Normandy Park Restoration

The rain chain on the front drain on the house was pretty much a failure.  Got ugly fast, and splattered water everywhere, so I finally got around to replacing it. Still lots of work to do in front, but needed this done before the rain starts.

Old crappy windows I'd removed the trim and put tape on in case they broke when removed.  I never did get around to doing that 2nd coat of paint under the eaves, and these pictures really show that.  One more thing on the todo list. New spiffy windows I'll need to hurry up and trim the outside before it gets cold out, then I'll get around to doing the interior trim.

Had to re-cut the stairs taking 1/8" incrementally off each step.  All but the landing are done.  The treads are still 2x8's.  I will replace them with 3/4" subfloor which will be topped with whatever tread material I end up using. I also built some temporary scaffolding out of the scrap wood I've already put some of the drywall up in the above picture, and finished it below. Just one piece at the top, and one at the bottom right to do, but don't need the scaffolding for that.  I took the scaffolding apart and stored it in the bike room, as I'll have to put it back up with I do the float and tape work.

All code approved and framed up. There's no point in doing the trim or painting the bookshelf until I get the drywall floated and taped, and I don't plan to do that till after I do the work upstairs.  Won't look like much till then, but it's fully functional. I'll probably get a twin size futon mattress that's about 4" thick and cut it down to fit as a seating pad. Now I'll finish re-cutting the stairs, and when that is done I'll cover that part of the stairs next to the support wall.

Finished the primary framing.  Will finish the interior drywall and electrical tomorrow. The shell is made from 3/4" subfloor, and I'm putting drywall over it.  Probably overkill, but should make for a very solid, durable frame.  Most of the interior will be white drywall, but I have some left over hardwood flooring sample that has a really pretty pattern when stained and coated, I have a sample in place in the top image.  Won't be able to do the exterior drywall until I get the electrical and structural inspection done.

Got the drywall pulled off, and had the code inspector come out and review my plans.  Here is the existing framing. Still full of all the junk.  Below I've gotten the main framing done. Had to put some joist hangers on the floor joists per the code inspectors requirements.  Decided to go ahead and overbuild it and added a 2x10 support header over the opening to provide extra support for that span.  Next I need to plan out the wiring and build some of the bookshelves.  I'll have to put drywall under the stairs for code fire barrier, but I'll put a fascia over it, as I don't want the look of drywall in there.