Memoirs of a Demolition Diva

Happy Holidays

2009-12-16T12:16:00.006-05:00

Here are a few shots of our home, semi-decorated for the holidays!

More Completed Projects

2009-09-18T09:50:00.010-05:00

A million years ago, we started some projects. The shelves and fireplace were finished in June, but I was very slow to upload pics. Our hands were full with the birth of Tara in July!

Here are a few shots of the bookshelves. Dave did an amazing job. This was a big undertaking and I think it's wonderful. It's a great room. Can't wait to have our Christmas tree in that room this year!

Pond Pictures

2009-06-19T10:52:00.006-05:00

Another year in the house. Dave's pond is looking more beautiful everyday. We have so much vegetation- in and around the pond. It's been a very rainy spring, so we've been lucky- the plants love it! Here are a few shots of our best backyard feature.

More Progress

2009-02-13T14:28:00.003-05:00

Early '09 Projects

2009-01-16T12:43:00.006-05:00

Happy New Year! Hey, it's still January, I am with in my 'happy new year' greeting time frame, aren't I?

So we've take on two big house projects at the same time again. We can't help ourselves. But everything is turning out GREAT. We've installed a beautiful fireplace and Dave is building bookshelves. They're amazing. Here are some early progress pictures:

Fireplace

Bookshelf framing

And our NEXT big project, a carport/garage. We'll install an electric garage door, so no more getting in and out of the car to pull into our spot- very helpful in the winter time!

Framing

Oh, and one more project we've taken on. . .

Baby Opkins, coming July 17, 2009! Wish us luck!

More 'After' pictures

2008-08-12T07:24:00.005-05:00

I waited a LONG time for this- it was worth it . . .

Tin backsplash

Corbels under the bar:

Backyard Glamour Shots

2008-08-08T08:02:00.008-05:00

Yeah, it's about time I give you a few 'after' shots, right? Here are a few of the yard. This was one of the greatest projects we accomplished. Very rewarding. If you've forgotten here's what it used to look like. I have the day off and I plan on spending most of my time out here :)

Moulding, etc.

2008-08-04T11:09:00.003-05:00

It's been a few weeks- we've been recovering. Last week, we hung the TV- that was exciting! And this week there will be more painting and moulding. It's been hard to keep the energy level up after making such great strides in a short period of time.

Here's a picture of the moulding we put up around the bathroom mirror- and by we, I mean Dave.

We've made out Phase 2 plan and are trying to get a few more finishing touches accomplished before we start focusing on upkeep- because, as we all know, a house is always in a constant state of disrepair.

A Party

2008-07-15T21:23:00.006-05:00

Yes- it happened. We finished phase 1 of our project and we had a housewarming/30th Birthday party. It was a blast. 65 people- Wonderful, gracious, friends, filled our home with love. We are so blessed. I am so happy that my life is no longer a construction nightmare. The house is clean, and lovely, and fully air-conditioned.

Monday, Dave and I TOOK THE DAY OFF! Had a picnic, took a bike ride and went to bed early! I couldn't be happier. Here are a few shots of the evening.
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A Day of Bobcattery

2008-06-09T07:21:00.007-05:00

The backyard prior to heavy machines and a few videos from the day:

The BOBCAT is Coming!

2008-06-06T15:30:00.004-05:00

We rented one of these . . .

. . .and tomorrow we will transform the mud puddle into something that looks more like this:

The Gardens

2008-05-16T09:58:00.006-05:00

A few pictures of the yard.

Random Items

2008-05-14T12:13:00.007-05:00

I have sheetrocked ceilings in the kitchen! Very exciting news! Dave rented a drywall helper-thing/jack- I don't know what you call it, but it's like having two extra sets of hands, hopefully making his job easier. I'm excited to go home and not see floor joists! The place is starting to resemble a home!

Things are going well otherwise. He ripped up all of the concrete in the backyard to get us ready for that project . . . and then is POURED for DAYS. The backyard could have been a certified mud wrestling pit, and I damn near opened it up for a tourney. Alas, I did not. It's drying out now, so we should be able to get in there soon.

