Okay, I’m regretting the decision to number the weeks of renovations. Because it gives me a bit of anxiety. But, it’s also kinda good, right? Keeps us on track.
Right?
What to tell you about week 8? We are making progress…
On becoming a plumber
As you may remember, Ryan and his dad ran all new copper pipes for plumbing throughout the house. However, the cast iron was cracked and cast iron is no longer code. So, because Ryan hadn’t worked with this before, so we thought we’d go with a plumber.
We got a quote and running a new drain to the upstairs bath to get it up to code was going to be $3,300.
That was about a zero more than we were expecting. =)
So, Ryan lamented the fact that he is in the wrong field. (He now thinks he should be a plumber.) Then, he got prices for the materials from the hardware store.
$300.
Wow! That was all it took for my thrifty and handy husband. He started reading plumbing info on the web like it was the most interesting material in the world. Then he met with the plumbing inspector this week with his plans and diagrams to make sure everything he would do would be up-to-code. The inspector was very nice and Ryan’s plan was green-lighted. So far, he’s gotten the old cast iron pipe out of the wall (which the plumber told him would be the worst part – it took Ryan 3 hours).
A Woodward PSA: Ryan knows plumbing and isn’t just winging it. While this is a new project for him, he’s done lots of other projects. If you are going to try something like this, make sure you know what you are doing before you get started. And make sure to meet with someone who knows even more than you.
On getting forced air
The decision has been made to get forced heat and air conditioning. We received 4 or 5 quotes from local companies for both forced air and a new boiler. When it came down to price, forced air just wasn’t all that much more expensive. And, since the plan is to only live in the house for 2-3 years max, it just makes sense to go with a furnace and air conditioner for resale.
And, it doesn’t hurt that I was really lamenting the loss of air conditioning upstairs.
We settled on a 92% efficient unit. We went with it because is efficient enough to earn the rebates from the energy company and to help us save some money on energy costs. But, it’s also less expensive. A more efficient unit would not be practical since we aren’t planning to stay in this house forever. We wouldn’t have recouped our cost.
The company we decided to go with will be starting the installation of the units and the ductwork in late October. Ryan will be doing some of the pre-work first – pulling the boiler, piping and radiators out, etc. This saved us some money. And saving money is the name of the game.
Which reminds me… all the radiators are for sale on Craigslist. I hope someone needs them.
On building a garage
We’ve been approved to build our new garage. Wahoo! That’s been quite a process, but everyone was kind and we were able to get everything worked out.
(Let’s just say that our yard doesn’t have a backyard, only a side yard, which made the zoning difficult. Code says the garage can only take up 30% of the backyard. But there isn’t a backyard… And, it has to be 5 feet from the side yard. But really our side yard is our back yard. Are you confused yet? You see how this could get sticky?)
On having windows that close
Oh yeah. And, we also dropped a chunk of change on replacement windows this week. It will be nice to have windows that actually close. And open. And close. It may be nice come, you know, WINTER! The little luxuries, you know?
And, while we’re at it, it may also be nice to remove the 1x6s from the top and bottom of the window. You know, the ones that were used to hold the wrong size storm windows in place. Which brainiac came up with that idea?
I imagine the conversation to go something like this:
“Dolores – Let’s just buy these storm windows. They are way too short, but they are half the price! We just need to swing through the lumber yard on our way out. You won’t even know they are the wrong size when I get through with them!”
We installed windows ourselves in our current home. Here’s Ryan and his dad cheesin’ it up the first time around.
But, someone told us that sometimes you can get windows installed for less than it would cost to buy them as a consumer. (Sounds fishy, but who are we to judge?) So we had windows quoted, for the heck of it.
HA!
HA!
HA!
Let’s just say we don’t have a cool $5K lying around to pay for window installation. Ryan also thinks he should install windows for a living. He will be a window-installing plumber.
I told him to stick with his day job. And to get back to work on that plumbing.
(Just kidding. None of that actually happened.)
We ended up buying the windows from a local store and we will install them on our own. (I use “we” very loosely.) After getting quotes from all the hardware stores, we were able to save nearly $1,000 by buying our Anderson windows there. That was great news!
The more things we learn to do ourselves, the harder it becomes to pay anyone else to do the work. It takes time, sure. But, its totally worth the money saved and the pride earned.
Lots of kettles burning over here. What do you think?
Nothing major has changed on the house list.
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.
Face Products says
you are really a excellent webmaster. The website loading speed is amazing.
It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick.
Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you have done a excellent activity on
this subject!
Oonafey says
The Mister and I do not work well under pressure when there is money involved. I cannot even fathom making these kinds of decisions – it took him a year to decide that ductless mini split air conditioners would be a good idea. Things around here need to happen organically if we ever expect anything to be accomplished. I envy your tenacity.
Amanda Sevall says
Wow!! You’re making lots of progress!! You’ll be moving in before you know it. 🙂
Jenny @ Anything Pretty says
How are the boilers doing on craigslist? Or is a truck to Minneapolis in the cards? I can come with!
Again so impressed with your progress…I can’t believe it has been two months already!
Karla says
My husband feels the same way about doing it yourself when you can. He’s building most of our addition himself (with some help from his Dad) and it just saves so much money! I’m not so sure he’s up for plumbing though…. ha!
Nicole Peterson says
Haven’t chirped as of late but I have been diligently following via my Google Reader. I am so awe struck at how much you and Ryan have been able to tackle on your own. You two are my DIY heros. Can’t wait to see it when it’s all done 🙂
yeoldesandwichshoppeva says
Wow! You guys are trucking along! Great progress!
