Sunday, January 23, 2022

I Want To, But I Can't

Ever since I knew my brother, Mitchell, was coming to town, I have been anticipating/dreading a couple of remodels that he will be doing. Anticipating the final product, and dreading the process. We are getting a brand new kitchen, including cabinets, counters, tile, pantries and paint. 

We are also getting two brand new bathrooms. One bathroom, in the master suite, is getting a new walk-in shower configuration, a pull-down shower seat, a new toilet, new fixtures, a new vanity and sink, a mirror, a light, a vent fan, tile and paint, and a heated floor. The second bathroom is getting a new tub and toilet, new fixtures, a new vanity and sink insert, mirror, light, vent fan, paint, tile and heated floor.

Throughout the house, we are getting new engineered wood flooring. Right now, we have really yucky dark vinyl plank flooring. The new floor is called Life Proof, and it is a light maple. It will go nicely with our IKEA shelving in the library (that we don't use as a dining room) and the kitchen cabinetry.

We are also getting new wood door surrounds and new baseboards so they don't look like builder grade additions. The studio and two bedrooms will also be painted, then we can add our own decor. We might add crown molding to the bedrooms. That's still up in the air.

In November, we started packing up many things that would be in the way of the remodel, including all of the studio. There's not a thing I could make right now, even if I tried! Most of the stuff is in a storage unit far away, but there are some things that couldn't go into non-climate-controlled unit, like ink pads and reinkers, stamps, paints, etc.. It wouldn't be good for them to get frozen. (The earlier temperature of today was 22 degrees...IN SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA!!!) So, what didn't go to the storage unit is in boxes stacked in the studio! 

Also, we can't sew, because the studio is being used as a staging area for what is going into the master bathroom. (We use the master bedroom as our studio, and the next larger bedroom as a place to sleep. The smallest bedroom is for guests and holds a day bed with a trundle.) There is a tile saw in there along with all kinds of tools needed to do the various jobs in the bathroom.

This project started on 12/26/21 and will probably last more than three months. I suppose since it's started, we can put up with it! The biggest problem is having to sequester the four cats into the two bedrooms. They aren't happy with it, but as many times as Mitchell runs in and out of the house for various reasons, we don't want them to escape. Besides, the noise puts them on edge, so it's best to keep them in their rooms. We let them out in the late afternoon as soon as Mitchell gives us the word that he's done for the day. At about that time, it is time for their dinner...and ours!

Oh, really the first job that Mitchell completed was installing a utility sink in the laundry room. That's so he can have a place to clean up after certain jobs, like painting. It's also so we can wash dishes when we don't have access to a sink in the kitchen during that remodel. Not looking forward to not having a sink in the kitchen!

Anyway...that's where we stand right now. I want to craft, but I can't. I'll put up pictures as the projects get finished, or maybe before. Thanks for sticking with me!


10 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness! How beautiful your house will look for the summer.... never mind the mess now. It will be sooo much better to live in. Stay strong and remember the end result.
    BTW ..... can you send your brother over to me to do it all over again at mine..... lol
    X

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    1. My brother does great work. He works alone, but when he gets to doing the floors, I'm sure he'll need our help to move some of the furniture! We have big heavy 1950s dressers in our bedroom, and I'm not sure I'm going to be able to lift them without my guts ending up on the floor! lol Thanks for your visit!

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  2. Hang in there!! I've lived through renovations many times and while its hard for a while, it will be well worth it in the long run!!!

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    1. I think the hardest part of the process is that both Katie and I are bored. We long for our crafts and something to do. Sitting at the computers is making us a little stir crazy. I know it will be worth it. Just gotta keep that in my head more and more each day. I ordered some paper supplies, so I might start to collage. We'll see... Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. OMG! What have we done!!!!????
    Keep breathing...all will eventually be well. Heavy-dramatic-SIGH! (with accompanying back of the hand to the forehead and swoon!)

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    1. Whack! Git a grip, woman! We've a few months to go yet! Love you! ;}

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  5. Oh my goodness sounds like you have a lot going on at your place. I can't wait to see pictures of the finished rooms. I hope all is going well and the cats are getting along with their situation too.

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    1. Yep! Lot's going on! The one bathroom is done except for the trim, and the second bathroom is almost done. The trim will have to wait there, too, until the end. My brother will start to work in the kitchen tomorrow. After that comes the floors and the trim. Then, we'll probably ask him to do something that's not even on the list at this point! Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. Hi Fond, it sounds like you're busy! Hope all goes well and that yo will be soon be enjoying your new comfort. Hugs, Valerie

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