What a weekend. Thanks to Mr. Columbus we had 3 days to work.
FLOOR! WALLS! And that weird gas pipe that was sticking out in the middle of the floor…
First thing’s first. More demo – the kitchen had tile that was installed on top of 60 year old linoleum – Kylie and I had attempted to remove some of the floor previously by hand which was an excruciating endeavor. Marc finally admitted that renting a demolition-hammer would make it easier – which it was even though he sustained an injury by flying tile shards.
Once the mudding from the sheetrock guys was dry, Marc textured the walls and ceiling.
Such a momentous occasion calls for celebration – good thing some friends stopped by that night to help us.
The next morning – ACK! – I discovered that we forgot a section of floor under the fridge and because we had already returned the demo-hammer so me and my brute strength removed it by hand.
So the floor was ready for install… almost.
There was an old pipe sticking out from the old pantry wall that we knew we’d need to remove. This was a daunting task because it meant digging up the cement foundation, it was likely gas, and we had no idea how deep the connection would be. We figured worse case we couldn’t reach the connection, he would have to cut the pipe and re-thread it in order to put a cap on it. Fearless and determined Marc set out to cut a hole around the pipe – first with a diamond blade around three sides – and don’t worry I was there to hold the vacuum – we wouldn’t want to make a mess. Don’t mind the sparks. And yes, we are aware that these photos reveal some of our less proud moments – but, whatever – this is a record of it all so that when we’re old and gray we can look back with pride and laughter.
Then with the demo-hammer – just a bit scary – I had visions of extreme worst case scenarios running through my head, but, Marc handled it like a pro.
Next a cold chisel and wire brush:
And And as we vacuumed away the debris…
We realized that we FINALLY CAUGHT A BREAK!
The connection was just a few inches down so he cold chiseled out around the pipe and was able to remove the offending pipe and plug it. Then cover it with cement… turns out the box of cement wasn’t quite enough to fill – mom and I at the exact same time suggested rocks from the backyard to fill it in – to which Marc scoffed. However, non-carpenter ingenuity prevailed.
No one will ever know.
It’s important to note that while the work is happening inside that the little sir is also very busy:
Now we were ready for the floor – which is the last step before move-in and the last step to removing all memories of a poorly-designed entryway. Marc of course did it right and not fast – which is tough to do when you want to JUST GET IT DONE AND MOVE IN ALREADY! He pulled out alternating boards to feather in the new boards and had to router out new tongues and grooves so that the new pieces would join correctly. RAD I tell you.
That was a heck of a way to finish out your Sunday work day. And though it was still light outside we left for mom’s house for a home cooked meal and some down time with the kid.
But, Monday morning we were back at it – mom was on painting duty – covering the walls and ceilings like a champ:
While Marc and I laid the floor late into the night – Marc cut and I glued and installed. And no – I cannot fully endorse installing glue-down-floor barefoot unless you are willing to live with blackened feet for 4-6 days after:
Fueled by junkfood, sauvignon blanc for me and beer for him, we finished about midnight.
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