View Full Version : Remodeling
Anyone else into remodeling? We own an 1892 built house in Upstate NY that we currently rent out to someone, but we lived there for several years and have remodeled about 80% of the entire house, gutting it down to the studs and starting from scratch. It's alot of work, but well worth it.
It's always an experience undertaking projects in a house that old.
Third Eye
09-24-07, 03:45 PM
Playing the property market hey Cluck? Housing projects can be hard work but you can learn and earn so much from the experience. Good luck mate.
well, this house is what you would call a long tern flip. we've owned it for about 5 years now, bought at auction for $9,000. we have about 30k into it now, and plan to put another 10k into it before selling. right now, market value is 85k, so we will be looking at about 90-100k when it is all said and done. a 50k profit will be pretty nice to take a dent out of the 110k mortgage for the house we are builting right now.
well, this house is what you would call a long tern flip. we've owned it for about 5 years now, bought at auction for $9,000. we have about 30k into it now, and plan to put another 10k into it before selling. right now, market value is 85k, so we will be looking at about 90-100k when it is all said and done. a 50k profit will be pretty nice to take a dent out of the 110k mortgage for the house we are builting right now.
I admire your ambition...the house i live in was under 900 sq ft when i bought it and 3 additions later, it's 2,500. I think I'm finished except for reconfiguring the powder room and new flooring in the kitchen, hall and foyer. A new roof in 2 years or so, all new patios and decks next year and glass in the screened porch. And a new driveway in the spring after replacing the underground oil tank.
Otherwise, I'm done.
Sals
I admire your ambition...the house i live in was under 900 sq ft when i bought it and 3 additions later, it's 2,500. I think I'm finished except for reconfiguring the powder room and new flooring in the kitchen, hall and foyer. A new roof in 2 years or so, all new patios and decks next year and glass in the screened porch. And a new driveway in the spring after replacing the underground oil tank.
Otherwise, I'm done.
Sals
it is def ALOT of work, and we do most of it ourselves. save ALOT of $$$ that way.
with our new house, we payed to have the excavating done, but got a killer deal because of the relationship my father in law has with the guy. paid for the foundation and to have a crew shell the house (frame, roof trusses up, sheathing and shingles). they will be done in 2 more weeks, then we are going mostly everything else, cept hvac and mudding the drywall. we plan on at least a year, as it will be me and the kids (whatever they can help with) and my father in law, and my wife whenever she can.
my father in law has built 3 houses in 4 years. its alot of hard work, but the payoff is worth it. the last house he built cost 85k, and is appraised at 160k.
it is def ALOT of work, and we do most of it ourselves. save ALOT of $$$ that way.
with our new house, we payed to have the excavating done, but got a killer deal because of the relationship my father in law has with the guy. paid for the foundation and to have a crew shell the house (frame, roof trusses up, sheathing and shingles). they will be done in 2 more weeks, then we are going mostly everything else, cept hvac and mudding the drywall. we plan on at least a year, as it will be me and the kids (whatever they can help with) and my father in law, and my wife whenever she can.
my father in law has built 3 houses in 4 years. its alot of hard work, but the payoff is worth it. the last house he built cost 85k, and is appraised at 160k.
Good for you. I'm done building things personally. Now I just make 'em pretty.
Sals
Good for you. I'm done building things personally. Now I just make 'em pretty.
Sals
i like building things. i get such a sense of accomplishment after completing a project. my wife makes them look pretty.
i like building things. i get such a sense of accomplishment after completing a project. my wife makes them look pretty.
I like building things too but the thrill of framing, wiring, digging has passed me by. Hands on stuff for me now would be things like my outdoor shower, cabinets, shelving....more finish work, less structural. Structural makes my knees hurt.
I do however, love directing others to do structural and keep reminding them the whole time how much they suck at it.
I am quite a treat to work for.
Sals
I like building things too but the thrill of framing, wiring, digging has passed me by. Hands on stuff for me now would be things like my outdoor shower, cabinets, shelving....more finish work, less structural. Structural makes my knees hurt.
I do however, love directing others to do structural and keep reminding them the whole time how much they suck at it.
I am quite a treat to work for.
Sals
you sound like me!
my brother in law hates coming to help me. but he knows he has to so i will help him when he starts his house... and he can boss me around!
you sound like me!
my brother in law hates coming to help me. but he knows he has to so i will help him when he starts his house... and he can boss me around!
With one difference. I would have to be the boss there too. Ha !
Sals
time is a river
09-24-07, 10:04 PM
I admire your ambition...the house i live in was under 900 sq ft when i bought it and 3 additions later, it's 2,500. I think I'm finished except for reconfiguring the powder room and new flooring in the kitchen, hall and foyer. A new roof in 2 years or so, all new patios and decks next year and glass in the screened porch. And a new driveway in the spring after replacing the underground oil tank.
Otherwise, I'm done.
Sals
Tries to picture Sals using the powder room. Can't.
ILoveEko
09-25-07, 02:39 AM
Would any of you like to come finish our bathroom? :nanabobo: My dad seems to have lost interest... I want walls back, dammit.
ETA: Well, we have walls LOL. Y'know what I mean. :p
I bet that gives such a sense of accomplishment.
I've seen a bedroom (before and after) of Clucky's, and that media room of Sals. Wow, just wow.
I don't know how you guys do the remodeling. When we have things done in the house, it drives me crazy. The contractor generally leaves and things looking worse than before they began. At least there is some type of problem (even if it is not worse than before they began). My husband thinks I should be the arguer or complainer and that stuff is a pain. When we bought the house a locksmith came and completely did a great job and a great clean up.
I'm still recommending him to friends. Actually, the last contractor we had in
was a really nice guy. He and I became friends even though I had to do
some arguing and complaining.
What I do love is decorating. That's what I thought this thread was about.
It's much simpler and so much more fun imho. I admire you remodelers for
your patience and tenacity.
This thread makes me laugh. :) I grew up the son of a carpenter, pouring concrete, slapping paint, a nail gun for every task, scaling heights to crown the roof, interpreting what the architect really meant, hot dogs over flames on the cut-off, and lots of digging. Always digging. And wheel burrows. The manual mule with a one track half-flat.
This thread makes me laugh. :) I grew up the son of a carpenter, pouring concrete, slapping paint, a nail gun for every task, scaling heights to crown the roof, interpreting what the architect really meant, hot dogs over flames on the cut-off, and lots of digging. Always digging. And wheel burrows. The manual mule with a one track half-flat.
why do you think i waited till having kids before undertaking this stuff.,..
Tries to picture Sals using the powder room. Can't.
Next time I'll leave the blind up.
I bet that gives such a sense of accomplishment.
I've seen a bedroom (before and after) of Clucky's, and that media room of Sals. Wow, just wow.
Thanks Gertie, that has been a long and winding road but it's finally what I want......except for a bunch of stuff I want to change.
I don't know how you guys do the remodeling. When we have things done in the house, it drives me crazy. The contractor generally leaves and things looking worse than before they began. At least there is some type of problem (even if it is not worse than before they began). My husband thinks I should be the arguer or complainer and that stuff is a pain. When we bought the house a locksmith came and completely did a great job and a great clean up.
I'm still recommending him to friends. Actually, the last contractor we had in
was a really nice guy. He and I became friends even though I had to do
some arguing and complaining.
What I do love is decorating. That's what I thought this thread was about.
It's much simpler and so much more fun imho. I admire you remodelers for
your patience and tenacity.
It's not easy to find a good contractor and a good one last week , working for your neighbor might be a bad one this week working for you.
One important thing to remember is to always be ahead financially. Always make sure, at any given point, you've given him less money than he's done work. If a contractor says he needs money up front for "materials", you should question why. if he says he needs to pay for them, you should wonder why he doesn't have an account and credit...why does the supplier want cash from him?
If you do nothing else when you hire a guy, make sure he always has a financial reason to show up and satisfy you.
This thread makes me laugh. :) I grew up the son of a carpenter, pouring concrete, slapping paint, a nail gun for every task, scaling heights to crown the roof, interpreting what the architect really meant, hot dogs over flames on the cut-off, and lots of digging. Always digging. And wheel burrows. The manual mule with a one track half-flat.
Me too TP....I learned so much about construction and what a hard working selfless man my father was.
Sals
John Charles
09-26-07, 08:21 AM
I hate remodeling! I'd much rather pay 'the guy' to do it. Currently, my attic needs more flooring and I am dreading it. If only these brilliant southern contractors could solve the mystery of basement construction.
why pay someone else when you can do it yourself!
:thankyous Sals. This is very useful information. We lived in apartments in
the city until we bought this house. I guess you might say we are
remodeling newbies. We do love the house, the area, I love the decorating and we both love the gardening. It's getting something done or redone that is a pain. Your kind advice will help. :)
John Charles
09-26-07, 05:49 PM
why pay someone else when you can do it yourself!
Time. Craftsmanship. Less Stress.
:thankyous Sals. This is very useful information. We lived in apartments in
the city until we bought this house. I guess you might say we are
remodeling newbies. We do love the house, the area, I love the decorating and we both love the gardening. It's getting something done or redone that is a pain. Your kind advice will help. :)
heres my nickels worth of free advice. no matter how much you plan, any given project will take twice as long and 50% more than you think!
actually, the older the house, the amount of time and money increases. we have discovered MANY hidden surprises behind old walls here.
Time. Craftsmanship. Less Stress.
well, just to put it into prospective, my kitchen cost us $6,000 to remodel completly (except new fridge and stove).
the lowest quote we got for paying someone to do the job:
$11,000
Time. Craftsmanship. Less Stress.
heres my nickels worth of free advice. no matter how much you plan, any given project will take twice as long and 50% more than you think!
actually, the older the house, the amount of time and money increases. we have discovered MANY hidden surprises behind old walls here.
well, just to put it into prospective, my kitchen cost us $6,000 to remodel completly (except new fridge and stove).
the lowest quote we got for paying someone to do the job:
$11,000
True about the surprise factor and the cost savings but as Clint Eastwood said, "A man's got to know his limitations".
Home remodeling is not for everyone. i don't care how much HGTV you watch, you could be getting in way over your head and have a resultant disaster.
And by the way, don't watch HGTV or any other HowTo show....they're usually oversimplifying and wrong, wrong, wrong....
Sals
John Charles
09-26-07, 11:03 PM
I love that you used a Clint Eastwood quote in a thread about remodeling!
*throws insulation*
True about the surprise factor and the cost savings but as Clint Eastwood said, "A man's got to know his limitations".
Home remodeling is not for everyone. i don't care how much HGTV you watch, you could be getting in way over your head and have a resultant disaster.
And by the way, don't watch HGTV or any other HowTo show....they're usually oversimplifying and wrong, wrong, wrong....
Sals
to be honest, i didnt even own a hammer before buying this house. i didnt know black to brass or 16" OC. i knew nothing. i just jumped in hear first, asked ALOT of questions and had some help from my dad and father in law.
i guess its one of those things where you have it or you dont...
time is a river
09-27-07, 02:58 PM
Remodeling, bah! Right now I am waiting for the guys to come and start sanding my house before repainting it. They SAID they would be here today. Now I am concerned that they won't be able to paint until it gets cold, and people told me that the paint does not stick then. And next I have to fill out this indecipherable form in order to get a permit to demolish my garage.
I am not cut out for this. I am better at more contemplative pursuits.
Remodeling, bah! Right now I am waiting for the guys to come and start sanding my house before repainting it. They SAID they would be here today. Now I am concerned that they won't be able to paint until it gets cold, and people told me that the paint does not stick then. And next I have to fill out this indecipherable form in order to get a permit to demolish my garage.
I am not cut out for this. I am better at more contemplative pursuits.
50 degrees minimum all day and all night and reasonable humidity....don't let them tell you they have paint rated for lower temps. It's out there but unproven as far as good painters are concerned. The problems from painting in too cold a temp won't be apparent until maybe next year and then you have little recourse.
