Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Renovation: of home, of career

The new year brings a life of huge change. I'm working here from home, with my own clients and projects, and not part of a big agency and team. It's exciting and I'm fortunate to have plenty to keep me busy. And at the very same time, this home is not the home it's been for the past 8 years. We've just moved into the demolition and construction phase of a major renovation, with a completely new kitchen, and a second bathroom being put in on the top floor. We decided we love where we live and our house, but it needed some work to become a little more comfortable. Our former guest bedroom is transforming into a decadent bathroom with a huge shower and radient floor heating. But that means getting water and sewer to a second floor, thus opening up walls and the ground from the sewer line outside all the way up the walls of the living room and into the upstairs. Here's what the room looks like today:
Caution: No Floor
Yep, no floor

And today the kitchen is being demolished. Our fridge was moved to the basement yesterday, and we've set up our "camp kitchen" featuring a microwave in the basement. Tomorrow I'll post photos of the kitchen before and after demo. I'm scared to look myself.

My mom said we'll look back on this time and laugh. AdRi advised I find an outlet for my frustration with any of it. Hmm. Lucky you blogreaders. Today? No frustration. But here's a picture from the second floor looking out at the shitter in the driveway. Pretty.
2nd Bathroom is in the driveway

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

What is your finish date?

LeLo said...

Finish date is currently estimated April 1. Note the "currently estimated" language.

Syd said...

The shitter...[giggle]

I'm afraid I'm gonna have a stroke on your behalf before this is over.

Kathryn said...

Your room can be ready in an hour. An hour and a half if you want the rest of the house clean.

ToadyJoe said...

Ugh. I don't envy you at ALL. Have done a complete kitchen revamp (from the bare wood, like your photo) in the winter, with 2 kids and 2 adults to feed... and it included taking out a window to the outside, while we were at it. It sucks. I hope to never ever do it again... but at the same time, WOW what a difference it made in the whole house. I feel for ya!

Just remember that we're here, if you need a 'sanity break'. :)

Anonymous said...

damn that's scarey, but somebody has a cool old truck...I'm excited about all of your changes, LOL as long as they're yours ;)...here's to an outstanding new year for all the new endeavors!

Anonymous said...

When everything's finished I can say I slept in your bathroom.

purpletwinkie said...

I love the shitter. Would you call that "slate grey" or maybe "battleship" ?

Anonymous said...

Lelo - It's a bitch...for 3 months...then "it's the best thing we ever did". Then the "I should have's" set in but they never compare to the "it's the best thing we ever did" so try to keep the stress low and enjoy the process.

I think the demolition was the best part...it got tougher the last few weeks. Call us...we'll take you away and talk you down since it hasn't been that long since we did the same. Come see our kitchen and you'll see what I mean. Really...anytime.

Monogram Queen said...

You're a strong bravy lady (as is AdRi) but it will all be well worth it. I am giggling at the shitter too. I'm so juvenile!