This is one of those post that I am not going to offer advice. Actually, I need assistance on a good, inexpensive method to keep track of the slew of keys that one collects over the years. Everything from luggage, padlock, house, auto keys, etc.
Yesterday, I had zero luck in my search for a key ring with my old truck keys on it. I have had it in a zippered section of my purse for months and very well might have taken them out to temporarily lighten the load before heading out one day. But, can not for the life of me recall, if so, where I put them.
Not a small key ring either, as it has a decorative Tony the Tiger or Exxon, Tiger in the tank head with a safari hat on.
The positive of the whole search is that I thought I had certainly lost my second set of house, truck and car keys months ago.
NO.... They were found and recovered in the Tiger Ring Search.
No joke.
Found them in a lower zipped pocket of my backpack; which I only use periodically.
Sweet, as on Monday PM, I went to Home Depot and had them make three (3) copies of my SUV key. The downside, I discovered is that the manufacturer's keys obviously have a microchip in them. Therefore, my duplicate keys are only functional for the door lock and to turn the electronics on via the ignition key hole.
Back to how to label and store. I need suggestions desperately and would prefer a method that doesn't take up too much space and yet has all keys visible. (Hmmm... Just thought if there was a method of solid pages in a three ring binder that might be a possible solution.)
How do you tag your keys, so that you aren't totally stumped when you go to open the shed door and don't know which Master Lock key goes to that particular lock?
How many spares or back-ups is enough?
Showing posts with label House Projects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label House Projects. Show all posts
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
House Remodel/Repair Receipt and Invoice Tracking
As I sit here at my desk, I see out of my peripheral invoices and stacks of receipts for home remodel/repair. I have been going through them, like work expense report receipts and making note of the category, total amount and circling total amount spent and dates for future entry into a spread sheet. Though, I am curious to learn more as to how long I should keep all of this paper and what impact it might have in the future when it comes time to sell a house.
Uncle Sam and the IRS that is and if there is any capital gain or God forbid I have to prove a loss in value and expenditures to back up either one.
If any readers know what the rules are governing this topic, please post.
If in the future, I locate articles on the topic, I will post URL's, if available.
Uncle Sam and the IRS that is and if there is any capital gain or God forbid I have to prove a loss in value and expenditures to back up either one.
If any readers know what the rules are governing this topic, please post.
If in the future, I locate articles on the topic, I will post URL's, if available.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
In and Out Boxes Mail
I certainly strive to be more organized. It's a full-time job and the more I take on and do the harder it is to achieve. So, I am by no means ultra organized or perfect. But, I believe that I might have a solution for keeping the stacks of incoming mail that I have presorted through to attend to from being here there and everywhere in piles.
Granted, this idea hasn't been put into play, as of yet, as the basement library project is still in process. I do already have the materials though; which consist of Pottery Barn office rail system with a couple of the white hanging containers (for desk area). Plus, I have one red, Swedish metal post box and one very similar embossed white, Swedish metal post box.
My idea is to place the Swedish post boxes at the top of the basement stairwell as my paperwork and mail in and out boxes. Neat appearance, sealed by a hinged cover and color coded for in or out.
Any thoughts or opinions, such as a better method or what works well for you?
Note: If interested in purchasing - I did not purchase the mail boxes from the business I am providing the hyperlink to and when I purchased my items, I paid considerably less. The red box, shown above that they sell is exactly the same, but was purchased locally some time back. The white box is from Restoration Hardware and is no longer available from their store.
Granted, this idea hasn't been put into play, as of yet, as the basement library project is still in process. I do already have the materials though; which consist of Pottery Barn office rail system with a couple of the white hanging containers (for desk area). Plus, I have one red, Swedish metal post box and one very similar embossed white, Swedish metal post box.
My idea is to place the Swedish post boxes at the top of the basement stairwell as my paperwork and mail in and out boxes. Neat appearance, sealed by a hinged cover and color coded for in or out.
Note: If interested in purchasing - I did not purchase the mail boxes from the business I am providing the hyperlink to and when I purchased my items, I paid considerably less. The red box, shown above that they sell is exactly the same, but was purchased locally some time back. The white box is from Restoration Hardware and is no longer available from their store.
Oops Paint! Containers
When in the Home Depot paint section of the store, I sometimes notice the tiny sample containers on a shelf in the paint mixing area that have been tinted and marked down to 50 cents. These containers exist at this marked down price, because the customer who ordered the sample did not return to pick-up and pay for the container.
A handful of times, I have picked-up a container or two, as the colors are to my liking and it gives me the opportunity to experiment with how a specific color or shade will work in a room at my house.
(Note: Two sample, pint sized containers of white were sufficient quantity to prime the drywall on the half bath ceiling for $1 total. No leftover primer and I was able to throw away the containers once I was finished.)
When I was purchasing the full priced, gallons paints this afternoon, I learned from one of the paint associates that the Oops paint! in many of the cans does not match the color that is indicated on top of the container (sticker and a small dried sample).
One of those little tid bits that you have to know or else potentially be duped and frustrated when you finally open the container to paint.
The rational as to why the colors do not always match is that they had a trend of customers ordering paint to be tinted. Then they wouldn't pick it up and pay full price. But, would return at a later date and purchase the $25 gallon can of paint for $5 from the Oops Paint! section for a fraction of the MSRP. Thus the slight trickery on Home Depots part to thwart the customer trying not to pay full price for a color that they ordered.
Ask an associate to open the container for you and check the content color prior to purchasing.
They will also safely seal up the container once it is opened and shake the can/bucket for you, if requested, for immediate project use.
HAVE FUN:
For $5. a one gallon of semi-gloss paint is enough product to change the color of the walls in a bathroom and/or experiment with one of the latest designer trends of painting a ceiling using a colored paint.
Back in the day, as a Girl Scout, we all had to bring a can of soup for dinner the first night of camping. No directions as to what type of flavor, etc. Just a can of soup.
