Here you see the before picture, the post-demo picture, and the post-tile picture. It's been like that for a few weeks because we have been finalizing the design of the new vanity.
We also started the project to refinish the stairs...
Here's a before picture (from before we moved in), and a during picture. The first coat of stain should be complete by now. We're going for an "ebonized" look so it goes well with our butler's pantry cabinets.
Here's a before picture (from before we moved in), and a during picture. The first coat of stain should be complete by now. We're going for an "ebonized" look so it goes well with our butler's pantry cabinets.
Should I mention now that I didn't do any of that? We always planned to contract out the powder room. I had thought about sanding down the stairs myself, but it would have taken me weeks to do in the time I have. We just thought it was more worthwhile to have the pros handle it. They got to that point in one day. I guess I helped by ripping out the runner first, because it would have taken them an extra 10 minutes to do that.
We also got a quote for having the baseboards done. It would have cost us $1500 (for about 300 lft), but I'm doing it myself for about $600 in material.
The first picture shows the end of our half-wall after I installed the moulding, caulked the left side, and filled nail holes. I only caulked the left side because I thought I was terrible at applying caulk. Turns out, it was a problem with my caulking gun. (Giggling yet?) I used to have the $3 spring loaded version, which always left an undesired discharge of caulk. (How bout now?) So, I watched a few videos to try to learn the tricks of the trade. The first video is worthless, but makes me giggle at the accidental innuendo. The second video's title really makes me laugh, but it was extremely helpful. The tip to use glazing compound to fill nail holes helped a lot. I had been using caulk, but could still see the dents of the nail holes. With the glazing compound, there's no such problem. His windex suggestion was really good as well, helping me avoid repainting of our walls where they meet the baseboards. Spraying the walls with windex before applying the caulk keeps the caulk off the walls (nobody wants that), and lets me focus my time on other projects. The biggest help, I splurged and picked up a professional caulking gun. Instead of being spring loaded, it ratchets so it doesn't keep pressure on the bottom of the caulk (OK, seriously? Whoever invented the term "caulk" must have had a sense of humor) Sure, it's $5 instead of $3, but I justify the high upgrade cost by the amount of caulk I haven't wasted since switching. I did the first 15-20 feet of caulking in about 1 hour before getting the new gun. The night I bought it, it took me about 45 minutes to do about 40-60 feet. I've been working on the baseboards every morning this week, because Jen doesn't like the noise from the nail guns. She's worried that it's going to hurt the baby's hearing, and I don't want to risk it either. Jen and I have been staying at her mom's (10 minutes away) because of the stair refinishing project. If sound is bad for a baby, the chemicals to strip and stain wood are much worse. My goal is to complete all of the "loud" projects so Jen and I can focus on quieter projects this weekend (i.e. painting baseboards and windows). If we finish everything, we're hoping that we can finally have our window blinds installed and our furniture delivered.
So, here's what we need to complete before Richifer (our fetus name) arrives:
1. Paint baseboards and windows in family room and kitchen.
2. Hardwood floors. All that remains is the dining room, foyer, living room, and the area in front of our powder room. That's about 40% of our lower level, but I think I can finish this in 2-3 solid weekends.
3. Baseboards. I can do this in the mornings before work.
4. Electrical in butler's pantry and in kitchen eating area (contractor is doing this).
5. Powder room. Mainly contractors.
6. Install a mantel. We'll have someone do this, but we still have to pick it out.
7. Install a chair rail and paint nursery.
8. Mow the lawn every weekend (I just bought a push mower).
I'll try to post more frequently, especially after Richifer arrives, I promise.
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