Day 17

Finally--after 5 years and 1 major repair, the washer/dryer is where it was always meant to be. Don't worry, it will be pushed back the rest of the way after it's hooked up.

The plumber was here today and got started...

There is a rumor that my tub may make an appearance as early as tomorrow. Make way for my dream bathroom!

Day 16

Today's work included framing the new 2nd floor bathroom.

The bathroom is going to be floor to ceiling tile with an open shower and wall mounted sink & toilet (don't mind Scott's shadow). Here is the tile we have picked out--it's going to be like being inside an ice cube!

We also have new stairs to the basement---finally I don't feel like they will fall down when I am running down them!

Meanwhile, Lucy is enjoying the last few warm days in Massachusetts at the beach...

Day 14

Came home Friday to find this...a little big, but it needs to be to meet code.

We've resolved a few more of Lou's issues (see post from day 8 for more on Lou), with a new electrical panel.

We also discovered Lou's secret stash...maybe this explains some of his craftsmanship.

2nd floor framing is partially complete, the interior bathroom + bedroom walls will be done this week.

Scott is meeting with the GC, heating & air conditioning guy and plumber on Wednesday to work out where the systems will be located within the walls. Hopefully we'll be able to pack them into a tight area, so this wall in the sitting room...

will look like this drawing...

The rectangular boxes in the above drawing will look like this...

Now that we have some free time, we did the Kelly Drive loop on our bikes and stopped at the farmers market in Rittenhouse.

Meanwhile, Lucy is enjoying herself at the lake. Rolling in the grass has become a daily activity.

Keep checking back for more updates!

Day 10

Home alone again...Scott's at a Phillies game. This can only mean one thing...THAI food.

Came home to find the 2nd floor 90% demo'd.

Next step will be more framing and a new electrical panel, then we can move on to the plumbing for the all important master bathroom!

Day 9

Since Scott is at his first rowing lesson, this is my first post without having him explain all the technical terms. So this will be a short, 1 picture post and hopefully everyone will understand my non-architectural terms.

I came home to the find the first part of the bar in the kitchen! The hood to the range will be centered in the big rectangle of exposed brick with shelves on either side (I think).

Stay tuned for updates and possible retractions of any of the above information...

Day 8 (i decided to count the weekends)

We had a good weekend...not as good as Jose's. This is early in the celebration and photos have been edited to protect the birthday boy.

I love the limited kitchen...we've been ordering in and eating out to my heart's content!

The last contractor left us a message..."You are a jerk for removing this panel off of this wall. Lou 8-10-75."

Apparently Lou was quite the master contractor...he magically made bricks defy gravity....

and joists float...

Don't worry, Lou--these issues are being taken care of. Framing is underway on the 1st floor, with the new brick exposures looking great.

Demo continues on the 2nd floor...more to come soon.

Day 4

So far, so good. 1st floor is completely demo'd. A new plywood sub-floor is being laid in preparation for the new hardwood flooring.

Sounds like framing on the west wall may be going up tomorrow. We've got wood...

Because Chase Building Group did such an amazing job exposing the brick on the west side wall, we decided to improvise the plans. You would think after all the dollars spent by Scott's parents (Bob & Nancy) on an architectural degree, he might have been able to come up with something more polished. But I think they get the idea.

In 2nd floor news, the Garcia Suite has never looked better...

Here's hoping for a quick construction period or a warm winter!

Day 2

What a difference two days makes...the 1st floor is 90% demo'd and the 2nd floor has been started and will be done by the end of the week. We came home to this yesterday and couldn't be happier!

A treasure was uncovered during demo today...a baseball trophy from the St. Mary's CC 1967 divisional champs. We are planning on keeping it as a memento from the construction process.

Framing on the 1st floor should start this week while demo starts on the 2nd floor....don't worry, Mike--the door is the very last thing to go.

210 B.C. (Before Construction)

210 days. That's how many days it took from the time we began the renovation loan process to the first day of construction. Time consuming, but worth it.

Looks like our days living in a legitimate crackhouse are finally numbered. The contractors will be on site tomorrow at 7AM.

The first major milestone will be completion of the third floor bathroom. In order to accomplish this, the interior of the existing main body of the house will need to be demo'd and framed. The tiles we selected are below.

Below, the future home of my dream bathtub....photos to come soon!

For the time being, we are confined to living in the 3rd floor bedroom...not a bad place to be.

We have all the essentials...

except for one. Lucy is vacationing at Club Larkin.

Check back for updates...things should start moving now!