We’re still not to the pretty parts yet, but we are getting there. Amazing the amount of grunt work that goes into a whole house renovation. Sweating is a big part of that during these dog days of summer.
This past week wasn’t monumental, but we did start one more project that has to get done. The stair treads. I think we figured out a way to replace those stair treads without costing a fortune by adding pine treads and painting them. All of you who have been reading awhile know that I painted my old stairs in Birmingham and they turned out fantastic. I did that project with a hand miter saw, but power makes this a lot easier. Replacing treads with smooth pine and painting is the best solution for my current house and since we have all the power tools we need to do this one, it is not going to be a big problem at all.
We priced out pine stair treads at our local big box stores, but dad found a place up in North Georgia that had 12’ lengths for less than the shorter lengths we found at the other stores. He had it all figured out how to cut all the treads we needed out of 7 pieces and it worked out perfectly based on his calculations. We have around 25 treads to add, so this was a great solution.
We drove up there and brought ‘em back home with us a few weeks ago and now it was time to get started on them.
Dad began measuring each stair (since all measurements on things like this have to be accurate and houses are not all plumb and straight) for an accurate measurement for each one at a time and we cut them all.
The skill saw came in handy for these 1” treads.
We made sure every single one of them fit in well. I will putty, sand, caulk, and paint each one and they will be beautiful. I’m using the same Dark Brown that I used on my doors, Valspar’s Fired Earth.
We dry fit them all before we start nailing them. We will also be adding new risers too.
It took a lot of measuring and cutting, but we got them all cut in one day.
Using his square to draw a straight line for the skill saw.
These nasty garage steps will also get new treads and painted.
That will greatly help the garage to be better looking and I’m all for improving every spot I can.
We found that they were a bit too deep and needed to take off some from the backs of the stair treads to keep them from hanging over so far. The fronts are bull nosed and rounded.
He set up the table saw for this job and we ripped them all through on the same measurement to trim them down.
I caught them on the other side. Before long we had stacks of stair treads ready to paint and put in. That’s for a later day.
Another job we started was cleaning out the old flooring from the foyer floor. Years of rain leaking under this door created a mess of rotten plywood right by the door, so that had to be cut out so we can add new sturdy wood.
Dad cut out the old.
Using his saw he got it all out and ready for new.
It was really dirty under there, but all looked good, so I cleaned out some of the mess.
We took off the front door to get around better in there.
A peek at what’s down there. It’s a deep hole with gravel in the bottom and it was all surprisingly clean. A block wall is underneath, very sturdy. Just this wood needs to be replaced for our new floors.
He added a little more support with 2×4’s.
And he got a nice solid piece of plywood set back into the floor and it will be ready for new hardwoods now. We found out how the floor rotted when rain came along after we tore out the old floor. We came back over and water had seeped in from the door on both sides wetting the plywood, so that is how those things happen. Little by little over the years, that plywood will rot if any water is getting in.
Now that it’s all replaced and dry, I’m going to get a storm door for the front door to keep it that way.
In the meantime, I am sanding plywood and getting it ready to paint for our new risers. These should paint out smoothly with my trim paint.
Sheets of primed plywood.
My flooring arrived! Yippee!!
Confession time! Even though I try to take it all on, I am not Super Woman.
I have to tell y’all that even though I had great plans to try to do this ourselves and my dad was on board with trying it too, I threw in the towel and decided to hire this job out. We both have bad backs and I could envision this job taking SO long to do and creating all sorts of stress on both of us, so it was easy to come to that conclusion after we tried out a flooring gun and realized that stapling this engineered flooring was not going to be an easy task.
You all know I’m all about DIY, but sometimes you have to know your limitations and this is one of them. I did not want to kill both of us with this project, since we’ve got so many other things to complete. I’m glad I’m getting it done by a pro and it will take a load off my mind on this big project. I look pretty good on the outside, but I have a bad lower back, which translates into a hip that aches, and knees and joints that don’t bend like they used to. I don’t like to hear people whine about how bad they feel at times, so I don’t want to do it either. But, the truth is, this middle-aged gal can’t bend and move like she used to. It makes me completely frustrated some days, but don’t we all have to deal with getting older?! Now, when I squat, bend, and kneel down, getting up is not an easy task anymore. I took all that for granted when I was younger, but boy does time change all that flexibility. I’m not even kidding when I say I feel like an old lady many days.
