Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Renos - Day 8

If the truth be known, this renovation project has been one of the most stressful things we’ve had to endure in a long time…including the long distance move.  As Mr. Painted Quilt said to me this morning, if we had known what we were getting ourselves into, we would have moved out and stayed at a hotel while the work was being done.

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These next few photos are of our downstairs bathroom as it looked on Monday morning…

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And here it is today…close, but still not finished.  The pine plank counter top is installed and stained and the sink and plumbing should be in by the the end of today or tomorrow.  What’s a few hours in the grand scheme of things, right?

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Sure beats the fuchsia color, doesn’t it?

These guys are so meticulous with their work.  Jody saw some imperfections on the walls after the first coat of paint so he went back and applied whatever it is they use to correct them before adding the second coat of paint.

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The pantry also has a new pine plank counter top that is being stained as I write this.

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And the other side…

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Apart from a few paint touch ups  that will all be done on the last  day, the living room is the only room in the house that is finished…notwithstanding replacing the UGLY light fixture, of course.

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The boring green walls and hideous wallpaper have been replaced with a calming taupe color and not the gray as it appears in the photo.

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The built in china cabinet in the dining room just sparkles with it’s fresh coat of white paint.  Gone are the disgusting ‘John Deere’ green walls.

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With respect to the upstairs, now that is a different kettle of fish.  *sigh*

My studio is painted but is completely dismantled and is now a storage room for the majority of the things from Mr. PQ’s office while it is being painted and having built in cupboards and shelves made.

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The spare room is a catch all for the overflow from my studio and Mr. PQ’s office as well as several of the unpacked boxes.

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I feel like I’ve taken several hundred steps backward.

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The room that has been turned into a walk-in closet is finished.  Finally, I’ll be able to take my clothes out of the wardrobe cartons where they’ve been since the end of November…and hang them in their new home.

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This is Mr. PQ’s office and that’s the wall where the built in cupboards and shelves will be.

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No computer for Mr. PQ today.

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The closet in our bedroom was built this morning and the first coat of paint has been applied since this picture was taken.

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The second coat is just about done.  Hopefully by tomorrow we’ll be able to start putting our clothing, shoes and incidentals away.  We’ll also have to clear off the bed before turning in tonight.

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Now, would you like to see the upstairs workroom…I mean bathroom?

Take a deep breath and I hope you’re sitting down…

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No, that’s not brown water in the bathtub.  It’s sawdust…the bane of my existence.

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And the final view down the upstairs hall which still needs to be painted.

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I’ll believe it when I see it but Jody insists that they will be finished everything by Friday.  I can honestly say that I won’t be able to survive another day  past that.

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I think we need a miracle, don’t you?

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65 comments:

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh wow! Lots of mess, but what is done looks WONDERFUL!

Farm Girl said...

I think you are going to be overjoyed when it is finished. Keep your eyes on the goal. Friday, really,that is a miracle and that bathtub oh my gosh a bathtub full of sawdust. Oh well if and I say if you do it again I would stay in a hotel too. That is amazing though. I bet it will be so beautiful on Saturday morning. :) Hang in there.

Anonymous said...

Are you a drinker? Perhaps unwind this evening with a glass of wine. They are nearly finished!! BREATHE!!!

Karen said...

I know it is all a mess right now but is going to be wonderful when done. Seems to me that they have made a lot progress for eight days.

marina said...

looks like they are doing a fantastic job. To be honest I would have thought all that work would have taken longer so I think you are ahead by miles. It will be fantastic when you get control again and just think you won't have to ever do it again! If you consider it just look back at your posts.

Judy Dwyer said...

Hang in there Kaaren, your place will be absolutely beautiful when completed. Love your blog!

Robin C said...

Kaaren,
it looks wonderful. They are really doing a nice job for you and as distressing as it is being in the middle of it, you just need to look at the end of the road to the "rainbow" that you are going to have to live in.

I am sure it's easier to say because I'm not in the middle of it but I would be sooo excited to watch it all transform. Just think of your wool crazy patch, you start with a blank piece of fabric and as each layer is added, magic happens and before you know it, it just takes your breath away because it's so pretty.

Have a nice evening with the hubby. Friday's coming...

Robin in VA

Jocelyn said...

Oh Kaaren, I never realized there was THAT much work to do. I am very thankful that we were able to get the work done in our new house before moving in. Well the painters were still here, but any of the remodel and construction was complete before we slept in the house. Things will all look better next week, because Jody WILL be done by Friday!!!!!!

