Normandy Park Restoration

The track lighting in the new master bedroom worked so well that I've decided I'm going to add track lighting to the old master bedroom and the living room.  Both of which were very dark.  Phase 1, cut out the drywall to allow wiring access. Step 2, install preliminary connections, and a few test lights.  Also going to update the roof color from grey to light blue in the old master bedroom, so here you can see I'm filling in all of the holes. There will be a lot more track to add.

Been busy with tons of little things, so no major house developments, but I did have to take my obligatory Fall photos.

Got the parking pad wall tied into the rest by running a small wall up the driveway.  I think it needs a little more work, but it's better. Also built a bookshelf using pipe and Ikea butcher block counter tops.  Just wasn't happy with the plain white shelves.

Major rock work done.  Just need to tie it in along the driveway some, add some more crushed rock, and then landscaping.

Started, but will need to order more rock

Just wrapped up, needs more bark and some planting, but looks much better than before.

Started with 5.5 tons of Lynch Creek Basalt. Wanted to do the upper retaining wall first, as it was simpler and I wanted to learn my lessons there.  Started with it all dug up. And after a full day of work Wall face is done, side not quite.  Step 2 will be a smaller wall above it and about 3' back, up to the level of the grass.

Gonna see if I can knock out the retaining wall before Winter.  Started with this (old pics): Had some boards up to show where the wall will be.  Inserted this: Started doing some damage: And now have this: Isn't fully leveled, and will need to add more rock, but I'm probably going to asphalt it.

Put some Ikea Billy bookshelves in the bedroom.  I was thinking about building some custom,but I can't buy the raw wood for as cheap as these are. Put Ikea butcher block on top of the low pieces.  This matches the built-in desk.  I was considering building these in with trim, but not sure I'd gain much from that.

Starting to get the interior window trim done on the master bedroom.  In this picture the wood is installed, but none of the nail holes are filled, the caulk hasn't been applied, and obvious it's not painted.  But at least I'm not looking at rough framing anymore.

Picked up a pair of Luna chairs to match the sofa.

Have all of the major work done.  Just need to do the baseboard and window trim and some minor paint touch up.  I'll probably work on the built-ins before doing the trim.  Right now I have a small wall unit in place so I can get a feel for sizing on the built-ins I'm planning to do.  The bed frame is a temporary platform I built out of some scrap wood.

Got all of the wiring done in the master bedroom.  I will probably hold off on the carpet for a while.  Need to figure out what carpet I want and need to determine what built-ins I need to create.  I've pulled up one of the wall units from downstairs.  I'll live with this for now, determine if having a wall unit or built ins works there.

Got the bedroom desk test fitted.

Not my strong suit.  Results look good, but took me forever to get there. Next up, wire in the outlets and switches, trim around the doors, and then built-ins

Got the ceiling and beam paint done (minus some minor touch-up), and the drywall sanding is almost done.  Should have it done this weekend and start on the built-ins.

Forgot that it takes a good 48 hours for drywall mud to dry up here.  So I have one rough coat of mud and tape up now.  No feathering, sanding, or blending yet.  I did get the electrical wired to a socket inside the room, and have a first coat of primer on the ceiling and beams.

Have the rough drywall up.

Finished framing and insulation and electrical are done.  

Got the new door installed and all of the primary framing done. There's a little bit of clean-up framing to do, and I need to get the closet door ordered ASAP.  I'll start on the subfloor and electrical next.

Have the new master bedroom completely gutted now.  One small beam left in place that I'll remove when I put the closet wall in to support the main beam.  Probably not needed, but just want to make sure that doesn't settle any. 360 view