I’ve noticed that when other folks talk about doing a project “themselves” it is really code for: “I hired a contractor, who hired other folks.” When we say that we “did it ourselves,” we really, really mean it. We are the first to point out when someone other than the two of us did something: mostly because no one (barring a few select family and friends) does a better job than we do and we are quick to notice the differences.
As of this morning, Paul announced the plan to “hit the ground running” with our renovations to the back of the house upon returning from Lima in February:
– Demo the entire back to the slab.
– Frame out new walls (hooray — insulation on about 200 square feet!)
– Frame them out a “normal” ceiling height, 8 feet
– Build a second story on top with a peaked roof line that mimics our current roof
– Install windows and door
– New siding on new portion of house
– Move the interior doors to match up on where they need to go in the new plan
– Install a spiral staircase in our bedroom that will lead into the new section over the back of our house
– Slowly start to assemble the backrooms (master bath, his/her closets, walk-through laundry room with utility sink)
– Build the upstairs study
Considering how long it takes us to do “easy” things like paint a room, how long do you think it will take us to complete this monster? Granted, we’re not trying to finish fast (unless we win the lottery, we have to take it slow in order to save enough month-to-month to buy materials) but even with a load of cash — a year? two years? I would love to get this thing started, but I admit that it is a little overwhelming to think about all at once.
Randy | 08-Dec-05 at 8:13 am | Permalink
And you said I needed to give you a pep talk?
I would guess that the limiting factor on this one is going to be the ability to obtain materials. When there is a hole in your house you are a bit more motivated to get it taken care of.
Also agree on the doing work vs having work done. I try to point out when i have other people do stuff versus when we do it ourselves.
millard | 08-Dec-05 at 8:27 am | Permalink
Cool, sounds like a blast. At least you won’t have to deal with 3 below zero temps… If at all possible get the framing, roof underlayment, plywood on the walls, windows and doors in before you open any thing up into the rest of the house. It can be a bit more work but it keeps things a lot drier and cleaner.
Millard
Holly | 08-Dec-05 at 9:14 am | Permalink
Randy, you guys have seriously accomplished a ton since you closed… you haven’t even been there a year! The whole kid thing obviously slows us down, but as a general rule, we work very slowly.
Millard, I love that you call this a blast! 🙂
We’ll see how far we get before we start calling you and begging you to visit!