2010 Highlights

Compared to the work we did in the previous year, we took it easy with renovations in 2010. Here is a brief summary:

January
We finished the installation of hardwood floors on our main floor, and then installed slate tile in our front hall and fireplace hearth. We also got started on our stairs project by installing the rough-in posts.

February
The huge project to renovate the main staircase was tackled in February. This included building a bullnose tread, building a curved riser, installing the first and second bullnose steps, installing a new railing, staining the entire staircase, and doing some finishing touches.

March
With the experience sanding and staining the stairs, we then proceeded to re-stain the built-in cabinets in the living room. We also built a mirror out of leftover materials from around the house and hung it in the front hall.

April
We hung the french doors in the dining room, and completed the refinishing project of the built-in cabinets in the living room.

May
Not much happening at the house in May, but we still managed to paint and install trim on the main floor.

June-July
In preparation for a summer of parties and playing in the yard, we laid new sod and installed some temporary stairs and fencing in the backyard. We also received our new dining room table.

August-September
We sprinted to do a bunch of work in our basement in August and September in order to qualify for the most possible energy retrofit grants. This included replacing the drains, moving our appliances and gas lines, removing extra concrete and dirt, installing weeping tile and gravel, installing a new concrete floor, installing four new windows, and framing and insulating the exterior walls.

October-December
Other than getting our water supply line replaced, we have pretty much taken the last three months off from renovations.

The last few months have been a nice break, but we are ready to get back at it as we have a huge to do list for 2011. Happy new year!