To our surprise, the counselors mixed it all together in a big stock pot and we had what they called "Witches Brew". Surprisingly, it was tasty. I mention this, as I have thought that someday, when I have an odd assortment of paints that I might end up experimenting with my own "Witches Brew" of paint colors and tackle an unfinished area such as a garage or shed interior.
Just this past week, my neighbor and I were in a trendy housewares boutique in Historic Fredericksberg, VA and upon careful inspection, I noticed that they had painted a long wall of the shop on a gradient of pastel shades of pink with verticle sections down the wall and where the different colors met they blended the two colors together. It looked fabulous with the contrast of the bright, pastel shade of green apple on the other walls in the shop space.
:)
A handful of times, I have picked-up a container or two, as the colors are to my liking and it gives me the opportunity to experiment with how a specific color or shade will work in a room at my house.
- Note: I use a heavy stock print paper similar to the glossy paper that they use for finger painting to brush the sample on. Let it dry and then move the sample to different areas of the room to ascertain if the shade works or not.
(Note: Two sample, pint sized containers of white were sufficient quantity to prime the drywall on the half bath ceiling for $1 total. No leftover primer and I was able to throw away the containers once I was finished.)
50 cents - sample pint size jar
$1. - quart size can
$5. - gallon size bucket
When I was purchasing the full priced, gallons paints this afternoon, I learned from one of the paint associates that the Oops paint! in many of the cans does not match the color that is indicated on top of the container (sticker and a small dried sample).
One of those little tid bits that you have to know or else potentially be duped and frustrated when you finally open the container to paint.
The rational as to why the colors do not always match is that they had a trend of customers ordering paint to be tinted. Then they wouldn't pick it up and pay full price. But, would return at a later date and purchase the $25 gallon can of paint for $5 from the Oops Paint! section for a fraction of the MSRP. Thus the slight trickery on Home Depots part to thwart the customer trying not to pay full price for a color that they ordered.
Ask an associate to open the container for you and check the content color prior to purchasing.
They will also safely seal up the container once it is opened and shake the can/bucket for you, if requested, for immediate project use.
HAVE FUN:
For $5. a one gallon of semi-gloss paint is enough product to change the color of the walls in a bathroom and/or experiment with one of the latest designer trends of painting a ceiling using a colored paint.
Back in the day, as a Girl Scout, we all had to bring a can of soup for dinner the first night of camping. No directions as to what type of flavor, etc. Just a can of soup.
To our surprise, the counselors mixed it all together in a big stock pot and we had what they called "Witches Brew". Surprisingly, it was tasty. I mention this, as I have thought that someday, when I have an odd assortment of paints that I might end up experimenting with my own "Witches Brew" of paint colors and tackle an unfinished area such as a garage or shed interior.
Just this past week, my neighbor and I were in a trendy housewares boutique in Historic Fredericksberg, VA and upon careful inspection, I noticed that they had painted a long wall of the shop on a gradient of pastel shades of pink with verticle sections down the wall and where the different colors met they blended the two colors together. It looked fabulous with the contrast of the bright, pastel shade of green apple on the other walls in the shop space.
:)
Paint Rebate Until 30 May 2011 @ Home Depot
Home Depot is offering rebates on a variety of their paints up until 30 May 2011. From $5. off per gallon container up to $20. per 5-gallon pail.
To make it easier, they even have automated the process where all information is entered on-line, as opposed to having to clip UPCs from labels, filling out paper forms, including original receipt and mailing an envelope: http://www.homedepotrebates.com .
Super deal if you are in the process of renovation project(s) or are looking for a quick decorating change for a room. I ended up with interior trim and wall paints, as well as porch and floor paint.
When it comes time to decide upon colors for the walls, I will bring the cans of base paint back to the store and have them add the appropriate tints and shake the paint can(s).
Once again, in terms of project inventory, I am planning ahead and happy to save $5. per gallon. Yes, every bit helps with the bottom line.
To make it easier, they even have automated the process where all information is entered on-line, as opposed to having to clip UPCs from labels, filling out paper forms, including original receipt and mailing an envelope: http://www.homedepotrebates.com .
Super deal if you are in the process of renovation project(s) or are looking for a quick decorating change for a room. I ended up with interior trim and wall paints, as well as porch and floor paint.
When it comes time to decide upon colors for the walls, I will bring the cans of base paint back to the store and have them add the appropriate tints and shake the paint can(s).
Once again, in terms of project inventory, I am planning ahead and happy to save $5. per gallon. Yes, every bit helps with the bottom line.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Crystal Chandeliers - Just Brilliant!
Growing up around antiques and older furniture made me sway towards more contemporary and modern, simple lines of furnishings and decorations, once I was of age and could make decisions about my own decor.
Now, look at me... Swaying back to the other direction, I am finding beauty again and again in the detail of more complex pieces, carvings and patterns, etc.
One of the items that I often search for when I am surfing my local craigslist.org site is "chandelier". I came across this 18 light, crystal and glass chandelier back in early April.
The photographs are showing it in the owners newly redecorated dining room. This was one of the final items to be removed prior to the new light they had purchased being installed and the ceiling being patched and repainted.
It took a couple of trips to procure this item. One to view and make a commitment and another follow-up days later to pay and pick-up the chandelier and the plaster medallion.
I am not sure if the medallion will work on the textured and vaulted ceiling of my living room. But, it might find a second life elsewhere, such as the adjoining dining room, as I am now in search of another much smaller scale and similar chandelier for that space (open to the living room).
This will not get installed right away, as the basement project is still in process and moving along well. But, slowly. That takes precedence at the moment.
It took an entire evening removing the crystals and the individual candle bowls from under each light fixture and cleaning them. I am certain it might take just as long or longer to re-install. But, for now the pieces are clean and stored away ready for installation.
Little factoid, this house built in 1983 does not have overhead lights in a majority of the rooms. Mrs. O'Dea must have elected not to have them installed in lieu of using table lamps.