I’m sure you thought we were crazy for taking it on and maybe I was a bit over zealous on this one. Sometimes it pays to spend the money and pay a professional!
I’ve got an installer coming out next Monday to start the flooring. I’m sure he’ll get it done in just a few days, where it would take us WEEKS to even attempt to get this finished. It’s going to be stapled and glued down. I was very blessed to get a nice discount on this beautiful flooring from Shaw Floors and it’s 3/8” hand scraped engineered hardwoods, the same flooring used in the HGTV Green Home. With 3 sizes of planks (3, 5, 7”), I’m so excited to see this floor go down in my house!
So, stay tuned for some exciting things happening really soon! If all goes well, I’ll have some new floors installed by the end of next week. And that will make me really jump up and down. There will still be plenty of things to do. I have to get electrical work done, as well as a plumber in to change out faucets in the bathrooms and showers. And I haven’t even tackled the bathrooms yet as far as patching and painting the walls or doing something with the vanities. I’m going to have to live with my vanities for awhile, but I will spruce them up. We’ll have to finish up those stairs, order the Ikea cabinets and get that whole kitchen installed, so I still won’t be moving in for awhile. I’m really hoping to be in by the end of September, but we will see how it goes.
YAY, it’s getting closer to being a finished house!
We had a great time celebrating my dad’s birthday over the weekend, so wanted to share a pic of my dad and mom. I can’t get them to pose too often, but this is a good shot of them.
My favorite newlyweds, Lauren and Philip, were home for the weekend. We loved having them home for a couple of days from New Orleans.
That’s my week, how was yours?
Your father is absolutely amazing. What a wonderful family you are blessed with. I have really been enjoying seeing what you have done with the house you bought. I admire you for seeing the potential it holds!
Curious about the stair tread and riser project…My house has carpeted stairs but I hate the carpet. I would love to rip it off and have regular wood stair steps. So my question would be – you are painting the treads and not staining? I know I can find the tread materials but I thought for sure that I would have to stain them. My second question is what is the thickness of the plywood you are using to make the risers? This really looks like a project my sons and I can do that would make Mama happy!
Suzan, stay tuned, I will blog about the whole stair project too! Those treads are 1″ thick.
y’all sure have worked hard Rhoda! Happy that you are not tackling the floors. Wise move…we aren’t as young as we use to be. 🙂
The floors are going to look awesome. I know very little about flooring, but I love that the planks are different sizes! soooo pretty! Can’t wait to see them.
take care, stay cool
gail
I seriously don’t know where to begin . . . as I sit her bemoaning my own back pain. Just the pics of your dad . . . wow. I can not begin to imagine my 84 y.o. mom and me taking on something like this. Big kudos to you guys.
And thanks for adding the note that you’re hiring part of it out. It IS so hard isn’t it? To admit that you physically can’t do what your heart and mind wants you to? I had to face not being able to paint many wall murals after Marlon passed. He did all my basecoating, tote-lugging, ladder-setting-up, etc. I could hire someone else but . . . it just wouldn’t be the same.
Big hugs coming your way, my friend. You are always such an inspiration, for oh-so many reasons.
Oh I can’t wait to see your new floors. I love varying widths. And all the work you’ve done so far is great. It’s all going to be beautiful.
Hi Rhoda! I’m a little late to party, but I can’t wait to get all caught up on your house project! How exciting. You are so lucky that your Dad has such great carpentry skills. It’s so special that he’s such a big part of this project. Good luck with the flooring install! Kerri, A Pop of Pretty
Hi Rhoda! I’m a little late to the party, but I can’t wait to get all caught up on your house project! How exciting. You are so lucky that your Dad has such great carpentry skills. It’s so special that he’s such a big part of this project. Good luck with the flooring install! Kerri, A Pop of Pretty
Rhoda — I applaud your decision to hire out the floor work. Part of being a smart DIY-er is knowing when to have a professional take over. Save your backs for other projects!
