We had planned to keep the dormer window but after sitting in the alcove over time we realized that it was too small and in poor condition.
Shopping at the Builders Outlet we found a window that was almost perfect. It was white but I could spray paint it. It didn’t have a screen but it was the right size, had safety glass and 3 panels in top section.
Bronze painted dormer window
We had taken out the old window and outside trim and Steven had to reframe the opening.
I installed the window tape and Steven installed the old sill and the new window.
We had a big pile of 2″ 4′ x 8′ polystyrene insulation in the middle of one bedroom. We needed the space so we could receive and install the ceiling dry wall. We installed horizontal sheets of the insulation around the perimeter of the exterior walls. That meant cutting out for the electrical outlets. The extra insulation was moved downstairs to install later on the top 4′ of the exterior walls after the ceiling drywall installation.
I installed 4 mil vapor barrier on the second floor ceiling and then taped it. Today Ben, the building inspector was coming to inspect it and then discuss what we could do next. Our plan was to vapor barrier all but the two baths and laundry to allow plumbing work. Then to install dry wall on those areas so we could then insulate the attic. We want to heat the second floor so we can work there through the winter.
This morning I realized that I had not taped over staples on the trusses. Ben was coming at 2:30 and I was taping as fast as I could. I also suddenly wondered if 4 mil was thick enough. I couldn’t find the information on the net so I called and left a message for Ben. He called at noon and said 4 mil was the minimum accepted! Whew! Then I ran out of tape and had to go to Menards to purchase more. I finished taping with a half hour to spare.
I was sitting in my rocking chair when Ben appeared at the top of the stairs. Steven had been working on framing the attic access. Ben looked it over and gave us the go ahead to sheet rock the ceiling as planned. This was good as it had been delivered this morning. We paid for delivery and moving it to the second floor.
Ben was happy with our progress which seemed to have increased since his last visit.
Steven has worked so hard on the electrical. Our electrician came and found some things wrong again – neutral wires and 14-4 wires needed. Steven redid those things. The electrical inspector came and found something else wrong – Steven fixed that in an afternoon and our first electrical inspection is approved!
The radiators had all been painted and not looking so good. It would be very difficult and costly to have them sand blasted and too hard to do it ourselves. So I cleaned them as best I could with a bottle brush and scrub pad. Then I spray painted the smallest one (for the sitting room) a Hammered Copper. We are very happy with it.
Hammered Copper
We
We didn’t like the copper on the larger one. Not sure what we will paint it.
South Bedroom Radiator
The north bedroom will be a soft muted pink with wall paper on one wall. I decided to paint that radiator Champagne Pink.
Steven has spent the month installing the electrical. We are working with Julie, a licensed electrician. Steven’s work impressed her. She forgot to tell him about a change in the code and he will have to pull new 14-4 wire to the three fan/lights and to the switch at the bottom of the stairs. She liked the way he did the electrical sub panel. We tested the circuits and they all passed.
We found these beautiful paneled doors at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in New Brighton. We installed the first one for a bedroom today. We matched stain to it – Red Chestnut.
The dormer’s ceiling had already been insulated with polystyrene so I installed 4 mil plastic for a vapor barrier. This is our sitting area for rest times from work.
We have all the second floor walls completed. We did have some ‘variations’. Luckily we installed our wall with screws, so that when we decided to move a bathroom wall, it was easy. New floor plans coming!
