Insulation (not cotton candy)

I don't understand how something so happy and fun looking could make your eyes and throat burn so badly. I also don't understand why they don't make goggles, work gloves and masks in womens sizes. I felt like a child playing dress up with their parents clothing all weekend, which is probably how the insulation found its way into my eyes and mouth. (and no it does not taste like cotton candy)

Either way we have made a lot of progress this weekend, all of the walls are now insulated, the wiring is complete and we even started putting up some drywall. For the first time we are able to see the size of the room and we are really happy with plans thus far.

And for the record if the room is cold and has drafts its Nicole's fault, if the lights go out or outlets do not work its Mike's fault. I only wish everything else could be so cut and dry.

A newly insulated room.

Getting the first of the drywall up.

Hey look we still like each other!

First yard work day!

So what does the first warm day of the year mean for new-home buyers? Go ride our bikes? WRONG! It means get off your ass, and get the sticks and leaves out of the yard so the neighbors don't think your bums. For us it also meant getting rid of the massive amounts of neon orange wood chips, if anyone can enlighten me what era orange wood chips were in style please do.

We reused some pavers that were oddly scattered throughout the yard to hold in our new soil and we planted some seeds, I say seeds because I am doubtful they will become more than that. But we have a lot of wild flowers that are growing nicely that I am sure I will find a way to kill.

Progress

We have water! Thanks to the "hired" plumber also known as Dad. I don't think I have ever been so excited to see running water. Working on the built-in where the tv and other things we are sick of looking at will hide. The weekend was mostly plumbing, the built-in, framing out the last wall, and finally getting rid of the last of the linoleum tile. We also picked up the bulk of our materials for the next couple of weeks including the drywall and cement board. We got some unexpected hail on Sunday, luckily it didn't slow us down.

04.01.11

Took a night off from upstairs to switch out the sconces and hang our mirror.

Curb Appeal

Ok, so this is a filler post since we don't have alot  to show in the way of tangible progress lately. Immediately after making an offer on the house, we got a little overzealous and explored options to add some curb appeal to the house. (If only renovations were as qiuck as they are in photoshop)

Sometime in the '60's the owner of the house decided to "modernize" the front porch by removing the tapered columns and putting in the faux wrought-iron "gems" that are there now. There is also a cheap hardware store light fixture to top it off. The decorative shutters and bright red trim aren't helping either. So, after our bedroom / bathroom renovations are complete, this is the next project on the list.

So far the only thing that we do have for the porch restoration is a period correct light fixture sans glass globe (thank you ebay). It's sitting in our growing pile of house parts in the basement.

Weekend Warriors

Nicole's parents came to lend a helping hand on the master bedroom/bathroom renovation this weekend. Getting the framing for the bathroom and closet was first on the list of things to do, then plumbing. We got a lot done and learned a lot. Very excited to see the layout of the room coming together, and it was a fun weekend visit with the parents.

Framed out bathroom and closet.

Adding the plumbing to the shower.

Ripping up the linoleum tile with Mom.

Mike's first cut on his new saw. Our house warming gift!

The before picture.

The after.

We stripped 4 salvaged doors for the upstairs, they came out great!

Thanks for all the help!

Bathroom Renovation - Inspiration

Bathrooms have to be one of the hardest rooms to decorate and renovate. You have to organize so many functional items into the smallest room in your house. Having a clean slate has been fun, but also had its challenges. We are deciding what is the best way to organize the door, vanity, shower and hopefully linen closet. Moving the toilet is not a option, so we have to work around that as well. Picking out the tile, colors and decor is the fun part. I couldn't help but marvel at these finished bathrooms.

Bathroom Inspiration.

Master Suite Renovation - Before and Demo

When we bought the house we knew the master suite / bathroom was lacking, but I don't think we realized how much until we started trying to use it. The closet is very small, well small considering my love for clothes, purses, shoes, but whatever its small. The half bathroom was a good thought and we are very grateful someone took the time to plumb it, but it stops there. The vanity sink is one huge watering hole that splashes everywhere when you attempt to do anything with it, so its pretty much a room with a toilet. So again days into moving in renovation begins. At least no one can say were lazy.

That's where the waterbed would have went, and the lava lamp right over there.

And the tile comes off the ceiling.

Meet Hazmat Mike.

He said he was smiling under his mask -- I don't believe him.

This is a picture we found in the attic, The back reads Dennis Juella. We think he picked out the green linoleum tile.

Master Suite Renovation - end of weekend reno. 1

That is where the bathroom was on the left.

Highlight #1 was we found salvageable wood under the green linoleum tile. We think they will be gorgeous refinished.

This is our backyard currently. The backyard barbecues may have to wait, unless everyone is up to date on there tetanus shots. Which is funny because Mike and I were trying to recall when we last had ours.