Unintentional Remodel
September 25, 2008
Written by: Katie
Remember how we just wanted to add to our living space by converting a garage to a livingroom? It was going to be a relatively simple change. Relatively because some (me) don’t know how to pour concrete. And simple because well, I’m not the one ripping out walls and handling heavy power tools.
We now know that the simple part is over. The digging out of concrete and pouring of the new stairs was pretty straightforward when compared to the complexity of termite damage. It seems that the builder/previous owner in addition to not having a plan when he built this place also failed to mention that they had at one time had a termite infestation. $800 later they had taken care of the termites but the mess the termites left in their wake was never dealt with.
While I was away at Robyn’s house this is what the guys were doing. 
They pulled the furnace out. Good riddance. The smell in the ducts was enough to let me know it was a good thing we never turned on the A/C or heat. Ten years of smokers inhabitance has not been nice to this house.
And then I saw this.
Um, excuse me, there appear to be some boards missing. That’s ok, right?
Of course it’s not ok.
Then I crawled into bed, curled into the fetal position and cried. 
Ok, not really. Thankfully, the guys were unfazed. Jay had to go home (he does have a family and job after all) but I am seriously contemplating building an addition for them.
Jeff was back to work here at the farmstead. Unfortunately for him I am not the best construction worker. I was enlisted to hold those 2×4s that Jeff has a hold of in the picture. I was given the instructions "Let me know if you hear or feel anything crack." Ummm, ok. When the boards started to bow I felt the tears well up in my eyes as my hands began to shake. Jeff assured me that everything was fine and I ran off to my bed to cry and moan.
Ok, not really. But I almost did this time. We Jeff did eventually get that supporting pillar/post/wall in and Jay and Jeff were able to disassemble more in the garage. Doncha like my new open and spacious kitchen? I may get a completely new kitchen out of the deal. Please note the beef broth on the counter. Because we are dedicated to good nutrition. Except for Subway oatmeal raisin cookies. Those are the exception.
Here is the beam that must be removed. This beam does nothing more than support the entire second story. No big deal.
I left for the day yesterday (went to the park with Robyn) and returned home to this.
Whew!! Jeff is currently working hard (Jay had to go home again, darnit!) and thinks he may have the stairs in by this evening. Yay!!
September 25th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Oh Katie… (((HUGS)))
I KNOW that this is such a pain right now… but oh my! How wonderful it is going to be when you are finished. Keep thinking on that… and that beautiful land you have. It will all be WORTH it! :)
Love,
Chas
September 25th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Wow, what a mess. Looks like you have some great men fixing it all up for you, though. We are also under major construction here at our house. It is fun to live with, is it not? TeeHee.
Your place is going to be so great when it’s all finished. Good thing the weather is cooperating so you little munchkins can be outside. I can hardly keep mine inside (especially with construction going on.)
Hang in there. It will soon be over and better than ever.
September 25th, 2008 at 11:30 am
This too shall pass….not as quickly as you would like, but eventually you’ll be telling those “Do you remember when” stories and wondering how you made it through it.
Maybe you should leave a little time capsule(is that the right word?) in the walls in the event that some day, some one comes along and remodels. Wouldn’t they be surprised to find a note and a photo of the people who came before them and a few words about their lives on that piece of land. Be sure not to add anything that is perishable as you wouldn’t want any thing stinking up your new walls!
September 25th, 2008 at 11:37 am
We need to do about that much to our house (or knock it down:). We’re not looking forward to it. In the last house, we had just gotten it where we liked it, and then we moved. GRRR And this house couldn’t be lived in, so we lived in a camper instead. But it is getting better now. It will be worth it when it’s all done:)
September 25th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Can Jeff and Jay come to my house and enclose my garage? Oh, how I want my garage to be enclosed. :) I hope everything works out for you guys with the termite damage and that Jeff and Jay stay safe while doing all that work.
September 25th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Katie I have went through much of this..all I can say is “it will be wonderful!”
I used to tap my ruby slippers through some of our messes I meant remodels. It will be HOME before you know it.
Diggin’ the pics too!
September 25th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
My husband just finished replacing fifty foot of sill plate ( the board that holds up the house) because of carpenter ants. I hate carpenter ants… and I
I’ll hate the termites on your behalf too.
Someday it’ll all be done, right? That’s what I keep telling myself. You have a beautiful family and I completely enjoy your blog.
Blessings,
Hannah
September 25th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Whoa!
We almost bought a house with very similar damage last summer. We kissed the feet of our inspector for figuring it all out before we laid down all the big bucks.
I’m sorry you guys have run into such big issues. That termite damage is something else. I am sure that Jeff and Jay will get it all worked out, but oy! I wish they didn’t have to.
Aside from all the problems, it is looking really good. I love how you labeled the photos. ha, ha!
September 25th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Wow. Praise God for the blessing is such precious friends to help with all that. I think you hubby earned that rootbeer. :) And a couple of those oatmeal raisin cookies. :)
September 25th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
One day, OK, it may a long way from now, but one day, you’ll look back on this, and laugh. Of course you could just go ahead and laugh now, then people will know for sure you’re crazy. ;)
September 25th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
That sounds like a (scary) fun time. I personally love a remodel, after it is done. :) I HATE the chaos that it creates and the feeling like nothing is happening when in reality a lot is happening. I pray that everyone has a safe and swift time working n your new room. Thanks for the pictures too, I love to see what people are writing about, (I’m a visual learner!).
September 25th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Oh Katie - I would be in a fetal position, too!
We are contemplating adding on to our current home, and I seriously don’t know if I want to be here when they do all of the work. I’d rather just come home when it’s all over and say ‘well done!’ ;-)
Hang in there!
Michelle
September 26th, 2008 at 8:24 am
My daughter and hubby (and me too) have lived through various remodeling necessities and disasters. And then what do they do they decide to move to the country and leave all that expensive finished stuff behind and take a pricecut in the house because of the housing market now. You did it to get to the country like we did but you are blessed with more land than us since it is so much more expensive up here in central Illinois. Remember your blessings and you will survive this building /remodeling time. We bought a hundred year old house so we do not know what we might encounter along the way here yet. We know we get water in the basement and there are tons of spiders and pirate bugs now in the yard ad house. Blessings.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Did you purchase the property? If so, there should have been a termite inspection. They didn’t find any??!! :(
September 26th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Oh my…. you’re brave.