Hey Culligan Man

Today we had our water softener and RO (reverse osmosis) system installed, we were going to do it anyway but after getting another water test done since we started living here full time, there were a few items that needed to be taken care of. So far so good. As well while he was hooking up the drain line for the softener we did the final configuring for the kitchen drains, at the main discharge line. The only thing is to run the new drain line to it, when we get to that point. The RO is in the addition and will be moved to the kitchen later, as well we can get a larger storage tank for cooking.

The new drinking faucet on the left.

RO filter and storage tank.

New softener.

More plumbing cleaned up ready for the last drain line.

Is There Any Other Reason

When I got up the other morning and opened the window coverings (you'll notice I didn't say curtains or blinds, we don't have any up yet) and looked out the east window, the sun was coming up and the view was spectacular. This is why we moved to the country side, really is they any other reason.

Adding A Little Support

Over the past couple of weeks I have been getting lumber and concrete to put up a little support in the basement, just trying to take a little bounce out of the floor, before we install the new flooring. I put in 3 8 inch tubes 18 inches deep and filled them with concrete as footings. I got rough 2 x 6 lumber, and it is actually 2 x 6 not 1½ x 5½. which is very good so no planning required. I used PL Premium construction adhesive and 3 ½ inch nails to laminate them together. I make three beams from the lumber. Once the concrete set we put up the posts. There was a little finessing requires, temps jack posts and beams put in to remove old ones to make room for the new ones. The only thing we really did is beefed up existing supports and added two more.



The old basement configuration, jack posts and tree trunks.



A 4 x 6 beam on its side with steel bars as shims. Not good.



A new support all the way down the line.



This cleaned up things a bit and added needed support.



Under the kitchen, it won't move now.

Laundry Time

The new washer and dryer finally came and as it turned out the plug I installed was a bit low for the dryer, I didn't take into consideration they were stackable. As well the two young men that came to hook them up said the dryer hose wasn't long enough. ReBecca told them it was just compressed and they had to only pull it out a bit, but they didn't try. When I got home for golf, I cut the wall open, moved the plug up 16 inches, closed the wall up, added a bit of mud, sanding and painting later. And I pulled the vent hose out to the required length and now we have a working washer and dryer.

You have to like red. They even play a tune
when they are done. Nice.

Getting Ready For The Dryer

The new washer and dryer should be here soon, so I had to get the dryer vent put in. One thing we noticed about this room is that it was very cool in the winter and now I know why. The only insulation I could see is the ¾ inch Styrofoam board on the outside wall, no batt insulation. Amazing, if I had to say I was surprised about anything during this "Project" this would be it.

First cut the hole.

Add the outside vent and vent pipe.

Easy to get it through the wall, no bat insulation.

Moving In

It has been a while since I have added anything to the site, we have been a little busy moving in. It's tight but we're here. There are several next steps to follow, floors, stairs, kitchen, addition, upstairs bathroom extension, just to name a few. So we'll be busy for the next little while and I may not get much posted. Here is how we are living so far.

Temp kitchen

Cozy dining room.

Living room,

ReBecca's temp studio, AKA spare room.

Top of the stairs.

South view, a place for the cats to rest.

My office, you can't see behind the door.

Our mud room.

Bail It Up

When the weather is right it doesn't take long to bail the hay. They dropped the field one day, the next they raked it and then bailed it. The field looks great.

The hay is cut

Now it's gone.

Now You See It - Now You Don't

After a second and third coat of mud and wet sanding, then a coat of primer the beam almost disappears. It looks better and once the touch up paint on the walls goes on, it will be like it wasn't there. I hope.

Before

During

Going.

Gone, at least it doesn't stand out.

Alway Something To Finish

It's been a while since I did any drywall work and this needed to be done. The beam in the living room had to be covered up and if we are to move out, hopefully soon then it's best to get it done now, before the floors are finished.

Adding a little drywall

This little step makes a difference.

Add a corner bead and some mud.

Once the mud dries, I'll wet sand to keep the dust done.

The Door Stops Here

I know the phrase is "The Buck Stops Here" but I installed door stops and don't have any bucks. They went in very well, they are a little narrower than traditional stop strips but with everything trim white they blend in nicely.

The office.

Master bedroom.





Spare room, ReBecca's temp and very small studio.

Dressing room.