Maybe you can get through one more winter and schedule it for the spring...are you doing trim? siding? how bad is the peeling, etc?
Sals
sculpey
09-27-07, 11:09 PM
We just moved into our circa 1890 farm house and thank god it had been in the same family for almost fifty years, so all we're going to be doing for now is some minor touching up.
I have learned the southern school of exterior painting, which seems to be avoid sanding at all costs and apply the paint as thickly as is humanly possible.
the house we own is circa 1890 as well, but it had already been pretty bastardized when we bought it. there was no bringing it back to its origional condition, so everything is modernized. we put vinyl siding and out sheet metal over all the door and window trim.
I know what sculpey is talking about! They even paint over old blisters and all the flakes! Really attractive! And, lasts forever! :rotfl:
time is a river
09-28-07, 07:27 PM
50 degrees minimum all day and all night and reasonable humidity....don't let them tell you they have paint rated for lower temps. It's out there but unproven as far as good painters are concerned. The problems from painting in too cold a temp won't be apparent until maybe next year and then you have little recourse.
Maybe you can get through one more winter and schedule it for the spring...are you doing trim? siding? how bad is the peeling, etc?
Sals
Thanks, Sals. This got me thinking, and I looked around on the internet to find out more too. Monday it is October. It is already getting below 50 some nights. So today I told the guy forget it, he can do it in the spring. The paint is peeling pretty bad, but I don't have to look at it too much. I'm going to be inside the house!
When do you think they can start in the spring? I am supposed to be out of town in June. I hope this guy really will do it. What I have found out is that you cannot rely on what these people say.
Sigh. See what I mean? Not too good at home remodeling.
Thanks, Sals. This got me thinking, and I looked around on the internet to find out more too. Monday it is October. It is already getting below 50 some nights. So today I told the guy forget it, he can do it in the spring. The paint is peeling pretty bad, but I don't have to look at it too much. I'm going to be inside the house!
When do you think they can start in the spring? I am supposed to be out of town in June. I hope this guy really will do it. What I have found out is that you cannot rely on what these people say.
Sigh. See what I mean? Not too good at home remodeling.
I live in Pa and there may be some days in March but most of the outside painters I know wait till mid April..May is ideal and gets it done before you go away.
Outside painters have schedules that are always affected by the weather and how much they drank that day at lunch (kidding, sort of).
Where did you find this painter? Neighbors? Paint store referral? Yellow pages?
And how bad is the peeling? Showing bare wood or old paint under the loose stuff? And is it trim, doors and windows or siding that's made of wood and needs painting?
I know what you mean about not being able to rely on what you're told...but you have to know where to look for a good painter. Drive by the local shot and beer joint between 3-5 pm and read the signs on trucks in the lot.
Then don't hire any of them.
More later...
Sals
I live in Pa and there may be some days in March but most of the outside painters I know wait till mid April..May is ideal and gets it done before you go away.
Outside painters have schedules that are always affected by the weather and how much they drank that day at lunch (kidding, sort of).
Where did you find this painter? Neighbors? Paint store referral? Yellow pages?
And how bad is the peeling? Showing bare wood or old paint under the loose stuff? And is it trim, doors and windows or siding that's made of wood and needs painting?
I know what you mean about not being able to rely on what you're told...but you have to know where to look for a good painter. Drive by the local shot and beer joint between 3-5 pm and read the signs on trucks in the lot.
Then don't hire any of them.
More later...
Sals
we hired out our roof a few years ago. every day as i got home and they were leaving i noticed they had a cooler. i just assumed it was their lunch. then one day i came home midday to see them sitting up on the roof drinking beer! now i know what was in their cooler!
needless to say, they didnt finish the job. it wasnt their choice, though.
time is a river
09-29-07, 12:34 AM
I live in Pa and there may be some days in March but most of the outside painters I know wait till mid April..May is ideal and gets it done before you go away.
Outside painters have schedules that are always affected by the weather and how much they drank that day at lunch (kidding, sort of).
Where did you find this painter? Neighbors? Paint store referral? Yellow pages?
And how bad is the peeling? Showing bare wood or old paint under the loose stuff? And is it trim, doors and windows or siding that's made of wood and needs painting?
I know what you mean about not being able to rely on what you're told...but you have to know where to look for a good painter. Drive by the local shot and beer joint between 3-5 pm and read the signs on trucks in the lot.
Then don't hire any of them.
More later...
Sals
No, these painters are good. They are doing my neighbors' house right now and I can see them work. They were supposed to do mine right after, but they took a lot longer with my neighbors' house than they thought they would, or said they would at least. The month of May is great. If they come May 1 and start doing the sanding, maybe they can even have the place painted by June 1! But now I have to see if they do come May 1.
The bad parts are in the back of the house, on the wood shingles. It is peeling and you can see patches of wood underneath
time is a river
10-02-07, 06:43 PM
Ack. So where are you, all my remodelers? I went to the township today to get a permit to take down my crumbling garage. I can't believe what they want me to do: get the phone company to write and swear there is no phone in there, have someone come and set out traps for animals, and on and on--oh, and write to all the neighbors about it. Was I a fool for going to get a permit? Right now I feel like just letting the damn thing rot to the ground.
Ack. So where are you, all my remodelers? I went to the township today to get a permit to take down my crumbling garage. I can't believe what they want me to do: get the phone company to write and swear there is no phone in there, have someone come and set out traps for animals, and on and on--oh, and write to all the neighbors about it. Was I a fool for going to get a permit? Right now I feel like just letting the damn thing rot to the ground.
Well, it's too late now, you have a spotlight on you.
Whatever you do, try to always be nice to the inspectors. No one can make your life more miserable than a building inspector except possibly one you married.
The phone thing sounds easy. The trapping thing....will they let you do it yourself? A groundhog sized trap is about $40 at Home Depot. You'll catch something, even if it wasn't living in your garage. Maybe that will satisfy their little check box on the little form they need to file.
The neighbors shouldn't object so that's not too hard.
It's hard to get away with doing things without a permit but I do it as much as possible.
Anytime you ask permission to do something you risk the answer being "no"....so play it safe and don't ask.
Sorry Time, I know how you feel. I really do !!
Sals
ISLANDLEA
10-02-07, 10:51 PM
hi, I make it my bussiness to 'get to know' county inspectors > problem solved ! ...lea :D
Ack. So where are you, all my remodelers? I went to the township today to get a permit to take down my crumbling garage. I can't believe what they want me to do: get the phone company to write and swear there is no phone in there, have someone come and set out traps for animals, and on and on--oh, and write to all the neighbors about it. Was I a fool for going to get a permit? Right now I feel like just letting the damn thing rot to the ground.
pulling permits (or lack there of) is something that can haunt you waaaaaay down the road. un permitted work can be a serious pain if you ever go to sell a house and they find out work has been done without one.
inspectors can be hit or miss... at least where i am. the elec insp i use is known for finding EVERY last detail. i like him because i know i am getting the job done right. there are times where i wish i hadnt used him, like having to move a smoke detector 2 inches in a finished ceiling.... but in the end i know its alot safer than the insp who just drives by the house and signs on the dotted line for $100.
hi, I make it my bussiness to 'get to know' county inspectors > problem solved ! ...lea :D
hmmm
sculpey
10-05-07, 03:05 AM
I've used the same contractor for years. We try to play by the rules, but sometimes we break them to play by them. If that makes sense.
ISLANDLEA
10-05-07, 05:32 AM
hi, makes perfect sense to me,, but my contractors > they keep getting deported :rolleyez:...lea
time is a river
10-08-07, 06:26 PM
Update: called my pest control company and they are going to come and lay traps. But the biggest pain is that I have to get some company to certify that there is no asbestos, and that is a long drawn-out and expensive process.
Sigh. But now I am getting determined. I look at the garage and think how ugly is it. Back to the telephone!
asbestos is absolutly 100% really horrible to deal with. it is a very expensive thing to deal with. thank heaven the insulation in the house we are/were remodeling is NOT asbestos... otherwise a do it yourself weekend warrior project on a budget would quickly escalade!
time is a river
10-14-07, 01:31 AM
Well the asbestos tester guy came and he was a sweetheart. So now I am waiting for the results of the test.
The more serious thing now is that the phone and gas and electric company have to document that there is no service to my garage (duh!) and they won't do it--or in the case of the phone company won't answer their phone.
So: mission not accomplished.
marshall2u
10-14-07, 07:58 AM
Well, it's too late now, you have a spotlight on you.
It's hard to get away with doing things without a permit but I do it as much as possible.
Anytime you ask permission to do something you risk the answer being "no"....so play it safe and don't ask.
Sals
pulling permits (or lack there of) is something that can haunt you waaaaaay down the road. un permitted work can be a serious pain if you ever go to sell a house and they find out work has been done without one.
When it comes to altering structures on your property without a permit, just ONE word: Satellite pictures. (freakin' stupid technology)
hi, I make it my bussiness to 'get to know' county inspectors > problem solved ! ...lea :D
Hmmmm......
Well the asbestos tester guy came and he was a sweetheart. So now I am waiting for the results of the test.
The more serious thing now is that the phone and gas and electric company have to document that there is no service to my garage (duh!) and they won't do it--or in the case of the phone company won't answer their phone.
So: mission not accomplished.
asbestos is sooooo not fun. luckily we did not have any, so we are good. some of our trim tested positive for lead, but i took the chance of demo'ing it myself witha good resperator... those demo crews for asbestos and lead are expensive!
When it comes to altering structures on your property without a permit, just ONE word: Satellite pictures. (freakin' stupid technology)
Hmmmm......
its not only that, but alot of banks now are requiring "construction background checks", they start with the orig blueprints, then look at all permits issued and cross reference everything. if they find unpermited work, the deal is off.
check out this link, its to another site i frequent about remodeling... the great debate...
to permit or not to permit...
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/remodel/msg0310171627537.html?52
melostmo
10-19-07, 07:05 PM
my recent 'remodling'
remodling a garden spot
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-4/987942/excavation.JPG
Interesting definition you picked out!
Does your garden look a lot like Island Lea's?
my recent 'remodling'
remodling a garden spot
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-4/987942/excavation.JPG
wow. most people just use a shovel and a hoe. maybe a gas powered tiller.
you dont mess around, do you.
kinda like using a bazooka to kill a fly!
melostmo
10-23-07, 06:23 PM
Does your garden look a lot like Island Lea's?
:rolleyez:
*trick question ?*
let me ask her
*yells*
Island
*louder*
ISLAND
hhmm, she's not answering :)
wow. most people just use a shovel and a hoe. maybe a gas powered tiller.
you dont mess around, do you.
kinda like using a bazooka to kill a fly![CLUCK U]
I usually don't 'mess around'
I like to put the big digger to work
bazooka ? - folks in these parts prefer "BIG GUNS"
progress:
http://h1.ripway.com/longjon/thumbnails/100_0199(2).JPG
time is a river
10-26-07, 01:43 AM
So, no asbestos was found. $200 please. Now it is something about waiting for my neighbors to get the letters that say I am taking down my ugly ass garage. And then if the phase of the moon is right, I might get a demo permit.
Meanwhile, on the bathroom remodel: they tore out the tile around the tub and all the wood behind it was rotting. So I just wait and wait with my only bathroom torn apart for it to stop raining so they can break in from the outside and replace the wood.
Sigh.
So, no asbestos was found. $200 please. Now it is something about waiting for my neighbors to get the letters that say I am taking down my ugly ass garage. And then if the phase of the moon is right, I might get a demo permit.
Meanwhile, on the bathroom remodel: they tore out the tile around the tub and all the wood behind it was rotting. So I just wait and wait with my only bathroom torn apart for it to stop raining so they can break in from the outside and replace the wood.
Sigh.
Wow Time, you have your hands full. If this was a movie, it would be the really funny part.
But it's not a movie and no one is laughing. Well, I'm not but these other yahoos might think it's amusing. Like Cluck. He's laughing, you can bet on it.