Personally, far too dark for me and when the sun goes down it makes me very sleepy..
Now, look at me... Swaying back to the other direction, I am finding beauty again and again in the detail of more complex pieces, carvings and patterns, etc.
One of the items that I often search for when I am surfing my local craigslist.org site is "chandelier". I came across this 18 light, crystal and glass chandelier back in early April.
It took a couple of trips to procure this item. One to view and make a commitment and another follow-up days later to pay and pick-up the chandelier and the plaster medallion.
I am not sure if the medallion will work on the textured and vaulted ceiling of my living room. But, it might find a second life elsewhere, such as the adjoining dining room, as I am now in search of another much smaller scale and similar chandelier for that space (open to the living room).
This will not get installed right away, as the basement project is still in process and moving along well. But, slowly. That takes precedence at the moment.
It took an entire evening removing the crystals and the individual candle bowls from under each light fixture and cleaning them. I am certain it might take just as long or longer to re-install. But, for now the pieces are clean and stored away ready for installation.
Little factoid, this house built in 1983 does not have overhead lights in a majority of the rooms. Mrs. O'Dea must have elected not to have them installed in lieu of using table lamps.
Personally, far too dark for me and when the sun goes down it makes me very sleepy..
Friday, February 18, 2011
Basement Bathroom Project - Phase I cont. sink faucet choices
Any opinions or other options that anyone would like to suggest for a single hole faucet in chrome to go with the Kohler Memoir pedestal sink shown below:
I like the style of the above faucet. My only concern is that it is listed as a "vessel" faucet and I worry that it might be too high for mounting on a sink. Though, it is shown mounted over a sink and not a raised "vessel sink".
I also like this similar "kitchen" faucet that includes the hose sprayer, but not the soap dispenser. I imagine the sprayer could be attached off to the side wall on a block of marble or tile, etc. Nice to have a hand held sprayer to rinse items off and to fill a container with water, etc.
 |
| Chrome Baltimore Faucet available @ Overstock.com |
I also like this similar "kitchen" faucet that includes the hose sprayer, but not the soap dispenser. I imagine the sprayer could be attached off to the side wall on a block of marble or tile, etc. Nice to have a hand held sprayer to rinse items off and to fill a container with water, etc.
Basement Bathroom Project - Phase I cont. floor tile
Since the original Florida Tile, 4"x4" tile can not be replaced, I believe that I am going to replace it with some Silestone 12"x12" tiles in Blanco Maple that I purchased about 4 years ago.
Yes, 4 years ago!
Saw them. Liked them. The price was right (just about held my heart still when I realized they now cost almost $15. per square foot tile) and bought the 3 or 4 boxes that the store had just as one purchases a dress they like. As the occasion to wear will eventually arrive.
Basement bathroom floor area is roughly 26 square feet. Let's pray that none of the tile gets damaged, as I have approx. 35 tiles total.
One more gravitation from what I had originally envisioned for the basement bathroom shifting and changing. Glad that I already had the tile, as my other choice would have been white Italian marble tile; which I don't have in my "inventory" of building materials.
 |
| http://www.silestoneusa.com/colors/ |
Yes, 4 years ago!
Saw them. Liked them. The price was right (just about held my heart still when I realized they now cost almost $15. per square foot tile) and bought the 3 or 4 boxes that the store had just as one purchases a dress they like. As the occasion to wear will eventually arrive.
Basement bathroom floor area is roughly 26 square feet. Let's pray that none of the tile gets damaged, as I have approx. 35 tiles total.
One more gravitation from what I had originally envisioned for the basement bathroom shifting and changing. Glad that I already had the tile, as my other choice would have been white Italian marble tile; which I don't have in my "inventory" of building materials.
Guest Bedroom - Toilet Seat
You know you are not jaded when replacing an old, original 1983 Briggs toilet seat with the support feet broken off and for some reason suffering from a poor paint job is replaced.
Yes, that is what I did the other night. Replaced it with a new Bemis elongated bowl toilet seat. What a difference it makes in the appearance of the bathroom. Plus, future guest won't be wondering "Why the hell doesn't she just replace this crappy old toilet seat".
For those of you that have never replaced a toilet seat. It is easy, easy, easy. Big plastic screws and oversized plastic wing nut like hardware.
Check this task off of the never ending list!
Yes, that is what I did the other night. Replaced it with a new Bemis elongated bowl toilet seat. What a difference it makes in the appearance of the bathroom. Plus, future guest won't be wondering "Why the hell doesn't she just replace this crappy old toilet seat".
For those of you that have never replaced a toilet seat. It is easy, easy, easy. Big plastic screws and oversized plastic wing nut like hardware.
Check this task off of the never ending list!
Half Bath - Lighting
The half bath, on the first floor of O'Dea-O'Dea was all original hardware up until a week and a half ago when I replaced the toilet. The old Briggs toilet actually had a bowl and tank that had the 1983 stamps on them. But, I wonder if Mrs. O'Dea-O'Dea never noticed the difference in colors between the two pieces or if the tank was replaced at a later date. White bowl and off-white tank. Lovely.... Plus, in spite of replacing the internal hardware back in early 2009, the toilet was intermittent with its desire to flush.
It was replaced with an American Standard toilet and at first I thought the internal workings were malfunctioning and thank God, it was just a matter of slight manipulation to get it working properly.
The floor needs to totally be pulled up, as a water leak from the bath above years or decades ago pooled in the half bath floor and warped the sub floor and lifted the tile towards the wall. A project for another time.
For now, I am just trying to freshen and lighten up the bath a bit. Items such as the builders bronze vanity light clashes violently with Mrs. O'Dea-O'Dea's metallic Asian print wall paper. Some may say the paper has to go. But, personally, I think it is just grand! Brushed silver with white bamboo designs.
