2009 Highlights

It has been a busy year at our house; here is a brief summary of the work we completed:

January
We spent most of this month working on the kitchen; this included tiling the floor, painting, installing the cabinets, and getting the appliances.

February
The winner for February's most exhausting project was the refinishing of the hardwood floors upstairs. A close second was priming and painting the bedrooms and the upstairs hallway. We also installed the bathroom fixtures, including a toilet!

March
This was a busy month. We had our initial energy audit conducted before the new furnace was installed. We roughed in the kitchen plumbing, ran plumbing lines in the basement, and installed the washer and dryer. Our electrician completed the electrical finish work. The kitchen countertops were installed, as well as the microwave and dishwasher.

April
A little too much time was spent refinishing the doors in April, including stripping the door hardware, sanding/priming/painting the doors, and hanging the doors. We also sanded/primed/painted the upstairs trim, and painted the new baseboards.

May
We finally finished the work on the second floor by installing, caulking, and painting the trim. We finished installing the kitchen appliances, including the replacement microwave, stove, and faucet. We also had the back of the house waterproofed, and we finally moved in our furniture!

June
We were blessed with the arrival of our little girl Mackenzie in June. No work was completed on the house that month. Slackers!

July-August
We got to work on Mackenzie's bedroom, installing wainscotting, wardrobes, and a bench seat, and painting the room a pink colour called "Baby Girl". We were in no rush to finish the room, so we furnished it bit by bit.

September-October
Our big project for the fall was to renovate the sunroom, add a first floor washroom, and improve the appearance of the back of the house. We also installed blinds on the upstairs windows.

November-December
We put the finishing touches on the nursery in November. We also did some work in the crawlspace underneath the sunroom and washroom, including insulation and ductwork. We then started our last project for the year by tearing out the old hardwood floors, and installing the new floors (we are about 95% complete, but took a break for the holidays).

We are happy with our progress, but have a lot left to do in 2010. Our big to-do list includes several projects on the first floor (e.g. new stairs, doors, trim, new washroom, backsplash), finishing the basement, and installing a fence and deck in the backyard. Happy new year!

Easy Birdfeeder Project

I found some great plans online and decided this would be a fun project to tackle for a Christmas present for my Mom. The materials required for this project are as follows:

• 1"x6"x6' cedar
• 36" piece of 3/8" dowel
• Finish nails
• 2 screw eyes
• 2 hinges (smaller than the width of the cedar ... I used 1")
• Sheet of plexi-glass (this plan requires two pieces that are about 5"x10" each, but with a minor adjustment to the pitch of the roof, you could get by with one 8"x10" piece cut in half)

The plans have a good cut list, which made this a quick project to complete. The most difficult task was cutting the plexiglass to fit, as I did not have the correct saw blades, so I had to do this by hand.

I pretty much followed the plans, but made a few adjustments.

• Rather than drilling completely through the side pieces to insert the dowel perches, I drilled about 2/3 of the way through. This way the end of the dowel does not show through the side.
• Instead of cutting 1/2" openings in the bottom of the plexi-glass to allow bird seed to flow out onto the floor, I installed 1/2" pieces of wood on each side to support the plexi-glass; this cut down on the amount of glass cutting I needed to do.
• I added the cute little bird onto the roof on the front of the feeder. This was created by ripping a spare piece of cedar in half, and then cutting out the bird with a jigsaw.

Merry Christmas!

Taking some time out to enjoy Christmas with our girl!

Basement Floor Follow-up

We got multiple comments regarding our last basement post, so I thought I would provide an update on where we stand with that project. We got another quote for just removing the existing floor and replacing it with new concrete (i.e. no underpinning or drain work), which was around $6K. Our goal with this quote was to get an idea of what we could get if we decide to go as low as we can with the existing foundation; it appears we can get another 4-5", which would take our basement height to about 83".

Here is our plan for the basement. We are going to break up and remove the existing floor ourselves (this won't start for a couple of months). Once the floor is removed, we will then get a few quotes for the required drain and concrete work. I expect we will not underpin the existing foundation, so hopefully we can get at least 4" lower with the existing foundation. That is the plan for now. Thanks for the feedback!

