Big Fat Posting (Part I)

The month of August has gone by quickly, but we crossed off many items from our list. This three part series is a little out of chronological order and shows only the most visual tasks. That's just the way the blogging happened - deal with it. The weekend of August 2nd & 3rd the fireplace built-out was constructed, August 9th&10th- master bath and basement windows, August 17th - the mudroom window/door and the 23rd-front window and door. We also completed running the data & co-axial cable...photos of that are kind of boring...it looks like wire.



For me, these two projects felt like a huge accomplishment. We installed our first window, the small one going into the master bath and a huge window/door combo going into the mudroom. I don't know why, but the first window was so exciting! Such progress! A window! Yes, we're closing up the house...now we're in business! Wow, then the second window...well, that one was just huge. I couldn't believe that Ben & I moved and lifted it in place - just the two of us. Indeed, I will not deny that there was fear in my eyes. Turns out, we were like a well oiled machine, getting the base in place, then walking it into standing position...team work, my friends, good ol' team work...

First, the Tyvek. Yes, we know it's upside down - that's the way we roll.


Pop that little guy right in there, yay!


Peel & stick.


More peel & stick.


Then the big window went in. We took the door out to reduce the weight, and the larger portion of glass will be installed on site. Still, trust me...it was heavy!


Here's a close-up with the door in place.

Big Fat Posting (Part II)

Next, the story about the front windows.

As most of you know, we had deliberated over the windows for months, finally ordered them, then waited and waited, despite the fact that we were told 2-3 weeks. When they arrived, we were so excited...we almost didn't notice that all the windows for the front of the house were wrong. They were supposed to be wood interior/wood exterior. Instead, they were wood interior/metal clad exterior, just like the windows for the back of the house (see Big Fast Posting I). Now, metal clad is very nice and far less maintenance than wood - but we had made that decision for design purposes (just wait till you see the finished product!). So, we sent them back. One week later, they deliver the newly made front windows...also wrong. Clearly stated to the manufacturer, these windows were to be stain grade. Yet, they showed up caulked with ugly, ugly beige caulking. Great...if you're painting over it. No, no, we're designers...we have something in mind, ugly caulking is not part of it. So, we sent them back again. It takes a little longer, and then the windows show up in our backyard again, and the caulking is striped. They did a decent job, we'll take it.

If you read Part I, you'll remember that the window/door combo was quite the task for the two of us. Knowing that the front window was much heavier and to be installed further from the ground - I told Ben that I would not be lifting the front window, and we must recruit three men to help out. Actually, 3.25 men were available to help us out. Big, big thanks to Billy, Justin, Kamal and his son Stephen. We ended off the evening with beer & pizza till dusk in the front lawn, the hoppcha bunny stopped by for a visit too.

Hey Ben...where's the front door?


It's in the front yard...


Ben & Billy bring in the new front door (I don't know why this sentence is underlined, I can't find where to turn it off)



Ben & Billy say "Hi!"


Kamal & his son climbing in the tree. Stephen & I were very busy collecting pine cones while the guys prepped for the window.


I wanted to take a picture of all the guys carrying the window, a good action shot. But, I was too excited and forgot. Then, I wanted to take a picture of all the guys hanging out after...I forgot to do that too. Oops. Here' a picture of Ben about to nail in the last few nails.


I also don't have photos of the basement windows, we installed those the same day as the master bath window. I'll make sure to get them this weekend. Seven window/doors down, three to go!

Big Fat Posting (Part III)

This is the story of a happy little build-out. This particular build-out was made to house the fireplace in the living room...

First, a cut was made into the stucco:


This is the tool that was used:


Next, Ben peeled back the stucco like the tin off a can of tuna...except with a crowbar:


Then, the structural support was added on the inside:


Promptly, a platform was built.


And then...the wall came out!


This is what it looked like from the inside:


The platform was covered with poly and ply...


And then, the sides were added and bolted to the structural supports:


Ben says "Hi!"


Finally, we closed it in with OSB.


And that was the weekend the build-out was made.

and the wall came down...

Finally, the wall between the addition and the house was demolished. It's been a long time coming, and Wow - does it ever open the space up.

Ben pried the stucco off the wall using a crowbar like a can opener.


Stucco...all gone...

By the way, that's a fake wasp nest hanging in the corner. It keeps real wasps from building their nest nearby. $10 at Home Depot & Rona, and it really works.

This is the roof rafter that split, we're not sure how...but Ben replaced it.


Here's a look up into the underside of the addition's roof.


"Hi" says Ben.


The view from the master bedroom into the ensuite. There will be a sunken tub below the window. Just imagine drywall and stuff.


All opened up...


Ben working on something...


All closed up for the day. Yes, our back yard is rather trashy.