Getting Colder

This is the north wall of our ground floor, I'm documenting where all the wiring is within the walls, so we'll always know where things are. Click for the larger version.


It's the outside wall so i was eager to get some insulation in before January. The ground floor now has about 65% of the wiring done.

This week we had a lovely (albeit short and very early on a monday morning) visit from April, Andy and Grace. I love this fuzzy photo in our backyard. Accidental art with the focus right at knee level. Thanks for the gifts and the great bagels! Happy Holidays to all.


jay, grace, april, andy, erika

Electrical

I've been a bit slow on the posts lately. That's mainly because not a lot has physically changed in a while. We've been designing the layout, planning the phasing, the materials, the lighting etc. All this takes a fair amount of time as it turns out. But it's easier with less walls to get in the way. I'll post some existing/proposed floor plans soon, just as soon as I'm ready to share.

But in the mean time, I've finally started the wiring! I've spent a lot of time reading about the rules and methods, and now it's go time. Goal is to have inspections done in January.


The existing bathroom wiring was definitely not safe.

Side note #1: Here's the view of the city core from my frequently traveled path to Home Depot. Yep, i can walk there.

Side note #2 - Finally went to see my first Maple Leafs game! They beat #1 ranked washington 6-3!

Wallflowers

Wallpaper in the upstairs bedrooms. The 70's print is a fan favourite

Remembering

The other night as I pulled up the layers of linoleum in the sunroom addition at the back of the house, I was astonished with what I found beneath. For whatever reason, whoever installed the floor left a time capsule for me.

Over the whole floor there were layers of old newspapers about 5 pages deep.

They're pages from 'The Evening Telegram' dated from August 1944, during the time when allied forces were marching to take back Paris.

I was completely blown away when I discovered this, it's appropriate that I found them this time of year, it's something I think I will always remember.

Demolition

Demolition started late last week, and this past weekend was a major push. I had help from several friends, who made a major difference. Bryce, Joe, Ryan, Joey, Kevin, Jesse and Erika and I accomplished so much in a single day. I really appreciate the help everyone!

Here is an image of the enormous (20 cubic yard) bin i had dropped in front of the house. The driver was pretty impressed with himself after successfully placing it into such a tight spot on such a narrow busy street.

Demo Suit.

Yes, This is the Chandelier room, not the basement. More demo pics coming soon. It's changing fast.

Exisiting Conditions

Living without a connection to the internet is a challenge. Hence the blog posts come in spurts. Here are some photos of the existing interior of the house taken last week.

'Chandelier Room' aka Living room + enclosed porch

'Dining Room'

'Kitchen' (the addition that is sinking)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom Two

Entry hall

Project #1 - shower (pt.2)

So I installed a temporary shower last weekend, It works great!
Here's what it took:
New spout with diverter: $22
Shower head with 60" hose: $10 on sale
Shower mount: $7
Copper pipe for connection: $3
6mm Poly $30 for the roll: say $3
Wood: Recycled
Cables and Clips: Recycled
Total: $46. Not bad to be able to stand up and clean the dust and grime off after demo.

The Chandelier Room

It's growing on me. This past Saturday we had our 'First and Last' Party celebrating the first party in the house, and the last party in the apartment. This room, currently known as 'the chandelier room' might just be the heart of the house. we'll see. Moving this weekend!

Energy Audit 1

Today I had an energy audit done on the house. The photos show the blower door rig which lowers the pressure in the house relative to outside pressure (meter reading show is -20.5 kpa relative to outside) by blowing air out the door. This creates a differential that draws air in through all the leaks or holes in the house.
In order to be eligible for any of the federal or provincial grants that are available right now, you need to have an audit done before and after you make any changes to the house. I'm pretty sure we're going to get a pretty low score on the audit, which means we'll be eligible for a lot of the rebates available, but we shouldn't get attached to any of the windows or walls since they'll be gone as soon as we can afford to replace them.

Project #1 - shower

An important first step will be to upgrade the basic of bathtub spout to accommodate a shower attachment. I plan to get covered in dirt and dust repeatedly in the near future, and i don't really enjoy taking 'baths' in small bathtubs. i prefer to stand. next up .. shower curtain?

Closing

We Closed the deal! I picked up the keys today and we quickly went to the house to check it out. Stay tuned for more - as is - photos. Energy audit is scheduled for friday, then on to electrical!

This photo is taken on our sweet linoleum flooring in the kitchen. i learned today that it was applied over cardboard on top of the wooden subfloor. cardboard.

578 Logan Avenue, Toronto

YES, It is true! We are buying this house. Closing is next week, moving starts shortly thereafter. Stay tuned for more photos and our renovation plans!