Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Hard Core Remodeling but Were Afraid to Ask Part 26!

We're two months into the remodel, and yesterday was slated to be a busy day.

There was an early start involved, and caffeine.

 The painting and floors were done in the kitchen.

 We figured a working sink would be kind of a cool addition to the house...

 ...since running out to wash up here was getting old.

 We're falling behind on the timeline, so we need help!

So I went out to recruit.

 I started negotiations with the first crew I found.

 They seemed to work together well and feigned interest at first.

Ultimately, they turned down the gig.

However, since it's Summer, I had an alternative.

The Minions are done with classes,

and my game trio blithely volunteered to pitch in with

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Hard Core Remodeling but Were Afraid to Ask!

First, we'll need to take the owner's rough sketch of her kitchen layout...

...and actually design the room.

IKEA has a great planner tool on their site.

You can choose your cabinets, doors, accessories, hardware, organization fitting, even appliances,

and completely lay them out to scale, making sure you have a perfect fit.

There are multiple elevations to view, including a 3D rendering

that allows you to see your finished room in detail.

This can be printed out, and it gives you the EXACT total of your room.

This isn't just for kitchens, either, and it allows you to use items you already own.

 

 Vannah took care of this part.

My only complaint is how you get the kitchen.

 That was a huge let down.

I wanted to pay for and bring it home yesterday, but that wasn't an option.

I was not allowed to go to the store, even with Power of Attorney, to make the purchase

with Mom's credit card.

I could order it online, but we couldn't pick it up.

It would have to be delivered, with an additional charge.

I called several numbers, speaking with managers, and no one would budge.

Ultimately, we won't have the cabinets until June 15th.

IKEA...fix that!

 (We, um, liberated the superfluous drywall for Chateau Inferno.)

 We still have plenty to do.

 So while Mark finds the Center Lines in the kitchen...

...starts marking the walls for studs...

 ...and drawing the cabinet placement...

 ...we'll clear up some serious work space.

 Thom rolled out the insulation and cut it to size

 He measured the first piece, then marked the size on the lumber.

That way, from here on out, he can just unroll and cut, streamlining the process.

 Cut through the paper with a sharp blade.

 Then just tear it apart.

 Samwow took the cuts and fit them between the 

studs of the unfinished exterior walls.

 Some, like this piece, stayed up by themselves.

 

A couple of staples through the paper secured the rest.

 Done.

 Still at it, eh?

 Mom has decided she wants to try Deep Periwinkle in the study,

so I'll be slapping some of that up on the walls.

 This little color inspiration book is free at Lowes, if you're considering a change.

 You guys were no help.

Tomorrow, we'll talk moulding.

We have a lot still left and only 9 days to get it done!

High gear, people, high gear!

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Hard Core Remodeling but Were Afraid to Ask Part...I Lost Count!

Think this is taking forever?

 How do you think we feel???

This is like the Ben Hur of remodels, although we're moving at light speed.

Today, we're picking up cabinets, so stay tuned for the kitchen posts!

For now, can we finish the painting???

HUH???

 We were looking at Azure Jazz for the office space.

 And of course, I got a sample to try it out, because here at

 Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Hard Core Remodeling but Were Afraid to Ask!

we're as wary of commitment as a gazelle on the Savannah.

 Here's the space in question.

 It's off to the side, adjoining the dining and living rooms, with french doors to the patio.

 With an open feeling, it's a great opportunity to go bold and daring.

 After looking at the swatch on the wall fade to bland, we knew I was right.

 So up went the color daring.

 My mother saw it, and down went my idea, in flames.

I think you'll be surprised at what she DID choose though.

But anyway, roll out the brown paper and tape it down.

We have a tip or two.

 This is an angled brush.

 A good quality one will save you a ton of time in the cutting in department.

You'll notice I don't use painter's tape.

That's right.

I'm a badass.

A rock star.

I'm...really, really just that cheap.

 So how does one cut THIS close?

 With edges this sharp?

 Get your paint.

 Let's chat.

First, load just the tips of the paint brush liberally.

With the tips close to the target, drag the brush, getting closer to the edge,

in the direction of the angle.

Swoop up at the end.

Repeat.

It saves time and money over taping, and it's easy, trust me.

 Let's talk about doorways.

If the rooms on either side are different colors,

what do you paint the transition?

 Always look at the most logical point of approach.

If you will see the surface from the door, paint it to match the room.

 And if you can reach a ceiling, it's a 5th wall.

Paint to match the others.

This tint slice of hallway feels included with the matching hue.

Have I rambled enough?

Good.

Let's go CAD a kitchen!

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Hard Core Remodeling but Were Afraid to Ask Part 24!

 So, you've decided that after living with a color, you should marry it.

Then what? 

Here at LIR, we feel we should address that in

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Hard Core Remodeling but Were Afraid to Ask!

 You'll need to buy that luscious color with which to drench your walls,

but the question is, how much?

You don't want to run out and end up with a just-not-quite-right

can of paint you scurry out to procure,

nor do you want 6 cans of superfluous latex.

Here's a handy CALCULATOR you can use to get it right.

You'll want a thick nap roller on an extension handle for the main walls,

a bucket to combine two or more gallons of paint, a paint tray and

disposable liners, a good quality angled brush for cutting in,

and something to stir the paint with.

 Mark used brown paper and masking tape and covered all the brand new bamboo floors.

This is a GREAT method to catch spills.

The paper is thick and stiff, and held up to me dragging an 8 foot ladder.

 Ready?

 Assemble your roller.

We have primed most of the walls, and in the kitchen, since the cabinets

and backsplash will be glossy, we're using a satin finish paint for a lower sheen.

The rest of the house will have semi-gloss to bounce light

around the dark space.

 Pour the paint into the bucket.

See that squiggle of blue?

 This is why we always must remember to stir the paint.

 Give that sucker a good mix.

 I'm a huge recycling fan and usually don't care for disposable items,

but these pan liners eliminate clean up, which saves water.

 Keep your roller as dry as possible to avoid drips.

 Change into grubby clothes.

I prefer to paint barefoot while I'm at it.

Paint a big letter W on the wall...

...and fill that puppy in.

 Cover the colors that did not make the cut.

 Buh-bye, losers.

 Cabinets are going here, so I omitted them from my paint estimation.

By the time your first coat is done, you should be ready to slap on the

second, if needed.

 Tomorrow we'll finish the kitchen up, and discuss where THIS color is...

and WHY.