January 30, 2007
The Big Renovation Project
The Big Renovation Project
Work at the Big Purple Money Pit continues. We got the rest of the hall bathroom demolished and pulled out the bath tub. We had considered leaving the tub in place, but are happy that we pulled it out. The joist under it had been cut at some point and it was essentially unsupported. It would have really sucked to start a bath on the first floor and finished it in the basement.
We've almost got our ideas hashed out with the architect for how to finish the back of the downstairs and rework the upstairs.
I must admit that I'm feeling beaten down by the process. It seems like we'll never be able to put the house back in order and live there. Right now, with no working plumbing and several walls ripped out, it may arguably be less valuable than it was when we bought it, despite have a firmer foundation and new wiring.
I know it is now a sounder place and we're getting to the point where we can start putting it back together again, but it still feels like it's not coming together. Sigh.
Aahh young grasshopper, enjoy the journey as well as reaching your destination. Does not the robin, after making the nest and raising its young, fly off and build another the next season?
Posted by: Master Po at January 30, 2007 10:52 AMWow, that is really tough. This is probably the lowest point. You'll make it. Glad you found out the bathtub needed support this way!! And I love the title for your house. ;-)
Posted by: Jo at January 30, 2007 02:29 PMOne question - will it stay purple when all is said and done?
Keep reminding yourself of how wonderful it will be when finished, when you get to make it a real home. Think of the peace of mind that comes from knowing all the renovations are done - and you don't have to worry about unexpected things breaking (or winding up in the bathtub in the basement - loved that picture).
Posted by: Diane at January 30, 2007 02:50 PMYou are doing things right! There's a house near us where the people SHOULD have done things like you. Instead they spent all of their money decorating it pretty, and when they found out that it needed structural work, they declared bankruptcy and walked away. The new people had to rip out all of the first couple's hard work to repair the structural stuff, which is a shame because it was beautiful.
You'll get through this and you will love the house even more for all of the sweat and effort you have put into it. You'll be like Steve Martin in Father of the Bride II--crawling up the front walk, declaring how he laid each brick one by one.
Posted by: chewymom at January 31, 2007 06:29 AMWill the clawfoot tub fit in the bathroom now?
I can only imagine how nice it will be to soak in there when everything's sparklingly complete. Especially since you know the floor won't be crashing out from underneath you.
Jordana Adams, Chief Pontificator