2012_10_24 Update (2)

The builders who helped replace the exterior trim this summer also re-hung the two front doors, which were sagging to the point that they hung like parallelagrams until light came through the gaps.  Since they were hung inappropriately, while the exterior trim was removed we also removed the interior trim and re-shimmed and secured the doors so they work without rubbing and have a solid seal.  These are Energy Star rated doors with warrantees, which are fiberglass and very heavy.  For them to be hung wrong is like driving a sports car with the emergency brake on, completely defeating their purpose.  I will eventually need to repaint the interior as result.  Good winter project. 

During this work the builders pointed out that the mudroom door was swelling at the base of the window, indicating water was seaping through the seal and ruining the door.  Eventually, mushrooms even started to appear.  I had to contact the manufacturer, who sent a replacement door.  Unfortunately, I now need to replace the door myself (labor is not included in the warrantee), which means refinishing the door with the cherry stain and finish, then rehanging it to exactly match the hinge, lock and latch of the original door.  When will this end?!?

2012_10_24 Home Update

Throughout the summer I have been replacing exterior door and window trim, as the originally installed trim has been rotting.  By starting the process myself I grew to understand how badly the original work was done.  Random nails were used, all of which were rusting through.  In some cases, only 2-3 wire nails were used to secure a 6' section of trim.  I could pull it off with my hands.  Other sections had no house wrap underneath, where moisture had begun to create rot on the wall of the house.  By starting the replacement process myself I devised a process that used PVC trim, caulk, and painting the pieces before installing them  with stainless steel nails, all to minimize deterioration and water damage and maximize durability.  Eventually I hired two men who removed old pieces and cut the new pieces.  I would paint the new pieces over night, and they would install them the next day, while continuing to remove other pieces.  All windows and doors have had their trim replaced, puttied, sanded and painted.  All window sills were also reinforced.  Due to a very rainy Fall it has taken until now for the final pieces to be painted.  The remaining fascia, rake and other exterior trimwork will need to be replaced also, which will include removing the gutters and electrical wires.  That will have to be another summer.  For now I waited for a few days of dry before filling rot holes with caulk, priming and painting the areas to retard deterioration.

2012_05_29 Finally Done!

2012_05_29 Delays, delays...

2011_12_05 Master Closet Update

Work on the Master Closet is progressing as fast as possible. By the end of this week all 4 dressers and the window seat will be completed, and the last round of materials will be ordered. Also, with the dressers completed, final measurements for the drawers can be made, and they can be constructed. Shooting to be in before Christmas...

2011_10_17 Starting the Master Closet

In late September I started the Master Closet. In the spring my table saw broke, and it took over three months to get it reparied. The start of this project included several days of adjustments, until it worked properly.

Finding a source of materials was a challenge, but I now have the proper materials and have begun the first of four dressers, which will be surrounded by built-in shelving and a variety of closet components. More to come...

2011_10_17 A Fowl Job

I can't believe it's been since January that I updated this blog. In a nutshell, most of 2011 has been a year to recoup, focussing primarily on the family, but also on repairs and maintenance. The exterior trim efforts with the manufacturer ended up being a waste of time. Their lawyers, not their engineers, were the ultimate party to respond, wanting me to sign a document releasing them from liability, for a paltry credit toward the same product, which also held every party but the manufacturer liable (architect, window company, painter, home owner, etc.). I'm pursuing another builder to get the job done, so I can finish the house, and will explore holding the builder accountable later. At the same time, many things have needed repair.

In early September I took apart the wood stove to clean it (no small job, and it took me a week to put back together). In mid-September we had a cold spell, while guests were visiting, so we fired it up. It worked great. Early October I heard noise from it, and found a bird had somehow gotten in the firebox. I was eventually able to capture and release the wildlife, and thought the unusual situation was over (we've lived here 16 years and have never had wildlife in our fireplace or wood stove). Within a week, I heard more sounds from behind the firebox. Nothing ever came into the firebox so, eventually, I tried lighting a fire (after about a week). Smoke was not able to escape, and the fire kept going out. This weekend I took the firebox apart...again. First I found an unusual amount of soot, especially since I just cleaned the box. Eventually I found two dead birds, which were no small trick to remove. Apparently, in their flapping attempts to get out, the birds cleaned a lot of debris from the flue. Between the debris and the birds, the air duct was completely blocked. With that done, I'm planning on finiishing the rennovation by years' end.