All you shingle ladies. If you like it then you shoulda put shingles on it. Wait, what? Our most recent weekend project included shingles. And more window removal. You see, we can’t leave well enough alone. Nope, rather than leaving the wet bar as it was, we knocked it all out. All in the name of continuity. This way, we can keep all the windows and doors at the same level and pour a large concrete slab in the back yard. Then we decided to cut one of the windows in the pool house wet bar. Why? I’m glad you asked. Inside, the cabinets just blocked the window.
Outside, the roof took a funky angle not to block the window.
Just strange. In preparation for the concrete cutting, Ben pulled out the two stationary panels and the sliding door. Then he added a few studs to the window opening and boarded it up.
To extend the roof, Ben added a few 2 by 4 pieces, following the slope of the roof.
A piece of scrap plywood on top and he started adding shingles.
Voila! Awkward angle be gone.
Oh, and that Flagstone patio?
Is looking more like this:
And this:
We’ve pulled up about two-thirds of the stones, which we hope to sell on Craigslist. The leading reason we’re doing all this work is to lower the back yard. Right now, the rim joist is at (and in some places, below) the dirt. Bob Vila and Tim the Tool Man Taylor wouldn’t approve.
In fact, Ben pulled out an old duct, and while doing so discovered tons of dirt resting on the foundation wall. Dirt that over time has washed into the house and can cause long-term structural damage if not fixed. Where there’s dirt, there are bugs. Giant spiders and even a potato bug (if you’re feeling brave, Google it) have made their way in the basement. So not cool. And extremely gross. Let the digging begin. Hand shoveling around the house.
As well as pulling out stacked rock walls around the trees.
Making stacks to reuse or sell soon.
The back yard that looked like this over spring:
Now looks like this:
It always has to get worse before it gets better. More pavers to dig out and we’ll bring in the Bobcat to really get down to business, literally. Although we’d love to pour concrete before the snow flies, we just don’t think we’ll have the time. Between now and then, we’ll add pea gravel (a step we’ll need to do before concrete) to help reduce the sandy, dirty mess.
Now let’s hear it. What do you think of our latest project? Think we’re crazy? Or just enthusiastic? Either way, we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us. If you’re looking for a good workout, feel free to come on over and help me haul stones and pavers. My arms are still sore.
As you know, today marks 11 years since the attacks on the World Trade Centers. I love Sarah’s post. Take a minute to read it and remember that tragic day.
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