Life before 2008 06 Oct 2007 05:23 am
Extreme Home Makeover: Getting Started
The changes we are making in the house are “extreme” only because of the impact they will have on the flow of our household. First up on the list is getting the wall built between the kids’ rooms, the boys’ bed berths constructed, and the new flooring installed. The 
budget for the WHOLE list of projects is just under 3k so today Dad and I set out to spend no more than half of that on this first stage. This meant, Grandma babysat the kiddos and I had my first “date with dad” in about 13 years!
On the list to buy:
- plywood for the drawers, bases, and shelves of the berths
- a new toilet for the upstairs bathroom
- hardwood flooring for both kids’ bedrooms
- misc. hardware
- 2 closet doors and 1 bedroom door, plus knobs
- lighting
- primer
- enamel paint
- plaster compound
- trim
- a new toilet seat for the downstairs bath
- AC duct stuff and insulation
It took 5 hours, lots of math, and 4 “floats” to get all the goods and we came just under budget with deals like a surprise discount that basically covered sales tax and discarded paint the exact color I was going to have mixed sitting there on sale.
I’m really excited about the boys’ berths. Each boy will have four large drawers, a book shelf at the foot of their bed, individual lighting, and a curtain for privacy. We’ve eliminated dressers and I think these beds will afford the most personal space possible for three boys sharing one room, ages 3-12. After mattresses, we’ll also have gotten 3 beds/clothing storage systems for $600 total. The plan right now is to paint all the wood work a khaki enamel. The floor is a honey oak color and the bedding is going to be shades of blue, tan, and green I *think*. Celia has finally settled on pink and bright green for her room.
Saturday brings the “before” pictures, the toilet install, the electric/AC wiring and hopefully the drywall and plaster. If we get it mostly done by Wednesday, we can shop for/begin the back porch enclosure. The item most likely to get cut from the list? Refinishing the floors downstairs because we can do that later, after Grandpa goes. We shall see….
on 06 Oct 2007 at 1:27 pm 1.dalimama said …
I can’t wait to see pictures. I hope it all goes well and as planned! It sounds like you got some great deals!
on 06 Oct 2007 at 6:31 pm 2.Sixgunsue said …
Tia! You look SO HAPPY! My husband and I have remodeled 2 homes ourselves. WHEW! Lotta work. But so worth it! S.