There are many reasons to DIY – it’s cheaper, you get a feeling of accomplishment…. but the biggest reason, you don’t have to schedule a million estimates and deal with other people.
This week has been the week of appointments at the house. We had our energy audit (through our gas and electric company), four quotes to install the boiler/furnace/air (and one who flaked on us completely), a quote for the insulation, two quotes for windows (which reinforced why we are definitely doing it ourselves) and three appointments for kitchen design. This could seriously be a full-time job.
We should soon have the last of our boiler/heating/air estimates and a few plumbing estimates.
Plumbing
It’s coming along with lots of new copper, but we have to call a plumber for this puppy….
See that crack in the sewer pipe? Yikes!
But these are looking good. (Note the fire extinguisher, brought by my father-in-law. That makes me feel really calm about them working together.)
White and bright
I finished painting trim in our bedroom and all the tacks are out of the floor. (I am waiting on the windows until they are replaced.) I love the white trim. My poor dad has been trying with all his might to talk me out of painting the trim. Hasn’t worked yet. π
On the trim, I first primed with a coat of Sherwin Williams oil-based primer. I typically use the oil-based primer for woodwork (trim, doors, cabinets, furniture). I first tried this at the recommendation of Young House Love. I’ve been pleased with the results and think it holds up a little better. I also tried the trim brush they recommended, and have become obsessed with it. I never use blue tape because I find it to be more hassle than it’s worth. Plus, we’ve always had textured walls and ceilings, which I think is more difficult to tape off. So, I just try to stay patient and cut in the trim and ceilings. This brush made the process super simple. Β Long story short, get the Premium XL Tight Spots 2 inch Angle Short Handle BrushΒ from Sherwin Williams.
For paint, I used Behr Premium Plus Ultra Ultra Pure White (basic white that doesn’t need to be mixed).
Rule numero uno for lazy painting with Kim – have ONE pair of painting pants and wear them every time you paint. They look horrible, but they are so handy and I have no qualms about wiping paint on them. It’s better than having a rag. π (I seriously wash these pants three or four times a week when painting a lot. I’m crazy.)
And, here’s a sneak peak at our new closet.
Knock knock
We also got our new backdoor installed last weekend.
We ended up with a 36 inch door, which caused a TON of some extra work for these two guys.
But, it will be nice to have the extra width. (We only have 32 inch doors at our current home, and you should see us try to get some furniture in the house.)
Curb appeal
We took all the remaining railroad ties and concrete and garbage to the dump on Saturday morning, so the front yard is looking much better.
And, grass is already coming up. (You can see the beginnings of grass above.)
I was planning to paint the foundation and the porch over the weekend, but I only got as far as power washing everything. The porch is going to need some extra attention to get ready for paint, but a lot of the junk came off, especially noticeable on the stairs. But still more work to do.
What do you think?
Updated checklist here.
Did you like this post?
We'd love to send you more inspiration and encouragement for your home. When you sign up below, we'll send you our free guide to save thousands on your next home project. Because your home shouldn't own you.
Kim says
Did you sand your trim prior to painting, or is that not necessary due to the oil based primer?
Kim Woodward says
I didn’t sand first – I just cleaned everything well. The oil-based primer does a great job of “sticking.”
KellieBelle says
Oooo, ooo, oooo! Please tell me your ideas for that closet! My upstairs closets have the same entry same (i.e. not a regular door) and I can’t figure out the best way to close them off! My best idea so far is a curtain across the rectangular part and leaving the triangular part open with baskets on a shelf. (ps, my closet is super shallow, hence the basket/shelf idea)
Sara @ Russet Street Reno says
I’m with your dad, that wood trim was gorgeous! And not painting it would save you oodles of time, oh well. I also have painting pants that used to be black, but are well on their way to being totally white with paint!
Misty-Ann says
Oh how I’ve missed your blog π
It’s looking GREAT!!!
yeoldesandwichshoppeva says
Every week, I’m in awe of your progress. Every week. You guys are doing such a wonderful job and the progress is spectacular!
