Sunday, October 27, 2013

Ductwork, Deck and Time Capsule


I didn't get my floor samples done because I had other things that
needed to get done first.  Did you ever spend a weekend
working on a project that ends up just feeling like a setback?

Before I get to that, let me show you this week's progress.


The heating ducts are in to the upstairs.  You'll also notice the new window.
This was the window that was in the old bathroom.


The other new window that will be over the sink.  It's the same exact size
as the old window, it just slid up a few inches so it clears the countertop.


The new windows from outside.  These are same windows I used
on the front of the house.  Marvin, clad with ebony aluminum.


The back porch has it's new columns in place on the first floor.  I'm really
happy with how they look and now that I see them in place, I don't want to
add any railings on the first level.  I'm not required to have any railings if
the deck is less than 29 inches high.


The columns are Turncraft Polyclassic columns, eight-inches square.
They're made out of a fiberglas reinforced resin that's supposed to be stronger
than steel and concrete.  You just cut them to length, secure them in place and
then the capital will slide up and get tacked in place.



I spent the weekend working on the deck.  I bleached the wood with wood bleach
to get rid of the mildew stains, wiped it down with a baking soda solution to
neutralize the bleach and gave it two coats of Behr semi-transparent stain.


It doesn't look too bad in the photos but it's really blotchy.  It seemed like
the water-based finish was drying as quickly as I was putting it on so I couldn't
keep a wet edge.  The orangey-pink color of wood also makes it look lavender.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it.  Probably go more opaque.



This is the view of the dining room window.


Back inside for a minute.  The floor joists that span the two foundations
are getting back with pieces of plywood so that the spaces can be filled
with foam insulation.



This was my last chance to get my time capsule buried.
I used an old tool box that was in the basement and filled it with goodies:
A first generation iPod mini that's never been taken out of the box, an
old iPhone, an empty bottle of cold brew coffee (since it seems to be all
the rage right now), blueprints of the house showing all of the work I did,
before-and-after photos of the house, printouts of several posts from the blog
(including all of your comments!), photos of me and cats, a newspaper, Google
maps of the neighborhood, historical maps of the neighborhood and an article
on global warming that included pro and con arguments about human causality.  



All of the paper materials went into tyvek envelopes just to protect them from moisture.
I closed up the tool box, put in a trash bag and dropped it down the last opening between
the two foundations.  It's weird to think I'll never see this again in my lifetime. 

The plumbing, electrical and HVAC inspections should take place this week,
the insulation can go in and then the fun part can begin!

66 comments:

  1. The time capsule idea is genius!

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  2. love those columns and your time capsule just gave me the chills. awesome chills.

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    1. I know, Janet. Something about seeing down in that hole gave me chills too. It was very strange.

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  3. I love this. The time capsule is brill.

    The porch looks beautiful. And yes, the stain looks faintly lavender. I'll be interested to see how it looks after a few more coats.

    You're a madman with all this work. The cats are feeling neglected. Zazu told me.

    Give her a long slanderous pet fromme.

    xo J

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    1. I know I'm a madman. Doing part of the work myself is a great way to save money but I'm exhausted. I give Zazu a little extra attention. She does seem a little needy.

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  4. Time capsule Boy:
    Wow. The time capsule made me take pause. Ya mean...we aren't what it is all about? Sobering. Really ...you put a whole I pad mini in there? LOVE the columns. Can you be done already? I am all about quick fixes. And we know this is all about me.

    signed, Me.

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    1. The iPod mini was a gift several years ago and I just never got it set up before they came out with the Nano and, of course, I wanted the smaller one. So the unopened, first generation iPod went into the time capsule. I don't think it will ever be extremely valuable in my lifetime but in 100 years I reckon it will be like finding Thomas Edison's first phone.

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  5. Hi Steve, I just posted a comment and then it seemed to disappear into the ether. It didn't ask me for anything, so I assume it was lost...

    I said something about it all looking wonderful and that I love your time capsule - very touching!! It will be ages before someone opens that. We will be long gone. And then I said you need to send me a picture of you and the kitties.

    Hugs and well done on the deck and windows. I like the columns as they are too - without a railing. xo T.

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    1. I've had comments disappear too. Blogger!

      Maybe I'll haunt the house and will get to see the future owners to find the time capsule.

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  6. Such fun that you made the time capsule! I love that sorta of history in the making.

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    1. I try to leave things in the walls whenever they're open. Drawings and photos especially. I thought they'd fun for future owners to find.

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  7. Hurrah for progress! The Time Capsule is a neat idea! I walled up a 2012 penny, Sept 7, 2012 news paper and a brand new pair of flip flops in the walls of our new addition.

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    1. I forgot the money! I had a zip lock back with dollars and coins that were supposed to go it. I wonder what happened to it? Flip flops are an interesting choice. Maybe some 3-D glasses too!