I signed up for the Capitol Hill Classic this coming weekend. I will only be running the 3k and I'm nervous! Most people consider that a warm-up but I'm not much of a runner, so we'll see how I do!

It's Springtime!

2008-04-28T18:56:00.003-05:00

We have a beautiful tree. . . well, it's not OUR tree, but it does hang over our backyard. I'd imagine the tree, which is rooted two houses down, is about 5o feet tall. It had some very low hanging branches, so we decided to have it trimmed back. The yard is brighter, and we get more sun in the house!

The front yard is looking amazing. I need to take some pictures- it seems it's been raining for DAYS! I'm happy for it, and I know the plants are as well. As they say, April showers bring May flowers!

365 Days Later

2008-04-09T11:54:00.005-05:00

Wow! It's been a long time since I wrote. So much to report! We're with bathroom! We're with kitchen! We're with new red oak stairs and recessed lighting . . .the list goes on. It's really quite amazing. Tomorrow will mark the anniversary of closing. I can't believe where a year has taken us. My husband is an absolute wiz at this stuff now. The progress is all due to him. I love that I'm married to a man who is literally building our home.

I'm still a helper monkey. I hold the flashlight, cut drywall, hand him tools, sweep up the messes. . . you know the deal. I love doing those things because there's not too much I can screw up!

My garden in the front is thriving- so many of the previous owner's tulips have popped back up. They're very nice. I'm excited about spring planting- I think I'll venture out to the little patch between the sidewalk and the street. It is in need of a little TLC.

I'm very excited for the next few months and for all of the work that will be accomplished. We will start working on the backyard in the coming weeks. I can't wait for that. It's going to be such a great addition to the house. We're so happy about the place. It's all coming together. 2008 has blessed us.

That's One Small Step for Man . . .

2007-08-28T08:38:00.000-05:00

Yes, the day has arrived. August 28, 2007. I showered in my own home. Words cannot express just how delightful it really was.

Update

2007-08-23T12:02:00.000-05:00

WOW! It's been a long time since I've written. I guess I've gotten caught up in the summer. We haven't left DC once in the past 6 weeks. A decent amount of work has been accomplished. We have central air. We have tiled floors- bathroom and kitchen. And we have our sanity. Well, what little sanity we had when we started this project :)

I think in the next 6 weeks we will have a MOSTLY finished kitchen. I'm about to order the appliances and once everything is in, the countertops. The porject is on the move!

Catching Up

2007-07-24T06:59:00.000-05:00

It's been a little while since I've blogged about the projects. Maybe I hit a wall. Maybe I lost motivation. Maybe it's because I didn't have cool photos like THIS to share!
The tile in the bathroom has begun! I guess we didn't realize all that had to go into getting us to this point. There was the week we had to re-level the floor, the week we had to have the beams re-built, the week of re-framing the wall, hanging greenboard, and then the week of hanging backerboard so we'd have something to adhere tile to. And here we are. Another day closer to a full bathroom. I'm such a happy girl.

We've had great progress though. We had central air installed. We laid cement board in the kitchen so we can start doing the tile there. This project is on the move! I'm putting out a prediction: We'll be comfortably enjoying all of our house by Christmas. Dare I say we have room for a tree???

40 Days and 40 Nights

2007-06-11T06:30:00.000-05:00

This morning marks the 40th day in this house. I'll post some pictures at some point, but were closer to the bathroom and the kitchen. We've ordered tile (must call to find out where it is), ordered the kitchen cabinets (4-6 weeks until delivery) and we're int he midst of talking to the plumber again---maybe we do want that 1/2 bath on the main floor.

Newest idea: carriage house in backyard. Stay tuned.

2007-05-29T14:18:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful weekend! I got to spend good quality time with my girlfriends and then return home to my husband and project! The weather was perfect for both events.

