Hubby is officially out of commission for the month, traveling on business. And, as per usual, within 24 hours of him rolling out of town (to warm and sunny Texas, no less), we got our first snow and I had to shovel by myself.
Okay, well, technically, I didn’t shovel. I just stomped through it grumpily and my mom came over and shoveled it for me. I’m fragile. And spoiled.
It’s a guarantee that when Ryan leaves in the winter, we’ll get a snowstorm. He’s like a human doppler radar.
But, have no fear, friends. Some progress was still made in week 18.
Last week, I mentioned that we wanted to get our house insulated now that all exterior walls are drywalled. We had already made contact with the same contractor who insulated our rental house. The owner came out in August and gave us a quote. We knew we needed to get everything closed in first.
But, before we could do that, we had to:
- Tear out current walls
- Pull out old plumbing
- Tear out old electrical
- Re-run all plumbing for bathroom and kitchen
- Have it inspected
- Re-run all electrical for the entire house
- Have it inspected
- Tear out all pipes and radiators from the old boiler
- Get new heating and cooling installed
- Re-drywall
So, now you can understand why it took a little time. Yikes! That’s a lot to do.
But hubby did it. (Go, Ryan!)
We knew that we were cutting it a little close for the rebate (which expires on Dec. 31). The contractor must be paid before then to qualify.
So, when we called the insulator again, he surprised and delighted us when he said that he’d be there the same week. He fit us in to make it work and get the rebate. This is great because they usually book several weeks out, especially at this time of the year. But it’s good for us and for him.
So, they showed up last Friday morning with all the equipment and got it done while I was working. (I love that.)
They drilled holes throughout the first and second floors to blow in the insulation. Then, they capped the holes. We’ll have to repair these areas before we paint, but it shouldn’t be a huge issue.
Now, we just need to get the new windows in. This should all make a huge difference in efficiency. The current windows are so bad that it feels like the wind is blowing straight through the house… when the windows are closed.
So, that’s the week in review. No photos. I didn’t wanna stomp through the snow when it’s 5 degrees outside.
Updated spreadsheet here.
P.S. And if you are interested in insulation, check out Sara at Russet Street Reno, who tackled insulation last week in true DIY style.
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Sara @ Russet Street Reno says
Jeez, how did I miss that shout out? I’m flattered, my friend!
Leigh says
It must feel so good to check stuff off the list.
Amanda Sevall says
Seriously — I’m impressed with all the progress made in the holiday season!! We have one tiny little 8 ft x 7 ft laundry room to remodel and in that time we have only managed to write the to-do list!! LOL 😉
*claire* says
good luck surviving without him 🙂 somehow, i know you will do fine!
ps – i am spoiled. the idea of ever having to shovel snow for any reason besides gathering enough dust to make a snowman, is appalling! 🙂 semi-serious question – do you actually have to go to work and lead a normal life when it’s snowed enough to require shoveling?? ick!
Stephanie says
all housing comments aside, I am appalled that you didn’t mooch on that trip to Texas and come hang out with me. But for all I know he could be 16 hours away from Houston and still in Texas, so, I digress.
Lucky Girl says
Haha on the shoveling thing! The same thing always seems to happen to me too. In fact, last year he headed out to Arizona or something and stuck me with both the shoveling and the Christmas tree removal!
Liz @ It's Great To Be Home says
Don’t moms rock? I bet the insulation made a HUGE difference – and I’m so jealous you’ll be getting new windows! That’s definitely on my “I want” list for our house. (P.S. Lucky Ryan, we’re having gorgeous weather in Texas right now!)
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Yay for the insulation (and for moms who shovel). 😉
Emily says
It may not be the type of progress you can show dramatic before and after pictures of, but girl – that’s one important check off the list! Congrats on having a house that will now be energy efficient and keep you warm!!!
Mrs. Adventure says
Wow girl you always amaze me with your progress :+)
Jen@Notes From the Heartland says
Likey likey the insulation. It makes all the difference. It must….we STILL have no ceiling in the kitchen but the insulation is doing its best at keeping things cozy warm. 🙂 Thinking about you this week girlie.
Michael - Innkeeper says
i’m sure each step is a weight off your sholders. congrats on the insulation.
and does your mom hire out? she can come shovel my driveway. i can pay her with all the pumpkin pancakes she can eat!!