After removing the chimney from the second floor, we decided to continue removing it in the kitchen so we would have better kitchen efficiency. Steven swung a sledge hammer from the hole in the second floor. he antique bricks are gone from the house to a pile outside. This time Steven removed the bathroom window and we threw the bricks out that space. We have a large pile of bricks now.
We have begun installing the ceiling drywall. It has a learning curve for us but the first bedroom is almost finished. We have one 12′ piece to install that will be the biggest yet. The lift we purchased is working well. We couldn’t do this without it!
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.
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.
It seems that every time we go to the ReStore we find something. Among other items we found a vanity like we wanted for the first floor bathroom. That bathroom is small but we still wanted to make it as handicap accessible as possible. We didn’t want a handicap sink but did want one in which the sink stuck out over the cabinet. We found it in the color I wanted for a savings of $200.
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.
We wanted a patio in the corner of the house by the kitchen. Having a large pile of antique bricks suggested a solution. All that is left now is a smaller pile of broken bricks that I will use next summer to 
edge flower beds.
We took the day off yesterday from working on the house to go to the ReStore. We have decided to replace the dormer window on the second floor to let in more light and have a better window. We didn’t find a window but did find 4 doors for the second floor, an antique pink chair, a pendulum clock and some plumbing supplies. The clock didn’t come with the windup key but Steven ordered one online.
I had wanted a large window in the south wall of the kitchen. Alas it was not to be. So we bought a 6′ narrow window from our contractor last summer. We have installed it over the future kitchen cabinets. It lets in lots of sun and light.
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!
