Back in Action, Demolition Style

Everyone loves a good demolition

After almost a two month hiatus of DIY-ing while Gregg tediously managed a houseful of contractors that were/are rewiring the electrical on first two floors and completely gutting and installing new HVAC, we're now back in action with the amazingly talented handyman help of Danny and Chris. This weekends escapades also welcomed some sweat labor from our favorite neighbor. Now for the details of the five main projects we accomplished in two short days...

Project Numero Uno: HVAC closet in the attic (no Thu, it's not creepy)
Why start here?
On Wednesday last week, our handy dandy HVAC architect relayed to Gregg that they needed an HVAC closet by next week so they could install the final third floor return which utilizes flexibility duct so a support of drywall wall is required. Nothing like ample lead time.

Project Numero Dos: Demo the Powder Room
Why?
It's ugly. Really, that's the main reason. It was so stinking ugly, impractical (door to basement, folding door closet for 2 feet of storage space) and the floor around the toilet was rotting away.

I didn't realize a trash pile could make me so happy, farewell secret basement door and nasty toilet!

Danny takes a sawzaw to the bathroom dividing wall

Project Numero Tres: Frame Open Spaces as Drywall Prep
Why?
Lots of random holes need to be covered and we need to create appropriate frame in prep of our fast and furious drywall crew. Spaces covered included cabinet above laundry, old bathroom door, old bathroom window.

Old steps leading out of bathroom to basement

Useless/ugly storage space above washer/dryer

The new 'old' stairs, uncovered from coat closet

Project Numero Cuatro: Fix Haywire Plumbing for Powder Room/Hose/Back Room Sink
Why?
Crackerjack plumber Al decided to plumb all the cold line plumbing for the outside hose, powder room and backroom sink off one line. So you're thinking who cares? Well in the beautiful Philadelphia winter weather, freezing temperatures + water in pipes = messy explosion. Therefore, those who maintain their house (yes this is all Gregg), drain their outside lines prior to the freeze as a preventative measure. A roadblock occurred when Danny found he couldn't solder the pipes with water in them and it would take a day to drain the piping of our huge house.

And rounding out an even number 5...
Project Numero Cinco: Rip Up Hideous Purple/Pink Tile in Breakfast Room
Why?
Soooooooo ugly. No really, it was sooooo ugly. On a scale from 1 to the most hideous flooring choice I've ever seen? Well it lands off the charts folks.
 

I like power tools!

Thu trying out the chip gun

Thu going all out, pro style

The aftermath - tile free & lots of trash

 So while a lot was accomplished it's clear to see we're nowhere near done. We have a lot in store for this upcoming week and weekend including rewiring the powder room, ripping up thinset (cement layer that was under tiles), have new stairs to basement built, installing new wood floors throughout powder room and breakfast room. Other projects include completing the open items left on 2nd floor bathroom (replace broken tiles, finish installing vanity) as well as fixing wainscoting in dining room (holes after old vent covers were removed). Stay tuned for more destruction, frustration and hopefully some amazing results.