Renovation Diary: Phase 1 is finished, meet the new sunroom!

[Edwina's Secretary]

I feel your pain. We did extensive renovation on out house in Chicago. While to goes on you think it will never end. But oh! when it is over!

I am so envious of your sunroom. How wonderful. I imagine it with lots of snow on the ground outside...so warm and cozy inside.

[Cataholic]

Things are looking lovely, that is certain. I am glad to see forward footsteps.

[Rachel]

Love it, love it, love it! Don't have time for a proper reply, but as certain other members of PT know, this qualifies as a favorite type of thread for me.

[mruffruff]

And for me.

I remember renovating my kitchen. What a pain! But I'm so glad I did it. I learned so much in the process. Wish I could have done the radiant floors; they have to feel good in the winter.

Love to see your pictures. Feel free to post more anytime.

[Pam]

certain other members of PT know, this qualifies as a favorite type of thread for me.

And I am one of those members! (Not surprised to see you replying to this thread at all! ) I enjoy these threads so much too! I am a hopeless HGTV addict and I love to watch the remodels on there as well. I love going through the process with those people, as well as with you, although I don't have to live in the midst of the chaos so maybe that is why it is so enjoyable! Congratulations on a well thought out plan and I can just imagine, like Sara, watching the snow fall while sitting out on that lovely sun porch! More pictures as you go will certainly be enjoyed by all!

[Russian Blue]

Sorry for the delay in response. I didn't have much computer time during the week. Dealing with electrical contractors for the new kitchen.

I am a hopeless HGTV addict and I love to watch the remodels on there as well. I love going through the process with those people, as well as with you, although I don't have to live in the midst of the chaos so maybe that is why it is so enjoyable!

Ha! I think you nailed it when you said you don't have to live in the chaos. When we lived in the condo I was an HGTV addict as well and that's the reason we purchased this house. Thought we could renovate everything in a weekend like they show on TV.

I am glad to see forward footsteps.

Yes Jo, moving forward is nice. Not that I don't stumble a bit though. Even with all my grumbling I am enjoying the process. Because of some life events, it has taken us longer but it's still moving forward and we will finish.

We had new windows installed this week. I never paid any attention to windows before but seeing the old wood windows removed (the one's with the weights in the side of them) and knowing we won't have drafts this winter is a great feeling. You really do appreciate things so much more when you live with older/less efficient items for a while!

I imagine it with lots of snow on the ground outside...so warm and cozy inside.

I can't wait for the fall/winter. It's going to be wonderful to have the fireplace on and watch the leaves change colour and the snow to fall. We have a little apple tree close to the sunroom and we're going to put Christmas lights in it this year for our living Christmas tree. The sunroom windows really frame the tree well.

I too, know that sweet Nakita would have adored that sun room. She'll be there in her spirit. (((((hugs))))

I'm so happy for you both! You've dealt with so much negativity and it sooooo nice to see this thread and to see you both HAPPY!

Thanks so much Kelly. I so miss my emerald girl and my heart is still trying to heal. It's a long road without her but I do hope her spirit is close.

So nice to finally be seeing some results.....Are you still on schedule with the 7 years?

As long as no financial disasters hit in the next year, we should be on track. Next summer's projects include building a garage, paving the driveway and creating a little patio off of the sunroom. The only thing left is to redo the bathroom and then we'll be officially finished. So, from start to finish we kept to the plan.

Thanks folks for all your comments. I still have a large number of photos to go through from our previous renovation projects. Once I sort through them I'll update this thread for you to take a look. These were minor projects, nothing large scale like this one we're currently doing.

[pitc9]

WOW!!
Great Job!!!

[NoahsMommy]

Kass,

You guys have done a truly AMAZING job! I remember the pictures you showed me when you first bought the house. WOW! It looks wonderful. That sun room is my favorite...what a great idea to do the radiating floors and then stain the concrete. A lot of people here in CA do that to their hardscapes and it looks lovely! Its going to be so nice. Do you know what color you're leaning to??

And that gorgeous kitchen is so perfect for the 'feel' you've given that glorious house. Its going to be perfect!! I can't wait to see pictures of the next 2 phases!

I too, know that sweet Nakita would have adored that sun room. She'll be there in her spirit. (((((hugs))))

I'm so happy for you both! You've dealt with so much negativity and it sooooo nice to see this thread and to see you both HAPPY!

I miss you honey. I hope to keep in touch still.

Love, Kelly

XOXOXOXO

[Vermontcat]

I meant to reply to this thread sooner but I have been too busy.
The renovations look great! I love the sunroom!
Last weekend we took down our deck and 3 maple trees in our backyard to get ready to do an addition onto the back of our house including a sunroom.
Our house will be a mess for a while but it will be so nice when the work is done.
I just hope Samantha doesn't get too stressed out, so far she has been ok with it.
Please keep us posted with photos of the next two phases of your renovations.

[Rachel]

It's just going to be so enjoyable. I'm thinking you will live in that sunroom. What direction does it face? The yard makes such a nice view. I can't wait to see more pictures, so do keep this thread alive.

[Hellow]

*bump*

[lizbud]

It's just going to be so enjoyable. I'm thinking you will live in that sunroom. What direction does it face?

Will you get the morning sun, or evening? Either one would be great.

You guys are an inspiration to many.

[Felicia's Mom]

It is going to be so nice! I hope to see more pictures.

[ramanth]

Oh wow Kass! What a gorgeous job! I know it's stressful and financially straining but I look forward to the day when Andy and I have a house that we can renovate and make our own.

[cyber-sibes]

Great job! What a huge difference! I really like the outside of your house, looks like a lot of the very old homes in Illinois. We spent about 3 years rennovating a Craftsman Bungalow there ...there were times I thought we'd NEVER be done, but all worth it in the end! Nothing more satisfying that sitting in the finished project!