Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Home Improvements.

I have the greatest family. My dad called a few weeks ago and said: "Ash, think of some projects you want completed on the house and call me back"

Me: "Dad, I have the list ready for you right now, no need to call you back. Ready? The kitchen, dining room and sunroom need to be repainted. The fireplace could use new tile, the downstairs shower needs to be gutted and retiled. The front door needs to be replaced and I'd like to trim around the door, we need a new roof, Tony wants to turn the garage into a man cave, do you want me to go on?"

Dad: "alright, Dale (my brother) and I might make time to come work on some of those for you and Tony"

Me: "Yes, come anytime!"

I get a call back a few days later.

Dad: " We're coming in 3 days. Get the paint and the tile."

At that point, I went into panic mode mixed with complete excitement and went shopping.

They started on the bathroom tile and thought demo would take a couple of hours, but our house was built [with quality] in the 1940's and instead of durarock behind the tile it was cement. Demo took up half a day. Then they discovered the walls weren't exactly straight so that meant cutting more tile to fit during the entire process.

Before: cracks in tile, handicap rail that was removed - general disarray.




After: new subway tile, new plumbing (and eventually a re-glazed tub, anyone in Tallahassee have a recommendation?)



They are saints. SAINTS for doing the precise work it took on our shower. They "taught me to fish" by saving a wall for me to tile and grout.

Then they moved on to paint the dining room/kitchen/sunroom. The original problem was two-fold. 1. The paint color was gray with a hint of purple and hint of blue in certain light. I wanted a gray-gray. 2. When I first painted, I ran out of paint and I went to get another gallon and Lowe's could not match the paint (even with the exact same code and same product from their store?!!?). Do you see the dark spots where I touched up the paint? It drove me mad, but not mad enough to repaint!
(No after- just know it's all the same color now, Sherwin Williams 7641 Collonade Gray) Last project was the fireplace. I knew I wanted to change it, but it wasn't high on my priority list. However, this small change dresses up the entire house and I love it.
Before:

After: marble 2" hexagon



Dad and Dale, we can't thank you enough. We love your help and you are welcome back anytime!

12 comments:

Olivia said...

That tile on the fireplace is beautiful! How fun to have someone in the family who can help with upgrades :)

jennifer little said...

They are welcome at my house too! ANYTIME!

Michelle said...

Why haven't my dad and brother called me and offered these services?! It looks great :)

Tamara said...

woah, i love that such a small change can make such a huge difference. looks great!

paula said...

how beautiful. I adore it all.

Whimsy World said...

Yea for family! They did an awesome job =)

kelly said...

First thought is that I want your Dad and brother. But, since it is impossible I guess I will settle with trying to use that georgeous marble somewhere in my home! I love what you did! I would love to see your kitchen. I got a glimpse...looks lovely!

Laura Kohly soon-to-be THOMPSON!!! said...

ash, i love love love these befores and afters! i hope you know i am living vicariously through you and your house projects- there is so much i want to do in our house after i move in, but can't cause it's a RENTAL! ahhhh. I'll survive :) for now, i'm taking notes! thanks for the inspiration and tips.

Pink Wallpaper said...

it looks great!! my dad came and helped us out this weekend too!

Jessica said...

Ashley!!! That is a true labor of love! Amazing! I'm totally cutting and pasting this post to my Dad, husband and brothers. Can't think of a more loving thing to do for a girl like you and me! God Bless'em!!

Denise said...

The fireplace looks beautiful! Well done.

Melissa Marie Head said...

Just found your blog and have enjoyed it. HOW AWESOME WITH YOUR DAD AND BROTHER! I love it.