garage & backyard project: thank you

We love our new backyard. We feel so blessed to have this extended, outdoor-living space.

When we looked at the house last summer this is what we envisioned. I really didn't think it was possible, but with help and a nice, hard-working contractor, we got it done. We offer thanks everyday for this space in the old house; it truly is our own. This backyard is where we spend most of our time. This is where we play, cook, eat, sit, ponder, drink coffee and beer. This is where Truman is happy, where the kids watch fire flies and where they feel secure, in their own fun and welcoming space. This is where, for me, our first
genuinely happy, new city family memories were made.

* * * * *

garage & backyard project: the patio

Here are the patio pictures. This part of the project was long awaited and so interesting to watch.
First let me say that the concrete guys were awesome. Working with concrete is hard labor and concrete is a perishable product. Once you start, there are no breaks until it's done; from what I can tell, concrete is not super forgiving. I was pretty excited for this day because my patio sketch came to life. Pretty cool stuff.

- before - such a muddy mess! -

- all formed out and ready for concrete -

- ahh yes, the bobcat... again -

- just another morning -

Okay, see the long board? That is what they use to smooth it out. You can see the concrete is tan-ish.
We chose this color (also called integral concrete colorant), and it is added to the concrete in the big mixer on the truck- it comes out of the truck like that. These guys wear heavy duty boots, labor all hunched over and work their way backwards until it's done.

Once the patio was smoothed out, they were ready to apply the powder stain (also called release agent).
We chose a brown-ish color. The release agent powder is applied to the large, rubber concrete stamps. The stamps are laid out and stepped on to set the pattern. We used Orchard Stone.

So this (see above) is what it looked like when the concrete guys left. The process took several hours.
It had to cure for a few days and then they just sprayed the surface with water. The powder stain darkens and settles into the crevices of the stone pattern. Cool, right? Then a few days later, a sealant was applied. We chose and prefer more of a matte finish.

- after - we love it! -

* * * * *

in the details:

stamped concrete materials - Butterfield Color

patio shape and design - me!

garage & backyard project: the garage

Perhaps, I could write a novel about the construction of the new garage and all that went along with it,
but I think today, I will let the pictures do the talking.

- march 2013 -

- one of many rainy days -

- progress -

- we kinda liked watching the bobcat -

- every afternoon on the neighbor's swing set -

- view from the neighbor's swing set -

- getting there -

- done -

* * * * *

in the details:

please contact me if you would like any details about the garage, including colors, fixtures, etc.

it looks like a garage

 A little update for you-

The garage is taking shape. I am amazed at how quickly a structure can be put together after the
foundation work is done. What do you think of the dormer? Our foursquare style home has dormers, and we want the garage to blend in as much as possible. I purchased two old, salvaged windows from a guy who owns an architectural antique business here in the new city. In addition to period windows, the side entry door is vintage, along with the brick that will go partially up the garage facade.

- less than two weeks ago -

- this afternoon -

- the old windows - they just need a little love -

* * * * *

More to come!

garage: part two

I guess this is more of an update than a part two.

It is noisy at the old house. All day Koko says, "what's that noise?" Today it is a bobcat front-end loader, a compressor that clicks on occasionally, the nail gun, the saw and really bad 80's music.

I am exhausted today. We were up late. Again. After the children were in bed, we spent time working out the shape of the new driveway and patio. There are many decisions we did not consider when signing
the dotted line for the garage. We have learned that some of those details are meant to be worked out later in the project, but it doesn't make it any less stressful. Even so, we are all quite excited for the
eventual after in our backyard.

- before -

- today -

* * * * *

the garage: part one

Have I mentioned we are building a new garage?

Last Saturday was a work day for the builder, so we all had our faces pressed against the windows

watching the backhoe dig footings. They did some work this weekend, too.

Here's a current picture; we call it progress.

 * * * * *

Let me just say a few things here.

When making decisions about renovations, you need to consider how long you will be staying in

the house. Is this your forever house? What will be the return on your investment? How is the housing market in your city... in your neighborhood? If you live in an old house, in an old neighborhood, are other people renovating? What are they renovating? Can you afford to renovate? Can you afford not to?

Hubby and I ask ourselves these questions all the time. The big and small renovations we have completed and some we have started, we hope will increase the value of the old house. Do your research, talk to your neighbors and befriend a realtor who knows your neighborhood.

I think the pictures below provide the answer to the question, Can you afford not to?

The old house's garage was falling apart. It fit one car (barely), and we only parked a car inside if snow was in the forecast. The back wall was held up by a large piece of wood that was braced by a tree, the structure was completely rotted, the roof was ready to cave in, and it was home to many small, whiskery critters. Have I convinced you? Can you tell, I am still trying to convince myself? It is a big project.

- original, but completely rotted carriage door on left -

- no caption needed, ha! -

- yep, there is a garage under all that vine -

One more thing about renovations. Will they improve yours and your family's quality of life while in the house? Hubby and I believe this project will for us. Not only will we have a building to protect the cars, but we will have needed storage. Most importantly and what we are most looking forward to is a

beautiful and secure backyard for the children and Truman (ruff!). We are so thankful this is happening.

  * * * * *