Yesterday, I planted bushes in the front yard while Dave tore down the ceiling in the living room. We spent the rest of the afternoon clearing the debris and cleaning the mess. He looked like a coal miner he was so dirty! Not that I was anywhere close to clean.

The electrician is there today running some wires. I think we need to purchase a toilet and a sink this week so that once the tile comes, it can be laid and the fixtures can be installed! So ready for a full bathroom. So over showering at the gym. I think we're still about 3 weeks away.

Memorial Day Weekend

2007-05-25T13:25:00.000-05:00

Well, the kick-off for white wardrobe is here! Like that makes a difference. Come on! There's work to be done in a dirty house---no place for white clothing.

Last night we ordered our tiles! I'd like to send a shout-out to the most helpful sales associate I've ever met: A Guy named Chris. He sat with us until well after the store closed and processed our order. AND gave us a discount. He rocks. His Karma count is high.

We're going to use a black slate for the bathroom floor and accent it with white subway tiles on the walls. In the kitchen, we went w/ a 20x20 tile, pretty neutral color. I think maple cabinets will complement them well. Of course, it's going to take some time for the tiles to be delivered, so we are not as close to a finished bathroom as I thought. It's OK! A couple more weeks won't kill us. I was told that the place is 'uninhabitable' which I promptly and viciously disputed--we've been inhabiting it for weeks now and we're still alive. I rest my case.

This weekend I was granted time off for good behavior. Dave is sending me on my way to the Eastern Shore with my girlfriends, and a clean bathroom w/ shower. He's going to demo the rest of the main floor ceilings. Something I guess we should have done in the first place. We know, we know...

This week, the electricians came and wired up the kitchen. I have high hats! Recessed lighting is awesome. The place is so bright. I can't wait to see it when it's done. I hope I haven't forgotten how to cook.

Mid-May

2007-05-17T07:23:00.000-05:00

Here we are. It's May 17th. Where did this month go? About to pay our first mortgage payment on this place. I like how they wrap the real first mortgage payment into your settlement day...Doesn't hurt as much when the number is so big.
Last night we measured the newly framed kitchen. I suggested we expose the brick in the eating area. I have to admit, I hate the idea of more demolition. What? The Demo Diva doesn't want more dust? Impossible. Yeah, it's true. I just want to build now. But, that wall is U-G-L-Y as is, and I think it would be a nice touch, and very Cap Hill to expose the brick. We'll see where we stand at the end of the weekend.

Poison Ivy---who knew?

2007-05-16T16:16:00.000-05:00

Well, it was in my 5x5 front yard. Yeah, I got it. No, it ain't pretty. No, I'm not happy about it. Yes, it itches. I'm looking at a two week sentence of having this thing on my body. Not easy for a Diva to deal with.

Not too much to report on the house. We need to head to a store to layout measurements for cabinets. I think that may happen tonight. We'll see.

The Hole Sha-bang

2007-05-14T06:32:00.000-05:00

So Friday finally came. I was a happy girl by the end of last week. I had woken up on Tuesday and was sure that it was Thursday...signs of a long week to come. But Friday came and I was more than happy to get back to the house and finish my window well. Yes, it wasn't a one day project. No, that didn't bother me one bit. Went to the Depot and found the metal 'ring' for the well, and I brought it home to install it. Low and behold, I had dug the hole too big. Who digs a hole too big? Why is digging a hole so much more involved than I had thought? Lesson: everything takes longer than you think it's gonna take.

Either way, it's finished and I could move onto other yard projects. I took down the old white-ish picket fence that was there, then the Hubby came out and suggested we get rid of the chain link. Then I decided I didn't want the box hedge anymore, so that came out (I got to use the saws-all for that one). And the next thing you know, neighbors were commenting on how beautiful the house looked! And we haven't planted a single thing :)

The weekend produced brand new plumbing, a framed out kitchen and bathroom, and a backyard full of debris. I'm so happy with how the place looks. It's really a home . . without a kitchen or full bath, but STILL---really a home.

