What doesn’t make me happy is that Ryan now knows that the plumbing upstairs hasn’t been updated. (Everything downstairs in copper, but the upstairs is the original galvanized piping. It needs to be replaced. Which is a pain.)
The good news is that the ceiling is in really good shape. I can actually just get to painting it. You know, after we clear out all this garbage. Did I mention it’s REALLY hot upstairs?
The kitchen and dining room
Now, there are approximately 652,786 screws to remove. No exaggeration. The installers literally placed a screw in the cement board every centimeter. No one can say they weren’t thorough.
Ryan broke two bits trying to get the screws out. Which pleased him. But, they’ll come out eventually. Then, we have to figure out how to fill the holes. In the beautiful original hardwoods. I think that covering these floors should be a capital offense.
Exterior
Ryan spent Sunday morning cleaning the gutters. He realized this was necessary when it was down pouring and nothing was coming out of the downspouts. It was just spilling over the tops. And, the trees growing in the gutters may have given him a clue, too.
Now, the gutters are debris-free.
We also spread 3 tons of dirt around the house so the water will flow away from the house instead of into the basement. (Novel idea.) Next time, remind us not to do this on the day with the year’s highest temperatures. I helped with about 25 percent of the dirt before I realized that it was HOT and that job STINKS. (You should all be feeling bad for Ryan, now.)
But, also remind me never to drive Ryan’s death trap of a truck to get the aforementioned dirt. I.almost.died. (You all should be feeling bad for me, now.)
After all the dirt was spread (yes, it took all 3 tons), I transplanted some perennials from our yard (iris, lilies and hosta) and covered it all with cypress mulch. Once the plants take to their new home, I think it will look great.
And, at least the house looks like someone cares now.
Although all the bushes are still thrown in the backyard. Still figuring that out.
I originally wanted to paint the foundation before planting anything, but it’s already August and I needed to move the plants. So, I’ll just paint the foundation later. Once we figure out how to get the outside water spigot working so I can power wash everything.
And, who wants to see the most recent checklist? (It’s not much change this week, but a few things have been updated.)
Thoughts?
We just finished full perimeter waterproofing in our basement. It wasn’t cheap, but it is now totally dry. If reversing the grade didn’t help your situation, let me know and I’ll give you the name of the guy we used.
Kim – I just had a panic attack for you!! You are incredible!
You tow make such a great team and get everything done super fast!!
You did as lot of work for 12 days. You should think of builders carrier 🙂
Oh yeah – I meant to tell you… I’ve definitely had my camera set to manual focus and not been able to figure out what the heck was wrong with it. I told my husband that I thought it was broken and he casually reached over and switched the button. I was a wee bit disgruntled about the whole thing – especially since he put it in manual.
It is looking great you two.
Do you guys even have time to eat? That along with all of the manual labor you are doing in these high temperatures, you are both going to waste away! I can’t believe the difference already!
I wonder how many times I have typed “Kim you are my hero” on this blog….I bet over twelve. I cannot believe you guys have gotten all that done in just a couple of days. A.maz.ing!
I have one thought, “You are freaking insane”. thatisall.
The exterior is really cute now. I also agree that covering wood floors should be a house felony.
You two are my DIY demo heroes. All of that in two weeks?!?!? You are awesome. And possibly related to superman and wonder woman. I haven’t made that much progress in a year. I haven’t made that much progress since I was jobless last summer. I need to get my rear in gear. It’s really shaping up – the front of the house already looks loads better. Can’t wait to see week 3 progress!
WOW! You go girl!
I would have thought the blur was intentional!! It has a great action look to it. 🙂 Looking good — amazing what a difference landscaping can make!! Hope week 3 is just as productive as the first 2 weeks and yay for power & water!!
I love these updates! We had a similar problem with plumbing– we bought a foreclosed house that had been empty for more than a year. They (whoever “they” are) decided to turn off the water AFTER the pipes froze. We had little leaks everywhere– including a “shower” I took while standing in the office. We think we’ve finally resolved all of those issues (fingers crossed).
Kim,
You and Ryan are amazing. Wow…you have accomplished some major tasks in 12 days! Noticed some brick in the kitchen, do you think you’ll keep it exposed? So glad you are taking us along on your journey! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Wendy
My thoughts? I don’t have any, because I got too tired looking at everything you guys have accomplished. 🙂 I’m sure this house will be just as beautiful as the other one when you guys have whipped it into shape! 🙂
The front curb appeal is already looking better, Kim! Bummer to hear about the plumbing issues, but it sure sounds like your man knows what he’s doing. 😉 Isn’t it great to have a handy hubby??
If you have a chance, stop by the blog today b/c I have a Custom Blog Button Giveaway going on. 🙂
Holy cow! You’ve gotten so much done! I’m so sorry to hear about the plumbing issues- not cool. Please tell me you’ll be adding ac.
man, you guys are a RENO MACHINE!!!
Are you for hire 😉
LB
I wish Clint and I had as much energy as you two do! The house is looking awesome in just a short amount of time! Your new neighbors must be so thrilled!
plants always make a difference! Love that light post in front!
wow!
i can’t tell you how jealous i am of this process. the joy of taking something not so great and making it amazing … and your home!
everything is looking amazing already. so much potential.
so happy for your both! and you still make time to take vacation! awesome!
Yeah for a house demo update. Can I tell you that I am going to addicted to these? I can’t wait to see where this project all takes you! I am amazed by your energy and the amount of work you are getting done in addition to your “real” jobs. You put a couch potato like me to shame!
Umm… you did all of this AND went on vacay? Amazing.
I am loving that lamp post out front.
You two have certainly have your hands full. We just demo’d our little guest bath and I’m stressed thinking about that. Do you have suggestions for fixing drywall (all the walls?)
You amaze me Kim (and Ryan).
Also, I have totally been stuck scratching my head before wondering why my camera won’t focus, then seeing that my lens somehow jumped over to manual focus. Silly cameras!
I’m so glad you told us who to feel sorry for and when! 🙂 The house is darling, can you guys hurry up and finish so I can see it transformed???? I’m kind of an instant gratification type…
what a difference you’ve made already!! looks great. hope it starts to cool down for you!
Wow! It is really shaping up – the outside looks worlds better, and in only 12 days!
The “It’s hot and this job stinks” is me with just about every project. “Oh wow, this is HARD! My arms hurt. Why is it so hot? I’m sweaty. I can’t do this!” Really, it’s a wonder anything gets done at all.
On a completely random note, are you doing to do Dare to DIY again this year? I liked it last year, but I’m amping up my DIY skill, and would LOVE to do it again!
You two have SO much energy! It’s looking great!