We dug up a 49′ x 2′ trench along two walls last weekend for the plumber. This weekend we patched it. It was way more work then I thought it would be. Here’s what I learned: [Read more →]

Egress windows are one of the best ways to increase the usable space in a home as well as one of the best ways to increase a home’s value (IMHO.) One thing people forget is the landscaping and the look of the well itself. Jason Stinson from Minneapolis’ Stinson Builders and Stephen Mastey, from St. Paul’s landscaper, Landscape Architecture Inc., have been very helpful in discussing these factors. [Read more →]

The rear addition had sunk up to 1.5″ in places and needed to be leveled out. Sinson Builders did an amazing job of creating a floor I can spin a top on all day! Is it just me or is a perfectly flat floor a thing of beauty? (maybe it’s just me.) [Read more →]

Fast and furious framing! Brandon and his team bumped out the kitchen wall, made a new stairway (after removing the old), framed the new bedroom wall and the basement (as well as added Foamular insulation panels) and moved two windows. Watching those guys work was quite a wonder. [Read more →]

Demolition has started. We have been tearing down just about everything. Fortunately I have wonderful friends who have broken their backs, punctured their flesh and generally made themselves miserable to bring this house some new life. First I would like to thank those who helped: [Read more →]

I met with the brilliant people at Landscape Architecture inc. today and went over their designs and ideas. It’s amazing seeing the level of creativity and knowledge these people have. We had met once before; walking around the property and me babbling on. [Read more →]

OK, so I recently bought this house. It’s a small 1955 rambler on the border of St. Paul and Minneapolis, in Desnoyer Park (a very unknown gem in the Twin Cities.) I purchased it with some significant renovation work in mind. I have a limited budget and I would like to go “Green” as well. Through this renovation blog you can learn the process I went through, learn from my mistakes and successes (mistakes can be successes too!) and hopefully have a good time doing it. Wish me luck.

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