Plan for Stairs Revisited

A couple of months ago, we talked about the plan for the stairs in our front hall. After some deliberation, we decided on the plan below, which involves adding a railing onto the landing and curving the two bottom steps around the posts.

I really like this plan, but after tearing out the old steps, I started to reconsider the plan. With the stairs turning towards the living room like this, it might prove to be a pain sometimes when we are going in and out through the front door (and when moving furniture). Accordingly, I came up with a new option (see below). This option wraps the stairs around the landing, providing access from the front hall and the living room. By cutting off the corner of the stairs/landing, the stairs do not take up as much space as if they were square. I am considering making the stairs/landing fully rounded (i.e. quarter-circle), but that might prove difficult with the bullnose on the landing, so this is the plan for now.

Any thoughts or preferences? We are truly 50/50 on this decision. The first option looks a little better in my opinion, but the second option is simpler and more functional.

So Far So Good Dad!

The floors are just over 50% completed... getting there and looking goood! They're so shiny and smooth compared to our old floors... and no more slivers in my socks - yaye!

Sneak Preview

We have started installing the hardwood floors. Owen seems pleased with the work.

Digging Out Basement = Expensive

Our basement ceiling height is currently 79", but goes down as low as 69" in some areas (under beam/ductwork). We got a quote this morning for lowering our basement floor, which would include lowering the floor by one foot, underpinning the foundation, installing new drains, and increasing our supply line to 3/4". The quote: $37,500. Yikes! As much as I would love to do this, I just don't think we can afford it, and even if we could, I find it hard to justify the ROI for that type of expenditure. So, we are re-thinking that part of the plan for the basement. Should we just go ahead with the existing floor? Should we just get the basement drains replaced and floor re-poured so we are starting with a better surface? Should we consider options for lowering just a part of the basement, or get additional quotes? We might delay the basement project now so that we can think it through, and focus on finishing the first floor and preparing to do the backyard in the spring. We'll see though. Any thoughts? Has anybody done this type of work before? Has anybody re-finished their basement with a 6.5' ceiling and not hated it?

Soundproofing Added to Shared Wall

When we tore out the plaster on the east wall of the sunroom (which seems like eons ago), we realized that our sunroom was separated from our neighbour's sunroom by just a 2x4 wall. In the photo below you can see the plaster poking through the lath on their side of the wall. This is obviously not great for protecting against sound or fire penetration.

I did not think to take "during" photos, so you'll have to just trust me on this one. In order to improve sound control on this wall, we installed sound control insulation between the existing studs. I then drywalled, taped and mudded the wall. Finally, I framed a new 2x4 wall on our side of this drywall.

When we're ready to finish the room, we will install more sound control insulation between these studs, and then install drywall. Who knows how much quieter this room will be, but at a cost of 4" of space, $50 of materials, and 2 hours of time, it was worth a try.

Tearing Out Old Hardwood

We got to work on the first floor hardwood project this weekend, tearing out about 40% of the floor. In addition to tearing out the old hardwood and nails, we re-secured the subfloor to the floor joists with flooring screws, which will hopefully cut down on creaking. The subfloor is in great shape, so it looks like only a few trouble spots will need to be replaced.

The Future of Framing

I read an interesting article tonight on the Fine Homebuilding web site entitled The Future of Framing is Here. It discusses smarter framing practices that use less materials and provide for significant improvements in energy efficiency. Some of the changes proposed in this framing methodology for exterior walls include:

• Using 2x6 studs at 24 inches on center;
• Supporting window/door headers with header hangers instead of jack studs;
• Using a single stud at rough openings with no cripple studs under the ends of window sills (I definitely agree that there can be a lot of waste when framing windows/doors);
• Framing corners with just two studs (and drywall clips); and
• Placing windows and doors on stud layout and lining up joists, studs and rafters (seems obvious, eh?).

I didn't notice until after reading the article that this was written back in 2005, which is interesting because I had not heard of some of these concepts before (e.g. header hangers). I don't know if all of these framing techniques are permissible by code (not even sure of a good place to look up code requirements in Ontario?), but the argument for better energy efficiency is convincing.