OK, trust me on this...it will all be over suddenly. Don't let it get you down. It's typical with things like this that just as you think it's never going to end, it's done and you're drying off after a shower with your new towels and your memory of the remodeling process has become very hazy.
Think of it as an adventure. And remember that adventures are never fun while you're having them.
Sals
(not laughing............possibly smirking)
So, no asbestos was found. $200 please. Now it is something about waiting for my neighbors to get the letters that say I am taking down my ugly ass garage. And then if the phase of the moon is right, I might get a demo permit.
Meanwhile, on the bathroom remodel: they tore out the tile around the tub and all the wood behind it was rotting. So I just wait and wait with my only bathroom torn apart for it to stop raining so they can break in from the outside and replace the wood.
Sigh.
we went 3 weeks without a bathroom last summer as we remodeled our only one... stayed 2 weeks at the inlaws and one week in the house using the restrooms at the store across the street and going somewhere else to shower...
but now we have a brand spankin new bathroom!
Wow Time, you have your hands full. If this was a movie, it would be the really funny part.
But it's not a movie and no one is laughing. Well, I'm not but these other yahoos might think it's amusing. Like Cluck. He's laughing, you can bet on it.
OK, trust me on this...it will all be over suddenly. Don't let it get you down. It's typical with things like this that just as you think it's never going to end, it's done and you're drying off after a shower with your new towels and your memory of the remodeling process has become very hazy.
Think of it as an adventure. And remember that adventures are never fun while you're having them.
Sals
(not laughing............possibly smirking)
i would only laugh because i have been through it. ive seen almost everything in remodeling... frankenstein work, rotted wood, brother in law falling from attic through ceiling, putting up a sheet of drywall backwords... etc...
sculpey
10-26-07, 11:41 PM
I had this brilliant idea the other day that except for some interior painting, I'm putting off remodeling till the spring. I'm smarter than I thought ;)
GimongousLostFan
10-29-07, 04:09 AM
This thread is kinda scary. I am hoping to remodel my house over the winter/spring months. I need wiring, sheetrock, paint outside, a really new and fabulous kitchen (please let me lose the stupid metal cabinets in there), and some serious insulation. (The stuff in the attic has been reduced to some sort of brown dust....)
How hard is this going to be for me/us (I use 'us' losely, my hubby is a deer hunter, and the season just started) to do while we still try to remain in the house???
Do I need to look for an apartment to stay in while we tear this place apart? Or, do I just need to put up plastic sheets in whatever room we are tearing sheetrock out of, and plan to eat out alot over the next six months??? You know, with the kitchen remodel and all.....
I am married to a hopeless do it yourselfer. (He's a procrastinating do it yourselfer) I know he will at least let me hire an electrician for the wiring, but as for the rest of it, well, we'll see......I think I am fixin to learn a lot about the taping and bedding of new sheetrock. Probably more than I ever wanted to know. Then there's the crown moulding I want.....
So, do I put all my life in storage and hire professionals? Or, do I put all my life in storage, learn to live without it for a while, and suck it up and learn to love remodeling??
I live in a 50+ year old house in the middle of Dallas. With the housing market in such a state of flux, I am afraid to just dump it (especially since we own it outright) and move to the suburbs...I seriously love the location. We are 20 minutes from anything here, and to get a decent deal in this area, I would have to move way out there...I would just like to fix this place the way I want it, and stay here until I die.....
Any thoughts, comments, suggestions?
This thread is kinda scary. I am hoping to remodel my house over the winter/spring months. I need wiring, sheetrock, paint outside, a really new and fabulous kitchen (please let me lose the stupid metal cabinets in there), and some serious insulation. (The stuff in the attic has been reduced to some sort of brown dust....)
How hard is this going to be for me/us (I use 'us' losely, my hubby is a deer hunter, and the season just started) to do while we still try to remain in the house???
Do I need to look for an apartment to stay in while we tear this place apart? Or, do I just need to put up plastic sheets in whatever room we are tearing sheetrock out of, and plan to eat out alot over the next six months??? You know, with the kitchen remodel and all.....
I am married to a hopeless do it yourselfer. (He's a procrastinating do it yourselfer) I know he will at least let me hire an electrician for the wiring, but as for the rest of it, well, we'll see......I think I am fixin to learn a lot about the taping and bedding of new sheetrock. Probably more than I ever wanted to know. Then there's the crown moulding I want.....
So, do I put all my life in storage and hire professionals? Or, do I put all my life in storage, learn to live without it for a while, and suck it up and learn to love remodeling??
I live in a 50+ year old house in the middle of Dallas. With the housing market in such a state of flux, I am afraid to just dump it (especially since we own it outright) and move to the suburbs...I seriously love the location. We are 20 minutes from anything here, and to get a decent deal in this area, I would have to move way out there...I would just like to fix this place the way I want it, and stay here until I die.....
Any thoughts, comments, suggestions?
What's wrong with the existing sheetrock? Why do you need to remove it? Are you sure it's sheetrock and not plaster?
If the only problem with your walls is that they're beat up beyond repair, it's easier to go over them with 3/8" rock rather than tear out and replace.
You can even do this with ceilings but also add some glue since 3/8 will eventually sag if only attached with screws.
I would suggest hanging the rock yourselves and hiring a taper and finisher. Then you can do your own painting. Nobody does their own taping and sanding. Even people who are very good at it (like me) hire crews because it's dirty, boring and just hard on the shoulders. Hiring that portion of the job out doesn't take away from the "I did it myself" aspect.
And you can live through a kitchen remodel.
Sals
This thread is kinda scary. I am hoping to remodel my house over the winter/spring months. I need wiring, sheetrock, paint outside, a really new and fabulous kitchen (please let me lose the stupid metal cabinets in there), and some serious insulation. (The stuff in the attic has been reduced to some sort of brown dust....)
How hard is this going to be for me/us (I use 'us' losely, my hubby is a deer hunter, and the season just started) to do while we still try to remain in the house???
Do I need to look for an apartment to stay in while we tear this place apart? Or, do I just need to put up plastic sheets in whatever room we are tearing sheetrock out of, and plan to eat out alot over the next six months??? You know, with the kitchen remodel and all.....
I am married to a hopeless do it yourselfer. (He's a procrastinating do it yourselfer) I know he will at least let me hire an electrician for the wiring, but as for the rest of it, well, we'll see......I think I am fixin to learn a lot about the taping and bedding of new sheetrock. Probably more than I ever wanted to know. Then there's the crown moulding I want.....
So, do I put all my life in storage and hire professionals? Or, do I put all my life in storage, learn to live without it for a while, and suck it up and learn to love remodeling??
I live in a 50+ year old house in the middle of Dallas. With the housing market in such a state of flux, I am afraid to just dump it (especially since we own it outright) and move to the suburbs...I seriously love the location. We are 20 minutes from anything here, and to get a decent deal in this area, I would have to move way out there...I would just like to fix this place the way I want it, and stay here until I die.....
Any thoughts, comments, suggestions?
trust me when i say this that even if you plastic parts of the house off, they WILL GET DUSTY!
we have remodeled about 80% of our house, and it has been the same everytime. if you can live with it, stay. the only times we "moved out" for a remodel was:
bathroom: complete gut job, was supposed to take 2 weeks, took 3 1/2. we lived with the in laws for the first 2 weeks, and once we had a toilet moved back in and showered at the inlaws.
kitchen: again, complete gut, was supposed to take 3 weeks, took almost 5. we lived with the in laws for the first week because we had the main water shut off to redo some plumbing in the basement while we were at it.
to get to the laundry room, we had to bring the laundry outside and come back in through the door on the other side of the house. we had a makeshift kitchen in the living room of a toaster oven, micro and we moved our fridge into there as well. we ate sandwiches and ramen noodles for a month.
DIY remodeling is not for the weak at heart... it takes time, patience and money.
What's wrong with the existing sheetrock? Why do you need to remove it? Are you sure it's sheetrock and not plaster?
If the only problem with your walls is that they're beat up beyond repair, it's easier to go over them with 3/8" rock rather than tear out and replace.
You can even do this with ceilings but also add some glue since 3/8 will eventually sag if only attached with screws.
I would suggest hanging the rock yourselves and hiring a taper and finisher. Then you can do your own painting. Nobody does their own taping and sanding. Even people who are very good at it (like me) hire crews because it's dirty, boring and just hard on the shoulders. Hiring that portion of the job out doesn't take away from the "I did it myself" aspect.
And you can live through a kitchen remodel.
Sals
i agree with sals that if you can salvage the drywall, do it. if you need to rewire, just cut a 12" channel in the sheetrock along the line where your outlets are going to be. its easier/cheaper to patch that channel then to re rock the whole room. even if it is plaster, you can get away with rocking over it if you DONT need to insulate the walls. we had to insulate, so EVERYTHING came out. if you plan to tear out lath and plaster, your disposal fees will be OUTRAGOUS! plaster is incredibly heavy, and will cost a small fortune at the dump.
example: i just remodeled a 10X10 bedroom with lath and plaster, and tore it ALL out. to dispose of plaster and everything else that is not burnable (i burn all the wood at my inlaws) was $250... remember the room was only 10x10.
just food for thought.
DreaminLost
10-30-07, 12:41 AM
Sals, I want to jump in here and ask an off topic paint question. What brand of paint do you recommend? We're getting ready to repaint the entire first floor, and I love Latte by Sherwin Williams. Flower Pot red for the dining room.
What do you think?
Sals, I want to jump in here and ask an off topic paint question. What brand of paint do you recommend? We're getting ready to repaint the entire first floor, and I love Latte by Sherwin Williams. Flower Pot red for the dining room.
What do you think?
Hey Dreamin...As an acroos the board recommendation, Benjamin Moore Regal Eggshell for walls, Regal flat for ceilings, Regal SemiGloss for woodwork.
Ben Moore just went to a new formulation which is great but now their formulas for competitors colors are not quite right.
You can try to find a BM color that matches both of those (it should be easy, BM has 3000 colors, SW 900.
But if you really like those colors you can use SW paint...get their top of the line...I forget what they call it Superpaint, I think...in the appropriate finishes.
You can also get SW colors at MAB or Duron stores since SW just bought both of them...and I think MAB and Duron paints are better than SW.
My fan decks are in the truck, I'll look at those colors tomorrow and get back to you about that. That red, if it's the kind of red I think it is, will probably need a tinted primer under it or you'll be painting 5 coats of it.:)
See ya later.....Sals
DreaminLost
10-30-07, 02:54 AM
Thanks, Sals!
Just off the top of your head, do you have a recommendation for a nice, warm, tannish color that you've seen and liked? Our style is Old World.
I like Latte, but it's hard to know how it'll look. We've got super high ceilings and lots of sunlight.
Thanks.
One more thing, what about nitches? Should they be the same color as the surrounding wall or darker to set it off?
Frecklestoo
10-30-07, 04:09 AM
We just started a major renovation of our downstairs bathroom(gutted down the the studs) AND our kitchen at the SAME TIME!!!! I've spent the last 2 days ripping up floor and tearing down cabinets. It's a great stress reliever...but I can't WAIT until it's done....I'm already exhausted.:rolleyez:
time is a river
10-30-07, 12:53 PM
This thread is kinda scary. I am hoping to remodel my house over the winter/spring months. I need wiring, sheetrock, paint outside, a really new and fabulous kitchen (please let me lose the stupid metal cabinets in there), and some serious insulation. (The stuff in the attic has been reduced to some sort of brown dust....)
How hard is this going to be for me/us (I use 'us' losely, my hubby is a deer hunter, and the season just started) to do while we still try to remain in the house???
Do I need to look for an apartment to stay in while we tear this place apart? Or, do I just need to put up plastic sheets in whatever room we are tearing sheetrock out of, and plan to eat out alot over the next six months??? You know, with the kitchen remodel and all.....
I am married to a hopeless do it yourselfer. (He's a procrastinating do it yourselfer) I know he will at least let me hire an electrician for the wiring, but as for the rest of it, well, we'll see......I think I am fixin to learn a lot about the taping and bedding of new sheetrock. Probably more than I ever wanted to know. Then there's the crown moulding I want.....