Sandi said...

Soon you will have your world to yourselves again and you will enjoy deciding where to hang things up.

Keep your chin up, and kick back with your beverage of choice tonight.

Laura said...

I love all your pictures and it can be seen that your house will be beautiful when it is done - just a few more days. . . You will LOVE it just wait.

DebrafromMD said...

Oh Kaaren, I can really sympathize with your situation. We reworked our kitchen last year moving it to another part of the house, replaced all of the pipes in the house, added solar panels to the roof and solar tubes in our upstairs bathrooms. It seemed like the construction took forever but it really was only eight weeks. The end result is wonderful but my husband now wants to move forward with redoing two of the bathrooms. I'm dragging my feet a bit but I guess I should just bite the bullet and call the contractor. Guess whose job it is to supervise everything while hubby is off at work? Sigh!

Terry said...

I know it's all a huge mess now, but everything is already looking so beautiful! It will all be worth it in the end! :0)

Kim said...

Pretty amazing how much they accomplished in a relatively short amount of time, but holy cow it is a grand mess! Not too late to check into a hotel and leave the mess behind for a couple of nights. The house is looking good, very promising. Could you hire a cleaning company to come in to clean up all of that dust? Hang in there! :-D

Janet said...

Holy cow, that's some huge renovation but the end is in sight.
I love your pantry. Keep a bottle of something nice to toast the finish, it's been a journey.

Sewing Junkie said...

Kaaran, Just think this is the last time you will ever take on this much work again. Wait till you get the quilts up and the stuff set on you cabinets and tables. It will be fine. But a shocker when you are going through it. I have done it 6 different times and it is hard, but the final rewards will be there. We refinished hardwood floors and took a bathtub out and broke the only toilet in the house on a Sunday night and water all over the freshly finished floors. Been there done that. We laugh about it now. Take Care You will make it. Chris

Ter'e said...

K and MPQ:
You have a miracle happening every single day. Just look at this beauty of a house. I know you have a good strong vacuum and you will be able to clean up all the mess.
Start thinking "LUCKY LUCKY ME".......the house is looking gorgeous.
My very favorite space is that divine pantry!!!!! I just love the charm of it. It's my very fav space in the whole house.
Hang in there.......you are almost done.
And........just why is that bathroom so huge in this older house? Someone was thinking ahead.
I love everything.

Shelley said...

Oh Kaaren.....my heart cries with you! As for the bed for tonight....are you crazy!! Call the motel and tell them to keep the room until the end of the week lol! I am glad you are getting it all cleaned up before I pop in this summer for a visit and I'll be really disappointed if that ceiling light fixture is gone ;) lol! hang in there..it's gonna be worth it.

Elyte said...

Hang in there Kaaren, you are almost there!

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Oh MY!! I was having heart palpitations just looking at those photo's. I'd be out of my mind too living in this mess. But I just know when it is finally ALL done, ALL cleaned up and you are ALL unpacked, it will be worth it. Especially that gorgeous pantry and the new walk in closet! DROOLING!!

carol said...

It looks like a "Calgon" take me away time. What about a trip or pack the bags and run to a hotel or rent an apartment. Been there and done this. I sure wouldn't want to do this again.

Sharon said...

Your home is going to be GORGEOUS! I live by myself and I want to reno the bathroom, but I'm terrified of being under construction.......The necessary evil of updating a home.

Susannah said...

Oh dear...you must be wore out! But the new paint looks so clean. I like the soft colors. I hope things get back to normal soon, Kaaren.

Susannah

Anonymous said...

Hi Kaaren,
Everything looks great. It is moving so well, just hang in there, it will be over soon. I love your new counter tops and envy all your closets. Love seeing all the pictures. Can't wait to see your finished project. Think of spring and plan your gardens to take your mind off what is happening around you.Find a corner, and have a glass of wine.
Take care.

Dianne

And this would be . . . . said...

You can survive this! Just think of your new space just waiting for you.

Diane said...

oh Boy oh boy! I do hope Jodi is right and it will all be done Friday.
It puts me in mind of when my husband dry-walled our basement-in the winter--the furnace sucked all that white powdery dust through the entire house--I wanted to cry and did. That was about 20 years ago and I still get the shivers at the thought of it.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Oh Kaaren....may a Friday finish come very soon and then all of this construction STUFF be blacked out of your memory.

Red Heads said...

