Friday, February 11, 2011

Demolition–Day 1

Today we met with our contractor and his assistant and although the R-E-A-L work doesn’t start until Monday, some issues were dealt with today…like the upstairs bathroom.

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The upstairs portion of our house has not been lived in for several years.  The couple who we purchased the house from had blocked off all the heating vents to the upper level and kept all the doors shut during the winter months.  Their bedroom was set up in the living room…yes, you read that right…and they used the sitting room where we now have our fireplace as their living room.

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Jody, our contractor, said that this bathroom was his main concern.  In his opinion, all the other work is ‘routine’. 

Do you see the ‘fake’ tile board behind the sink and toilet?  That was on every wall in the bathroom.  Because of the age of the house, his…and our…concern was what might be lurking behind it.  Thankfully, it wasn’t as bad as he had anticipated and the entire room will now be reinsulated and outfitted with new sheet rock.  He also checked out all the plumbing and fixtures and reported that they are in pristine condition, probably because they hadn’t been used that much.  They estimate the pedestal sink to be between 75-100 years old, simply because of the configuration of the internal workings and positioning of the faucets.   The original porcelain finish looks like new and the only thing that will have to be changed are the faucets because the finish is pitted and they look kind of ugly.

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Meanwhile, the trash mound has started.  We left the spare bedroom empty and that will be their construction room.  As Jody said, if they keep all the dust and trash confined to one room, that will cut down on the mess travelling throughout the house.  Oooh, I hope so.

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While his assistant was tearing out the bathroom, I followed Jody from room to room as he measured and itemized what he would need in the way of raw materials.   Shortly thereafter they left to go shopping to pick up the supplies in order to begin the R-E-A-L stuff bright and early Monday morning.

Jody also left me with the paint swatch binder from which I get to select colors.  Decisions, decisions.  I can envision what I want in my head but once I start going through them, I just might change my mind.  The kitchen and pantry have me stumped simply because we only decided this morning to include them in the mix.  But I have all weekend to decide since the paint won’t be ordered until Monday.

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We were only going to have him paint some of the rooms but now Mr. Painted Quilt decided that he should paint every room in the house…including ceilings.  Yay!  Yippee!  Woo hoo!  Hurray! 

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If everything goes according to schedule, by this time next week everything should be finished and a few days after that,  I’ll be showing you before and after pictures of our entire house.  I’ll need some time to clean and set things in their proper places because…you’re all invited to the REVEAL.

Kaarenheartname

56 comments:

Vicki ♥ said...

I think your bathroom is going to be lovely and I love the lovely old basin. I look forward to seeing your before and after photos of your house :)

Darlene said...

Woohoo - Jody and his assistant are in the house!!! I'm so thrilled for you and Mr PQ and now I'll be anxiously waiting for the REVEAL.

marina said...

Wow, would love Jody and assistant to come to my place. It will be great to get things going and finished how you want them.
Have fun picking paint colours.
Will await the big reveal.

Chris said...

Oh! I'll be here for the REVEAL!! Mr Painted Quilt is so smart to get it all done at once. Can't wait to see what colors you choose :-)
Chris

Annette said...

It's getting exciting!!

By Hoki Quilts said...

This is going to be more exciting than Christmas. I'm just loving joining you both on your journey.
hugs
Miche'le

Sandi said...

Glad to hear you are progressing to the actual renovation.

How exciting to hear the sink and plumbing don't have to be replaced! Now to find some funky taps!

Can't wat to see the reveal!

Marie said...

Oh my goodness - all that work in only a week? How do they do that?

It is going to be so nice when it is finished.

Hugs - Marie

Janet said...

Sounds like you are poised to "reveal" a new house. I'd love to see a sketch of the floor plan and how it relates to outside facades when you have it all finished. I'm a lover of old houses! Mine dates to the early 1820's.
Stay warm - winter is having another kick at the can!
Janet

Anonymous said...

