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Remodeling Bathrooms Kitchens

1/2 way through my 6 month remodel & still standing (w/pictures)

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

We moved out exactly 3 months ago today and expect to move back late September/early October, so we're just about at the halfway mark. Watching the progress has been amazing.

I'm happy to say we have had no "major" surprises. Yes, a few things crept up when the architect miscalculated something or the plumbing couldn't go through a steel beam (lol) so we had to modify things a bit. But overall, the only overruns are due to my upgrades. I really need to stop signing change orders!!!!!

The house is coming back together now nicely and to my delight I like the way it looks. I did the design largely myself with some input from the architect and builder. I worried I should have hired an interior designer but I think I did alright with my choices so far.

Quick summary of our remodel:

* Remove most walls on first floor to create open concept - DONE

* Convert screened in porch to mud room and breakfast nook - DONE

* Gut remodel of kitchen - WAITING FOR CABINETS (EXPECTED EARLY AUGUST)

* 2nd story expansion/addition to create master suite with new master bath - ROUGH IN AND TILE DONE. NEED TO INSTALL VANITY, TUB and FIXTURES

* Remove all popcorn ceiling - DONE

* Replace stairwell - IN PROCESS THIS WEEK

* Convert HVAC to forced hot air heat (multi zone) from baseboard - DONE

* Trex stairs from mudroom to back patio - TBD

* Paint entire interior - WALLS PRIMED

* Sand and refinish hardwood floors throughout - TBD

It was a big undertaking but our builder has been fantastic to work with.

Pictures coming (hopefully).... My last post with pictures failed to upload :(

Featured Answer

Moira L
Original Author

2 years ago

Some tile progress:

Master Bath Floor:

Shower:

Mudroom:

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Comments (28)

Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
Here's a before and after of the exterior showing the Master addition:

BEFORE:

AND AFTER:
Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
The old screen porch...

And now...
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I'm back....from San Diego, Trade Show He&& and just a generally busy life! QOD: If I am being good...almonds and if I am out of control and really stressed...something sweet...I LOVE Peanut M & M's and I cannot buy them or I WILL eat them.. I had a wonderful time in San Diego with my oldest DS. He is every mothers dream...I am truely blessed with my kids. I haven't had a real vacation in sometime so this was awesome. My laptop crashed right before I left and I had to send it back to Apple. It was probably a good thing because then I couldn't work. I checked email once a day and had my cell if anyone needed me. We ate out ( Mexican ( SANGRIA) Sushi, Steaks), relaxed, and my son took me shopping at Nordstrom. He said ' mom you have bought me so much in my life that it is my turn to treat you'. THREE PAIRS OF SHOES LATER....LOLOL.. I love his girlfriend and I think that they will get married in the next two years. I would be thrilled to be her MIL. She and I get along really well. I was wearing a new pair of Dr. Scholl sandals and after walking all day..I took them off and there was a huge blister. She said ' you are not wearing those anymore today' and promptly gave me her flip flops to wear. She wore the Dr. Scholls. Remember those and how cool they were...forget that...I am getting rid of them. I came back to bedlam at the office. We had to get ready for a trade show that went on this week. I am so tired and I think my cheeks are in a permanant smile. The trade show we were at is called Mac Design. Our booth was crowded the whole time. I think that we will have a good response from the show. I had several companies that wanted to have us use their products. People kept telling us what a great booth we had. If I get pictures I will send them to Marci to put up on the site.. I have also been busy with softball and my DD. I think I told you all that she is playing Varsity ball. Her team is has won regionals which has never happened at her school. We are now in the sectionals. It is so exciting to watch how these girls play. I don't think I have any nails left. Our next game is on Saturday. Raeanne: As far as I know...I will be in town. I don't think we are going to CA for that wedding. Email me further info...hotels and times at such! I so want to me you. MY DD will be playing in a softball tournament that whole weekend so my hours will be varied but if there is a will there is a way and I have to eat sometime and I would love to share a 'drink' with you! Marci: I haven't bought the newest book...But I will this weekend. I have had no time to do much...I think I told you that I loved the one you sent me. It was a great story. Also Marci, there is NOTHING better than a pedicure in my world. Your feet will be in heaven. Besh: Thank you over and over for recommending Jodi Picoult. I know Marci and I have throughly enjoyed her books. She really gets you caught up in the story. My mom is now hooked on her too. BJ: When do you leave and who is taking care of your house while you are gone? NHSuzanne: I read about your riding the Tennesee Walker. DOn't you just love that ride? Could the ride be any smoother? My neighbor in CA had two of those and we had a great time riding those together. The horse never break and just keep walking at a very fast pace. I loved riding them. Dee Marie: You are so awesome and have amazing willpower. 22LBS...:::clap clap clap:::: Maddie: Hello??? come back and share your trip with us. Amy: So glad you have a keyboard again. I think it is great that your family is coming to visit. Have a wonderful visit. They will be jealous of your tropical paradise. I know I am. OK THIS MIA CHECKED IN!!!!!!! ALL YOU OTHERS GET BACK IN HERE OR AT LEAST EMAIL ONE OF US TO LET US KNOW YOU ARE ALIVE!!! Gretchen Here is a link that might be useful: What I have been up to this week
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Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
The addition progress:
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Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
First floor walls removed (imagine this used to be 3 closed off rooms plus a screened porch:

