This was our last remodel project upstairs, prior to completing Peanut’s room – which is part of my plans for next weekend. At least this is no wallpaper border to deal with…

such a colossal nightmare!

As with everything these days, we decided to rapidly change the look of our bedroom prior to Peanut’s arrival. Little did we know, the border the previous owners had installed, would be such a colossal nightmare!

Yesterday started with me painting the ceiling in our bedroom; there were a couple of “bad spots” on the ceiling that have always driven me crazy. Things went pretty well, aside from the lightheaded and dizziness from inhaling so much paint fumes, but I managed. Now I hadn’t really planned to remove the border yesterday, but since our bedroom was in shambles (mattress in the hallway, etc.), we decided to see if we could get it totally done this weekend. Of course, that meant border removal.

Oh and about six hours worth of scrapping!

Earlier in the day, while we were at Lowe’s, we picked up a scoring tool and Diff wallpaper remover, that has worked well for us in the past. After scoring, spraying and repeating the process for a second time, we took a break for dinner.

Let’s just say the Diff didn’t work as well as we had hoped; I’m not sure if it was because the border was so old, or if this is the way the process always goes. In the end it took removing the first layer (the decorative side) with a putty knife and then using our clothes steamer to heat up the paper/glue layer. Oh and about six hours worth of scrapping!

Yeah, I said clothing steamer. Funny thing about using a clothing steamer to remove a wallpaper border at the ceiling level: the hose doesn’t quite reach. We had to set the thing on a storage tote and a file container to get it up high enough. That was Lynnette’s job, to make sure we kept moving along and it didn’t fall over.

Let’s see if we can get the painting done today…

http://photos.hillabolt.com/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=59&g2_page=3

I spend most of today, my last remaining vacation day, doing the finishing touches: blinds, touch-up paint and general arrangement.

Oh, one thing that was never mentioned, is that we also had to do a major repair to the first floor bathroom’s ceiling. I am happy to announce, that is also completed. Hoorah!

I can’t wait to get back to work. Wow, that is a funny thing to say…

Kevin and Dick put a ton of work into the bathroom and it made such a difference. I love it!! I’ll have Kevin put some pictures up later to show it off.

Tomorrow, I’m planning on sanding the existing drywall and hopefully finish securing the new plywood we installed on the floor. A busy night for sure.

Rory was checking on my progress

I’m happy to report that just about all of the major destruction is complete and we’ll be able to start the finishing process. Well, that is of course if our local home supply store gets our vanity and shower base in the next few days. The timing is going to be close, as we’re really in need of the shower base ASAP. Ugh, project management at home?

Anyway, another full day tomorrow:

• Lucky Lexi gets to see the veterinarian tomorrow morning, for an annual rabies shot.
• I’m going to pick up the wall tile and a new toilet.
• We are going to re-wire the light and fan switch.
• And work on some of the sub-floor.

If all goes well, we’ll have the shower base by Wednesday and we will be able to get started on framing the new walls.

At this rate, returning to work will actually be the most exciting part of my vacation.

Bathroom Remodel 2005

I also spent a few hours yesterday working on the growing pile of leaves in our backyard. I tell you, this vacation is going to be a back breaker.

We found out why the bathroom had a 36″ vanity and a 6″ filler piece between the wall:

I think my comment says it all. This vent pipe is going to cause some problems with our new vanity. For now, we’re moving on to other things.

This next week should make for some interesting content. See, I’m not actually on a fun vacation, but one that involves a bathroom remodel, and a yard full of leaves.

Also, we are expecting Lynnette’s mom and younger sister Karissa this weekend. I guess they are going Christmas and baby shopping this weekend: great timing, considering I’ll be working hard.

Anyway, stay tuned for Daily updates on my progress. I’m also sure Lynnette will have something to say about her shopping trips this weekend.