Aston Martin 1.5-Liter (1923)

This car has spent his whole life in Australia. There, he started the race in Melbourne was on the events, and the first in the Australian grand prix in 1928 competed. The Goodall family had owned until 1977. John of Perth by the victim right engine, and when it was new GP style Strasbourg with a basic chassis with the body is returned. Your car in recent years in the York Motor Museum and the Fremantle Motor Museum is spent ..

Batman car

In 1995 Joel Schumacher gave the Batmobile a campy makeov

1995 Batmobile a change in Joel Schumacher’s campy well with the style of the film was campy. Fans of the franchise, and both the car and refused to film the super cut inactive for a decade.

new corolla

famalies the new corolla
Tarago’s first start with the V6, you now to business class upgrade for the whole family can do! All-new 3.5-liter dual VVT-i, 6 – speed ** V6 202kW of power – the most powerful vehicle in its class saves. Comprehensive design facility equipped with smart you are searching for all models will Tarago

Aston Martin 15-98 Short Chassis (1934)

Company, 24 hours of Le Mans in 1935 in an excellent third place finish earned a strong competition was recorded. Just Aston Martin, although the construction of sports and race cars did not. The manufacturer’s road cars was very well appointed, and until some singularly like the Mark II saloon games, cars and more than one player remained comfortable in the large package offered to sign Aston Martin style.

Aston Martin DB2 Prototype (1949)

One of the most famous Aston Martins still in existence today, the first Aston straight six engine, LeMans in 1949 when it ran into the now legendary 2.6-liter that was to be equipped with. Aston Martin in the race, but a total of three cars entered in the other two cars DB1 2 – liter engine was. LeMans car in Spa in the third but retired the same year, and it later Montlhery in overall speed record set in place is gone. A small but DB1 chassis, with bodywork built by Frank Feeley, this is the end of the car, DB6 and DBS soon to continue through the beginning of the right of the fastback design.

Aston Martin (1924)

Aston Martin Coal Scuttle (1915)

In 1913, Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford to sell Singer cars to modify and decided. Aston Hill in the famous competition to climb a hill to create a special select, his new nickname for the company with the course of Martin’s name added.

His first car, and philosophy in 1915 was called to the coal scuttle.

Aston Martin DB2

Aston Martin DB2

Aston Martin DB2 WOBentley new engine under the guidance of the great was.

The Aston Martin DB2 Drophead coupe in both coupe and was available. Engine twin overhead camshafts, hemispherical combustion chamber, a stroke of 90 mm and 78 mm bore to give a capacity of 2580 cc.

As standard, power output was 105bhp. Later a 125bhp version of the drop was offered. The Aston Martin DB2 his excellent chassis, great for the show, and the character of a vast amount is known.

Aston Martin DB2 (1952)

The Aston Martin DB2 is introduced in 1952 with a 107.00 BHP Normaly 4gears system the maximum speed of DB2 is 117 mph

Aston Martin DB3 (1953)

This car is one of 10 DB3s produced, and a standard of eight right-hand drive ‘Bertone by equipped with open coachwork. This car for the first time “true space frame ’sports-racers David Brown under the ownership of the company were. Successfully in a number of hill race car this season and the 1953 and 1954, Isle of Man, the Ulster Trophy Formula Libre race, British Grand prix at the British sports car race held during the British Empire Trophy Race, including climbing Silverstone racing events in 1953 , and in first class in 1953 was obliged to rest and keep Hill Climb. New car, and in 1992 was restored to its original specification since has had five owners. Since then, the Japanese LaFest found by Sir Stirling Moss in Miglia in 2005 has been conducted, and it got Miglia Storica in 2001 competed.

Aston Martin DB3 / 6 of a ten DB3s Aston Martin has made between 1951 and 1953. 1953 Tourist Trophy race in the UK and other sports events recorded in the car, various race events and private campaign was launched on the hill the British driver climbs from Desmond Titterington. In 1954, the gullwing design with a remarkable, but in 1975 was rebodied specifications for the right was created. DB3 Aston after the first fight for a sports car race was created. The straight six engine developed from the WO Bentley-Lagonda’s 2.6-liter engine is made.
So he and a new car design engineers tasked Watson as DB3 Aston Martin had the intention was not as successful. The result is that DB3S, based on its predecessor, but features a short wheelbase and a lighter chassis design was one. The DB3S 1953 through one of the ten being counted in the first two series, and was created in 1956 through the Working Group is primarily made for. The second series of 1956 through 1954 was presented. The coupe, which more and more bodies are in top speed, unfortunately, result in a lower drag coefficient, there was a very unstable ride vehicles speed to be very beneficial born. Design and mechanics of this year to compensate for the change and performance limitations were aerodynamic.
During its production run, from 1957 through 1953, 31 was an example of sustainable production. Eleven of his racing efforts were used by the factory.