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    2. Imagine you write a note and put it in the money container and stash it someplace else under the house or yard. If humanity survives 100 years, think about an excited little kid finding it and having something to brag on to her/his friends. The thrill of searching for more could last for a whole childhood. And it's so interesting to think about the re-action when the original cache is found. I love your choice--aside from forgetting the money--LOL.
      Your house will be so-o-o beautiful......

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  8. I love your columns and can't wait to see what you decide to do with that floor. That porch ceiling is beautiful. Are you leaving it as is?
    The time capsule is awesome.

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    1. Jen,
      The porch ceiling will be glossy white(ish) I want it to be an extension of the kitchen so the finishes will be as close as I can get them. The kitchen ceiling will be wood planks that are painted a glossy white.

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  9. I love your renovations and the time capsule! Our children wrote their names and messages on the studs when our basement was being finished.

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    1. That would be fun to find messages written on the studs That's a great idea.

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  10. The square posts look great and the homeowners in the future will have a really nice surprise.

    Some time ago when I was staining a new deck (unlike yours, it was pressure treated) I had blotching that was driving me crazy. I was told that it was because of the moisture that was deep in the wood and that it needed to dry for a bit before staining. You might be better off waiting now until spring before trying a second coat. However I'm not an expert. I'm sure the paint place can tell you better.

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    1. It could very well be moisture. I had just washed it down the day before and it rained that night. It looked dry but it could have still been retained a lot of moisture. The color of the wood isn't that attractive so I think I just need to go more opaque.

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  11. I think the things you chose for your time capsule are interesting and I wonder how different that collection would be for each of us. Maybe they would say something about the things that are important to us. I am guessing yours do. I'd throw a painting in and probably some clothing.

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    1. A painting is a great idea. I might slip one into a wall somewhere wrapped up in plastic to protect it from dirt and moisture. A Boston Strong T-shirt would also be a good idea to represent this time and place. Good idea!

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  12. Love the columns w/o railings. Love, love the time capsule idea!

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    1. Thanks, Linda. I'm glad I was able to see how great the columns looked without railings before they went up. That repetition is a great design element and I'm seeing four black chairs lined up down the porch to support it.

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  13. steve those windows (in the ebony alum) and the doors make the BIGGEST difference... WOW what a serious impact. love your choices

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  14. Everything is looking good! I especially love the ebony windows, they really pop against the grey and white.

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  15. I want to know MORE about the baking soda solution process you used to neutralize the wood bleaching. We bleached our deck and no one told us to follow up with the baking soda. Is it too late for us to do this - other than the wet weather ahead. Please HELP! Thanks-a-lot.

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    1. The instructions on the wood bleach (Savogran brand) said if a water-based finished was being used, a solution of baking soda (1 tablespoon baking soda to one gallon of water) should be applied to neutralize the wood bleach. So if you're using an oil-based stain or no finish, that's not a necessary step. Rain should do the job.

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  16. lovely! I did a time capsule too at 822 because I plan on it being in our family forever. All the workers put in something and lots of corks...all kinds of fun stuff!

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    1. That's fun to let the workers throw something in too!

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  17. What great progress, I love popping by for your updates. Time capsule .......wonder when and who will open it ? intriguing.

    Annie

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  18. Your porch is looking great. Ignore the blotchy floor for now ... think about how the wood is protected from the moisture and abuse of winter, and call it good until inspiration strikes.

    The idea of a time capsule is fantastic! The contents are well thought out, and people from the future will appreciate what you've done. We have a few things here left behind by former owners of our place, but none of them were this deliberate ... a materials list on the bathroom framing, newspaper used as caulk backing and/or insulation, pins and a coin in the living room mantel.

    Whenever I do a project, whether it's at this house or a former one, I always put current-year pennies into it. Generally this means pitching them in before I seal up molding or whatever. My brother put an entire Washington Post newspaper from 9/11/2001 underneath the vanity at the house where he was working on that date. It feels good to leave a message for the future.

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    1. I agree. It's nice to get a coat of weatherproofing on it before winter. It's always more fun to fix up the outdoor spaces in the spring anyway.

      I've always been excited by the few odds and ends I've found in the house too. Whoever finds this time capsule will think they hit the mother lode.

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  19. Breathtaking. Those columns are perfect. I can't imagine anything else being there. What a sensational way to define your house. They are simply timeless.

    The capsule - what a great collection you have left someone. I don't think I would have had that much foresight.

    Congratulations on the progress, it is looking wonderful.
    Ann

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  20. It's looking really good. Love the idea of the fiberglass columns, and they look so good too. Great job on the doors. Now I keep thinking when is somebody going to find that time capsule? They'd have to break into the wall which, frankly I can't see happening for a very long time.

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    1. What's amazing how much the fiberglas looks like stone too. They do a nice job.

      It will definitely be a long time before someone finds the time capsule. It would take a major renovation to find it.

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  21. love the time capsule and crazy for the porch/yes, the floor, windows, colors, columns....splendid steve
    debra

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    1. Gee, thanks, Debra. Yes, my garden needs a major overhaul. And I don't think the arbor works anymore. I'm sick about it.