Oh what a great adventure you both have started on. I agree with so many, it is going to be so wonderful when it is all done.
I love that antique pedistal sink. What a gem you have there.

Linda said...

I'm glad that Mr.PQ is having the whole house painted. It's all done and overwith at the same time. You can go on living.Have a great weekend. Good luck Monday..

Lori said...

What great news! I'm so glad behind the walls weren't hidden problems. I'm so excited for you!!

Shakerwood said...

Oh! I am so excited for you! Hope all goes according to plan.

Joy said...

I love that old pedestal sink Kaaren ... but boy there's a lot of work to be done in that room - I can't wait to see it all done :o). I'm really enjoying this transformation ... keep us posted :o)!!
Hugs,
Joy ;o)

onlymehere said...

Oh my, I hope it goes that quickly for you! What a great surprise not to have worse problems in the bathroom than you anticipated. This certainly is a blessing. I'm so excited to see the reveal when you finish! I just saw the cutest pantry ever. She painted the shelving all a different color than the rest of the kitchen (there's a door to close it off) but it's such a cute contrast to the kitchen when the door is open! If her blog wasn't private I'd lead you there.

Sara said...

Hoping everything goes as planned and sounds like you have a wonderful contractor:)

Sandra said...

I don't envy you a bit getting work done in the winter time. We replaced a whole top floor (roof, exterior walls and everything interior) 13 months ago. 2 and a half weeks of work turned into 2 months. I do so hope that your work goes smoothly and quickly. Are you having a claw foot tub for your bathroom. We have one in our master suite and we just love it for soaking!! We love P & L paint, excellent choice. So many colours though!!
Your home will be beautiful, all the mess will be worth it in the end!!
Blessings, Sandra

Anonymous said...

Hi Kaaren,

Looks like everything is coming together for you. The bathroom is going to look great when it is finished. Can't wait to see your complete finish. Have a great weekend.

Dianne

Farm Girl said...

I can't wait, I love reveals.

Red Heads said...

Hello Kaaren, WOW, a lot ahead for both of you. I love that sink in the bathroom..such character for your home. I can imagine something very creative you will come up with for the walls. Have a good week end paint choosing. Blessings: Dianne.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Why are bathrooms always such a mess in the decor department? We bought a house that had brown wood paneling glued to the walls. I think this is going to be one fantastic home reveal.

WoolenSails said...

You can see the water damage in the bathroom, good that you can rip it all out and start new. Can't wait to see how everything turns out.

Debbie

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Looks like fun happening at your house Kaaren. My husband has been painting inside our house and it is such a huge job, but so satisfying once it is done. Will be fun to watch yours come together, thanks for sharing. xo

Regina said...

Ahhhhhh you are so brave! I freak out when it comes to remodeling bathrooms.

Stitched With Prayer said...

Oh Kaaren, your new home is going to be a showpiece after it is finished cause you have such wonderful gift for decorating. I can't wait to see the reveal. So glad that there wasn't anything 'lurking' behind those walls that created issues. Definitely a good start. I'll be watching, thanks for sharing your adventure with us. Hugs...

Anonymous said...

This is wonderful news Kaaren! I'm just about anxious as you are!

Ter'e said...

Oh now the fun begins! The R-E-A-L fun!!!!! So very excited for you. I have seen the bathroom before and loved that sink. I was hoping it would stay!!!! (AT least I am pretty sure I saw that sink in the inital pictures).
Fah-git-about-it! There's going to be fine white dust all over. That's why God made vacuums!
Oh the house will be so pretty, fresh smelling and cozy.
I LOVE MR. PQ!!!!! What a super nice guy......and smart too. Cannot wait to see all the glorious after pix.

Wendy said...

Oh boy renovating a old house, I know exactly how you feel. Good luck.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

How exciting for your Kaaren! I know you'll be happy when it's finished.

Larkrise garden girl said...