DB3s Aston Martin by the many international racing events, where it met with mixed results on the campaign was launched, some win and some disappointments. Arguably the most prestigious and challenging race, the grueling 24 Hours of LeMans, a true test of a vehicle’s capabilities. In this DB3S 1953 where it had accumulated throughout the season failed to achieve success was registered by.

In 1954, DB3S two versions Silversone compete in 225 horsepower coupe was created for. More power, especially at LeMans was necessary to be competitive. Implemented by a supercharger, the car developed 240 horsepower. LeMans entered it but it was a Ferrari that had captured the overall victory. And design of high speed instability due to the DB3S coupes crashed.

Coupes in 1955 as the open cars were rebodied. The captured DB3S Silverstone win and a second place finish at LeMans. In 1956, DB3S, with a second place finish at LeMans hir first year’s performance repeated.

Design, development, test, and through the DB3S than DB3 success was able to. Capturing an overall victory at LeMans though never, he won several prestigious successes and were able to capture.

Aston Martin DB3

The DB3 1951 Aston Martin DB2 at the convenience of a 133 horsepower (99 kW) 2.6 L Lagonda straight -6 with the engine was introduced. Car, a bigger 2.9 L engine, 163 horsepower (122 kW), production for 1952 was introduced had failed. 2 car, 3. Place and 4. Silverstone in that year behind a Jaguar C – type. The cars were forced out of Le Mans, but was 9-Goodwood-hour race in the claims.

DB3S the Aston Martin car, launched in 1953 was a lighter version. It was more successful, and was produced until 1956. Well the two versions was created.

BMW CS Wallpaper

BMW CS Wallpaper

BMW CS Wallpaper image

BMW CS is a great car

BMW B3 Alpina Wallpaper

BMW B3 Alpina Wallpaper

BMW B3 Alpina Wallpaper image

BMW B3 Alpina is a great car

BMW AC Schnitzer Wallpaper

BMW AC Schnitzer Wallpaper

BMW AC Schnitzer Wallpaper image

BMW AC Schnitzer is a great car

BMW 335i Wallpaper

BMW 335i Wallpaper

BMW 335i Wallpaper image

BMW 335i is a great car

The BMW E90 series is the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars. The car is also available as a station wagon/estate (designated as E91), coupé (E92) and coupé cabriolet (E93). A high performance BMW M3 version of the E90, E92, and E93 is also available. It is the successor to the E46 model, and was launched in March 2005. The E90 is slated to be replaced in 2012 when a new 3 Series body is introduced.

source wikipedia.org

BMW 330i Wallpaper

BMW 330i Wallpaper

BMW 330i Wallpaper image

BMW 330i is a great car

The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different body styles. It is BMW’s best selling automobile, accounting for nearly 40% of the company’s auto sales in 2005.

source wikipedia.org

BMW 320si Wallpaper

BMW 320si Wallpaper

BMW 320si Wallpaper image

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The BMW E90 series is the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars. The car is also available as a station wagon/estate (designated as E91), coupé (E92) and coupé cabriolet (E93). A high performance BMW M3 version of the E90, E92, and E93 is also available. It is the successor to the E46 model, and was launched in March 2005. The E90 is slated to be replaced in 2012 when a new 3 Series body is introduced.

source wikipedia.org

BMW 3 Series Wallpaper

BMW 3 Series Wallpaper

BMW 3 Series Wallpaper image

BMW 3 Series is a great car

about BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different body styles. It is BMW’s best selling automobile, accounting for nearly 40% of the company’s auto sales in 2005.

source wikipedia.org

BMW 3 Cabrio M Wallpaper

BMW 3 Cabrio M Wallpaper

Bentley Continental GT Diamond Series Wallpaper

Bentley Continental GT Diamond Series Wallpaper image