Old Screened in porch

Low ceiling and walls here were added to accommodate plumbing from new master bath upstairs. We opted to have a built in created with some shelves and a window seat.
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Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
Early pictures of the mater suite addition:

Door to master bath

Master Bath (water closet)
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lucky998877
2 years ago
Fantastic! I know just how it feels, we added on last year and did a full reno. A pandemic major renovation while we lived in the house, with 4 kids...fun memories ;) Good luck!
chispa
2 years ago
My in-laws did a similar addition and their only regret was that they didn't do it years earlier.
smalloldhouse_gw
2 years ago
Congratulations - it looks amazing already! And even better to be on track in terms of the timeline. We just finished a 6 month addition and renovation that wound up taking 9 months, so I sympathize with the process!
Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
@lucky998877 I can't even imagine living through the reno while homeschooling 4 kids! I'm sure you love it now, but what a year that must have been!

@chispa too funny! I've said that at least a dozen times.... why didn't we do this sooner? The answer is simple.... MONEY! It will be worth the wait but I do wish we had been able to do it sooner.

@smalloldhouse_gw I've been watching your posts - your house is beautiful and you gave me hope that the process will be worth it in the end! Hoping we stay on track with our timing. The big risk is if the kitchen cabinets get delayed. Fingers crossed!!!
sayboone
2 years ago
The progress is amazing! We have the same style of house and are mid-remodel as well. No addition for us but a major interior facelift. I will look forward to seeing more photos of your project!
Moira L thanked sayboone
Angel
2 years ago
Looks awesome! We are doing something very similar and are experiencing delays due to windows. Our GC ordered the windows first thing and went with Andersen since they had the shortest lead time (we were quoted 4-5 weeks but now, 6 weeks later, we still have no windows). Did you experience any material delays? We have all the finishes (tile, vanities, appliances, etc.) ordered and in. Just the windows are holding us up.
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FrameMyMirror
2 years ago
Wow it is looking great so far! I can't wait to see the final photos as I'm sure it'll look amazing!
Moira L thanked FrameMyMirror
Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
@Angel waiting is the worst, isn't it??? We have been pretty lucky on that front. My builder ordered our windows the day we signed the contract (late January) and I think they came in late April, which was perfect timing for the job. We are in a bit of a slow down now waiting for kitchen cabinets. We ordered those in April and were quoted early/mid August. My appliances came in no time at all, which was surprising. They've been sitting in my garage since May. With tile, we had a few selections out of stock, but we were able to find some in stock we loved. Our interior doors took about a month to a month and a half, but again, my GC planned the timing of that order perfectly.

I ordered my custom closet for the Master WIC in mid-June and am slated for install on October 10!!!! That was kind of crazy.

Good luck!
dani_m08
2 years ago
I’m assuming you used real Carrara marble tile for you shower. If it’s faux marble, it’s one of the best ones I’ve seen! Looks like your house will be stunning when finished!
Moira L thanked dani_m08
Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
@dani_m08 it is porcelain tile! I agree it looks really good - even better in person. Here's the tile we used.

https://www.tilebar.com/sample-marble-tech-bianco-gioia-matte-porcelain-tile.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwruSHBhAtEiwA_qCppsdKcbRwdb54Ul3bkngMjNjYvmG81YvKooQy_84LdS69BImOiRVKGxoCQtUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
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dani_m08
2 years ago
Was checking to see if you had posted more photos of your house since these last ones - are you finished? I would LOVE to see what everything looks like now!

Also, I missed your reply re: master bathroom tile being porcelain and not real marble (haven’t been felling well so I’ve not been on Houzz much at all). Was surprised to see that it was a faux marble - wish I would have found something like this 4-5 months ago before I purchased actual marble for my master bathroom renovation (which STILL isn’t finished - actually had to have another contractor rip out part of one wall of marble tile yesterday - not fun).

Post more pics PLEASE!!!
Moira L thanked dani_m08
Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
We are getting close..... final inspection is this week, then the hardwood floors get refinished!! Other than that, I have a punch list that they are working on. Our cabinets didn't come until mid October so that slowed everything down. I will post more progress pics!

Master bath:
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Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago

Window Seat

Converted to gas fireplace, added mantle and top to hang TV

Built-in in mudroom
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Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
Kitchen progress
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Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
More kitchen progress
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Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
More angles of the kitchen
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Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
Master Walk in Closet
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Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
Barn door to WIC and Master Bedroom
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Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
We put these built ins just outside the walk in closet so we have all of our clothes in one place and no need for dressers in the MBR. It was a great use of otherwise wasted space!
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Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
I will post more pictures soon! We are anticipating being ready for final sign off the Friday before Thanksgiving although we won’t move back in right away as the floors need time to cure before we can put area rugs and furniture down.
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Candace
2 years ago
Looks wonderful!!! You have to be so happy to be on the home stretch! Make sure your flooring guys are CAREFUL around all your toe kicks and don’t slop poly (or whatever they’re using) all over them….we had our floors done after our built in fridge/freezer columns were in and they slopped that stuff all over the SS toe kicks…. Needless to say they’re paying to replace them - wished they’d have just been careful in the first place!!
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Moira L
Original Author
2 years ago
@Candace, yes!!! Our builder is not installing toe kicks until after the floors are done. I would be so upset of they messed them up!!!! Glad they're paying to replace yours.

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