Morning Repairs

2007-05-10T06:47:00.000-05:00

Simple tasks don't seem to be so simple in this house. This morning:
We're preparing for the plumber and the pending water 'shut off' which will have to take place for him to do his work. We thought we'd fill the laundry tub so we could have water for flush, etc. We've got this problem SOLVED! What problem? NO PROBLEM!

6:15am--filling the laundry tub, things are going swimmingly (pardon the pun), until I hear, "oh sh*t" and look to see my husband standing over a puddle in the laundry room. A leak! Lovely. It was really no big deal---I think the tub had a crack. Add that to the list of things that need to be repaired. Home ownership. Ain't nothing like it.

On another note--my better half finished demoing and cleaning out the bathroom. It looks AWESOME. I can't wait to see it when it has drywall, and a toilet, and a tub, and a sink, and a mirror. . .

Mental Health Evening

2007-05-09T08:23:00.000-05:00

Last night no work was done. Absolutely none. Actually, that's not true. I did make it to the store to pick up beer. We looked at our load-bearing wall and decided it's time to bring in a carpenter to work on it. I think it's the smartest decision we've made yet.

Talked about tile design, and bathroom layout. I'm so excited to see what this place is going to look like. I can imagine it, I just can't wait to live in it!!!

Window Wells and the Inaugural Hole

2007-05-08T06:33:00.000-05:00

I've dug a lot of holes in my life. Sometimes several in a day. I'm pretty sure my childhood was a boot camp, but my Dad calls is a 'benevolent dictatorship' so the jury is still out on that one.

But the hole I dug last night was an exciting one. I was moving my own earth. A prideful moment, I'd say. We have to install a window well around the front basement window. I guess it keeps water out (the #1 destroyer of homes). So I got myself a shovel and started to dig. I don't know why I'm so happy with this hole; it's not even that deep. Country girl--I like to be close to the soil, I guess. I wouldn't really call this 'soil' though. It's definitely city dirt. Give me a year or two...I bet I can make things grow there.

Haven't picked up said window well yet. Can't seem to find one. Back to the Depot we go. I better do it before it rains...

A Sunday at Home

2007-05-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Great weekend. Hard work happening all over the place. The bathroom is completely gutted. The clawfoot is now sitting in the hallway. Plumber came on Saturday to give the firm accounting of what it's really going to take to outfit this place. We're MOVING! This project is on a roll.

Sunday was spent in the house, all day! Our first full day of nothing but being at home. Lots of measurements were taken and we got the chance to go to Home Depot and speak with a kitchen consultant. He was great -- it was nice to finally get someone who was willing to help.

The First Week

2007-05-02T07:12:00.000-05:00

So, we moved in on Saturday and went away on Sunday and Monday. It was a needed break. I brought the kittens home last night. Baxter loves the front window; the foot traffic and birds are more than enough to keep him occupied. Mr. Boots has moved back into my dresser drawer. I think he'll come out soon.

We had our first home cooked meal last night. My better half grilled and I used the microwave. Who needs a kitchen? Not us, not yet at least.

This week we have electricians, and security, and comcast, and plumbers coming in. The project is on the move. Slow and steady progress. We have done no work this week. Save me sweeping the floor and the patio and the front porch. It's all I have the energy for.

Hopefully we'll get some building done this weekend. Sunday, perhaps.

Day 1

2007-04-28T00:13:00.000-05:00

We're here! According to the computer it's 1:15am. We moved in the mattress.
We had AWESOME help from two of our friends. They're the best. They jumped at the request for help.

The house is new to me. The Hubby is asleep on the couch in front of the TV. Digital cable never looked so good. No kitchen; but cable, internet and phone are at our beck and call. I love it. I'm typing away in my 'office'/'guest room'. I can't believe how much space we have. I love it. I love it. I love it.

It needs work~I was harassing the Man with, 'what do you want to do first?'. I got 'relax' as an answer. Not a bad idea. I love that I'm typing away from my own office. AHHHHHHH!