I agree – dealing with people blows. It’s much easier to do it yourself.
The white trim looks A-mazing. I always have a “book on tape” when painting or completing dull projects too. Although, I actually cart around my laptop and download mp3 books from my library’s website. It’s great. I don’t have to actually go to the library when I finish a book!
Erin @ Domestic Adventure says
I am totally floored by the progress you make each week. How do you find the time and energy!?! Amazing.
Anonymous says
The renovations look great. Can’t believe how much you completed. I am sure you have already done this, but if you haven’t, you should probably put a rag in the cracked sewer pipe. You don’t want that gas flowing into the house.
Leigh says
How do you two have the time? Are you really doing the windows yourself? Major props. If the paint pants are crazy, then I’m in the loony bin with you. I love the book on tape idea; I use to do it for the long college-home drive. I hate painting trim, and kind of stink at it but that brush did help.
Tricia says
Can I just tell you how much I laughed when you mentioned that the fire extinguisher made you feel better? I hear ya’, girl. I hear ya’. π
christi @ grey umbrella says
it looks great kim! i’m the same way with painting and pants. btw, your hair looks great! i always manage to get paint in my hair!
Tara says
WOW! How do you get all of this work finished?? You guys are seriously awesome! Do you just not sleep?!?
Wendy says
Lookin good π I never tape either and with the right brush it goes great!! Having fun reading along with you!
Wendy
Amanda Sevall says
I think it’s looking fabulous!! I can’t believe how much you have gotten done in such a short period of time! Totally inspiring. π
Jenny says
Love the white trim! Wish I could talk my parents into painting theirs white, too π I also have one painting outfit: A really old pair of jeans with a really nice rip in the inner thigh area and a men’s shirt I sewed in college. I’m still trying to figure out how some people are able to paint without getting paint all over themselves π
Ellie says
I’m tired just thinking about doing that much work! I’d love to look back and say, “We did that!” though. Good luck!
Amy@My Front Porch says
Want to come paint the trim in our house? π There’s nothing wrong with it, it’s just oak and I’m not a fan but I’m too lazy to paint it all white.
And after reading all your posts on what you’re doing on your house, I’ve decided I could never take on a fixer upper like this. I sooo admire all the hard work you guys are doing! You’re amazing!
Kylie says
holy cow! Y’all are so motivated. I tried the lighter paint with the natural trim, and now we’re painting it so I’m with you there. I found inspiration pics that looked awesome, but just not in my house π
alexandjess says
The white trim looks amazing! Sounds like an ex$pen$ive week (or coming weeks) but that is all great progress to be making! Windows, heat and insulation will be important very soon!
Mrs. Chic says
You two amaze me, really amaze me! Your able to get so much done so fast blows my mind. I’m with you, paint that trim! lol
Jen says
Looking good! Your motivation is always inspiring.
Mrs. Adventure says
Wow its looking great, I totally agree with you I love white trim! Keep those photos coming I’m loving them. Can I also say that seeing all these renovations has me wanting to pack up and come help out :+)
The Brick Cottage says
The white trim looks sooo good! And you’re not crazy at all to have a pair of painter’s pants–I have a pair myself. They were accidently ruined so I just went with it and it does make painting so much easier not worrying about being careful. And I second the short angled brush for cutting and painting trim–I bought one at Home Depot (I don’t know the brand) but it is so great–I’ll never go back to using a regular angled brush again.
jen @ homeinthecountry says
Wow. You guys are so impressive. Seriously. To get all of this done AND work real jobs… you are just incredible. π
Emily says
I think you’re amazing, I can’t believe what you accomplish each week! What color (and type of paint) do you use for the foundation? And sorry Papa Kim, I’m with your daughter on the white trim. It’s just so refreshing and beautiful.
Your room looks awesome already! Yay for silver sage bedrooms π
Deb says
I’m totally using your book on tape idea for painting! I’ve got to finish the VERY small entryway into our house and it’s been waiting patiently for 3 months. “Reading” while finishing will be perfect.
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
I can’t believe you do this AND have jobs! You get so much done every week.