The House Remodel: 35 Days Out

35 days. The pressure is real. We're probably a little behind schedule on that move-in date, but we're making steps in the right direction.

Progress Update

That 98% demo number from last time was ambitious. Probably closer to 90%. We decided to get more aggressive and take out the old fireplace completely. It's now fully demoed and ready for cement board, insulation, and stone. The old plumbing is out of the house too. So the needle has moved to 99%—basically done. I'm leaving 1% just to make sure we caught everything.

The Fireplace

This was a huge win. There were three layers of renovation attempts on that old fire brick, and it looked terrible. We stripped it all out.

Before

After

The transformation was satisfying. Layers of green stucco, mesh, and old attempts at renovation—all gone.

There's this cool little corner on the fireplace that we exposed—we're going to build around it. Really excited about how that's going to turn out.

Emma excited about exposed brick fireplace

The reaction when you finally see what's underneath three renovation attempts.

Electrical

Jumped from 40% to about 85%. Still have some work in the kitchen—one more light, dedicated outlets for the stove, fridge, and microwave. Bathroom fan needs to be connected. Laundry room needs a light and switches. And we still have to run electrical to the furnace. But we're close.

The panel and the plan.

Shoutout to Steve (my pops) for all the help on electrical.

Plumbing

Hot and cold water is installed. Working on getting those fittings connected. I hired some help for the drain lines and toilet fixtures—first outside help I've brought in. Jose handled the new plumbing, got the green lines about 80% in, and the toilet plumbing is done.

Shoutout to Jose the plumber.

The Bathroom

Today was huge. We got the whole bathtub framed with a really cool built-in shelf. This has been a long time coming.

From exposed joists to new subfloor.

The built-in shelf on the right. That's going to be nice.

Shoutout to Emit Meyer and his dad Kevin Meyer. Kevin is a top-tier professional home builder who came over and gave his expertise on some of the projects we have going. Having someone with that level of experience walk through and validate the work—or point out what needs fixing—is invaluable.

Something I forgot to mention: earlier this week, Hayden and I knocked out the subfloor—3/4" OSB across the whole bathroom. Got everything prepped and ready for the work we did this weekend. Huge win.

The Team

I wouldn't be nearly as far on this renovation without the people who've shown up. A huge thank you to three people in particular:

Emit Meyer

Emit and his dad Kevin are both top-tier professional home builders. The best foreman and friend anyone could ask for on a project like this. He's provided guidance, wisdom, and a ton of effort through the whole journey so far. Emit is the first guy I call when I have a problem—which speaks to his attitude and willingness to support others.

Emit is one of those rare people who has this wild charisma to him. He's genuinely interested in your life. A truly curious person—which is one of the most admirable mindsets anyone can have. Be interested. Be curious. Be willing to help out your friends who are in way over their heads. Total stud. Thank you, Emit.

Steve (Paps)

Handling some of the more technical components with total grace. You've never rewired an entire electrical system before, but you jumped in anyway. You've learned a ton, and I've learned so much from you through this project. The willingness to figure it out as you go—that's the attitude that gets things done.

Hayden

This guy picks up skills faster than anyone I've ever known. He can attack problems with first principles thinking—breaking down an issue, however complex, faster than anyone I know. And he doesn't just analyze. He comes up with a path to execution and is willing to help execute, which is the fun, scary part. I love his bravery and action-oriented mindset. It really speaks to his character and approach to life.

That can be said for Emit and Steve too. Seriously—thank you guys for your help on the project so far. If you ever need a beer or a seltzer, it's on me for a long time.

What's Next

We're almost ready to start hanging drywall. That's going to be a turning point. Once the walls go back up, we can do the kitchen. Then appliances. Then we're living there.

Picking out tile. Still deciding.

Picked out floor tile. Still deciding on bathroom tile. 35 days is ambitious, but we're shooting for it.

Finish electrical (kitchen, furnace)
Finish plumbing fittings
Hang drywall
Tile floors
Install kitchen
Move appliances back in

It'll be a busy 35 days. But that's the plan.