We had dinner at a place, of which, I can't remember the name. Tinn..something. I told my gf I wasn't going to remember. Right behind Eastern Market. I can't believe how awesome to this neighborhood is. I'm already falling in love with it.

Everyone has a kid or a dog. Without fail. I wonder if we'll fall susceptible to that. Probably. I'm already asking for a dog, even though I know it's probably not the best time. I think right before we start having kids---that may be the time we settle down and take on the responsibility of a pooch.

I'm in a rambling mood, so I'll probably quit here. Hard, long day that was blissfully smoothed out by spending time with my friends and husband and successfully moving into our first new home. Happy Girl :)

Another Day

2007-04-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

This is the way I've made my poor husband feel this week. Sorry, Friend. I'll be better, I promise.

Packed more boxes last night. Had the security doors installed yesterday. Dave said they look good--I did not go to the house. I stayed at the apt. and packed and did laundry.

I can't believe that this is the weekend! We're finally moving into the house. It's been a long two weeks--we've gotten so much accomplished. I'm very proud of us. Novice Contractors teehee. Nothing beginner about ripping up floors and knocking down walls. Or is there? :)

We should have the plumber in this weekend. Once we get moving on the electrician and the plumber we can move forward on sheetrockin' the place and ordering cabinets, etc.

Moving

2007-04-25T07:19:00.000-05:00

Well, we've taken it very easy this week. We were supposed to go away this weekend, however, the plans fell through so we get to be here in DC and move at a slower pace. One small carload at a time, we're making our way into our new house. We commented on how full the apartment still looks, but I'm sure things will start to seem less cluttered when we lose some furniture.

Trying to make a decision on the bathroom. Do we totally renovate it? Do we leave it alone and do it later? I'm still trying to figure out what it is we're doing in the kitchen. I don't even know where I'm going to put my Foreman Grill and toaster oven. We have nothing to set them on. Is the electrical work good enough to even hook up that many appliances at one time?!?

2007-04-23T09:36:00.000-05:00

OK, I had to add this to today's entry. This has nothing to do with the house, but it's still funny. That's my friend Ryan will Vanilla Ice. Random encounter.

Alright, the house. We had the floors refinished!

They look great. We move in this week. Things are progressing!

A Night Off

2007-04-20T07:36:00.000-05:00

I took the night off. No heavy lifting for me yesterday. I had to head out of the city to my brother's house to check on our kittens. He's been watching them since we gave notice on our apartment, but he's taken off on a week's vacation so now it's my turn to watch them---long distance. It's been two weeks since I've seen those little guys. I was pretty happy, and they seemed happy as well.

My better-half did some work in the house. He ended up taking down the 2x4's that were standing b/w the kitchen and the diningroom/library (we're still not sure what to do with that space). I think we'll make a half-height wall b/w the kitchen and that room. It will open the place up.

Tonight we'll move some boxes into the basement and possibly a trip to the Depot. In a weeks time we managed to fill a 10 yard dumpster with debris. I think most of the demolition is over. I think. One can never be too sure.

Glad the week is over. Looking forward to beautiful weather and a Sunday afternoon party with friends. Yes, two days off this week. :)

Wood Floors

2007-04-19T11:11:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I went to the house to let the refinishers in to sand, polish and do whatever it is they do to the upstairs floors. My job was to paint the basement beams. Next thing I know, I'm ripping up 4 layers of lamanet flooring to reveal BEAUTIFUL 100 year old pine floors. It was quite exciting. I can't wait to see them refinished.

My parents came by to see the place for the first time. Dad stayed and helped me do lots of the labor---then told me I didn't save much money by doing it myself. lol--typical Nichole/Dad conversation. "Thanks, DAD. I didn't need to hear that!" "Well kid, I'm right here next to you---if you're jumpin' in, I'm with you all the way" The Mother came back a few hours later to do some work as well. My husband and I are lucky b/c we have two sets of very supportive parents.