Wow that sounds quick! Happy remodeling!

Karen said...

I am so happy for you and Mr P. I know you have been wanting this so much. Glad this will be completed so promptly. And you sure lucked out with the bathroom.
Wishing you a new lovely bathroom, wonderful storage that looks like it was built with the house, and everything finally in its place so you can break in your new "Fantastic Creative Room"....K

Sandy said...

How exciting to finally get started and see the end in sight! Can't wait to see all of the pics.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

They must have been an old couple to have not used the upstaires. Kaaren it is going to be wonderful. Once the DUST has set!

Sue said...

WOW !!! one week eh.... !! I wish you good luck and look forward to seeing the results...

Allie said...

Jody sounds like a true miracle! Wow Kaaren, I can hardly wait - I am so, so pleased for you!!!

Marge said...

What an exciting time for you. It will be so nice to put your treasures out and enjoy them all again. A new venue is always a picture for your memory book.
Will love to see the R E V E A L!!!

Best wishes and happy hooking, quilting, crafting
Marge

Ruth said...

Watch out for that "fine, white dust" spreading all over everywhere! You should tape plastic over all the vents leading to your other floors and hang plastic in the doorways so that the dust stays in the construction areas as much as possible. Good Luck!

Anonymous said...

Kaaren hi dear, oh my God, you come from never to rest? I will see what more are you doing so, I wish you all the best Christine

Deb said...

Wow Kaaren, how exciting it is all going to be for you. Its the anticipation that keeps you going. So nice to hear your builder being so positive and wanting to keep all the mess to one room, I hope he manages it for you. Looking forward to progress reports.
hugs Deb

Elyte said...

Looking forward to seeing the outcome.
In your dustiest moments don't lose sight of the end result.

Teresa F. said...

Everything will turn out fine. You'll see. now you just have to be very very patient for that work is bound to take long.

Siobhán said...

Wooooo!! How exciting! I'm glad that you didn't find anything too terrible lurking behind the faux tiles. I can't wait to see all the changes that you make!

LibbiesHome said...

I am so excited for you that things are underway! Painting the whole house - oh the decisions!
I'll be looking forward to the before and after shots.

Rumi said...

Oh, your house will look so fresh and lovely once done. Worth a bit of construction dust!

pinsandneedles said...

How exciting!! I am anxiously awaiting the BIG reveal. I know it will be lovely!

Anonymous said...

Kaaren, I am so excited for you. I can't wait for the before and afters. Do you think Jody would come to Texas for a working vacation?

Kathleen said...

This is such an exciting time for you..so glad everything is finally coming together...can't wait for the REVEAL...

Carrie P. said...

Oh, what a job but I guess you all knew you would have some work when you bought the house. Mr. PQ will certainly save you some money painting the house. We always try to do some work outselves and we have saved bunches. Have a great weekend.

Valspierssews said...

Looks like a big job. I checked out the picture of the outside. It looks like it has real character and a history! Well worth the effort.

Linda said...

Yea! Sounds like a plan. Looking forward to the 'reveal'!!!!

Stina Blomgren said...

Good luck Kaaren...
Can't wait for the big reveal...;0)

Karen said...

Though messy and time consuming, the renovations all sound like they will make a wonderful home for you.
How about running a quilt retreat there? LOL!

Anonymous said...

I am so excited for you wish I could redo my house top to bottom.

Candace said...

Can't wait for the big reveal, Kaaren! How is Mac taking all the messing about in the house? P&L is my favorite paint - how cool that you have all those color cards to delve thru!
Cheers!

Anonymous said...

That is really fast! Those Canadian construction workers are much quicker than the American ones I've dealt with in the past. I can hardly wait to see it all. No doubt, you can hardly wait to live in it!

Kathy H said...

Can't wait to see how it all turns out. It is so hard to make decisions about paint. I always have a hard time with that. Only had to redo once because I didn't like the color once it was on.