So, do I put all my life in storage and hire professionals? Or, do I put all my life in storage, learn to live without it for a while, and suck it up and learn to love remodeling??
I live in a 50+ year old house in the middle of Dallas. With the housing market in such a state of flux, I am afraid to just dump it (especially since we own it outright) and move to the suburbs...I seriously love the location. We are 20 minutes from anything here, and to get a decent deal in this area, I would have to move way out there...I would just like to fix this place the way I want it, and stay here until I die.....
Any thoughts, comments, suggestions?
I am in the middle of a minor remodeling. Yesterday they put up tile around the bathtub, after practically replacing the wall behind it due to water damage. And they ran out of tile. So now we have to wait until Wednesday to get more tile.
My recommendation: whether you do it yourself or get a contractor: make sure you have all the new items before you start: cabinets, lights, plumbing fixtures, tile (and count right). It is amazing how long it takes to get some stuff. It is going to take 5 weeks to get the bathroom vanity I want. And if you discover this in a middle of the job, well, that is just longer to wait for it to be done.
I would think to do this yourself you would have to be super organized. I am too much of a perfectionist myself. It would take me hours to do something simple. I mean, I would ask myself, is this tile really straight? What should it line up with? What does it all really mean, anyway? You get the picture.
Thanks, Sals!
Just off the top of your head, do you have a recommendation for a nice, warm, tannish color that you've seen and liked? Our style is Old World.
I like Latte, but it's hard to know how it'll look. We've got super high ceilings and lots of sunlight.
Thanks.
One more thing, what about nitches? Should they be the same color as the surrounding wall or darker to set it off?
I looked at Latte. I like it but you should know it's a little grey and has green in it too. Not sure about it with Flower Pot either.
Check out BM 1204 Onondaga Clay for a red alternative. Or if you want a more Teracotta looking red HC-50 Georgian Brick. 1300 Tucson Red and 1301 Spanish Red also. But I do like Flower Pot....if you want red more than teracotta
For your all over tan or taupe try HC-43, very neutral, HC-37 Mystic Gold (goldish..duh) or HC-41 Richmond Gold....With HC-41, you could use HC-40 Greenfield Pumpkin in your nitches (damn, that sounds dirty). That's a good combo. Greenfield is a strong color and is a great accent.
Do you have a 2 story wall, maybe a fireplace wall that could serve as an accent wall? It should be the focal wall of the room with lots of windows and the fireplace....that would be a good wall for the HC-40 accent.
Or you could just pick your nitches :D to accent. (Focus Sals, focus).
I could give you more but go and get chips of those colors and when you narrow it down a bit, get sample jars (nor all colors avail in jars) or sample quarts and some white poster board. Paint the boards at least 2 coats, and look at them together and in diff light and against diff walls. Then tell me what you think.
When you've picked your wall colors, I'll help you with a ceiling color and trim color. You don't want bright white with colors like these, you need warmth in a trim white and some color on the ceilings.
Sample jars are in eggshell finish any quarts you buy should be also. You should use eggshell for the walls. do NOT let them talk you into Matte. It's a horrible finish...NO MATTE!!!!
Ceilings flat finish, woodwork semigloss....all in the REGAL line.
OK, you have your assignment:)
Sals
DreaminLost
10-31-07, 12:34 AM
Holy cow.
Mr. Dreamin has invited all his firm's partners and their wives to our house for a Christmas party. I need to get all this done before then. Yikes.
Thanks tons, Sals. I'll get to work.
DreaminLost
10-31-07, 12:42 AM
For your all over tan or taupe try HC-43, very neutral, HC-37 Mystic Gold (goldish..duh) or HC-41 Richmond Gold....With HC-41, you could use HC-40 Greenfield Pumpkin in your nitches (damn, that sounds dirty). That's a good combo. Greenfield is a strong color and is a great accent.
Okay now, are these all Benjamin Moore colors? And where do they sell BM paint? Home Depot, Lowes?
Okay now, are these all Benjamin Moore colors? And where do they sell BM paint? Home Depot, Lowes?
Yes, they're all Benj Moore colors. Do you have anyone to help you? Do you have ladders? You said you had high ceilings....did you mean two story fam room of foyer?
Are you sure you can do this? If your house is as I picture it (maybe I'm wrong about it's size)...the first floor would take me 7 days with 3 painters.
Foyer, Family room, Living, Dining, Kitchen, Powder, Study...maybe conservatory or sunroom too, bridge.....
And if not, why the hell isn't it?:D
Ben Moore isn't at Home Centers. You can't get good paint at a Home Center. Any Home Center.
Find a Ben Moore store:
http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps.portal;jsessionid=MkXsHnQD9cb1LYx1nhR02pNFNpq 2x1tX1kxc2j2YK2B2J8kjhRnS!-1856368627?_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=sidebarportlet_1_13&sidebarportlet_1_13_actionOverride=%2Fbm%2Fcms%2FC ontentRenderer%2FselectSideBarArticle&sidebarportlet_1_13NodeUUID=%2FBEA+Repository%2F28 013&_pageLabel=fh_footer_hiddenPage
Sals
We just started a major renovation of our downstairs bathroom(gutted down the the studs) AND our kitchen at the SAME TIME!!!! I've spent the last 2 days ripping up floor and tearing down cabinets. It's a great stress reliever...but I can't WAIT until it's done....I'm already exhausted.:rolleyez:
the demo is fun for the first few days, but when you are ripping out lath and plaster it loses its luster when you have to start pulling all the nails out of the studs and all the dust it creates!
Holy cow.
Mr. Dreamin has invited all his firm's partners and their wives to our house for a Christmas party. I need to get all this done before then. Yikes.
Thanks tons, Sals. I'll get to work.
nothing like working on a deadline!
DreaminLost
10-31-07, 02:38 PM
Goodness no. I couldn't do it myself. Scaffoling will be needed and there are staircases to traverse...
I've got the name of a paint co that a friend used and liked. I'll call him today.
And I'll ask him to bring the Benji Moore paint chips so I can take a look.
Thanks so much for all your help, Sals. :)
DreaminLost
10-31-07, 02:41 PM
nothing like working on a deadline!
True! But at least it's making me get my rear in gear.
GimongousLostFan
11-04-07, 03:57 AM
What's wrong with the existing sheetrock? Why do you need to remove it? Are you sure it's sheetrock and not plaster?
I think that what is here is the original sheetrock (yes, sheetrock, not plaster, thank goodness). It's very brittle and dry. Removal is definitely necessary.
You can even do this with ceilings but also add some glue since 3/8 will eventually sag if only attached with screws.
So, this is gluing along the rest of the line where the screws go?
I would suggest hanging the rock yourselves and hiring a taper and finisher. Then you can do your own painting. Nobody does their own taping and sanding. Even people who are very good at it (like me) hire crews because it's dirty, boring and just hard on the shoulders.
Thank you! *looks up tapers and finishers in the phone book* My shoulders have a hard enough time as it is. Hanging the sheetrock sounds simple. Not so much. Your house may LOOK square to the casual observer, but turns out not to be so when you're trying to hang sheetrock. Things don't match up. Pretty soon you have noticeable gaps between the top of the sheetrock and the ceiling (hence my wish for crown moulding). Is this just my house? We put up new walls in the bedroom a couple years ago and had some issues about the room being square...
And you can live through a kitchen remodel.
Are you sure??
I think that what is here is the original sheetrock (yes, sheetrock, not plaster, thank goodness). It's very brittle and dry. Removal is definitely necessary.
OK then...have at it!!
So, this is gluing along the rest of the line where the screws go?
Just buy some construction adhesive to load in a caulk gun and run zig zag lines over the back. You want lines of glue in the areas between the screw lines. You don't need total coverage just some support here and there so you don't get bellies hanging down between the ceiling joists. Just be sure your sheet is cut to fit (do a dry test first) so you don't have to take the sheet down to trim it after you've applied glue.
Thank you! *looks up tapers and finishers in the phone book* My shoulders have a hard enough time as it is. Hanging the sheetrock sounds simple. Not so much. Your house may LOOK square to the casual observer, but turns out not to be so when you're trying to hang sheetrock. Things don't match up. Pretty soon you have noticeable gaps between the top of the sheetrock and the ceiling (hence my wish for crown moulding). Is this just my house? We put up new walls in the bedroom a couple years ago and had some issues about the room being square...
It's not just your house. Part of the skill of hanging drywall or wallpaper or moulding is dealing with out of square conditions.
You could cover those gaps with crown molding but then you have to know how to cut it and finesse it into position, conform it to uneven ceiling lines, cheat it straight, etc.
Buy a lot of caulk.
Are you sure??
Sure.
Well, maybe. Easy for me to say, huh!!!
Good luck!!
Sals
Frecklestoo
11-04-07, 06:57 PM
the demo is fun for the first few days, but when you are ripping out lath and plaster it loses its luster when you have to start pulling all the nails out of the studs and all the dust it creates!
nothing like working on a deadline!My house is like a dust bowl right now. I've been spackling and sanding the kitchen ceiling. My husband walked in and laughed at me and said I look like I've been snorting coke because I have white powder all over my face and two lines going up my nose from breathing in the dust.:rolleyez:
My house is like a dust bowl right now. I've been spackling and sanding the kitchen ceiling. My husband walked in and laughed at me and said I look like I've been snorting coke because I have white powder all over my face and two lines going up my nose from breathing in the dust.:rolleyez:
Now that's what I call a good marriage.
That dust is insidious. You'll probably find it in the farthest room. I gotta hand it to you Freck, you're tackling what is to me, the most unpleasant job there is in remodeling. One that I distance myself from. I won't even go to the job until the sanding is done and the dust cleaned up.
But that's my secret....I use the "I've been sanding" excuse to explain the dust under my nose all the time....or I used to anyway.:)
Talk to me before you paint.
Sals
Frecklestoo
11-04-07, 09:20 PM
I've been spackle happy the past few days.....don't anyone bend over cuz I'll spackle any crack I see.:nanabobo:
island_maverick
11-04-07, 09:35 PM
Wow.
Frecklestoo
11-04-07, 10:16 PM
Wow.Wha???:nanabobo: Gotta crack that needs spackling?:D
when it comes to mudding, thats the only thing i WONT do. we always pay for someone to come in and do it, because it is one of those things that if its not done right it will ALWAYS show. the guy we usually use we make a deal on the price and we do the sanding.
i hate sanding the ceilings!
i hate sanding the ceilings!
I just found out the carpenter didn't sand one 12' wall at the job I'm going to tonight so now I Summer or Jerry have to sand it.
I'll be outside smoking.
Sals
melostmo
11-06-07, 05:59 PM
buddies helping to remodel http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/images/icons/icon5.gif
hide beer http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/images/icons/icon6.gif
Frecklestoo
11-06-07, 06:41 PM
buddies helping to remodel http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/images/icons/icon5.gif
hide beer http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/images/icons/icon6.gifBut isn't beer the best way to entice people to help?
I think it's a requirement.
Frecklestoo
11-10-07, 11:20 PM
Talk to me before you paint.
SalsI painted the friggin ceiling today.:mad: Have you ever had paint splatter into your eyes?:mad: I HATE HATE HATE painting ceilings....but I'm the only person I know who will actually do it without whining about it all day.:rolleyez:
I also primed the walls...that was much easier.
I painted the friggin ceiling today.:mad: Have you ever had paint splatter into your eyes?:mad: I HATE HATE HATE painting ceilings....but I'm the only person I know who will actually do it without whining about it all day.:rolleyez:
I also primed the walls...that was much easier.
I TOLD YOU to talk to me first.
You didn't have to have that happen. With the right tools, right paint, you can paint ceilings with no tarps, no spatter at all.
Just sayin'.:)
Sals
Frecklestoo
11-11-07, 01:21 AM
I TOLD YOU to talk to me first.
