Tile Shopping and a remate

The tile for the upstairs bath has been decided (about half are in place), but there are a few more choices and of course the setting to be done.
Janine and I took some time to visit an auction and look at more tile choices. I think we have an agreement on the kitchen floor. The auction was for some large doors to my new shop. I want to get an idea of what I can get used and how much before I build the wall and opening.

Here are some of the tile we saw. I only snapped a few photos before being told that it's not permitted.

Janine likes this bargain at $6.30 m2. I guess it will do. I would rather spend a little more (the kitchen will only take about 6 square meters) and put a marble looking tile that looks best with no grout line. I don't have a wet saw and the slab is none too flat, so I think I'll play it safe.

But have a look anyway.

Window Repair

There wasn't too much dry rot.

This spot on a window frame

was the only one needing a repair.

I can't explain the underline here. There is no tool for it, so how can I remove it?

All the doors and windows had broken or missing glass and in some cases, damage to the frame or panels.

The bathroom door pictured here, has 21 lites (glass panes) with quite a few missing. The original antique glass would be impossible to find. Instead of replacing it all, I poached the same glass from doors removed from the downstairs bathroom. The texture and age made it hard for a novice to cut (more than a few mishaps), but I managed to get them all in.
Much of the molding for the glass was in bad shape and the rest I destroyed taking out.
Maybe ten meters (30 feet) of new molding had to be made and cut to fit.
The prime and painting was tedious too. I hope the impact of the door makes up for all the effort.

Next time I'll go into all the hardware restoration. Pure excitement.
C Ya

God is in the details...

Restoring all the beautiful details is soaking up a lot of time, but it's worth it.

I cut away a panel under the staircase for the door to the new social bathroom. The other opening is a small storage area.








A good cleaning and some glass replaced has transformed the main skylight's stained glass panel.















This is the floor tile in the upstairs balcony/hall.

The stairs are getting refinished now. It needs a few minor repairs (broken tread seen here), but is generally in good shape. Even when we first saw it the staircase was one of the home's main attractions. Restored is should be eye popping.

Not sure about the carpet runner hardware; the rods are brass and look good, but the brackets are worn and need plating. I've got to draw the line somewhere.

First coat nearly done

I am having difficulty not fixing every defect on the facade. Judging what to do and what to leave has always been my Achilles heel. It's looking good though, with just the first 'hand' of paint it's already a new house.
Here's me fixing teeth on the dentil molding. I prefer repairs a little closer to earth.
I'd like to see the paint finished Monday.
Vamos a ver.

Facade work on-going (and going)

The scaffolding wasn't available close by until end of day Monday, but we put them up anyway.
Tuesday it was power washed. Any stronger with the pressure and we'd be putting a whole new front on. Wednesday rained heavily.
We're making progress now although I'm guessing we'll have these things through the weekend.
Fixing the dentil molding and other concrete repairs are challenging but do-able.
The paint will change things a lot.

Demolition

We demo'd the whole house to get it right. All the electrical lines, receptacles and switches are new. I added some lights and moved a few things, but I wish I had done more. Every house needs more outlets and the room light switches are always behind the door you just opened. Not a big deal, anyway it's early for regrets.
Here are some shots of removing, channeling and scraping down to the bone, most walls of this old house.