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  22. This is all really exciting! I love watching it come together. I agree with you in regards to not putting up a railing. Love the columns. Thanks for sharing. Bonnie

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    1. Thanks, Bonnie. It does feel like it's coming together...at least outside.

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  23. Gloss white wood plank ceiling?
    OK, now I vote for the white light fixture.
    Love the columns and the windows!

    Your time capsule is so great, I wish we could all have a quick glimpse into the future when someone finds it. It's almost spooky to think about!
    Several years ago I dropped a tiny little box with a note inside, into the wall under my sink in the bathroom before I finished the drywall. A year after that I had major electrical and plumbing done on the house and had to move out for a few weeks but I'd come home in the evenings to inspect the work. One night I found the bathroom mostly gutted and the box was gone. I felt kinda goofy, but just glad I didn't put anything weird in there! Ha!

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    1. I think you're right with the white. But not sure which ones. I went light shopping this weekend and I'm considering a few schoolhouse type pendants or a big bowl pendant that would bounce light off the ceiling and catch a bunch of dead bugs.

      I like the idea of hiding little boxes in the walls. Little presents that surface as work is being done on the house. That could be really fun!

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  24. You got me saying you wouldn't see that time capsule again in your lifetime. Seems so weird and final. And, so true. What a brilliant thing to do. The porch looks great. I used Behr a few years ago after I sanded my deck down to nothing, and I have to say, it was terrible! I wish I knew you were using it. I used Ben Moore's hybrid stain the next year, and it was much better, although I have to say nothing is as good as the old oil stains. I hope you have better luck than me with the Behr.

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    1. Sam told me that water-based stains are much more difficult than oil-based stains but I can usually make just about anything work. I won't need to sand it down but I definitely need something more opaque. I'll take a look at the Ben Moore stain.

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  25. Thank you, Phyllis. That's a really big compliment!

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  26. The columns are perfect. I love the idea of the time capsule and wondering when it will be discovered. It all looks wonderful.

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  27. Steve

    The columns look beautiful. I think you are dead on not using a railing on the bottom floor, it would detract from the beautiful simplicity of the columns. What kind of wood is the floor? Is it red oak by any chance?

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    1. The deck is fir and that was a complicated choice. The upstairs deck needed to have a tongue and groove decking to prevent water from pouring through to the first floor. The alternative to that was to build essentially a rubber roof under the upstairs deck so water would run off the front. That was a big expense. Fir was the only decking we could find that came in tongue and groove. Other options like mahogany or ipe would have would have needed to be custom made in tongue and groove. Again, expensive.

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    2. It's the "little" things that make such a difference. If I'd known about tongue and groove fir when having addition on my house, I'd have a deck over the flat roof garage now. With the most fab view of the mountains. Instead I have a hum-drum garage with a sloped rood. Maybe next time.......

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  28. I like your idea of having the time capsule in a tool box! Of course that will immediately catch the eye of some future construction worker! Your porch is looking great, very inviting.

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    1. I thought the tool box, probably already 50 years old, was a nice touch. I imagine it will be archaic in 100 years when it's found.

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  29. The columns look like they have always been there. Very handsome, Steve. I also noticed the slats / spindles under the porch - are those for ventilation? I'm taking a short blog break....will be back to see more progress :) Ciao, L

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    1. "Always been there" is a great compliment. Although this porch isn't at all original, it fit the style of the house and very well could have been original I think. The slats are used locally as an alternative to lattice. There's still piece, a rail, that will be added to the bottom. I guess it provides ventilation and keeps out wildlife at the same time.

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  30. Progress.....the floors look good but hard to tell in a picture right? Love the dark windows and about that time capsule....it is hard to know that someday it will be found and we will all be gone...or at least I will:)

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  31. Your time capsule reminds me of my old neighbors. They had grown up in the house and when their parents passed away it went up for sale. They put together a very detailed time capsule and hid it in the attic's gut. It is the first thing the new owners found the very next week. LOL

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    1. That's funny, Dianne. I'm sure they really enjoyed it though!

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  32. Wow! You have REALLY been working! It looks GREAT! The first picture with the hydrangeas in the foreground and "peek" at the porch........it is going to be beautiful! Thank Heavens you have your maid to do the laundry and ironing and your cook to make your meals while you get ALL of this work done!!!!!!

    Keep Warm!!!

    All the best!!! Rob

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    1. I just couldn't get by without my servants. Oh, and my chiropractor!

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  33. Polyclassic is the right name for those columns. They look totally classic, absolutely perfect, and like they came with the house. I love the porch ceiling and the way the floors turned out too. Did you end up doing another coat?

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  34. Actually caused a shiver down my back reading about your time capsule - makes me feel very mortal!
    Hope the flooring resolves itself, it is a downer when lots of hard work fails to produce quite what you had hoped for - although it looks great in the photos.

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