Vicarious Renovation

16Feb14

Tired of snow. Tired of being cold. Tired of winter. NOT tired of having a responsible contractor manage this project. 
Without lifting a finger--except to write checks--we now have new French doors from the keeping 
room to the patio, and a bay window roughed in on the patio side of the kitchen. 

View of patio with new French doors. Black rectangle to the right will be new window replacing former rear access to 1970's addition. Note adequate supply of snow. 

Keeping room showing new doors. They add a great deal of light.

New framed-from-scratch kitchen bay window. Sized to match original windows. New sashes and storms being made to order to maintain age-appropriate look. 

The Winter of Our Discontent...

2Feb14

Again, a break between entries. Three reasons: 1)we are still not at the point where we will be able to do any significant work on our own since there are many structural and architectural issues underway being fantastically addressed by our contractor and his crew; 2) battling the cold(weather)--still no heat, the crew works with portable propane heaters on, gallons of Poland Spring remain frozen on the floor; 3) battling the cold(the disease)--lingering classic mid-winter uri, still trying to shake after three wks.
Anyhow, I will attempt to post some progress fotos, maybe before and afters, depending upon how the blog connects with the iPad today.

Top, north side of house with original windows. Bottom, sashes removed for restoration--hope to save many original panes, some windows will have to be entirely reframed. 

Top, upstairs bath as found. Bottom, view now from opposite wall. Sink and vanity were against wall that was removed to expose center chimney. 

Top, newly framed second floor landing adjacent to bedroom allows for safe egress from steep center stairs, creates walkin closet and possible work area.

Bottom pic shows newly framed bedroom with ceiling temporarily opened to attic, added 2x4s to allow for insulation and greater structural integrity. 

Two shots of kitchen showing preparation to create cathedral ceiling. 

Until next time, 

ciáo!