stock". I took pictures. It better help!

Day 7 - All Hail Hardwood Floors

The phone rang around 11 AM.  It was Mike and there was no "hello" when I answered, just "Jen". You know that tone, like when your parents are pissed, but worse because this is your contractor and holy shit, something is majorly wrong and it's going to cost you a weeks salary. But Mike's a little dry, so I didn't freak too much. I gave the standard cautious "yesss" and then I hear the sweetest words ever; "We officially have hardwood floors in the kitchen!" This was music to my ears; the best news I could have gotten.  Thank you, little house!!! Mwah!

This is an uptick in my budget, one less item to shop for, and everything I wanted to compliment my sink!

I'm not really sure who was more excited, Mike or myself (although I'm learning that Mike doesn't get excited. Or angry, or... anything). I am impressed by the condition and how good they look and also by the lack of glue that held down the felt or whatever was on the back of the 2nd layer of linoleum. He assures me that they will sand down with no issues and look really nice.  Yay me!

Mike also reminded me that I have to go pick out granite. Enough of this shopping! Granite, however, is a sticking point with me. I had it in my mind that I wanted quartz. Everything I read said "go quartz". It's not like I'm hard on a kitchen. I mean, I cook, but I know better than to put hot items on the counter top based on years having "not-quartz". But still. I had my heart set on a little combo of black based quartz with green flecks. With a back splash in muted green mini subway tile. Can you not picture it?! But the budget is the budget and even with the upswing of the hardwood floors over the tile floors, it still isn't feasible. Mainly because I want to spend that money elsewhere. I'm seriously going to learn how to stretch a dollar on this project. That's another goal!

Other than that...Day 7 was pretty damn good. I hope the hardwoods run into the laundry room. Fingers crossed!