Construction has FINALLY started

Or actually, deconstruction has finally started!

We spent a lot of time this winter designing a big remodel plus living room addition, but it turned out it would cost way too much. Big disappointment!

We scaled the remodel down to something much more modest, and got bids at a small fraction of the cost of the original project. This new, smaller remodel does not include any architectural changes, no additions, and no expensive finishings (no wood beams, etc.)

Now we are finally able to start!  Today the demolition guys were at it.  Wow, it’s real now!

We are replacing the downstairs carpet with tile, and before we do that, we’re going to raise the living room floor (which is one step down). The step down is dated, and it’s a trip hazard.

John always disliked the brick underneath and behind the wood stove (I thought it was fine), but we are taking it out.

Now we need to decide what to put around the wood stove instead.