The light is going to be replaced with a Quorum Ashton Vanity Light in Satin Nickel. Another piece that has a couple of small parts that I have the manufacturer researching the replacement finials or what I refer to as "screw balls". The lighting fixture is missing two of the three and they are rather large and matching Satin Nickle, so they are not easy to replace via a lighting or hardware store.
Another dilemma is the brushed/satin nickle accessories (toilet paper holder, towel ring and towel bars) have round hardware and when I removed the builder's old chrome hardware discovered that the wall paper was cut around the perimeter of the wall mounts and therefore, there are bare spaces on the wall that I have to find a solution for in terms of cover-up.
Any suggestions?
It was replaced with an American Standard toilet and at first I thought the internal workings were malfunctioning and thank God, it was just a matter of slight manipulation to get it working properly.
The floor needs to totally be pulled up, as a water leak from the bath above years or decades ago pooled in the half bath floor and warped the sub floor and lifted the tile towards the wall. A project for another time.
For now, I am just trying to freshen and lighten up the bath a bit. Items such as the builders bronze vanity light clashes violently with Mrs. O'Dea-O'Dea's metallic Asian print wall paper. Some may say the paper has to go. But, personally, I think it is just grand! Brushed silver with white bamboo designs.
The light is going to be replaced with a Quorum Ashton Vanity Light in Satin Nickel. Another piece that has a couple of small parts that I have the manufacturer researching the replacement finials or what I refer to as "screw balls". The lighting fixture is missing two of the three and they are rather large and matching Satin Nickle, so they are not easy to replace via a lighting or hardware store.
 |
| Quorum, Ashton Vanity Light in Satin Nickel |
Another dilemma is the brushed/satin nickle accessories (toilet paper holder, towel ring and towel bars) have round hardware and when I removed the builder's old chrome hardware discovered that the wall paper was cut around the perimeter of the wall mounts and therefore, there are bare spaces on the wall that I have to find a solution for in terms of cover-up.
Any suggestions?
Basement Bathroom Project - Phase I cont. sink
Prior to starting the bathroom remodel, I purchased a new white carerra counter top with white porcelain sink in a 19"x25" dimension from a contractor (via Craigslist.org). I was quite certain that this was what I was going to find a cabinet vanity for and have installed in the basement bathroom.
Within the last week, I found a 1930's, white porcelain on cast iron wall sink and matching pedestal built by Standard in excellent condition as well as a nice 8" spread chrome on brass faucet set. On the same shopping trip, I found two old porcelain pull chain vanity light fixtures and an old metal and beveled mirrored medicine chest with original glass handle.
This was in my quest for a higher quality chrome faucet set for the marble bath vanity and the "find" ended up shifting my thinking and direction on my design to more of a retro look.
Less than a week later and I am out again and stumble across a really beautiful square Kohler Memoirs sink and in the back of the shop with all of the other odds and ends I noticed that one of the pedestals looked similar. But, one of the workers told me it was from another sink that had broken and had been thrown out.
Low and behold, I contacted Kohler this afternoon and by chance they are a set! Sweet! They have already forwarded me installation instructions, as well as have placed the wall mounting hardware on order for me. (http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/115740_4.pdf pdf instructions and dimensions)
Having been on the search for an 8" spread chrome faucet set, I don't think it will be too difficult for me to make a choice on a single hole chrome set. Already have a couple of styles that are for sale on Overstock.com that I believe would suit the style of this sink and not break the bank.
Within the last week, I found a 1930's, white porcelain on cast iron wall sink and matching pedestal built by Standard in excellent condition as well as a nice 8" spread chrome on brass faucet set. On the same shopping trip, I found two old porcelain pull chain vanity light fixtures and an old metal and beveled mirrored medicine chest with original glass handle.
This was in my quest for a higher quality chrome faucet set for the marble bath vanity and the "find" ended up shifting my thinking and direction on my design to more of a retro look.
Less than a week later and I am out again and stumble across a really beautiful square Kohler Memoirs sink and in the back of the shop with all of the other odds and ends I noticed that one of the pedestals looked similar. But, one of the workers told me it was from another sink that had broken and had been thrown out.
Low and behold, I contacted Kohler this afternoon and by chance they are a set! Sweet! They have already forwarded me installation instructions, as well as have placed the wall mounting hardware on order for me. (http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/pdf/115740_4.pdf pdf instructions and dimensions)
Having been on the search for an 8" spread chrome faucet set, I don't think it will be too difficult for me to make a choice on a single hole chrome set. Already have a couple of styles that are for sale on Overstock.com that I believe would suit the style of this sink and not break the bank.
Basement Bathroom Project - Phase I
The basement bathroom project got started following the completion of the floor tile installation in the bedroom and laundry/utility room.
Let me tell you, I was not prepared or ready for the project to start. But, the man I had doing the other work told me he had another job coming up, so I decided to have him remove the old bath tub, sink and toilet and wall board in the shower area that had been exposed to water over the years.
Rather interesting to see him cut the metal tub in two and for me to be able to carry a half at torso height without issue.
Surprises never cease. the waste disposal company, I am contracted with actually took the tub pieces. I guess, it falls within the size and weight limitations once cut in half.
The toilet and sink, were donated. I hope someone else can at least use them for parts.
Things have not gone smoothly with the worker. For one, he was insisting that a harder backing board was not required behind the shower wall tile. Just "green" board.
Thank you, Home Depot staff for knowing the correct answer to that construction issue.
Yes, one should use a cement type board such as Hardie board behind tile and an area that is exposed to moisture.
At that point, I thought things would go well.
Not...
He and his co-worker "cut" the board (it should be scored and snapped) smaller than the wall area that is being recovered by tile and then proceeded to adhere tile to the wall without using the fiberglass tape and adhesive to fill the gaps.
I am talking about gaps large enough for me to put my fingers into!
At one point, I went downstairs to check on progress and he had put up an off-white/cream colored tile along with the white tile.
"What's with that tile?"