You didn't have to have that happen. With the right tools, right paint, you can paint ceilings with no tarps, no spatter at all.
Just sayin'.:)
SalsWell, I'm on the extra low budget painting program.:rolleyez: I used what I had on hand. I might paint the color tomorrow....any advice?
Well, I'm on the extra low budget painting program.:rolleyez: I used what I had on hand. I might paint the color tomorrow....any advice?
Is it flat or eggshell finish? Is it a strong color? is the primer you applied white? What's the nap of your roller? How big is your bush brush...brush. How big?
Your turn.
Sals
Frecklestoo
11-11-07, 01:51 AM
Is it flat or eggshell finish? Is it a strong color? is the primer you applied white? What's the nap of your roller? How big is your bush brush...brush. How big?
Your turn.
SalsThe primer is white. The wall color is like an earthy taupe color...haven't bought it yet...should I get flat or eggshell? The nap of my roller? It's for smooth surfaces. My bushbrush is about 2 inches...I roll as close to the wall as I can get and cut in after the walls are rolled. There isn't much wall space....we have cabinets on 2 walls and doorways on the other 2.....
The primer is white. The wall color is like an earthy taupe color...haven't bought it yet...should I get flat or eggshell? The nap of my roller? It's for smooth surfaces. My bushbrush is about 2 inches...I roll as close to the wall as I can get and cut in after the walls are rolled. There isn't much wall space....we have cabinets on 2 walls and doorways on the other 2.....
For a kitchen, you should use eggshell.
Cut first, roll, cut again, roll again.
Get your roller sleeve wet,that's it baby oh....*slaps self*
Before you roll, wet the sleeve and shake it out so it's damp. Do the same thing to the brush. This will reduce drag and make the paint smoother. Use a handle on the roller. A broomhandle will work and if you have one you don't have to reuse on the broom, cut it to about 3' long. This way you can roll floor to ceiling in one motion. Keep the tray on the floor, not on the ladder.
But cut and roll in the order I said. the cut shows less that way.
Taupe huh? Too bad you don't live closer. I would gladly give you all the paint you need. I have lots of taupes!!
Sals
Frecklestoo
11-11-07, 02:16 AM
Thanks Sals....I'll let ya know how it comes out!:)
Thanks Sals....I'll let ya know how it comes out!:)
Anytime my friend.....
Good luck:)
Sals
But isn't beer the best way to entice people to help?
its standard payment. pizza and beer can get someone to help you with just about any task at hand.
when we have a remodeling job going on, it usually costs 1/3 more with the added cost of food and booze to get people over to help.
they are usually willing to help with demo for free, though.
and when i have to move 20 sheets of rock up a flight of stairs, i lie. i would NEVER tell them thats what we are going to be doing... i say something fun, like demo or painting. then block in their car and make them do something compromising and take pics and blackmail them into it.
I painted the friggin ceiling today.:mad: Have you ever had paint splatter into your eyes?:mad: I HATE HATE HATE painting ceilings....but I'm the only person I know who will actually do it without whining about it all day.:rolleyez:
I also primed the walls...that was much easier.
the last house my father in law built we rented a sprayer. aside from sweating like a pic wearing that suit, it was 100 times easier than rolling!
I have a painting question :D
I have these retro metal cabinets in my kitchen. I love them, but they could use some sprucing up. I was wondering if they could be painted, and if so, what would be the best way to go about it. I'd appreciate any help. Thanks! :D
I have a painting question :D
I have these retro metal cabinets in my kitchen. I love them, but they could use some sprucing up. I was wondering if they could be painted, and if so, what would be the best way to go about it. I'd appreciate any help. Thanks! :D
Like these, Foxxie?
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/images/BBS_UserImages/TOPIC_5x/TOPIC_58/Thread1xxx/1056-GE_Kitchen_Cabinets.jpg
First clean them with TSP (ask at the paint store, don't go to a home center).
Are you willing to use oil base paint?
Prime them with an oil base primer. Cover Stain by Zinnser is great and fast drying.
Then apply oil finish paint in a satin or low luster sheen.
If you want to use latex paint, I can guide you through that but it won't hold up as good as oil.
If they've been repainted already, you should determine the finish..if you rub denatured alcohol on the finish and it softens, it's latex..no effect, it's oil. Rubbing alcohol works too....let me know.
I'll be more specific later...have to run.
One last thing....when you clean them with TSP, wear rubber gloves and an apron.
The gloves will protect your hands, TSP is harsh, and wear the apron, not to protect your clothes but just because I think rubber gloves and an apron is soooooo hot.
(sorry, meant to think that, not say it):)
Sals
azteclady
12-17-07, 02:14 PM
*taking notes*
:D
*taking notes*
:D
On the apron and gloves part?
:D
Sals
azteclady
12-17-07, 06:47 PM
*fluttering eyelashes*
Like these, Foxxie?
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/images/BBS_UserImages/TOPIC_5x/TOPIC_58/Thread1xxx/1056-GE_Kitchen_Cabinets.jpg
First clean them with TSP (ask at the paint store, don't go to a home center).
Are you willing to use oil base paint?
Prime them with an oil base primer. Cover Stain by Zinnser is great and fast drying.
Then apply oil finish paint in a satin or low luster sheen.
If you want to use latex paint, I can guide you through that but it won't hold up as good as oil.
If they've been repainted already, you should determine the finish..if you rub denatured alcohol on the finish and it softens, it's latex..no effect, it's oil. Rubbing alcohol works too....let me know.
I'll be more specific later...have to run.
One last thing....when you clean them with TSP, wear rubber gloves and an apron.
The gloves will protect your hands, TSP is harsh, and wear the apron, not to protect your clothes but just because I think rubber gloves and an apron is soooooo hot.
(sorry, meant to think that, not say it):)
Sals
I love you Sals! :D
Yep! Just like that! I'll let you know about the finish.....
*ties on apron*
*snaps on rubber gloves*
;)
I love you Sals! :D
Yep! Just like that! I'll let you know about the finish.....
*ties on apron*
*snaps on rubber gloves*
;)
*awaits further details*
*hopes apron has duckies on it*
That's right...duckies.
https://www.qartstudio.com.au/files/thumbnails/t_251.jpg
Sals
azteclady
12-18-07, 10:57 PM
Oh cute!
*awaits further details*
*hopes apron has duckies on it*
That's right...duckies.
https://www.qartstudio.com.au/files/thumbnails/t_251.jpg
Sals
How am I supposed to do my work and take pictures of myself if you don't leave the link where I can buy the cute duckie apron!? :p
Hey Sals! It's latex. :D
boy does that sound dirty!
Hey Sals! It's latex. :D
boy does that sound dirty!
YAY!!!
Look for a Benjamin Moore store, or Duron or Sherwin Williams in that order.
Pick a color, tell me what store it's from and I'll tell you what to buy.
You still need to clean it but maybe we can avoid using the TSP and you won't HAVE to wear the gloves.
But, ya know, ya still could.:D
Sals
Sals! :awwhug: You're the best! I'll let you know!
I'll wear the gloves either way, just for you! Plus I love the snap they make when you put them on. :D
OK, so there are no Benjamin Moore stores in my area, but there are some that sell Benjamin Moore paints. Will they work?
OK, so there are no Benjamin Moore stores in my area, but there are some that sell Benjamin Moore paints. Will they work?
Yes. As long as they're a Ben Moore dealer.
*hears snapping sounds*
Sals
Hey Sals! I'm leaning towards Hazy Blue...whatcha think? :D
Hey Sals! I'm leaning towards Hazy Blue...whatcha think? :D
Retro Foxxie!!
Did you do that on purpose or did you want a 50's look?
It goes with the 50's style cabinets, I like the green in it.
What color will the walls be? Maybe a yellow? Or are you not painting the walls?
Sals
I was going for the Retro. :D I liked the green in it as well. Thought it would go good with the cabinet style. The walls in the kitchen are already yellow, painted not that long ago. :D YAY!!!!
I was going for the Retro. :D I liked the green in it as well. Thought it would go good with the cabinet style. The walls in the kitchen are already yellow, painted not that long ago. :D YAY!!!!
I know interior designers who get paid $150 an hour to pick the colors you just picked.
Unless you're starting to paint tonight, I'll tell you later what you need to buy and do.
Good job kiddo.
Sals
Go Me!!! :D I'm so glad!! I think it's gonna look awsome when it's finished!
Nope..I don't think I'll be painting tonight, probably not for a couple weeks. Thanks for all you help! :awwhug:
For everyone else to see Foxxie's color choice.
2040-50 Hazy Blue
http://www.materials-world.com/paint-colors/benjamin_moore/images/Benjamin-Moore-Color-09.gif
Sals
azteclady
01-10-08, 08:34 PM
oooooohhhhhh pretty!
My dining room walls are painted a very similar color.
Ooooh! My Hazy Blue! YAY!! :D
Sals, you're the best, young man! ;) :awwhug:
*bows*
*back goes out*
Sals
Awwww! Looks like someone needs a massage!
Awwww! Looks like someone needs a massage!
*innocent look betrays inner satisfaction that fiendish plot is working*:D
Sals
azteclady
01-11-08, 01:26 AM
foxxie, I'll stand by in case he needs another one after you are done
*checks pulse while looking for paper bag*
Sals
Hey sals, how do you feel about painting with the color yellow?
Hey sals, how do you feel about painting with the color yellow?
Many yellows do not cover well. The pigments are expensive and not as opague as others.
The bright yellows always need a tinted primer. Usually an earthier, muddier yellow or a medium grey work best. But if you stare at bright yellow walls that you've put one coat of primer and two finish coats on, you'll still think you can see through it.
I like the look of many yellows. I hate applying most yellows.
And pinks....same deal.
Sals
Hey Sal, Congrats on your awards :Cheers:.
Hey Sal, Congrats on your awards :Cheers:.
Thanks Annie!!!
I may put them on my company shirts.
First I need company shirts though.
Sals
so back to remodeling...We are trying to put an addition onto our house. Got as far as architectual plans, which are great, but the builder came back with an estimate that seems unreasonable. Is it fine to take the plans to other builders for comparison. Is giving an estimate something they will just do for free? Excuse my ignorance please, we are not good at this stuff and haven't done anything to our house except finish the basement and hardwood flooring. The price per square foot on this addition seems out-of-hand, and in this economy shouldn't prices be more competitive?
Cat - what was the price per sq foot quote? I think I've heard to expect at least $150. (and that may have been a few years ago)
:rotfl: it came to $329!!!!!!!!!!! That's for a kitchen and dining room, but no appliances, cabinets, or countertops. What it does include is floors, specialty trim like beadboard & plank ceilings (but just the kind that comes in sheets - not anything high end) and lots of windows, some large. But it still seems unreasonable. And we can't afford the total so that sucks.
Catnap,
We had a deck replaced this summer and used the Service Magic (http://www.servicemagic.com/sem/category.Major-Remodels-Renovations.10223.html) website. We had prices all over the board, some were 2x the next. But the companies appeared to reputable and we eventually found the right fit for the right price. But the prices were all higher than we expected.
btw we saved a bit by doing the tear down myself.
Good luck.
Thanks Silver, I'll check it out! btw, that square foot price includes new kitchen addition, new dining room, a patio, and some columns/trim in another room. But still...idk, maybe we are looking at it in the wrong way. But all in all, the addition is going to come close to what we paid for the house 10 years ago!
Over $300 a sq foot??? I was going to say I'd heard up to $200/sq ft, and I thought that was high! Definitely get other bids. Ask around to see if anyone has a contractor they loved.
If you were near Philly I'm sure Sals knows a guy who could help you.
btw, did you get an itemized quote? (at least by project - deck, kitchen, addition, etc...)
They sort of lumped together the build out/patio/trim, windows, floor, etc. for a grand total, then added allowances for cabinets, counter tops, and appliances.
I have a friend that used the same architect but had to go with a builder other than their original due to costs. And they were pleased so I think we'll give him a call. The thing is, my husband knows this builder (the high cost one) personally and so we feel weird. He has attending meetings, etc. We just can't afford what he's saying. Apparently he's expensive.
