I finished this project (well, mostly... a few finishing touches still needed) about a month ago. I could not have done it without the help of this message forum. I'll try to refer to the threads that helped when I get to those parts of the project.
For many people, this will seem like a very simple project, didn't really tackle MAJOR construction, but this was my first experience with a "room" renovation.
My fiance and I bought our first condo in May 2008 from a chain smoker, so upon move in, we ripped out carpeting and painted all the surfaces (missed a step, which is discussed here). I installed laminate flooring through about 700 square feet, and had carpet installers to the rest. I switched out light fixtures, switches and outlets, and other odds and ends. I have had no real DIY experience in the past, so everything was learned from books in the library, online and this forum.
There are 2 bathrooms and a kitchen that need to be brought up to 2009 (original construction from 1979). We decided that I'd "try" the guest/2nd bathroom to see how I could do, as we still had the master to use.
That's my story... I wasn't great with before pictures, and honestly during the various stages of this, I was so frustrated and focused that a camera wasn't top priority, but between my fiance and me, we got a few pictures I can share along the journey....
Some notes:
- This was originally supposed to be a couple weekends... ended up taking 3 months (we both work long hours, and I didn't want to do loud demo, drywall hanging late nigh b/c of neighbors), so mostly on weekends
- Money was absolutely an issue.. so I often did not have the best tools for the job, so extending the time many simple tasks needed to get it right.
- I am slow, deliberate and also nervous with this so I spent a lot of time thinking and reading before doing anything, much to the chagrin of my fiance who set and extended I think 3 or 4 different completion deadlines... not a very good GC
My purpose in posting this:
- I love reading the other project profiles in here, especially Cocobolo's (http://www.diychatroom.com/f49/gulf-island-building-34958/) and got a lot of inspiration from reading other's entire stories, more in depth than the questions here and there.
- To tell other brand newbies that you CAN do it, its MORE difficult than it seems, but you CAN do it
- I like to write, so bear with my wordiness
Enjoy, I would love to hear comments, critiques, suggestions or your own experiences along the way... I'll try to get most of this up in the next couple days...
For many people, this will seem like a very simple project, didn't really tackle MAJOR construction, but this was my first experience with a "room" renovation.
My fiance and I bought our first condo in May 2008 from a chain smoker, so upon move in, we ripped out carpeting and painted all the surfaces (missed a step, which is discussed here). I installed laminate flooring through about 700 square feet, and had carpet installers to the rest. I switched out light fixtures, switches and outlets, and other odds and ends. I have had no real DIY experience in the past, so everything was learned from books in the library, online and this forum.
There are 2 bathrooms and a kitchen that need to be brought up to 2009 (original construction from 1979). We decided that I'd "try" the guest/2nd bathroom to see how I could do, as we still had the master to use.
That's my story... I wasn't great with before pictures, and honestly during the various stages of this, I was so frustrated and focused that a camera wasn't top priority, but between my fiance and me, we got a few pictures I can share along the journey....
Some notes:
- This was originally supposed to be a couple weekends... ended up taking 3 months (we both work long hours, and I didn't want to do loud demo, drywall hanging late nigh b/c of neighbors), so mostly on weekends
- Money was absolutely an issue.. so I often did not have the best tools for the job, so extending the time many simple tasks needed to get it right.
- I am slow, deliberate and also nervous with this so I spent a lot of time thinking and reading before doing anything, much to the chagrin of my fiance who set and extended I think 3 or 4 different completion deadlines... not a very good GC
My purpose in posting this:
- I love reading the other project profiles in here, especially Cocobolo's (http://www.diychatroom.com/f49/gulf-island-building-34958/) and got a lot of inspiration from reading other's entire stories, more in depth than the questions here and there.
- To tell other brand newbies that you CAN do it, its MORE difficult than it seems, but you CAN do it
- I like to write, so bear with my wordiness
Enjoy, I would love to hear comments, critiques, suggestions or your own experiences along the way... I'll try to get most of this up in the next couple days...