God help us. There were a handful of pieces in the box of new tile and he doesn't have enough common sense to stop and let me know that he's out of tile and that there is this other tile in the box.
Of course, I told him to remove it.
In brief, he got upset and in his fit somehow managed to chip the new tub, as well as scratch it.
Talk about inappropriate behaviors. He then took some white appliance paint I had downstairs for repainting the air vents and did a piss poor job of spray painting his damage.
I even inquired before he left that day as to what the chemical odor was and he ignored me.
Low and behold, when I went to admire the new tub up close. The spray paint was still sticky and had drips running down the inside of the tub.
Long story short - The tub was removed and I ended up purchasing a better quality Kohler cast iron and porcelain tub. It took them almost two days to get that tub connected to the drain. He told me it was finally connected and fine. Checked later and the drain isn't fine. Requires being manually held up for the water to drain.
As for the tile... It isn't readily available in stores. I had to travel about 45 minutes away to a tile showroom to identify the existing tile and the closest current match requires special order.
Yes, Mr. Worker smashed all of the tile to take the tub out without ever inquiring as to source of replacement tile, etc.
Plus, he did the same for the line of tile on the floor and that is no longer available and there are no like substitutes.
My newer neighbors are nice enough to let me gut their master bathroom of the 25 year old wall tile, as they are planning to renovate.
The floor, it appears will have to totally come up and be replaced.
Stay tuned....
Let me tell you, I was not prepared or ready for the project to start. But, the man I had doing the other work told me he had another job coming up, so I decided to have him remove the old bath tub, sink and toilet and wall board in the shower area that had been exposed to water over the years.
Rather interesting to see him cut the metal tub in two and for me to be able to carry a half at torso height without issue.
Surprises never cease. the waste disposal company, I am contracted with actually took the tub pieces. I guess, it falls within the size and weight limitations once cut in half.
The toilet and sink, were donated. I hope someone else can at least use them for parts.
Things have not gone smoothly with the worker. For one, he was insisting that a harder backing board was not required behind the shower wall tile. Just "green" board.
Thank you, Home Depot staff for knowing the correct answer to that construction issue.
Yes, one should use a cement type board such as Hardie board behind tile and an area that is exposed to moisture.
At that point, I thought things would go well.
Not...
He and his co-worker "cut" the board (it should be scored and snapped) smaller than the wall area that is being recovered by tile and then proceeded to adhere tile to the wall without using the fiberglass tape and adhesive to fill the gaps.
I am talking about gaps large enough for me to put my fingers into!
At one point, I went downstairs to check on progress and he had put up an off-white/cream colored tile along with the white tile.
"What's with that tile?"
God help us. There were a handful of pieces in the box of new tile and he doesn't have enough common sense to stop and let me know that he's out of tile and that there is this other tile in the box.
Of course, I told him to remove it.
In brief, he got upset and in his fit somehow managed to chip the new tub, as well as scratch it.
Talk about inappropriate behaviors. He then took some white appliance paint I had downstairs for repainting the air vents and did a piss poor job of spray painting his damage.
I even inquired before he left that day as to what the chemical odor was and he ignored me.
Low and behold, when I went to admire the new tub up close. The spray paint was still sticky and had drips running down the inside of the tub.
Long story short - The tub was removed and I ended up purchasing a better quality Kohler cast iron and porcelain tub. It took them almost two days to get that tub connected to the drain. He told me it was finally connected and fine. Checked later and the drain isn't fine. Requires being manually held up for the water to drain.
As for the tile... It isn't readily available in stores. I had to travel about 45 minutes away to a tile showroom to identify the existing tile and the closest current match requires special order.
Yes, Mr. Worker smashed all of the tile to take the tub out without ever inquiring as to source of replacement tile, etc.
Plus, he did the same for the line of tile on the floor and that is no longer available and there are no like substitutes.
My newer neighbors are nice enough to let me gut their master bathroom of the 25 year old wall tile, as they are planning to renovate.
The floor, it appears will have to totally come up and be replaced.
Stay tuned....
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
January 2011 - Blog Update
I have been out of pocket, in terms of my blog. Blame it on me breaking the screen to my laptop one evening in November as I moved from the sun porch to the den.
Creature of habit. Obviously, I prefer the mobility and flexibility of working from the laptop where I want and when I want with broadband access. Whether it be out on the sun porch or while winding down in bed, prior to going to sleep.
The laptop has been hooked up to an external flat screen monitor in the upstairs office. I just need to get into the mode of not being mobile.
The library project or what has extended into the basement project has been underway for a couple of months. Eight hundred square feet of porcelain tile to be laid. So, far the large "library" room and the bedroom are completed, as far as tile work. This AM, the men began to pull up the brittle and crumbling synthetic stick down tile from the laundry/utility room floor.
The bedroom is essentially completed in terms of renovations: Tile, new baseboard and door handles, dry wall repair, painting of the ceiling, trim and walls. Coaxial cable was rerouted through the stairwell and along the channel behind the baseboard into the room. Electrical and lighting fixtures were all replaced.
A friend just re-did a room in their basement, new from the studs, and he had all of the electrical outlets upgraded to four gang outlets. Took his lead on that and did the same with all but one outlet in the bedroom. Also, I had them install a new dimmer switch up to control the overhead light fixture.
For those of you who smoke or have a loved one that smokes. Take note: It should not take two gallons of white Berh paint to cover a ceiling. I think that they had to paint the rectangular area where the long florescent light was installed four times in order to cover the smoke discoloration.
I knew that I wanted:
Task this evening is to get down on the floor and remove the paint that got onto the new tile from around the perimeter and splashes here and there. Plus, give the floor a good wash before the new area rug pad is put down and the clean Oriental carpet.
Workers will be back tomorrow to move the furniture back in and then move items out of the laundry/utility room to commence the tile work within that space.