OH MY GOSH.... What a huge amount of up set going on to make life normal for you. Here is a BIG HUG for you..... Anything worth doing though is worth doing well.. is that the old saying? How lovely life will soon be for you both. Hang in there girl. Blessings: Dianne.

WoolenSails said...

It will all be worth it. From what I see, they are doing a beautiful job and quality work, rather take the time for that then to have it done badly. Love your countertops.

Debbie

Potpourri said...

The NS craftsmen are doing an outstanding job, just take a deep breath whenever you feel overwhelmed and go with the flow. It will be easier on you and the stress you are feeling.
The place looks amazing.

Marsha B said...

Friday is almost here and it is shaping up beautifully! Just think how great it will be to put everything in it's new space and how wonderful it will feel next week. Hang in there, the finish line is in sight!

farmhousequilter8 said...

Just imagine how happy you are going to be. It is going to be wonderful.
Paula in KY

Judy C said...

Karen, things are moving along, love the colors you have on the walls, but I realy love your pantry, what I wouldn't give to have one of those. Friday is coming quickly chin up it will all be worth it when it is done. I just love rennovation :)

Lori said...

It looks like Jody is awesome and I bet if he says Friday it will be Friday. I'm crossing my fingers and toes for you!
It is really looking fantastic.

Hardin County Keepsakes said...

Karen, We remodeled our kitchen in 2007. We are did it all ourselves.It was a major job. One I never want to do again. A 60 year old women should not be tiling a floor.It is not hard to get down but very hard to get up. The one thing that kept me going was the thought that there are people in this world that do not even have a house to live in let alone one to remodel.
I love my kitchen everyday.
judy j
http://hardincountykeepsakes.blogspot.com/
http://community.webshots.com/user/nana5111

Orcsmom said...

I am green with envy over that wonderful pantry! That is my dream pantry, but I am also very happy for you and Mr. PQ! Enjoy, and please, think of me when you are in there!! Hugs!!

Pam

Marie said...

I think you are having the miracle right in front of your eyes. I can't believe they are doing that much in such a short time. It is going to be beautiful - just hang in there a little bit longer.

Hugs - Marie

Wanda said...

Just take a deep breath...now exhale. Repeat after me...I WILL make it, I WILL make it, I WILL make it. Now remember that you don't have to put it all back together in one day. You can do this, I've seen some of the things you've accomplished. You are awesome.

Wanda
http://wandas-quilts-crafts.blogspot.com/

Elzaan said...

Hang in there, Kaaren!!! Nearly done. Yes, it is indeed chaotic, but the work that is done is amazing and wonderfully fresh.
If the need arises, why don't you go to town and explore a bit more. Or maybe go visit your neigbours. Otherwise, just be amazed and in awe at how your "nest" is being transformed into your dream nest.
Best of luck!
Elzaan

Needled Mom said...

It won't be long. I know the feeling, but it will soon all be behind you.

Allie said...

I cannot imagine doing this all at once. I think the only compensation is that it will be DONE all at once. Much smarter than doing one room at a time, and living with mess for a year or more. It's really looking wonderful Kaaren, you can see what it's going to look like when it done - beautiful!

Lindah said...

Whoa! This is like having all 4 wisdom teeth out at once; or both knees/hips replaced at once. Shew! But the changes are won-der-ful! Keep saying that over and over --won-der-ful-- and remember, this too shall pass. Whew! Oh, BTW, save the sawdust. It's good for the compost pile. :-D

Darlene said...

It's almost done. I have faith in Jody - he and his team will be done by Friday. :-)

It's looking fabulous.

Apple Avenue Quilts said...

Ahhh, but it's going to be so nice. I can't wait to see it all done.

Teresa F. said...

I know it seems like hell now but soon it will be heaven when everything will be finished. The contractor seems to be doing a great job. Hang on for a little more days.

Teresa F. said...

I know it seems like hell now but soon it will be heaven when everything will be finished. The contractor seems to be doing a great job. Hang on for a little more days.

Jenny's Place Online said...

Think of all the surprises you would be missing if you weren't on site...lol... Happy crafting/renovating, Jenny

Sew Create It - Jane said...

No pain, no gain. We've done our fair share of renovations and it seems like you are forever cleaning up dust...you'll get there soon and it will be FABULOUS when it is done...your kitchen looks amazing!

Abby and Stephanie said...

In the end it'll be worth it all! I love the built-in china cabinet, bead board and that yummy shade of taupe in the living room. I can't wait for the open house.

Kathy H said...