They sort of lumped together the build out/patio/trim, windows, floor, etc. for a grand total, then added allowances for cabinets, counter tops, and appliances.
I have a friend that used the same architect but had to go with a builder other than their original due to costs. And they were pleased so I think we'll give him a call. The thing is, my husband knows this builder (the high cost one) personally and so we feel weird. He has attending meetings, etc. We just can't afford what he's saying. Apparently he's expensive.
Cat, get a quote from the other guy. Make sure you describe the job the same way and that he is quoting identical materials, labor, etc. Let him refer to your drawings so he knows the specs.
Once you have another quote you'll have a better idea of just how expensive the first guy is.....it could be that you were way off in what you thought it was going to cost.
I know it's a complicated job and a quote takes time and when you tell guy #2 he didn't get the job and he realizes you were just using him to verify the first bid, his anger will be tempered by the $100 you give him for his time.
And if he is a lot cheaper and you feel you have to go with him for price reasons, tell the first builder exactly why you feel you must take the other bid. Maybe he'll come down, maybe he'll explain to you why you should hire him anyway, why he is better and worth the added cost.
But no one would begrudge you saving money...or should..and his disappointment will be tempered by the (oh man, $100 ain't enough for what this guy's gone through)....you're on your own here, kiddo.
http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/images/icons/icon12.gif
Sals
Oh Lordy. That's what I was afraid of. So you think it's OK to at least offer some money for their time? Or is preparing bids just a part of doing business?
Sals is in the biz, so he would know better, but I wouldn't think to offer money for an estimate - I assume that cost is built into the person's overhead. But maybe an estimate for a remodel is different. You get estimates for paint jobs, car work, yard work, etc. and don't pay someone you don't hire.
Oh Lordy. That's what I was afraid of. So you think it's OK to at least offer some money for their time? Or is preparing bids just a part of doing business?
Sals is in the biz, so he would know better, but I wouldn't think to offer money for an estimate - I assume that cost is built into the person's overhead. But maybe an estimate for a remodel is different. You get estimates for paint jobs, car work, yard work, etc. and don't pay someone you don't hire.
The type of estimates mom mentioned are quick and easy and no one expects compensation for those.
But if someone puts hours into a proposal AND you are using him for a second bid...in other words, the only way you might use him is if he's ridiculously cheaper...then it only seems right to give him something for his time.
Like a consolation prize.
Sals
The type of estimates mom mentioned are quick and easy and no one expects compensation for those.
But if someone puts hours into a proposal AND you are using him for a second bid...in other words, the only way you might use him is if he's ridiculously cheaper...then it only seems right to give him something for his time.
Like a consolation prize.
Sals
That makes sense to me.
Actually, I don't know how much effort our first (expensive) guy put into it. It (the proposal) pretty much said "allowances for countertops, appliances, cabinets =$xxxxx. Everything else: $yyyyy." And that's it. So when we take the y number and divide by the number of square feet, we get $329. And even though everyone keeps saying, the kitchen is the most expensive room to do, it seems what makes it expensive is the "x" number - countertops, cabinets, etc. And that's not in the $329 per square foot figure!
Vitriol
11-18-08, 07:30 PM
4KwJDDLjNiA
CPL593H!!!
Actually, I don't know how much effort our first (expensive) guy put into it. It (the proposal) pretty much said "allowances for countertops, appliances, cabinets =$xxxxx. Everything else: $yyyyy." And that's it. So when we take the y number and divide by the number of square feet, we get $329. And even though everyone keeps saying, the kitchen is the most expensive room to do, it seems what makes it expensive is the "x" number - countertops, cabinets, etc. And that's not in the $329 per square foot figure!
Are you sure that $X isn't included in $Y? and is only broken out to show how much he is assuming you might spend on those items?
He knows what it's going to cost to build the structure, etc. but is it possible he just picked an average amount for counters and cabinets and appliances so as to give you an approximate grand total?
Then when you start selecting those things, you have $X to spend on them, if you go over, the total goes up or vice versa.
Longwinded way of saying that maybe Y already includes X.
And I don't like proposals with so few words for a job so complicated. It leads to tons of misunderstandings!!
Sals
I wish it (the allowances) were included, but it's not. We talked ad nauseum to archtect, builders, etc. yesterday. The architect said the first builder is expensive, but really, really good and professional - and uses professional people for subcontractors. The other builder we are considering, once we get his proposal, is not quite so meticulous and thorough, apparently. But still OK.
He also said we should include the whole kitchen in considering a per square foot average, not just the "addition", because the whole thing needs to be redone. Doing that brings the price per square foot cost down in the $200's.
So we feel marginally better.
But I think just about everyone falls over in a dead faint when they first get the estimate of what their remodel will cost! :eek:
Sure, it's a weak housing market but have you considered moving?
In some ways, that would be better maybe, but...I really hate moving. And I am very sentimental. Plus, I love my gardens, my neighbors, etc. Maybe if everyone here chips in, I can plunk my dreamhouse down around my original. Let's start at $1 donation per member.
Oh, and if it's going to truly be my dream house, then someone needs to figure out how to move the ocean between my lawn and the street.
OK, got our second bid from another builder. It was ONE THIRD less than the first, and it was broken down nicely for itemization of jobs. Plus we had them put the same allowance for counters & cabinets, etc. so it would be easy to compare. The difference is absolutely astounding.
OK, got our second bid from another builder. It was ONE THIRD less than the first, and it was broken down nicely for itemization of jobs. Plus we had them put the same allowance for counters & cabinets, etc. so it would be easy to compare. The difference is absolutely astounding.
Interesting.
Maybe you need to have a heart to heart with the first guy and ask him, as a friend, to explain the discrepancy...you can't simply pay triple out of loyalty, ya know?
Sals
There was a piece in our local paper about renovations and they suggested getting three estimates and calling several references for each one. My mother did a totally impulsive hire for her kitchen remodel and every time I am there and open the complete piece of crap cabinets, I am so annoyed!! If she'd done her homework, I don't think she would have gone with the contractor she used. Clearly, Cat, you do not have this same impulsive problem! :)
LOL, I would prefer the easy way out, i.e. just hire the guy we know, but for that amount of money? Forget it. Either way he's out now, because if told him we would consider him if he could match the bid, that still would mean he tried to screw us if he all the sudden could match it. I have no idea how the exact same plans could result in such different numbers.
They new guy has done work for our friends, he did their entire house basically.
My husband was going to have the first guy break it down better, to better see the difference, but my feeling is to just say no, thanks, and go with guy #2. Because there is no way I want to pay the first guy for his time with his joke of a bid.
Well, you're right, Cat.
But I didn't mean that you might be able to get him to lower his bid...in fact, if he's all that and a bag of chips, he will explain WHY he's more and WHY it's to your advantage to pay so much more.
Although I doubt he can justify THAT much of a discrepancy. I can usually justify and win bids where I'm 10 or even 20% higher by explaining just how damn cool I am to have around.
But IMHO, even I am not worth 3 times another guy's price.
(feel free to refute that)
Sals
melostmo
11-30-08, 07:10 PM
Cat,
Can you ask around town ? ..
ask folks who have had work done .. & their opinions ?
Well, you're right, Cat.
But I didn't mean that you might be able to get him to lower his bid...in fact, if he's all that and a bag of chips, he will explain WHY he's more and WHY it's to your advantage to pay so much more.
Although I doubt he can justify THAT much of a discrepancy. I can usually justify and win bids where I'm 10 or even 20% higher by explaining just how damn cool I am to have around.
But IMHO, even I am not worth 3 times another guy's price.
(feel free to refute that)
Sals
Now for you, I would pay 3 times the other price!
I guess what I'm saying is, I don't want to take up any of the first guy's time anymore, since I don't see any way he can justify that big of a difference?
Now for you, I would pay 3 times the other price!
I guess what I'm saying is, I don't want to take up any of the first guy's time anymore, since I don't see any way he can justify that big of a difference?
Oh Cat!!! I just love unsolicited compliments ;)
No, he can't justify it. It just would have been fun to watch him squirm trying.
Accept the second guy's bid and get things rolling...you're done thinkin'. It's time to act.
Keep us posted as the job moves along. If you wonder about any of his actions, methods, as the work progresses, let me know. K?
Sals
:awwhug: Thanks Sals. And sorry if the hug is too sexual in nature, I'm trying to be good though.
We've decided to let the first guy know that we got a second bid that's quite a bit lower, and then let him decide if he wants to take the time to go over the final plans and actually break his costs down. I can't imagine him coming anywhere near the other guy's range though.
And by "we", that's what my hubby wants to do, since they know each other, etc. I would just like to say "you're hired" to the new guy and "sorry, can't do it" to the first guy.
:awwhug: Thanks Sals. And sorry if the hug is too sexual in nature, I'm trying to be good though.
We've decided to let the first guy know that we got a second bid that's quite a bit lower, and then let him decide if he wants to take the time to go over the final plans and actually break his costs down. I can't imagine him coming anywhere near the other guy's range though.
And by "we", that's what my hubby wants to do, since they know each other, etc. I would just like to say "you're hired" to the new guy and "sorry, can't do it" to the first guy.
Good...I mean that your husband is on board with it. Keep me posted:)
And please document the whole project with pics and post them!!
*tries also to be good*
:makeout:
*fails*
:D
Sals
So we pretty much decided to go with the less expensive builder, as the first one said his bid wouldn't change. However, we haven't signed anything, pulled any permits, or made any payments. I.e., nothing is official, we haven't said, "you're hired". And yet today I come home, after being gone 3 hours, to find my deck completely disassembled and sitting out front by the driveway. He wants to start excavating tomorrow.
Welcome to the world of remodeling?
So we pretty much decided to go with the less expensive builder, as the first one said his bid wouldn't change. However, we haven't signed anything, pulled any permits, or made any payments. I.e., nothing is official, we haven't said, "you're hired". And yet today I come home, after being gone 3 hours, to find my deck completely disassembled and sitting out front by the driveway. He wants to start excavating tomorrow.
Welcome to the world of remodeling?
One way to lock in a job is to pretend to misunderstand and proceed with some demolition that a permit isn't required for.
That guy is shrewd....I like him :)
Post progress reports, Cat.
Sals
Will do! He was here this morning, but we convinced him to wait til Friday to start the excavation, since we have a sprinkler system that needs to be moved. Most people seem to have the problem of getting people to show up, lol. Not us.
My backyard in it's current state. Pretty self explanatory, the biggest bummer being all that dirt is on my flower gardens, new bushes, etc. :mad:
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/const3.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/const2.jpg]http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/const1.jpg
well they put the concrete footings in, whatever they are called - that outline the walls. But now we're in the middle of a snow storm. So I guess the snow covered dirt will continue to smush my bushes and plants for a while.
well they put the concrete footings in, whatever they are called - that outline the walls. But now we're in the middle of a snow storm. So I guess the snow covered dirt will continue to smush my bushes and plants for a while.
Bitch, bitch, bitch.
;)
Sals
(it'll all turn out ok, Cat...don't worry...this is the worst part soon to end)
Post progress reports, Cat.
Sals
A-hem. Just innocently posting progress reports! ;)
and venting, of course.
In the end, I get a new kitchen & dining room, so it's all good :)
A-hem. Just innocently posting progress reports! ;)
and venting, of course.
In the end, I get a new kitchen & dining room, so it's all good :)
Keep doing both.
Hell, ruined shrubs are the least of your worries, you just don't know it yet.
You'll be fine:)
Sals
LOSTForever
01-01-09, 01:47 PM
BIG HUGS, catnap, for putting up with the remodeling....especially during the Holidays. I saw how busy you have been. I think I would have been an absolute LOON if it had been me. I can't wait to see it when it's done! :awwhug:
thanks, guys, and I am sort of surprised that I seem still partway sane. Venting here helps, so you all will just have to bear with me!
or put my posts on "ignore", of course.
