What Ana Does

Yes, it's the middle of winter ... really just the beginning if you consider the three months we still have yet to go!... and I'm daydreaming of patio furniture. I made a proclamation: This spring we will sell off our current smallish patio sets (we have a few) and replace it with exactly what we want and will use. "It Shall Be Done!" Years ago we built a deck (read that post) off our patio door and we love it. It's so useful, especially with the puppy. But I don't think we get a lot of great use out of it the 3-4 months each year we comfortably get to use it. And the main issue is ... it doesn't have the right furniture on it. Let's consider: my favorite thing to do is read outside in the sun; smoothie and dog by my side. However, my seating choices were limited to an iron chair with cushions, legs up on another chair, and propped-up rather uncomfortably. My reading session don't last long. Also consider that metal dining set (which is tw...

In Progress: The Deck Getting Sealed Originally, this was going to be thorough post about waiting weeks for the right time to seal our new deck. Which, as everyone knows, must stay dry for 12-24 hours after being applied. I was going to write about the drama of having to halt on Monday when a freak thunderstorm jumped on the forecast. Then getting started Wednesday morning only to realize another Spring storm was going to pass through that night. It was a long post. But here's the upshot. I sealed it. It was super-easy and fast. It dried for about 12 hours before it was rained on. Not ideal, but that's life. The good news is it looks like it held up just fine. And now the deck is a pretty color and sealed against the constant Spring rain. And it was a super-easy project to sneak in among the Fireplace Project . Check that off the Spring to-do list! Related Posts:  The After-Pic of Super Deck

We're now calling it SUPER DECK because it's so much grander than we thought it would be. Though, it's exactly how we plotted it out. The pergola came out perfectly and we were just so delighted to walk out this this morning to call in the dogs for breakfast. Of course, it's going to be chilly, rainy and overcast through the weekend, so we're not sure how soon we'll be able to enjoy it! Still, it's there. Waiting for the summer days. It is slightly HIGHER than I envisioned, so there's some discussion about adding a step down the to backyard in the near future. We're having a bunch of people over to the house this weekend, so we'll take an informal poll. Super Deck is Super Awesome! This is our largest construction job that we've done so far, so we learned a bit about inspections and being patient and how weather can change a schedule. But, it's all worth it in the end. PS. The contractor we worked with is going to submit an e...

After the second week, that was highlighted with some inspector drama and the addition of the pergola, we're almost there. The guys are coming back Saturday morning to finish the framing for inspection. And, if the weather cooperates, add the decking by Tuesday.

First, I know from past experience (and HGTV) that a contractor will tell you "three days" in an estimate and go well past that once he gets started. It's the same thing when you tell a potential employer your current salary and add 10%. We all KNOW you do it. Keeping that in mind, we're about half-way there. We had some holdups with the city and permitting, then weather, and then turkey hunting season. Yes, my deck builder left yesterday to hunt wild turkeys -- because I live in the midwest!! Regardless, the stairs were demoed and the holes have been planned. It all comes together next week. Holes on Monday (which need to be inspected by my town), supports are built (also need to be inspected) then, finally, the decking can get into place. With any luck, we'll be done by Saturday!!

As you stare at this BEFORE picture, let's remember it's early spring and it's been raining for the last six days. Also, please notice the crumbling brick stairs and sinking pavers.

For the last week we've been meeting with contractors -- pulled from various sources -- to talk about the deck project. I work with vendors (albeit code and design vendors) at work, so I'm pretty comfortable with this part of the process. Here's the secret to hiring out work: Be clear about your project and then LISTEN when they explain it back to you. If they are picking up on what you're going for, that's your guy. If they are way off or pushing you into a directions that you're not comfortable with, they're not worth working with. You'll spend way too much time explaining your point of view and won't be happy with what you get. Sure, hearing their recommendations as the experts is important. But, I'm the type of person who generally knows exactly what I want. Especially on this deck that I've been envisioning for the last three years. Overall, the deck design is super simple: A large rectangle that's low enough to the ground that...

Gathering contractors and quotes for the deck -- which we decided was the next BIG project we absolutely needed to tackle in this house. The crumbling back staircase is now officially a health hazard -- I've seen two guests nearly bite it trying to access our backyard. Not to mention our paver patio is likely a decade or more old. I've made attempts at repair and maintenance, but it's too far gone. More to come on this ...

There are several issues with the backyard and now that it's warm enough to get outside I can't ignore them anymore. It's now about prioritizing the issues and finding someone to help me with them.  First, the area around the raised beds need to be tackled. Mostly, a weed guard needs to be laid down and wood chips need to be filled in on top. Currently it's a bit of a wreck. Also, we all need to keep our fingers crossed that the hydrangea will come back under the dining room windows. Then, there are the steps to the back door. The bricks fell apart over the winter starting with just a few. Now, it's just about the whole step. The adhesive only works at temps above 60 and dry. And we haven't had a warm enough weekend to even contemplate the project. As of this weekend, the weather is starting to feel spring-like. So, maybe soon we can start those repairs.  Alice Models the Broken Stairs - And First Day in Shorts! What a mess! Off to find...

Hard-to-See Before Picture Just by replacing the door with clean white trim and a new, sturdier rod, we really updated the look of the patio doors. Though, it may be impossible to tell from my dark Before picture. Oh well.  That little white table in front (an Ikea find) is the future home of some serious winter herbs, but I've been a little lax in that department. Right now, it's holding the terrarium I'm trying really hard to keep alive. That's been taxing enough.  And we're all happy to have the curtains back, that's for sure. Somedays, I just want to block out the look of our dirty, mossy deck.  The windows, including this patio door, were definitely the biggest investment of 2014. But so well worth it to not feel that draft when walking past this door.  Next year, our first house improvement will be a new, fully-functioning dishwasher. I look forward to pulling glasses out of the dishwasher not covered in soap-residue or peanut butter. Hooray! ...