For Calm. For Joy. For Home.

  1. The Old Hall Bath
  2. Not Just the Windows
  3. And Then the Floors
  4. No Longer the Stairway to Heaven

The Old Hall Bath

This client’s hall bath had not seen a meaningful update in at least 50 years, and he wanted a nicer space for his two children and guests who visit. With an eye toward kid-friendliness we upgraded every aspect of this bathroom including a Kohler Sterling bathtub and surround system, a single piece toilet for easier cleaning, waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring, a higher capacity ventilation fan with built in LED light and Bluetooth speaker, all new vanity, and all new cabinetry and accessories. His wife enjoyed the first bath and I quote, “It feels like heaven!”

Misting a popcorn ceiling aids removal
Popcorn gone in a jiffy
Down to zero
New Kohler tub and surround installed
All new mildew resistant drywall
I love they let the kids pick the paint
They are gonna love the upgraded outlets with USB ports!
Side splash in place to prevent wall damage
That new vent fan is also a blue tooth speaker!
Enjoy your baths kids!

Not Just the Windows

The old vinyl windows on this 60-year-old home presented with many problems: damaged sashes, failed thermal seals, broken springs. The homeowner also couldn’t understand why they so often iced over on the inside during the winter. They also wanted to replace their small back door with a larger sliding glass one to maximize sunlight and the view in the dining room. We went with Jeldwyn custom made replacement windows and a Pella custom sliding glass door to perfectly fit the openings on this classic brick ranch.

Once removal of the existing windows began, we quickly discovered that the source of many of the weather and insect penetration issues was not just the windows themselves, but also a rushed and very poorly executed installation job. Improper framing, lack of proper flashing, lack of any insulation, and improper repair to the interior plaster were just a few issues we found and corrected as we went along installing these new windows.

Note the large aluminum trim between the brick and window. It hides a chamber of secrets…
Inside the chamber? Nothing but an inch wide gap of air straight into the interior of the walls and house.
Improper framing, no insulation, inadequate shimming
In some cases, improper installation meant water penetration and damage
First new custom window in place and fully insulated. (Finish trim still to come)
Before: Stained, worn, and improperly installed.
After: Clean, efficient, fully insulated, properly framed.
Bathroom got an upgrade from leaky glass block to this dappled safety glass beauty
The K9 supervisor has one rule: Trust but verify.
These beauties were a real upgrade to their aluminum framed counterpart (to the right of the pic) which would develop as much as an inch of ice on the frame inside during the winter.
A temporary wall across the back of the dining room helped keep everything secure as we replaced the old bay window and door.
Bay windows are heavy and this one is framed to never sag.
Finish carpentry helps meld the new with the old on the interior.

And Then the Floors

The home from the “Not Just the Windows” project featured a wonderful original 1960s wood parquet floor in the dining room. Unfortunately, when we began removal of the original bay window and rear door we discovered that both water and insects had been penetrating between the floor and the concrete pad through the existing door for some time. There were signs of mildew and insect damage, and the only way to fully remediate both was to remove and replace the floors.

The homeowners chose a luxury vinyl plank product, which also enabled the installation of an R15 insulation layer over the concrete subfloor to help keep the room warmer in the winter. While we were all sad to see the original parquet go, the homeowners are very happy with the aesthetics and practical upgrades of the end result.

Note the beauty of the original floors beneath the K9 supervisior
The source of the penetrations. The site of the old door.
Things were a bit worse than expected in spots
Got the new floor in so finish carpentry could begin.

No Longer the Stairway to Heaven

3 years the client had been trying to get someone to replace the rotting stairs from his back deck to his patios. 3 years he was told by contractor after contractor they weren’t interested in taking such a “small job” and to call them when he was ready to replace his whole deck. 3 years he spent telling guests “don’t walk on those, that’s the stairway to heaven.” After 4 days of work we had him entertainment ready just in time for summer barbecues with no fear of sending folks to meet their maker. Upgrades including a PVC base beneath the footer, joist tape along the top of the stringers, and steel stair angles mounting the treads will protect the new stairs from rotting prematurely and ensure they stay in safe service for a long time.

At first glance, these stairs seemed aged but serviceable.
This view changed my thinking.
On inspection, also found this corner rail post on the deck rotting from the inside out!
That rotten post is that important one right there in the corner
Water damage had rotted the footer anchoring the stairs to the concrete pad so they wiggled… A lot.
As the old stairs came apart, the severe state of rot in the stringers became apparent.
These stringers were so much more rotted than they appeared.
PVC Board attached beneath footer for water protection.
That black part? That’s rubberized joist tape to prevent premature decay in the stringers from water penetration.
A friend said I need at least one pic of me on a post. Plus look at that cool notch!
The customer hates waste, and the original 6×6 posts on the stairs were still in great shape so we reused them.
I look forward to my invitation to the next barbecue.