So this is basically the footprint of the addition - we had them do a full excavation so if we want to, we can use that space as an expansion of the finished basement we have already.
They started framing last week. It's exciting but OMG could it be louder?
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/DSC00806.jpg
Ooh, that's going to be great! It looks like so much space! Of course, they do the framing, and you think, wow! That went so fast and we're nearly done! Ha!! Not even close...but keep thinking about how great it will be and what new plants you are going to put in.
you mean it's not almost done? :(
and, thanks, brdmom! It will be worth it in the end, I am pretty sure!
you mean it's not almost done? :(
:coffeedunk:
Couple a weeks. Tops.
Sals
Oh good, that's a relief. ;)
Oh good, that's a relief. ;)
Yep. Go right ahead and plan a diner party. Smooth sailing from here on :rolleyez:
But seriously, keep posting, Cat. Are you going to match the existing siding or do the bump out in something different? It looks like cedar shakes, is it?
And will there be skylites?
No more stories for you until I get answers, dammit:mad:
Sals
So this is basically the footprint of the addition - we had them do a full excavation so if we want to, we can use that space as an expansion of the finished basement we have already.
They started framing last week. It's exciting but OMG could it be louder?
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/DSC00806.jpg
I spy an outdoor shower. just sayin'
I spy an outdoor shower. just sayin'
They're much more fun when they're enclosed.....;)
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b88/salspalden/IMG_2135.jpg
Sals
your outdoor shower is much nicer, but ours was enclosed til recently- we will have to move it now. Or else it will be in the kitchen which would be weird.
Probably we will match the shingles, Sals, and we didn't do skylights because there are lots and lots of big windows, some with smaller windows on top. More pics soon!
your outdoor shower is much nicer, but ours was enclosed til recently- we will have to move it now. Or else it will be in the kitchen which would be weird.
Probably we will match the shingles, Sals, and we didn't do skylights because there are lots and lots of big windows, some with smaller windows on top. More pics soon!
Well, Cat. Once it's framed, sided and shingled, the really fun part begins and things go much faster. Be prepared for the chaos of taking the wall out between the new and existing. You'll probably think the world is ending :rotfl:.
I would try to not be there that day if I were you. ;)
Sals
Do you have a guest room? I'll bring my suit.
melostmo
02-10-09, 09:22 PM
^ yes, we doo
Do you have a guest room? I'll bring my suit.
Yes but give me a few days to get the vide....change the sheets.
Sals
ISLANDLEA
02-27-09, 07:03 AM
hi, we recently finished what we call our "Island Room"/ entertainment room > sorta like a 2nd living room ...lea
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff176/sleeka/DSC00183-1.jpg?t=1235721667
:)
Lea, that is just beautiful - it looks so warm and breezy and inviting - everything we don't have in New England right now! The flowers are lovely as well.
That looks right out of Better HOmes and Gardens!
ISLANDLEA
02-28-09, 09:37 PM
Lea, that is just beautiful - it looks so warm and breezy and inviting - everything we don't have in New England right now! The flowers are lovely as well.
That looks right out of Better HOmes and Gardens!
hi, that's very sweet of you to say > it'll warm up in the States pretty soon > smile :)
>> here's a photo of the other side of the room >
>> the Fireplace also connects to an adjoining, separate room ...lea
http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff176/sleeka/DSC00184.jpg
:) { other side of our "Island Room" } ^
awww kitty! :whitecat: He/she matches perfectly. It's gorgeous, Lea.
I hate to put these up after Lea's beautiful, finished room, but here goes:
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/DSC00813.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/DSC00814.jpg
In that second pic, you can see the space for 3 big windows with a fourth on top. The framing is actually all done now, plumbing is getting roughed in. Although I haven't seen anyone around here this week.
Looks good, Cat. I like that they're using 2 x 12 rafters and headers when they probably don't have to.
It's gonna be great !!
Sals
I love it when you talk about rafters and headers! :naughty:
Actually I have no idea what you're talking about, but I assume it's good. They are very strict now w/ building. If there's a hurricane, the rest of our house will probably blow down but we can live in the dining room.
Well, I'm curious...ask them if the code calls for 2 x 12 rafters or is 2 x 10 acceptable.
And I might even be wrong but they look like 2 x 12's.
Either way, you have a fine looking frame.
Sals
LOL, thanks :) I'm going to accept that as a double meaning.
I'll ask and report back. If they ever show up again, that is....
LOL, thanks :) I'm going to accept that as a double meaning.
I'll ask and report back. If they ever show up again, that is....
I, umm, only meant it one way.
And the addition looks good too.
Sals
you're lucky, buddy - I read the first line only and almost burst into tears! I'm vulnerable when I'm tipsy.
you're lucky, buddy - I read the first line only and almost burst into tears! I'm vulnerable when I'm tipsy.
*makes note*
*resolves not to double space when Cat is drinking*
Sals
ISLANDLEA
03-04-09, 11:49 PM
awww kitty! :whitecat: He/she matches perfectly. It's gorgeous, Lea.
I hate to put these up after Lea's beautiful, finished room, but here goes:
In that second pic, you can see the space for 3 big windows with a fourth on top. The framing is actually all done now, plumbing is getting roughed in. Although I haven't seen anyone around here this week.
:whitecat: hi, she does match > doesn't she :)
>> you'll eventually have your new room complete > and i'm sure it will gorgeous also >> i do know how contractors can be http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/images/icons/icon11.gif
> so, be sure to hold back paying in full , until they finish > thank-you again for your nice compliments http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/images/icons/icon18.gif ...lea
This was my kitchen last night:
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/DSC00829.jpg
Here's my kitchen tonight:
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/DSC00831.jpg
I know, I know, it'll be worth it!
It will be more that well worth it. I will be remodeling my kitchen/dining room this spring with a lot of paint, cabinet hardware, counter tops and flooring. I am going the Decorating Cents route, under $500. lol
Thanks Dew, I can't even imagine how people do this stuff themselves! We are doing a major remodel but even if it was simple I don't think we could handle it! It is going to be beautiful though :)
This was my kitchen last night:
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/DSC00829.jpg
Here's my kitchen tonight:
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/DSC00831.jpg
I know, I know, it'll be worth it!
:rotfl:
You think that's something, wait till the wall comes down!
Are you keeping the old cabinets? To me, the most excting part of a new kitchen is getting all the old cabinets for the workshop :)
Sals
PS: Please don't use that paint color ever again:nanabobo:
I haven't decided on the cabinets, everyone says keep them, I guess to hang in the garage?
You don't like my "Summer Resort" Green? Green is nature's neutral, you know! But I'm tired of it - ready for something new!
Yes! Use them in the garage or make a summer kitchen in the basement.
I miss summer kitchens :(
Sals
9mile monster
03-19-09, 02:37 PM
Those cabinets look in pretty good shape so I agree with Sals that you've got to re-use them. You know reduce, REUSE, recycle. Such good storage space for either place.
I definitly won't throw them out - I'm big into recycling. Whatever I don't use I will put on Freecycle.org, which is a great site that allows people to give away stuff they have no use for, so someone else can enjoy it. I mostly give stuff away, but I have received some nice things too!
9mile monster
03-20-09, 01:19 PM
I'll have to check that site out, Catnap. Thanks. I've got alot of stuff to give away. Garage sales are not fun to do anymore.
It's a great site, especially for giving away things that are too big to give to Goodwill. Someone just picked up the light fixture that was over my kitchen sink yesterday. I have received holly bushes, old wooden chairs that I refinished, perrinials (sp?), kids' sport stuff, etc. It is all based on local groups, and you just pick who you want to give stuff to.
People even want broken stuff. It's a great way to keep stuff out of the landfills!
9mile monster
03-21-09, 05:33 PM
Plants!! Whoa, I hate throwing away the plants that I cull out each year. Seems wrong to toss out live, healthy plants.
Oh, 9mile, people LOVE plants. I have received lots of plants through freecycle that multiply quickly, which is great b/c I have a large yard that needs more plants! Try putting them on as an offer - they will go quickly! (PS you can even get people to dig for them if you so choose! People come with pails and hand trowels!)
Today our kitchen wall came down, dishwasher removed (destined for Freecycle!) and they cut through our foundation downstairs to join the new foundation to the basement. A loud, loud day.
Oh, 9mile, people LOVE plants. I have received lots of plants through freecycle that multiply quickly, which is great b/c I have a large yard that needs more plants! Try putting them on as an offer - they will go quickly! (PS you can even get people to dig for them if you so choose! People come with pails and hand trowels!)
Today our kitchen wall came down, dishwasher removed (destined for Freecycle!) and they cut through our foundation downstairs to join the new foundation to the basement. A loud, loud day.
They didn't do that until today???:rolleyez:
*buys Cat a double shot*
Sals
*throws back the shot even though it's 8 a.m.*
Thanks! Yeah, not sure exactly why, because everyone now agrees the best thing to do would have been to cut through the existing foundation, dig a hole in the dirt and bury the concrete slab, then pour the new foundation. Now they have to jackhammer all the concrete pieces into smaller pieces and haul them up a ladder to get them out.
*throws back the shot even though it's 8 a.m.*
Thanks! Yeah, not sure exactly why, because everyone now agrees the best thing to do would have been to cut through the existing foundation, dig a hole in the dirt and bury the concrete slab, then pour the new foundation. Now they have to jackhammer all the concrete pieces into smaller pieces and haul them up a ladder to get them out.
*leaves bottle on the table*
It's almost over....LOL...hang in there :)
Sals
*bangs head against wall*
my house is so, so trashed. Today is the first day I've really felt like, why did we do this?
melostmo
03-31-09, 11:32 PM
^ I feel for you
:D
thanks. I can't even really clean anything up b/c there's no where to put anything anymore, and there will just be more dust and crap all over everything tomorrow anyway.
Keep repeating your mantra - "It will be great when it's done. It will be great when it's done..."
*bangs head against wall*
my house is so, so trashed. Today is the first day I've really felt like, why did we do this?
Cat, just try and let it go. This is how it gets before you start seeing the light.
Think of it as an adventure and remember, an adventure is never fun while you're having it.
Sals
Hang in there catnap. A friend I used to work for went thru the same feelings. When it was all done it was well worth the short term inconvenience.
When my tax refund gets here, I am doing the D/R and Kit for $550. This will include painting & paint, formica for the counter tops, new drapes made by me, peel and stick tiles for the shelves inside the cabinets and new hardware. Problem I have is that the handyman I spoke with wants $200 to remove the counter tops and put the formica on then reinstall the cabinets and $200 to paint the 2 rooms which are 8x10 (kitchen has the cabinets so smaller to paint and $50 to make a small header and install it to separate the D/R from the L/R. I am really hating this open floor plan when it comes to painting ceilings. Labor eats up everything. The guy won't give me a pat number because it is $450 unless he runs into a problem then $50 an hour + materials. I am going to check out Rent-A-Husband. LOL
It sounds like you can do a lot on your own there, Dew! And the guys working here have been great, for the most part. I'm just tired of having a bunch of people in my house at 7:30 every morning! I suppose them NOT showing up would be worse :)
*drinks more wine*
strandediniowa
04-01-09, 02:48 AM
Cat - I'm just catching up here. :awwhug: for you
I've done the kitchen remodel - and it went smoothly and according to plan - and was still around six weeks of me walking around going "holy crap" and using the shop vac constantly. It will be well worth it when you're done - just try to keep a smile and wine handy in the mean time! Can't wait to see pics when you're done.
For the love of everything holy....my house looks like a wet plaster factory exploded :(
On the plus side, when this is done today, I will have real looking walls. Pics to follow soon!
Yay, thanks for the excitement Dew! As promised:
The new part of the kitchen has walls! Old stuff will be out soon.
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/DSC00833.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/DSC00832.jpg
Dining room - ceiling will be white wooden planks - beams will remain as is.
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/DSC00834.jpg
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/catnap2007/DSC00835.jpg
Cat - that's looking great! Those windows in the kitchen are wonderful, and you'll love your new space when it is done. (Remember, just keep chanting that to yourself...)