I did negotiate a wood floor deal which I was pretty proud of. My GC skills are getting better everyday. Except that I let an electrician come in and freak me out about things that needed to be done. My better half was able to calm me down--but all I managed to do was irriate him with my madness. Trying to find balance...

So yesterday's progress was good. The beams didn't get painted, but I think it's probably lower on our 'to-do' list. I don't know if I can handle a night there this evening. I need a night off.

2007-04-17T06:47:00.000-05:00

It's Tuesday. I'm exhausted. haha---too early in the process to be tired! We ripped down the last wall in the kitchen. Some beams need to be replaced and now we're just 'thinking' about how to do it. I've got an idea---let's call a carpenter and have this ish taken care of ASAP.

Didn't get to the bathroom. that will be today. I think I'll be showering at the gym for awhile.

Nichole projects for the week--painting the beams in the basement. I have no idea why painting is such a difficult job for me--it's probably because I'm a moron. It's so SIMPLE. Why can't I keep paint on the brush and walls and out of my face and hair? It's a question I'll ponder. I'll get back to you with an answer

The Right Tools for the Job

2007-04-16T07:23:00.000-05:00

Well, it was out first full weekend of work on the house. My hubby was awesome and let me sleep in on Saturday morning. I showed up around 10, grabbed us lunch and proceeded to fill the dumpster. Of course it rained all weekend. Not to worry! I made my maiden solo voyage to The Depot. I bought a shopvac and a tarp. We were in business for cleaning demolition debris.

Last night we did run into our first 'hmmm' problem. He started ripping down the ceiling in the living room only to find stuff we didn't' exactly know how to deal with. Remember---we don't do this for a living; we just think we do. So problems that come up, and I'm positive, have an easy solution, we have no idea how to deal with. But, we're smart---we'll figure it out. Anybody have suggestions for cool ceiling solutions?

We ripped the cabinet that housed the sink and garbage disposal. You'd think this would be a 10 minute job. Nope. It took a little longer than expected b/c there was electrical (SCARY TO ME) and then there was plumbing---AND an old metal cabinet that didn't seem to want to give up it's place in the kitchen. If only we had the RIGHT tool for the job, it would have come out with a little less elbow grease. I'm so proud of my husband though-he made it work with a pair of diagonal pliers and a sledge hammer. Brut force and ignorance, as my high school calculus teacher used to say---sometimes that's what you have to use to get the job done.

I spent most of this weekend hauling 2x4's to the basement and plaster and drywall into the dumpster. OH--and I got to use the shopvac. I think that's my favorite tool from the weekend.

Today, we're demoing the bathroom.
I'll post some pictures of the demo soon!

Settlement Day

2007-04-13T12:49:00.000-05:00

After many months of intense searching, my dear husband and I finally found our home. A perfect row house in Washington, DC. When I say 'perfect' I mean perfect for us. It's a place that needed a tremendous amount of TLC. We wouldn't have wanted it any other way. It's old, it smells like moth balls, there's no dishwasher. There are plaster walls with such bad patch jobs that it looks as though the wall may give birth---I kid you not, a wall in bedroom #2 has a belly. None of this scared us. We have the vision! We know what possibilities this place possesses! And...it was in our price range.

So settlement day finally came--it was this past Monday. This is our first house, so our first time at the settlement table. There were 8 people in the room and only two of us were signing papers. It wasn't as bad as 'they' say- in and out within an hour. Back to the house to change locks. Our first project; we couldn't wait to get started.
4 hours later, we had successfully changed three locks!

Every night after work we head to the house to do a little more. I've become very skilled with a pry bar, a cordless drill, and a sledge hammer. I highly recommend that all those who deal with frustration at the office head to Home Depot and get a sledge hammer, go home, and start banging stuff up! Demolition is great, it's the renovation part that takes a little more skill.

I plan on using this blog as my online journal; a way to chronicle these stories so that one day, (6-10 months from now) if there are still holes in the walls and unfinished plaster patches, I can remember how exciting it was in the beginning. I can't wait to see what we create.