I will start trying to post photos in a short period of time. Not sure if my camera; which I have a couple of places that I normally place it has been misplaced or if the first couple of workers might have walked with it. Let's hope it is just misplaced.
You might wonder what one does if they don't watch TV in the evening. How about replace the toilet seat!
Seriously, that was my little project last night and I am so happy with it. Master bedroom toilet had a padded seat that wasn't the proper size for the toilet basin. It has been replaced with a new American Standard, Williamsburg toilet seat (new in the box from ReBuild, cost $5.).
What a difference it makes in the appearance of the bathroom.
FYI: The knobs, electrical plates and switches, along with the clean, padded toilet seat will be headed to ReBuild for donation. I don't care if they give them away, as long as they do not go into land fill.
Stay tuned family and friends.
Creature of habit. Obviously, I prefer the mobility and flexibility of working from the laptop where I want and when I want with broadband access. Whether it be out on the sun porch or while winding down in bed, prior to going to sleep.
The laptop has been hooked up to an external flat screen monitor in the upstairs office. I just need to get into the mode of not being mobile.
The library project or what has extended into the basement project has been underway for a couple of months. Eight hundred square feet of porcelain tile to be laid. So, far the large "library" room and the bedroom are completed, as far as tile work. This AM, the men began to pull up the brittle and crumbling synthetic stick down tile from the laundry/utility room floor.
The bedroom is essentially completed in terms of renovations: Tile, new baseboard and door handles, dry wall repair, painting of the ceiling, trim and walls. Coaxial cable was rerouted through the stairwell and along the channel behind the baseboard into the room. Electrical and lighting fixtures were all replaced.
A friend just re-did a room in their basement, new from the studs, and he had all of the electrical outlets upgraded to four gang outlets. Took his lead on that and did the same with all but one outlet in the bedroom. Also, I had them install a new dimmer switch up to control the overhead light fixture.
For those of you who smoke or have a loved one that smokes. Take note: It should not take two gallons of white Berh paint to cover a ceiling. I think that they had to paint the rectangular area where the long florescent light was installed four times in order to cover the smoke discoloration.
I knew that I wanted:
- Bright white for ceiling
- Bright white for trim in a high gloss
- Semi gloss wall paint in a shade of green to match the Chinese Oriental carpet
- I ended up with Berh bright white flat for the ceilings. (Note: $ _ Rep. at Home Depot advised me to get the 2 gallon plastic pails, as they cost less per gallon than the 5 gallon pails. (Good tip.)
- Glidden white-on-white gloss for the trim work and doors.
- Benjamin Moore, Ben paint in an Apple Blossom (light green) for the walls.
- Rustolium Appliance White Paint (Air vents cleaned in the dishwasher (I know....OCD)).
Task this evening is to get down on the floor and remove the paint that got onto the new tile from around the perimeter and splashes here and there. Plus, give the floor a good wash before the new area rug pad is put down and the clean Oriental carpet.
Workers will be back tomorrow to move the furniture back in and then move items out of the laundry/utility room to commence the tile work within that space.
I will start trying to post photos in a short period of time. Not sure if my camera; which I have a couple of places that I normally place it has been misplaced or if the first couple of workers might have walked with it. Let's hope it is just misplaced.
You might wonder what one does if they don't watch TV in the evening. How about replace the toilet seat!
Seriously, that was my little project last night and I am so happy with it. Master bedroom toilet had a padded seat that wasn't the proper size for the toilet basin. It has been replaced with a new American Standard, Williamsburg toilet seat (new in the box from ReBuild, cost $5.).
What a difference it makes in the appearance of the bathroom.
FYI: The knobs, electrical plates and switches, along with the clean, padded toilet seat will be headed to ReBuild for donation. I don't care if they give them away, as long as they do not go into land fill.
Stay tuned family and friends.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Cognitive Disconense
Do you remember the term "cognitive disconense" from your college psychology 101 class? The prime example given is when you purchase an item such as an automobile that you continue to seek out data to make certain that you made the proper decision.
The set of chairs that I purchased a few weeks back for $69 per chair was a binge purchase. But, I really loved the lines and scale of the chairs and took the plunge.
Translation, I have been psychologically been put at ease by the knowledge that the style chair is popular enough for Restoration Hardware to reproduce, as well as the fact that a recent addition of "Architectural Digest" featured the homes of Rob Lowe and T. Boone Pitkins and both of them had similar chairs in their homes.
Let me just pat myself on the back ;^)
The set of chairs that I purchased a few weeks back for $69 per chair was a binge purchase. But, I really loved the lines and scale of the chairs and took the plunge.
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| Restoration Hardware, 18th Century French Burlap Chair |
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| Consignment shop $69 jewel |
Let me just pat myself on the back ;^)
Pine Kitchen Cabinets and Appliances For Sale @ Re-Build 4 November
This appears to be a well cared for set of Kraftmaid, solid pine kitchen cabinets with a laminate counter top and Maytag stove and dishwasher that came out of a house in McLean, VA this past week. They have for sale fourteen (14) pieces total for the asking price of $3,000.
One of my friends thinks that his in-laws could use a replacement kitchen cabinet set and I am posting for his benefit.
But, for those others who view and read. This is an example of what you might find at Re-Build or any one of the other local re-use warehouse stores in the DC metro area.
If I had a country cabin, these would look warm and splendid with a swap out of hardware to an aged copper and a stone counter top to match the reddish shade of the pine.
One of my friends thinks that his in-laws could use a replacement kitchen cabinet set and I am posting for his benefit.
But, for those others who view and read. This is an example of what you might find at Re-Build or any one of the other local re-use warehouse stores in the DC metro area.
House Project: Back Door (future project)
Once again, "I did not get out alive" from Re-Build. They had these wonderful solid mahogany exterior double doors that came into the warehouse yesterday afternoon (donated from a home owner in McLean).
I immediately placed them on-hold (you snooze you lose when it comes to this style of shopping). Pulled out my note pad, measuring tape and camera and got all of the vitals that I needed to take home with me to make a proper determination if the doors were the proper size for the door frame or not.