I can see so much progress. It will look so wonderful when it is all done. The sawdust though. It goes everywhere. But soon!

Lynn S said...

You need to take a step back and just look at the how nice this is turning out. Wow! The workers are doing a great job--the cabinets are beautiful. Woodwork, renovation requires skill and talent! Just like a quilt--there are some stages it has to go through before a wonderful result!

Lee Prairie Designs said...

Wow Karen it is starting to look great. I have be through this type of remodeling and it is a big job and stressful but worth it.

Hang in there! Carolyn :)

Kathy said...

PLEASE make sure your tub drain is closed...all that sawdust going down in your system....ew! From the photo, it appesrs to be open...I'm not nitpicking, it's just something I noticed. A neighbor had work done in her kitchen, all the dirt went down the sink and clogged her system...it was thousands of dollars worth of added work...
Your home will be gorgeous. To have all the work done at one time was smart. Get it all over at once and then get your life back!

Candace said...

Yikes - you and Mr. PQ and Mac are so brave to be living in the mess, Kaaren! Think how happy you'll be when all is said and done! Everything is looking fantastic so far - I love the pine counters and the beadboard in the bathroom! Hopefully you can reward yourselves somehow when it's all done!
Cheers!

deb-bee said...

There is a light at the end of your messy tunnel. I'm sure this mess will make the finished workmanship that much more enjoyable. And all of your "renos pics" will bring lots of wonderful memories in both of your's future. I love your plank counter tops!!! with warm little bee-hugs, deb-bee

Mumbly52 said...

You will be laughing about all of this in a while (hopefully!). Looks like it will be worth it and so wonderful when done. Have been following your "journey" with great interest as my DH and I will be setting out on a similar adventure in a couple of years. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your progress with us!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Kaaren, I think you've had a remarkable amount accomplished in a relatively short period of time. And after all the horror stories I've seen about contractors - it looks like you have landed a prince along with his crew. Just keep telling yourself, "It will all be worth it. It will all be worth it." LOL

Valspierssews said...

The neutral colours look so much better than the original colours. It took me ages to choose a wall colour but had to laugh when I finally did because it exactly matched the unpainted walls! It is a sandy colour rather than cream and goes with everything. You are lucky to have such a great tradesman. It might sound a bit silly but I am convinced there is a good Karma about our house because we had a caring tradesman. I know this last remark may not be appreciated but it seems like you have a perfect opportunity to declutter. You probably did a lot of that when you moved but there is nothing like more room for fresh new things. The place looks like it is really coming together.
Cheers,
Val

pinsandneedles said...

That is a lot of chaos and mess! Oh but the results will be wonderful. Just started a construction project (much smaller) on our home. My house smells like saw dust!

Karen said...

Oh the wonderful additions that you will love soon enough.
I recommend a dinner out, and once home a nice red wine, & my favorite, something chocolaty.

In a matter of weeks when all is tucked away where it belongs, and your home is turely in the correct order that you imagined, you will still come across some saw dust, but you will not be feeling any stress. And Jody will be your new best friend.
Wishing you calm....K

Kathleen said...

Everything looks like it is going to be beautiful when it is finished...I sympathize with you and understand what you said about living in a motel while they were doing the work...we ourselves purchased a house and every room needed to be done...and we lived at home whil it was being done...I said to my husband that we should have rented something so we did not have to be in the house while all of this was being done...I hope Mac is surviving all of this...

Anonymous said...

I have gone through a few remodels and yes it can be quite stressful. Just keep it all in perspective. It will eventually be finished and then you will have what you were hoping for. It is going to be wonderful.

Keep smiling!
Charlotte

Anonymous said...

a miracle to happen, my dear Kaaren and her family, you are all so brave and worked tirelessly, wow my respect, the miracle is accomplished by you alone, I am with you always in my thoughts when I read your post's very best wishes from Germany, by Christine great great great - everything will be - I firmly believe - :-))))))

Rumi said...

I can see the diamond hidden beneath the dust. It will be lovely! Soon, very soon--just hold on a bit longer.

SueB said...

Kaaren you know everything will just start falling into place. Your house will be beautiful and your memory will fade with all you have been thru. It is starting to look really good. Grab your rug hooking and go to the rug shop for an escape.

Sandy said...

Hi Kaaren. Just finished reading all of the posts I have missed. We were in Oklahoma visiting son and family until Wed. Wow, there is some major work going on. Maybe by now (Saturday) they are done. I hope for your sake and all your deep breathing! It is looking good though!