The answer is no, it is not a house yet. Purchased in 2000 (oh my lord it’s been forever), G and I moved into this 100 year-old wood-framed bungalow on Chicago’s Northwest Side, lulled into some kind of DIY-you-can-do-it! trance brought on by Home Depot commercials and what I can only guess were subliminal messages sent by Norm Abram through the television.
We started and stopped and started and stopped renovations. You name it, we’ve probably done it. Walls have come down and gone up. Floor plans rearranged. Tears have been shed. Not to mention the freak power tool accident which claimed a finger (sad, but true).
It’s still ongoing. So I’m inviting you in to take a look at the chaos. I promise no you-can-do-it! subliminal messages. Because frankly, you can do it, it just really really sucks.
Hi I’m Evelyn Zornoza’s (O’Donohue) brother Stephen. She forwarded me your blog, and as a quasi home renovator I absolutely love your house, the projects, and of course the blog itself. We used to live in Rochester, NY and completely bought into all the Arts and Crafts style stuff going on there. There is a Wright house just down the street from us that we used to run by and admire. Our house was Victorian technically, with just a hint of mission style trim and moldings here and there. In the 5 years we lived there, we redid the kitchen, both baths, removed a few walls and installed a mission-style built in dresser in the master bath. None of our remodel projects were as authentic and detailed as yours, though, I have to add. I made some 1/4 sawn oak trim for our foyer and I have a simple finishing recipe for making the grain really pop (though not as well as the ammonia fuming Gustav Stickley used to do). I also made my wife (fiance at the time) a mission style jewelry box with a secret compartment. I’d be happy to share more info about either of these projects if you’re interested and, if not, keep up the great work!
Stephen – I think having a recipe for getting the grain to really pop is akin to getting your hands on Col. Sanders’ Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe. I’m emailing you now… (and thanks for the message!)
I just came across your blog today and I love it already! My name is Damon and I own Beverly Wood Works in Chicago and am in love with the Arts and Crafts. I look forward to reading more, heck I could probably be even talked into helping out sometime!
Take care, and have fun with the house.
Thanks Damon!!!
Your ‘About’ page made me both laugh (at your wit) and cringe (in fear). We just started the renos on our bungalow last weekend, so we’re still very much in the “DIY-you-can-do-it! trance”. So far, everything has been going very smoothly, so we’re optimistic and excited.
Perhaps your blog is the reality check we might need?
Stay optimistic and everything will go well! My reno advice is just stick to a plan. Also – have a sense of humor. Also also – remember that yes, a house is a major investment, but in the end it’s just a building, so don’t pull your hair out over things. Also also also – be safe. Good luck!
Congrats on your efforts A & G. Life is an adventure anyway so why not try renovating an old home. Although you’ll never finish because there’s alway more to do. And you learn so much about people that work with you on a renovation.
Best of luck and look forward to hearing more.
I popped over here from AT after you commented on the Magic Eraser. I cried laughing so hard. Nice to see another midwesterner – I’m 90 miles north of you outside Milwaukee. Thanks for making my day!
I’m visiting from apartmenttherapy.com… I’m gonna have to start from post one and move forward to see all your work… don’t be surprised if you get comments on some old posts
p
You have no idea how awesome I think you are. Oh.my.goodness. Finally I’ve found a blog where it’s taken longer than 1 year to fix up and decorate. Plus, I *love* that you have stained woodwork. My husband and I will be on year 7 (in September) of reno’s. I guess I shouldn’t feel ashamed to admit that. ;P
I read through all of your archives and I have to say that your writing is fantastic. I love your humour and wit. And, the quality of your renovations are exceptional.
You’re hilarious and my only critique is that I wish you wrote more frequently. But you’re probably down in the killroom just now overcome by fumes. Now we’re seriously rethinking our plan to Ikea-ize the kitchen.
I came across your blog last night and and it was laughs at first sight. I really needed it too. Almost 4 years ago, my husband and I bought our first Arts & Crafts style home in upstate NY. Not having had much done to it since it’s birth 90+ years ago, we re-finished floors, re-wired, re-ceilinged and re-painted. The basement floor was jackhammered up and a new heating system was installed. Due to dampness in the basement, we dug an 8 foot trench all around the house and built a French drain system. After that we re-landscaped. Much more was done but those were the major items.
On August 28th, Irene blew through followed by tropical storm Lee and our home was hit by a 12 foot wall of water traveling through town at 55 MPH. We were left with a foundation, roof and outside walls. A month after the shock wore off, we decided to re-built. Don’t worry, the storm was unprecedented. They called it a 500 year flood. As empty nesters, we don’t expect to be around for the 1000 year flood.
I’ll continue to follow your blog for tips and laughs. If you ever decide to go on tour with a comedy act, come to NYC but let us know first. I’ll get a bus together and our town will be there!
Linda
Linda – Wow. I can’t imagine what you have been through, but I’m so happy to hear you are rebuilding. Thanks for your kind words! G and I are rooting for you guys!