As you can see the exterior sides of the doors are carved and weathered. Translation, sanding, oiling and some protective finish will be required. Also, the homeowner decided to keep all of the hardware for their replacement door. Therefore, I will need to find hardware suitable for this particular set of doors at a later date.
The interior side of the eight (8) panel doors is actually in decent shape and has a traditional look. Though, most doors only have two (2) to six (6) panels. Eight (8) panels is rather unique in design, as is the carving; which is why I was attracted to them.
There will be the trade-off of less light in the kitchen and den area. Though the option is to just open the blinds a bit more during the daytime to let in more day light.
The benefit, I hope, is that these solid wood doors without glass should be more energy efficient than the original 1983 builder's metal and single pane glass double doors.
As far as design and color scheme, the mahogany is a wonderful addition to the Indonesian hardwood sun porch set that I already have in place.
This particular refinishing and replacement of the rear doors project is something that will have to take place after the man cave/library project is completed.
Why?
As of this AM, my dining room, den and living room are littered with the library cabinets and shelving that Re-Build staff delivered this morning. It is going to be a monumental task just to get all of the books out of the basement and upstairs in order to remove the carpet, clean, put down new tile and paint the walls, etc.
Stay tuned for a later posting when this project gets underway.
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| View from sun porch into house after refrigerator removal (current double doors) |
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| Double mahogany doors procured to replace 1983 metal & glass doors |
Once again, "I did not get out alive" from Re-Build. They had these wonderful solid mahogany exterior double doors that came into the warehouse yesterday afternoon (donated from a home owner in McLean).
I immediately placed them on-hold (you snooze you lose when it comes to this style of shopping). Pulled out my note pad, measuring tape and camera and got all of the vitals that I needed to take home with me to make a proper determination if the doors were the proper size for the door frame or not.
As you can see the exterior sides of the doors are carved and weathered. Translation, sanding, oiling and some protective finish will be required. Also, the homeowner decided to keep all of the hardware for their replacement door. Therefore, I will need to find hardware suitable for this particular set of doors at a later date.
The interior side of the eight (8) panel doors is actually in decent shape and has a traditional look. Though, most doors only have two (2) to six (6) panels. Eight (8) panels is rather unique in design, as is the carving; which is why I was attracted to them.
There will be the trade-off of less light in the kitchen and den area. Though the option is to just open the blinds a bit more during the daytime to let in more day light.
The benefit, I hope, is that these solid wood doors without glass should be more energy efficient than the original 1983 builder's metal and single pane glass double doors.
As far as design and color scheme, the mahogany is a wonderful addition to the Indonesian hardwood sun porch set that I already have in place.
This particular refinishing and replacement of the rear doors project is something that will have to take place after the man cave/library project is completed.
Why?
As of this AM, my dining room, den and living room are littered with the library cabinets and shelving that Re-Build staff delivered this morning. It is going to be a monumental task just to get all of the books out of the basement and upstairs in order to remove the carpet, clean, put down new tile and paint the walls, etc.
Stay tuned for a later posting when this project gets underway.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Fence Project: O'Dea-O'Dea
The Fence Project was put into motion as of Saturday, 30 October. The first day consisted of rental of a gas auger and a manual post digger to accomplish the tasks of digging seven (7) 3' deep holes on my property line to place the seven (7) post. Three foot holes were required, as I want the privacy fence to be at the maximum height allowed by the county of seven feet (7') high.
My next door neighbor's project only required two (2) post holes at 2' deep for his dog pen project that will have six foot (6') high fence ends sandwiched between the existing fence and their deck.
The second day consisted of not two (2), but (3) trips to Home Depot for supplies of wood, cement, hanger brackets and treated deck screws.
Sunday, prior to sundown, we had all of the post in the ground with cement setting. Plus, all of the top rails of the privacy fence on my property were cut and installed, as well as the middle and lower rails of one section for me to use as a sample to finish the remainder of the project on my own.
Another Friday Re-Build purchase included solid cedar, decorative post caps. They truly make a difference on the finished appearance of the post. I am now pondering as to whether or not the linear foot cost of use of a decorative rail top to the fence would be cost prohibitive or not.
Might look much more finished and professional than the plain, straight top board finish. But, the jury is still out on budget ($).
I will post photos later.
My next door neighbor's project only required two (2) post holes at 2' deep for his dog pen project that will have six foot (6') high fence ends sandwiched between the existing fence and their deck.
The second day consisted of not two (2), but (3) trips to Home Depot for supplies of wood, cement, hanger brackets and treated deck screws.
Sunday, prior to sundown, we had all of the post in the ground with cement setting. Plus, all of the top rails of the privacy fence on my property were cut and installed, as well as the middle and lower rails of one section for me to use as a sample to finish the remainder of the project on my own.
Another Friday Re-Build purchase included solid cedar, decorative post caps. They truly make a difference on the finished appearance of the post. I am now pondering as to whether or not the linear foot cost of use of a decorative rail top to the fence would be cost prohibitive or not.
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| Cedar Post Cap |
Might look much more finished and professional than the plain, straight top board finish. But, the jury is still out on budget ($).
I will post photos later.
Hallway Chandelier Replacement Project
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| Current, builder's original, single lamp hall chandelier |
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| Replacement, multi-lamp chandelier |
alive".
The original, builder's chandelier in the entryway is the only overhead light in the living area and with one lamp barely provides much in terms of illumination. Plus, it is dull and pretty chintzy in appearance and construction, as is the dining chandelier.
The Re-Build Representatives response to my inquiry as to the cost of the heavy, large colonial glass chandelier price was "Would you be taking it with you now or coming back for it later?"
It cost me $40 to take it with me Friday PM, along with my load of slate patio pavers.
Though the chandelier road shot gun in the cab protected with a heavy packing blanket to provide safe passage home.
