Sowrey.org

Sigh. Just in time for us to leave the house, too. Oh well, at least it’ll improve the overall value of the place, right?

Here are the before/after pictures. Because it’s important to know what we’ve done here. We started off with a 70s reno gone wrong. We’ve ended up with a nice, modern space ready for almost anything.

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s been a long, hard slog since all this began a year ago. Demolition, plumbing, heating, framing, electrical, gas, contractor nightmares, self-realisation, and now the end of the tunnel is fully lit. This weekend, barring disaster, the basement will be done.

Just in time for us to leave the house and let someone else enjoy it. I’ve still not really come to grips with that part.

Read the rest of this entry »

Since we went off world-hopping, a lot has happened. That’s not to say the basement is done yet. Sadly, we had hoped for completion by May. A couple of starting delays, and then a labour disruption with our contractor led to a bit of a slowdown. It’s almost the end of April, which means it’ll be an Act of God to get the basement done by May.

I think we’re okay with that. But it can’t go on much longer. Time’s a-runnin’ out.

Read the rest of this entry »

Well, as you already know, I’ve accepted the fact that I cannot renovate my own home. I’m neither skilled enough, nor have the time to handle it. (As it stands, there is considerable discussion that I’m not spending enough time with my family as it is.)

Anyway, we finally decided it was necessary to get a contractor to come in and finish the job.

No, scratch that.

To undo the mess I made, and do it right.

Read the rest of this entry »

Sorry, Dad, but there are some things that I will not be able to live up to. Some things that I realise I cannot do. Some things that I cannot be.

Today, I had my ego carved out of me with a dull spoon and splayed out on my poorly-installed laminate floor. Mike Holmes couldn’t have done a better job.

Ouch.

Read the rest of this entry »

I just realised — after I’d already posted this year’s review — that this is the 10th one I’ve done. Ten years already! Man… I’ve been doing this longer than I’d thought!

It’s that time of the year again — to look back on the year passed, and reflect on the things I’ve done. Where did I go? What did I do? What have I honestly got to show for myself. It’s been an insanely long year. Sure, it was still 365 (and 1/4) days, but it felt at least three times longer…

Read the rest of this entry »

Over the last week-and-a-bit, I’ve been without my family. Alex and the wee one were out in BC visiting with family. Me? On self-imposed exile in the basement to try and wrap up as much of the renovations as possible.

Yes, I need to provide pictures of progress. But you’ll understand why I can’t in a moment…

Read the rest of this entry »