Thanks brdmom! Posting here is helping to keep me from going crazy. Unfortunately, it's not a long trip ;)
That looks great, Cat!!
I love the dining room ceiling...will the planks be painted or stained white?
You're going to have a beautiful kitchen and dining room.
Keep taking pics...anxious to see the new cabinets and countertop....you're almost there ;)
Sals
THanks Sals! The planks, probably painted white but I'm not sure I know the difference. Then in our current living room, we are added a chair rail, beaded board, and also plank ceilings. Since it is a big room, contractor is suggesting some "false beams" to break it up on the ceiling - not sure what that means.
Those are beams he will create using 1" thick boards. he'll make a box with them to resemble solid beams. Visually, it breaks up a large ceiling and adds interest and warmth to a space.
In other words, it'll look really cool...I just like talkiing that way.
Painted planks...solid color
Stained or pickled...you see the grain and texture of the wood through the white color....ask him to show you samples.
Sals
hmmm...I like beams :)
That actually sounds really cool. We meet with him Sat. to discuss all this stuff. By the time this is over, I will have made my quota of important decisions for like the next 10 years.
I like plank ceilings. And painted or stained white with natural beams is a really nice look.
He may not be using stain grade wood for the planks. It costs more and if the intention was to paint, if you switch to stain, your price may go up considerably.
But even if you're painting the planks, ask if you can see a sample to check the shade of white AND the sheen of the paint.
You writin' this stuff down? :rotfl:
Sals
I AM writing it down! You're a wealth of information. And why should I be the only aerobics instructor not getting a little something on the side? ;)
I AM writing it down! You're a wealth of information. And why should I be the only aerobics instructor not getting a little something on the side? ;)
:rotfl:
I only just now saw this, Cat.
*prepares side dish*
Sals
Yeah, I'm expecting more of like a main course. I'm high maitenance like that.
Yeah, I'm expecting more of like a main course. I'm high maitenance like that.
Main course..check ;)
We can cook something up in your new kitchen.
And speaking of that, what are the paint colors? Have you picked any yet?
Hmmmm?
Sals
Yeah, that's my next step. I'm just afraid if I have to make one more big decision, my head will explode and no amount of alcohol will put me back together!
Yeah, that's my next step. I'm just afraid if I have to make one more big decision, my head will explode and no amount of alcohol will put me back together!
I can help you...do you have pics or links to your cabinets and countertops? Floor?
Sals
I may be able to post a pic - I have a computer image from the kitchen designer. The colors are pretty neutral - wood floors, distressed cream cabinets with a "maple" glaze, and a dark brown island and wooden oven hood. White farmer's sink, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures. White subway tile backsplash, and granite countertops with cream and brown. Which basically means that a lot of colors could be used on the walls and look nice, making my decision that much harder! The subway tile will go 1/2 way up the wall. Also we will have no money left to buy food for the new kitchen.
I may be able to post a pic - I have a computer image from the kitchen designer. The colors are pretty neutral - wood floors, distressed cream cabinets with a "maple" glaze, and a dark brown island and wooden oven hood. White farmer's sink, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures. White subway tile backsplash, and granite countertops with cream and brown. Which basically means that a lot of colors could be used on the walls and look nice, making my decision that much harder! The subway tile will go 1/2 way up the wall. Also we will have no money left to buy food for the new kitchen.
Who you kidding. You didn't want to cook anyway.
First, you have to decide if you want to go in a specific color direction...like, do you love green, that sort of thing.
The most timeless and least likely to grow old fast, is to stay neutral...which can still be dramatic but not lock you in to one color. You can bring in accent color through artwork, linens, window treatments and be able to change the look easily without repainting.
Ok...send me something to look at but not today...go and have a fun holiday :)
Sals
You are correct - I hate cooking. I'm not even sure why I'm doing this, except that I like to have parties!
Parties that involve other people bringing food.
didn't work - I copied the mock-up, but it is coming out the thumbnail version which isn't helpful.
strandediniowa
04-13-09, 12:09 AM
Cat - your kitchen sounds gorgeous!!!
I'm struggling with paint colors too for my living room and dining room. I would like more color, but frankly I'm a bit afraid of anything but a nice warm, medium brown. I am really drawn to gold (NOT YELLOW) but I'm just not sure I want that much of it.
Sals - suggestions for a B. Moore true gold color - a deep, non-yellow gold? The concord ivory and marblehead are too yellowy.
didn't work - I copied the mock-up, but it is coming out the thumbnail version which isn't helpful.
It's ok....keep trying :)
Cat - your kitchen sounds gorgeous!!!
I'm struggling with paint colors too for my living room and dining room. I would like more color, but frankly I'm a bit afraid of anything but a nice warm, medium brown. I am really drawn to gold (NOT YELLOW) but I'm just not sure I want that much of it.
Sals - suggestions for a B. Moore true gold color - a deep, non-yellow gold? The concord ivory and marblehead are too yellowy.
Look at HC-37 and HC-41. I think they're available in sample jars so you won't have to buy quarts. They're strong colors but both are more gold than yellow.
Also look at HC-40 for an accent.
Let me know what you think :)
Sals
strandediniowa
04-13-09, 01:49 AM
Thanks I will!
*runs off to benjamin moore website*
Painting ahhhh. I am painting my d/r and kit walls butter. Painting the cabinets white and using black hardware.
Trying to decide paint the counters or redo the formica layer. I know someone who will do it for $200 - remove counter tops, replace formica and do the same for back splashes and re-install. I found some nice sheets in slate black/gray/white and yellow granite/marble look.
I am going to get some oops floor tiles and make a back splash by creating a design from the tiles and mounting them on masonite board. I can then put that against the wall, bottom sitting on top of back splash and hold it place with 1/4 round molding.
I have no idea what color to paint the ceiling and molding. I am going for a pale yellow for the molding and paler yellow for the ceiling.
I have time to think about this. Not doing anything until my tax refund arrives. :)
melostmo
04-13-09, 02:50 AM
I slammed a few more 16D nails
into my shop walls
to hang up some tools
in order not to have so much crap
kickin' around the floor http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/images/icons/icon6.gif
I slammed a few more 16D nails
into my shop walls
to hang up some tools
in order not to have so much crap
kickin' around the floor http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/images/icons/icon6.gif
:rotfl:
Mo, you should have a show on HGTV. I don't think they currently have anyone with your particular style :)
Sals
I like the idea of both butter (very very pale!) and gold for my kitchen. Let me know if anyone finds one they truly love. There is just not much wall space in my kitchen, it will be either white tile, windows, or cabinets in most places - so the wall will mostly show between windows and around the curved brown wooden oven hood.
Dew I can't believe how unbelievably talented you are! I can't do anything like that...
I am making d/r drapes again from twin sheets and putting stripes on with Stitch Witchery. I bought all the linens and other stuff like that over the past year in places like flea markets, Home Goods, Marshall's, TJ Maxx and other decorating departments. I got a really nice white bookcase with 1 shelf however the bottom and top are 2 more so 3 storage areas. I bleached it clean it all up and the finish is pretty damn good. I will take left over material from the curtains and make a curtain for the front of it and use hooks like those for tiered kitchen curtains. So lucky it was whitewashed. LOL Maybe the bleach did it. :rofl1:
Cat, just think outside the box. Always look at what you need and what you can use instead of being traditional. For example, say you needed a console table for an entryway. Forget 4 legs. You only need a table with 2 because the back can be fastened to the wall with L brackets.
I cannot wait for my refund check. I will have all this done for about $600 which includes supplies and labor. I think I may paint my d/r chairs too. :D
melostmo
04-13-09, 09:55 PM
:rotfl:
Mo, you should have a show on HGTV. I don't think they currently have anyone with your particular style :)
Sals
I had to look that show up, Sal
I don't watch much TV
basically, those TV shows I post on
r the only 1s I watch regularly
http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/images/icons/icon3.gif now let's see ..
hang heavy tools & stuff on the lower nails
that way if'n theys to fall on ur head
they won't hurt u so much so :D
LOSTForever
04-14-09, 01:16 AM
You're cute Mo. :)
I like the idea of both butter (very very pale!) and gold for my kitchen. Let me know if anyone finds one they truly love. There is just not much wall space in my kitchen, it will be either white tile, windows, or cabinets in most places - so the wall will mostly show between windows and around the curved brown wooden oven hood.
Look HERE (http://www.myperfectcolor.com/Color-Combinations-Myperfectcolor-com-s/3254.htm), Cat.
Let me know if any of these combos strike your fancy and maybe we can narrow down your choices :)
The one about 6 down with 1042 and HC 4....is that what you have in mind? The gold(ish) and yellow combo?
Sals
I'd love to see pics of your stuff when complete, Dew! (Trash to Treasure thread!)
I decided probably to go with just pale yellow, Sals, and I really like that HC 4. Also further down, the 170 under "Atlantic Northeast" looks nice too. How does that one come out? Thanks for your help!!!!
melostmo
04-14-09, 06:40 PM
You're cute Mo. :)
aawwwww :Hugglepounce:
I really doo have a huge lot of equipment [no pun intended] :D
________
cat, ur place is really shaping-up real snazzy :)
________
add
sals, I don't know what to do anymore w/all my tools. Besides working tools, I also collect old & odd tools & instruments. I was thinking of building another shop.
I have 4 rolling chests - they are overflowing. I have several garages/shops in dif states- they are full.
LOSTForever
04-14-09, 07:47 PM
aawwwww :Hugglepounce:
I really doo have a huge lot of equipment [no pun intended] :D
You had to have known that I would take it that way. :naughty:
aawwwww :Hugglepounce:
I really doo have a huge lot of equipment [no pun intended] :D
________
cat, ur place is really shaping-up real snazzy :)
________
add
sals, I don't know what to do anymore w/all my tools. Besides working tools, I also collect old & odd tools & instruments. I was thinking of building another shop.
I have 4 rolling chests - they are overflowing. I have several garages/shops in dif states- they are full.
Isn't there an old saying about "you are what you collect" ?
And another about "it takes one to know one"?
I would love to see some of the stuff you have, Mo! I have a few things I bet you would like to add to your collection. One that I'll shoot a pic of and see if you know what it is :D
*offers Mo a Nib*
Sals
ETA: Francesca....I'm shocked !! :rotfl:
I'd love to see pics of your stuff when complete, Dew! (Trash to Treasure thread!)
I decided probably to go with just pale yellow, Sals, and I really like that HC 4. Also further down, the 170 under "Atlantic Northeast" looks nice too. How does that one come out? Thanks for your help!!!!
HC 4 has some green in it and 170 is more of a pure yellow. Both are worth sampling (you may have to buy a qt of 170, HC 4 may be avail in the little jar) just to see which way you want to go. Do at least 2, even 3 coats on your sample board (poster board) to get the true color.
If you choose a yellow, be prepared for your painter to ask for more $ since most yellows wont cover in 2 coats.
I say, sample those 2 and tell me which, if any, you like.
;)
Sals
Yellow won't cover in 2 coats even if the wall is off white or primed?
Yellow won't cover in 2 coats even if the wall is off white or primed?
Not usually, Dew. Yellow is very transparent, pinks are also. Over white, no way, over a light grey, maybe.
And it depends on how true a yellow it is, some of the earthier yellows cover fine but a bright, true yellow, not likely.
Sals
I remember my uncle, rest his soul, always told me that certain colors are difficult to cover, such as pale green. It is a light color but he said is difficult to cover. He used to have me get tinted primer for the first coat over colors such as green, pink, orange.
I am going to use a color called butter. It is a pale yellow. I have it connecting 2 rooms, d/r and kit. The kit side will be more black, white and yellow with hints of cobalt blue. The d/r will be yellow with accents of white and cobalt blue and a touch of black. He also told me every room should have something black in it to ground it, even if it is only a picture frame.
Time will tell if I need more paint. I am now thinking about priming with tinted KILZ.
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