This is a future project and will require some additional length of brass chain, clear electrical wiring and copper ground wire prior to installation.
Library Project Materials Selections: Stove, Drapes, Tile & Upholstry
Selections of some of the materials for the Library Project:
To include Vermont Castings, Radiance gas burning stove in enamel biscuit color with addition of warming racks and mitten dryer hooks.
Mount Vernon style pattern toile cotton drapes with silk plaid print accent boarder and lining shown below along with Daltile, 12"x12" smaller neutral shaded tile shown on right. Fabric upholstery of chairs is a matching blue, as is the blue leather, older Chesterfield sofa.
Paint, to-be-determined:
More than likely selection will also be somewhat neutral and due to the fact that the basement room in question only has two basement sized windows, a lighter shade will be selected.
To include Vermont Castings, Radiance gas burning stove in enamel biscuit color with addition of warming racks and mitten dryer hooks.
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| Vermont Castings Radiance Gas Stove - on floor @ Re-Build |
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| Drapes, chair upholstery and tile (selected more neutral small tile) |
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| Color is truer in this photo for tile and drapes |
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| Sample of base cabinets |
More than likely selection will also be somewhat neutral and due to the fact that the basement room in question only has two basement sized windows, a lighter shade will be selected.
Library Project at O'Dea-O'Dea
It was a jam packed weekend, as I was working with my neighbor Saturday and Sunday on the fence project for our property line. Plus, I went into Re-Build Friday PM to begin the process of picking up the two pallets of large slate paving stones and hauling them home in my truck, etc.
Once again, I did not get out alive, so to speak. But, I count this as a good thing, as I do believe that I finally have the cabinet and shelving components to re-do the main man cave, a.k.a. the basement library.
The procurement consists of 11 pieces and most are shown above.
I also purchased two very large, three drawer matching custom units that are larger than commercially made file cabinets.
My current estimate is that the top shelving units are approx. 15" too high for the less than 8' floor to ceiling height in the basement. But, I am optimistic, that as these were custom built, that there should not be any issues reducing the height by removing some of the top and a little more from the bottom of each shelving unit. (note, top crown moulding was not included.)
One very tall shelving unit will be placed upstairs in the front of the living room (not shown). It is 8'10" and roughly 32" wide. The only space that it can occupy in the house is the front room, as it is sunken and has a vaulted ceiling that extends to the roof.
Actually, in terms of scale, I believe this will be a welcome addition, as the walls are very high in this room and yet I do not have any items that are tall within the space.
From the same Great Falls estate, that is being dismantled, Re-Build had a Vermont Castings, Radiance gas stove in enamel biscuit and included the added side warming shelves. This I purchased as the basement is cool or cold year round, in spite of central air and it only makes sense to heat the space during cold months as needed.
It is going to be one difficult project given the amount of "stuff" in the basement and the fact that all of the carpet has to be removed and flooring replaced. Plus, the walls will require cleaning and painting. This is just the tip of the iceberg, I am sure.
Rough dimensions of the space are 25' x 16' for the main section and at the base of the stairs the hallway area is approx. 5'x6'. Translation a heck of a lot of flooring material will be required for this project. Thus, I quickly made the determination to go with a Daltile porcelain tile in neutral colors that Home Depot currently has on special for 77 cents per square foot, as I estimate that this project will require at least 380 square feet of material.
I already have a blue, leather Chesterfield sofa that I have had for years that will be moved down stairs once the room is completed, as well as two new sets of cotton toile custom drapes that are full length.
Recent purchase of the two antique arm chairs manufactured in Cambridge, MA will make residence along with the sofa.
Stay tuned as the project gets underway and the man cave and library is transformed into the catwoman cave and library.
MeOw!
Once again, I did not get out alive, so to speak. But, I count this as a good thing, as I do believe that I finally have the cabinet and shelving components to re-do the main man cave, a.k.a. the basement library.
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| View of custom built library prior to being removed from private residence |
I also purchased two very large, three drawer matching custom units that are larger than commercially made file cabinets.
My current estimate is that the top shelving units are approx. 15" too high for the less than 8' floor to ceiling height in the basement. But, I am optimistic, that as these were custom built, that there should not be any issues reducing the height by removing some of the top and a little more from the bottom of each shelving unit. (note, top crown moulding was not included.)
One very tall shelving unit will be placed upstairs in the front of the living room (not shown). It is 8'10" and roughly 32" wide. The only space that it can occupy in the house is the front room, as it is sunken and has a vaulted ceiling that extends to the roof.
Actually, in terms of scale, I believe this will be a welcome addition, as the walls are very high in this room and yet I do not have any items that are tall within the space.
From the same Great Falls estate, that is being dismantled, Re-Build had a Vermont Castings, Radiance gas stove in enamel biscuit and included the added side warming shelves. This I purchased as the basement is cool or cold year round, in spite of central air and it only makes sense to heat the space during cold months as needed.
 |
| Vermont Castings Radiance Gas Stove with Warming Shelves |
It is going to be one difficult project given the amount of "stuff" in the basement and the fact that all of the carpet has to be removed and flooring replaced. Plus, the walls will require cleaning and painting. This is just the tip of the iceberg, I am sure.
Rough dimensions of the space are 25' x 16' for the main section and at the base of the stairs the hallway area is approx. 5'x6'. Translation a heck of a lot of flooring material will be required for this project. Thus, I quickly made the determination to go with a Daltile porcelain tile in neutral colors that Home Depot currently has on special for 77 cents per square foot, as I estimate that this project will require at least 380 square feet of material.
I already have a blue, leather Chesterfield sofa that I have had for years that will be moved down stairs once the room is completed, as well as two new sets of cotton toile custom drapes that are full length.
Recent purchase of the two antique arm chairs manufactured in Cambridge, MA will make residence along with the sofa.
Stay tuned as the project gets underway and the man cave and library is transformed into the catwoman cave and library.
MeOw!
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