Category Archives: Renovation/Restoration

A Place to Put my Stuff

Posted on October 10, 2018 by fitz

After finally “finishing” the worst drywall patching in the history of drywall patching, I’m ready to start on the built-in closet that will cover up my shoddy patch job and make use of this dead-end hallway on the backside of … Continue reading →

Posted in Baths, Renovation/Restoration | 7 Comments

Reader, I Did It

Posted on October 5, 2018 by fitz

I’m headed back to Building Value on Monday morning to take apart then transport these columns and knee walls to my foyer…where they will no doubt sit for a little while before I get around to installing them. I decided … Continue reading →

Posted in Foyer, Renovation/Restoration | 11 Comments

Reader, Should I?

Posted on October 5, 2018 by fitz

If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I live in a circa 1906 house that I’ve been restoring from a 1950s two-family conversion back to a one family (which in my case consists of … Continue reading →

Posted in Foyer, Renovation/Restoration, Uncategorized | 31 Comments

Smacked by the Stupid Stick

Posted on February 2, 2018 by fitz

It is with much chagrin that I share an old-house renovation lesson that I’ve just learned the hard way. Today, my floor tile arrived. In prep for that installation, I need to install in the new doorway from my bedroom … Continue reading →

Posted in Baths, Renovation/Restoration | 13 Comments

Sweet, Sweet Progress

Posted on January 24, 2018 by fitz

Two days ago, my neighbor and expert tile guy Rick Wolf (Wolf Custom Tile), called me late in the day. “We have an opening in the schedule and can be there tomorrow to get started on your shower pan.” Never … Continue reading →

Posted in Baths, Renovation/Restoration | 9 Comments

Two More Panels…or Not

Posted on January 8, 2018 by fitz

I spent the weekend hanging mold-resistant drywall panels on the non-plastered walls in my bathroom (after hiring a pro to patch and finish-coat the two plaster walls). I can now barely shuffle to the coffee maker and ibuprofen cabinet after … Continue reading →

Posted in Baths, Renovation/Restoration, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Opinions Are Like Assh…

Posted on November 22, 2017 by fitz

I’ve spent a frustrating couple of hours researching how best to adhere tile on plaster walls that are in decent shape…or will be shortly, after I’ve scraped off the loose bits of adhesive that was holding the hardboard in place, … Continue reading →

Posted in Baths, Personal Favorites, Renovation/Restoration | 6 Comments

Please Pardon the Mess

Posted on November 17, 2017 by fitz

Is there any renovation project that doesn’t spill into the entire house? Not in my experience. Though the bathrooms on which I’m currently working are on the second floor, I had to tear out the back wall of the pantry … Continue reading →

Posted in Baths, Renovation/Restoration | 5 Comments

One Step Up & Two…Well, You Know

Posted on November 5, 2017 by fitz

Per my last post, I set a deadline of Nov. 9 for finishing the guest bath. That was stupid. But I’m getting close. Over the last two days, I mitered, fit, painted and installed the 30 pieces of base moulding … Continue reading →

Posted in Baths, Renovation/Restoration | 5 Comments

A Vow I Might Regret (& Possibly Break)

Posted on August 13, 2017 by fitz

After a summer filled with travel, teaching, fun and family visits (and the day job, of course), I’ve finally the time to get back to work on the guest bathroom. I vow it will be completely done by November 9 … Continue reading →

Posted in Baths, Renovation/Restoration | 7 Comments