Demolished

A week after we closed, my gal pal Anna rode over to do some measurements and see our place with me. I super, super scooby-doo-ed her into help me investigate where we could demo and then whoops! Into opening up some walls.

We had found a few areas that would make much more sense if we removed walls, and needed to do so for the flooring to be done. We found simple 2x4 framing under plaster boards and a coat of plaster, but no lath. About ten contractor bags full of material came down (not full, Superman had not come along for the day) and we succeeded in opening up the bottom of stairs and half of the wall into second bedroom from living room.

I should explain that the stairs required turning to exit or enter from the kitchen, a place I don't believe extra traffic should be directed. We plan to close this area off and in already the airflow and light is much better in the middle of the house.

Also, the first floor bedroom had a queen bed in it that felt small, and we decided the second bedroom of similar size on the main level would be better used as an extension of the living space. Wanting to increase the cabinetry and use of the kitchen, we needed to fit a dining table in the living space in addition to a family area, and decided that this was a better use of the space than a small bedroom. Could we regret it? Sure, but I don't think we will.

We brought in some young gentlemen friends to help on demo, and they did a great job finishing the space. The guys also helped us move furniture around and pull out carpet/tack strips so the first floor was totally prepped, and to cut and remove the plate for living room wall framing. That process was in no way fast or easy, but at least we know the house is sturdy! We deconstructed the door frames to the stairs and bedroom, and stashed all of the old lumber and trim downstairs for snowy day projects.

It has become apparent to Alex and I that we are not 20 or even 25 anymore in this process. To poor Nyo, that we are not at all interested in her opinions about bacon availability.