Shoestring Upgrade
My wife and I (proud do-it-yourselfers) purchased a 3,000 square foot house (in need of serious top-to-bottom renovation) We are not contractors or engineers... we are regular people just like you. Our goal is to save at least $25,000 over the course of the entire project by doing as much of the work ourselves as humanly possible. Follow us and learn how YOU, TOO, can Upgrade on a Shoestring!
Friday, April 27, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Every Photographer's Dream!
Ever since I took my first photography class, I was hooked. I don't know if it's the artistic side of me, or the problem-solving skills needed, or just the feeling I get when I create something. I'm talking specifically about black and white photography. For all of you enthusiasts out there, I know you hear me. There's a certain sense of "I did that" and impressing yourself that goes beyond "taking pictures". As my high school photo teacher used to say "They're not pictures, theyre photos!". If you're interested, I have another blog detailing the conversion of this room in a lot of detail. You can check out ThePhotoHound if you have a minute.

Step 1: Clean every surface thoroughly. The goal here is to remove any existing dust, dirst, grease, or any other build-up so that the spackle and eventually new primer and paint will adhere.
Step 2: Patch all exiting holes, cracks, or imperfections in the walls. In our case, there were many holes that needed help. We used a 4" putty knife ($6) and DAP Drydex Time Indicating Spackle. What's beautiful about this stuff is it goes on pink and dries white. The color indicator tells you when it's time to sand. I think it takes all the fun out of it, but my wife loves it.
Step 3: Sand the walls. I used 150 grit sandpaper and a 6" Random Orbital Sander ($40, already had one) connected to a shop vac. I love these things. They work very well, as long as you keep fresh sanding discs on them. They buffed the walls beautifully, and took away 90% of the imperfections.
Step 4: Sand the woodwork. For this particular room, we've decided to forgo the dark 70's stain on the woodwork and paint it all white. As you can see in the photo, we have trim as well as a built-in shelf. WHat's not picured is a built-in set of drawers as well (upcoming photos). The white will go a long way in updating the look.
Step 5: Prime everything. We're using Kilz 2 latex primer ($17/gal) because it locks out moisture and adheres extremely well.
Step 6: Paint walls. We're using a deep reddish tint in Behr Eggshell that we found in the "Oops!" section of Home Depot. Normally $22 paint, paid $5. I Highly suggest using this method, when applicable!!
Step 7: Tape around trim. We used 2" removable blue painter's tape ($10 for a 60 yd roll, which will do a few rooms). The stuff stays on fairly well, but the key is it won't peel off existing paint like some masking tapes will.
Step 8: Paint trim. This is quite a pain. Even with the primer, it's goint to take 3 coats, and may still remain a little streaky. In hindsight, we probably should have taken more time to sand. We're using Behr Swiss Coffee (almost white) Semi-Gloss ($23/gal) I know a lot of people tell you just to sand just enough to take the gloss off, but if we had to do it all over again, we would have sanded more. Especially with a darker stain. Better adhesion and less bleeding.
Next time I update, we should be reporting some flooring details. Since it's going to be a darkroom, and this room is in the basement, we're planning on keeping the concrete and painting it with a gray enamel. Should be fun. I will also show you the "after" photos of the walls and trim. So until next time!
- John
Labels: dark room, darkroom, DIY, do it yourself, do-it-yourself, home dark room, home darkroom, paint, painting, photography, trim, woodwork
Thursday, April 19, 2007
And So It Begins....
Like many blogs, this electronic journal will serve as a detailed diary for the single largest undertaking of my life (thus far). My wife and I purchased a 3,000 square foot house that we have every intention on completely renovating from top to bottom. You have to understand.
We are not contractors. We are not engineers. We are normal, average, everyday people just like you. It is true that we share a strong love for our home, as well as a burning desire to save money! We do have access to guidance when we need it via the internet, books, family, and friends, but so does everyone. Our point is to show that if we can do it, so can you!
So what are the goals here?
1. To save at least $25,000 over the course of the entire project by doing as much work as we can ourselves, and by bargain shopping for materials. You will see an updated running tally of how much we saved as we complete each project.
2. To grow a sense of pride larger than home ownership; an all-inclusive sense of pride only attainable by working with your own two hands and stepping back when it's all done and saying "I did that".
3. To give other homeowners the confidence to do the same
4. To document the entire process in writing (here) and with pictures (also here!)
So if you're interested in the pride of doing the work yourself, if you're interested in saving money, or both, come along for the ride!
- John
Labels: DIY, do it yourself, do-it-yourself, home improvement, home owner, homeowner, house, renovation, save money