I have seen so many “homeowner specials” where someone tried to save a little money, and ended up with a project that lessened the value of the home, or annoyed them forever, or just stuck out as being unprofessional. I am sure you and Dad would have done a fine job, but you have to be practical.
I’m surprised that your Dad is as flexible and strong as he is. I’m 70, and consider myself active, but I don’t think I could kneel long enough to replace risers and repair a floor like he did.
Your new home is looking beautiful. You’re doing everything right.
Love the photo of your folks.
I’m LOVING the kitchen in the background of the pics with your parents! Whose is that? Do you have any pics posted of it? I have that same granite countertop and have been trying to figure out what kind of backsplash to put with it!!
Keep up the great work on your new house! I’ve been a loyal reader for several years now and know this new house is going to be awesome!!!
Hi, Susan, that is my sister’s house & kitchen. Here’s a post of her house with the new granite in the kitchen, but it was before the backsplash. I’m pretty sure I have that backsplash in a post, but I’ll have to try to find it:
http://southernhospitalityblog.com/my-sister-is-a-craigslist-addict/
i just love reading about your home renovations! it is so exciting to get that weekly email with the latest. i think hiring out your floor was good decision. it is a very important milestone as it will make a major impact. although, i didn’t do it myself, i let someone who is not an expert do my floors a few years ago (laminates and tile) and it was not long before problems arose. So, rest assured and back-pain free, you are doing right thing!!
Rhoda, I am loving every second of following your renovation!!! Can’t wait to see your new flooring down. Your father is a complete Godsend in the form of an ANGEL!!! The new stairs will be fabulous. So much work but such a return on investment!!! With your mom along to balance everything out this is one beautiful family affair!
You have the patience of a saint. I know September isn’t long off, but I would have to drag some furniture into at least one room to beautify it. I wish I had your patience. ;o) I got a mailer from IKEA, I think in the last week, that said they had kitchen cabinets for 20% off. Might be worth checking out.
Your dad is amazing with his measurements, what a help he is! Love the picture of your parents. Oh, and that flooring, love also. You have come so far in the home improvements that it is completely understandable about bringing in some needed help. (This heat is crazy and looks like no end in sight for the east coast, take lots of breaks.)
I love all your updates. And I just wanted to add that having your dad on this project is so special. The memories of making this your home with your parents’ help will be so special. I look forward to all your updates and photos!
What a smart move that was to hire the professionals. I know about back issues and one has to be good to one’s back! God bless your dad!
I just love seeing your Dad working on your house, it really warms my heart. Keep up the great work!
Hello Rhoda, I don’t recall if I’ve ever left a comment on your blog. But I have been reading every single post about your renovation of your new home. I found your blog many months ago and added it to my decor friends blogroll. I’m an outdoor photographer but I follow a few decor blogs as I finally after two failed marriages managed to get my life pulled together and bought a new condominium. It’s nothing special and in many ways it feels like a glorified apartment, but I love it because it was new when I moved in four years ago and I got to pick out all of the hardware, lighting, etc. I follow decor blogs as I had to start from nothing to decorate my new condo. I’m slowly getting there. It’s costly and a chore and you don’t always have money for the gorgeous things you wished you could buy, but reading your blog with your wonderful parents there has helped me to be patient. You guys have worked so hard on that house. I can’t wait to see you in it and what all of the beautiful things you have look like. Good luck to you. Carol
Carol, thank you for sharing that. I think when we go through difficult times, it really makes one appreciate a home of their own even more. I know this one is going to be extra special for me.
Don’t sell yourself short. You are a super woman! Great idea to call in the pros for your floors–now you can concentrate on other things. Can’t wait to see the stairs when they are done. Can’t say it enough- you have an awesome daddy!
You are so BLESSED to still have your dad (and mom) around. Like your dad, mine was a very talented man and in my eyes could do anything and everything. I miss him terribly. Your new house is going to be beautiful.
We had to do the same thing on this house. We are older (than you) and finally could barely walk so we hired part of it done. Relief.