Renovation - Week 6

Now that we've got the building permit, we were hoping things would start speeding up. Unfortunately, the delays in getting the permit have caused some scheduling problems with the tradesmen. So this week we didn't get as much done as we had been hoping. However the foundation for my workshop got poured, so the week wasn't a complete waste.

Renovation - Week 5

We finally got our building permit! So now things can get going again.

The Technometal posts (or helical pilings) were installed this week. The next big job is to pour the concrete. That will hopefully happen next week.

Some extra demolition was also done inside the house. We have to change HVAC suppliers and the new subcontractor is planning to run things differently so now the laundry room and the downstairs bath room have been opened up (we'd expected those rooms to be left alone - oh well). They also started taking out the existing stairs to the basement.

Renovation - Week 4

This week was all about the outside as they started to prepare the foundations for the addition and my workshop. There wasn't enough room to get the Bobcat through the sides of our yard, so the builders took the direct route - they knocked the back wall out of our garage.

Unfortunately, there have been hold-ups on our building permit. They can't pour the concrete without the permit so we're in a bit of a holding pattern now. Hopefully things get resolved quickly.

In the mean time, Christine's been beavering away with some design software, figuring out how she wants the kitchen to look. We also spent a good portion of Saturday looking at stair railings, flooring, and refrigerators.

Party days

Emma was invited to a birthday party recently held at a cooking school. The kids had fun chopping the toppings for their pizza ...

and decorating their own cupcakes...

There was also a fellow who did amazing balloon hats...

Condo living: Unexpected TMI

Previously, the cats' litter box was in the basement bathroom and their business transactions were relatively private. Now we are all sharing the bathroom.

I had no idea how much scratching goes on when they are finishing their business. Seriously, the box isn't getting any bigger. And at 3 am it is really LOUD.

Renovation - Week 3

The house survived the remnants of hurricane Sandy with no problems. This week they continued with the interior work. Most noticeably, the ceiling of the living room has been opened up so that the new beam can be built, and the floor has been opened up in preparation for the new stairway to the basement.