I agree. The more you do on your own, the more money you save, the less willing you are to even talk to other people to do it for you.
Stephen has been replacing all of our galvanized iron piping with Pex. It. Is. Awesome. Easy enough to install that even I am willing to occasionally help with the plumbing. It comes with a circuit breaker thingy. Only for water. The hot pipes are red and the cold pipes are blue and they won’t crack if they ever freeze.
Also, replacing your own windows it definitely the way to go! We’ve only got 2 windows left in our house. So. Close.
Keep up the good work! Can’t wait to see next week’s progress!
Leigh says
So impressed with all of Ryan’s skills. But why are you guys only going to live this house for a few years? After going through all this, I think I’d never move again.
Wendy says
It is always fun to read your weekly updates! This weekend my brother in installing windows in there 100yr old cottage. It is totally worth it to do as much as you can on your own…saves money…but sometimes adds stress. At least that is what we see here 🙂
Wendy
Emily @ Longley's in San Diego says
I agree with you! Once you know how to do it yourself and save money, the thought of paying someone more to do it just doesn’t fly ha.
Misty-Ann says
yeah for ac and YEAH for new closing/opening windows!!!!
alexandjess says
Its so great to have a handy husband! We just cut tile for our bathroom. I don’t want to know what it would cost to have paid someone to do all that work.
Hope you have another fun week of renovating!
Melissa says
First I wanted to point out how much I love your blog!
Second though I ask that you give those contractors a bit of break. Remember that the price they are charging reflects all their expenses such as licensing and insurance.
Spoken as a contractor’s wife.
Suzanne says
That plumber quote is really depressing. We’re considering adding a bath to our 3rd floor but I’m terrified to so much as CALL and have someone come tell me what it will cost. At least I can still dream about it if I don’t know the price.
P.S. Around here, those “boilers” are called “radiators” and they’re made out of cast iron. If no one buys them from you find a scrap yard who will at least pay you for the metal.
Mrs. Chic says
I love that you two have/and are becoming pros and diy projects for your next home. I so wish my dad lived closer he’s a contractor so thats why my project list is so long, my dad will do it for free, of course I take him out to eat 🙂 and to the movies, but you get my drift…..its hard paying someone else do something that you know you can do cheaper 🙂
Erin @ Domestic Adventure says
Absolutely incredible. And I am thinking that Ryan might be right about becoming a window-installing plumber! If only I had known of his skills a couple of years ago…you guys could have had an all-expenses-paid vacation to Maine (with a couple of days of plumbing work on the side). We’ve paid boatloads to plumbers in the past couple of years…
Danielle and Clint says
I am not sure if I missed this from past posts, but why is this home only your 2-3 year max home? I actually thought you guys were redoing this home to be your dream home, but I could of assumed wrong. Each week, I look forward to see what you guys are doing!
Joi says
Girl, you guys are awesome! I wish I had those type of DIY skills. I love keeping up with your new home progress! : )
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
I can’t believe it’s already been 8 weeks. I love reading about your progress. You guys are so busy, but it will all pay off. 🙂
Kylie says
You guys are taking on so much! And it seems from the blog things are moving right along. Have you ever installed new windows in brick? What was your experience like? My hubby may kill me for asking that question as my DIY wheels turn… 🙂
May says
Wow, that is a lot going on right now! I like that you number the weeks. It makes it easier to follow.
We’re getting new windows too. However, we are paying a contractor to put them in because:
A. We’re not as handy as you and your husband.
B. We just don’t have the time (full-time jobs + kids = less time).
C. Last and certainly not least, it’s cheaper than a divorce.
Kristi says
Aren’t handy and self-sufficient husbands the best??? Keep up the good work, Woodwards!!!
Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says
@ Melissa – totally noted. I apologize if I offended you or your hubby and his profession. It was totally unintended. I’d like to clarify a bit here, because I never want to upset anyone in my posts.
My assessment of our quotes certainly wasn’t meant as a refection of all contractors. I understand that contractors have costs beyond materials, including the expenses you mentioned, plus actual time.
But, let’s be honest with one another. $3,300 for a project that will take my husband a full weekend and some change and $300 in materials? Excessive. Because it would have taken even less time for an experienced plumber to do it. $3,300 is the equivalent of around 4 weeks of working full-time at a well paying job.
And to clarify, we do work with contractors at times, good contractors who we are willing to pay fair prices for services from. However, I also think you have to be a smart consumer and call a spade a spade. $3,300 for a relatively small job is ridiculous. $5,000 for window installation would nearly triple the cost of the windows themselves.
I guess it was just meant to illustrate why we chose to do it ourselves. =)
Thanks for the comment! You definitely got me thinking.
Jen@Notes From the Heartland says
Wow…I am amazed at the things you guys do yourselves!! I wouldn’t touch our plumbing if my life depended on it. Well…maybe someday. 😉 After I get some lessons from the superheros otherwise known as the Woodwards!! 🙂
Mrs. Adventure says
Wow you sure sound busy girl! Reading about your projects sure have me itching to move, I’m totally ready for another house project… but I digress It will be another year before we are ready to move :+)
Mrs. Adventure says
Wow you sure sound busy girl! Reading about your projects sure have me itching to move, I’m totally ready for another house project… but I digress It will be another year before we are ready to move :+)