It seems like every project we plan to tackle requires at least two steps before we can get to it. One thing contingent on another. For example, before we can paint our bedroom we have to scrape popcorn ceilings and install new trim. Now we’re gearing up to install new windows on the back of the house. Windows arrived last week (more details to follow) but we have a few things to do before that can happen. Of course we can’t leave anything as it is. A few weeks ago, Ben’s aunt and uncle visited. They noted how strange it was to climb up three steps in the pool house to get to the wet bar, only to go down three more to reach the patio.
We always thought it was different, but that really got us thinking. Why not lower the wet bar area, making it level with the rest of the pool house and therefore level with the back yard? Yes, let’s eliminate the steps entirely. So that’s what Ben did on Sunday.
For men, demo is the best part. The fun part.
Smashing things, prying up pieces, and making piles of scraps.
It seems this little area was quite over built. But Ben likes a challenge.
Being the smartie he is, he got the car jack from the garage and used it to hoist up the joists.
When the mood strikes, he’ll finish the demo work. But how is this necessary? Well, in order to make the inside and outside level, we’ll have to lower the sliding door by a foot or two. So the raised wet bar has to go so we can bring in a concrete cutting guy to notch out the foundation. Then Ben can install the new sliding door at the lower height. See, one thing hinges on the other.
For the time being, we’ll have a demoed, unfinished space. When we get around to remodeling the kitchen, we hope to reuse the stove, granite counters, and sink in here. Ben will make new cabinets before that so we’ll have a functional, but small, kitchen in the pool house while we renovate. Also, we won’t feel guilty using the oven in the summer because we won’t heat up the house. But we’ve got one more iron in the fire.
How many different projects are you working on right now? Are you starting to prep for fall? Kids going back to school?
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Wow, that’s quite an undertaking! Your aunt and uncle made a good point about that whole area being raised up for seemingly no reason. It will be such a nice seamless space once it’s all done.
For the windows, will you install extra-tall patio doors there to make up for the extra height, or will you lower the header and everything too? The more light, the better, I would think. But if that means special-ordering windows at thousands of dollars a pop, it might not be worth it. Just curious what you were thinking about that.
Great job on your recent projects!
Hey Jenna!
We’ve already got a door and window that are standard height. Ben will lower the header. I thought a transom window would be cool, but it wasn’t worth the price. That’s a great question!
Thanks!
Amanda
Amanda, Do what you want with the elevated wet bar and demo the heck out of the floor and walls if you want, but please, PLEASE do not hurt that ceiling fan.
Emily
Hi Emily!
Ha, you crack me up. I’m considering keeping the fans (yep, we’ve got two of those!), but painting the leaves white and doing something to the brass parts. We’ll see. 🙂
Thanks!
Amanda
For some women (like this one) demo is the best part too. 🙂
You guys are so awesome! I can’t believe how many amazing and difficult projects you guys take on! You guys rock!
I wonder if they did that because they were lazy and didn’t want to cut the foundation? You have so many irons in the fire and I know you’re so busy and here I am champing at the bit every day to see some kind of progress! hehe. Can’t wait to see more of what you guys do with that house.
Do you find it frustrating or overwhelming at all to have a bunch of projects in different states of finish? Our bathroom remodel has taken significantly longer to finish than anticipated and I’m losing precious warm weather time to do outside work on the patio but not sure my stress level can handle having two ongoing major projects. Any suggestions or tips for keeping sane?
Hi Harper,
Oh yeah, there are definitely times I’m frustrated and overwhelmed by projects, especially this early on. Here are two things I like to keep in mind to help. 1. Eventually everything will get done. Just take advantage of nice weather when you’re working on weather dependent projects and work on others in between. 2. Limit the amount of deconstruction projects. I can tolerate projects that are half built much better than I can ones that are still being torn apart. For instance, Ben and I are both chomping at the bit to work on the kitchen, but it’s not a priority in any way right now. Sure, it’s not pretty, but it functions just fine. And the remodel includes knocking out part of a wall with cabinets, but we can’t live with the torn apart wall forever.
Two projects is reasonable to me. Something to work on when the weather is nice and something that doesn’t matter other than your mood. I think it’s a good balance. Of course we’ve got about five projects going on at any time, so two seems easy. Haha.
Hopefully that helps a little. Just pace yourself and don’t get caught up on your to do list. (I know, easier said than done.)
Thanks!
Amanda