June 30th, 2009
Earlier last week I talked about our decision to go with Icynene®, a low-density, open-cell foam for our attic insulation. Insulation Day finally arrived on Thursday, a day I had been anxiously anticipating.
Unfortunately for the guys, the HVAC wasn’t yet up and running, and it was going to be a hot, hot day. By [...]
June 25th, 2009
Wow, I just realized that we closed on the bungalow exactly two years ago today!
While a lot has changed in a relatively short period of time, some things remain the same in a manner of speaking, so I thought I’d do a little That was then, This is now picture show.
Then, the PO’s storage pod [...]
June 24th, 2009
When our attic renovation was still in the planning stages, I began researching insulation options. It made my head spin: closed cell foam, open cell foam, blown-in cellulose, venting or not venting the roof…
I knew for sure that I didn’t want to use fiberglass batts. From my own research, unless the batts are installed correctly, [...]
June 24th, 2009
It’s been a while since I’ve talked about the previous-POs, the Milke’s, who owned the house from 1932-1966.
In honor of the 85th anniversary of their daughter Muriel’s birth, I give you this snippet that appeared in the local paper on this day in 1932:
Mr. and Mrs. Leo Milke entertained 17 guests Sunday evening in [...]
June 23rd, 2009
While the temperatures soared in the attic…
…Günter enjoyed himself a little bath in the oppressive heat.
The AC unit hasn’t been hooked up to the attic yet, so the contractor’s guys were suffering up there today (we have central air on the main floor and are adding a second unit for the attic). The HVAC [...]
June 23rd, 2009
Just a few random things today. A lot has been happening, but nothing too exciting, in pictures or words.
We had our rough framing, electrical and mechanical (HVAC) inspections last week. We needed to fix a few things on the electrical and framing, but it didn’t seem to be anything major. We passed our mechanical inspection.
We [...]
June 22nd, 2009
We went back to the family cottage yesterday, for the first time since the Robin’s nest issue.
I can’t say with certainty, but I’m sad to say that I’m pretty sure they didn’t make it. We had several terrible storms over the past week with strong winds and driving rain.
My brother-in-law, who wasn’t around last weekend [...]
June 17th, 2009
…three to go.
We passed our rough plumbing inspection yesterday! Woo hoo!
Isn’t she pretty?
Master Bathroom
Laundry Room
Pipe in floor joists
Rough framing, electrical and mechanical will be combined into one inspection.
Wish us luck.
June 17th, 2009
Not to worry — it wasn’t our house. It was Robin’s house.
There we were on Sunday, ready to enjoy a beautiful summer-like day at the cottage Pete’s family owns just over the Wisconsin border. But first there are always a few chores to do before the relaxing can begin.
Over the years we’ve lost a couple [...]
June 13th, 2009
Well, after all the angst over the shed dormer in past weeks, I’m totally fine with the outcome. We had it constructed according to the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association’s guidelines, in that it’s located more than 20 feet away (much more, in fact) from the front of the house.
While it would have been nice if [...]
June 13th, 2009
We’ve just completed week four of our attic renovation (technically 3-1/2 weeks as they started the project mid-week), and the work has been humming along steadily.
The exterior work is essentially done and I’m really happy with the outcome.
Last Monday the windows were installed and they are beautiful.
The long-term plan for the front of the [...]
June 4th, 2009
…the attic (please — I’m not going to use that old cliché!).
I need to catch up on the progress around here. Things have been moving along, although the changes aren’t as noticeable as the first few days.
We lost most of our kitchen the very first day in order to widen the staircase. It has [...]