Deck it out

This week's focus has been on the kitchen and laundry room in our house, but I wanted to give you a quick update on our deck. As I explained in a previous post, during the inspection process on our house, we discovered major, major issues with the deck structure -- as in, it was a miracle it was still been standing based on how poorly it was constructed -- and had to call on a contractor to quickly get things up-to-code.

While we were at it, we decided to go ahead and have our contractor do a bit of a redesign on the deck since it was the perfect opportunity. Because we already have a covered screen porch, we decided to open up the deck by removing the pergola covering to allow for more light. We also chose to go from two sets of stairs to one, central staircase leading straight down to the pool, and amp up the heftiness of the railings. The rotting trellis around the sides of the deck were also removed.

Before construction:

 

Photos taken after railing and pergola demo:

Photos taken after new railings and stairs were installed, and trellis was removed. Our contractor also built us custom gates for the deck at the top of the stairs. 

The gates are designed that one or both can be open or closed at a time.

The next step for the deck is to replace all of rotting floor boards. Thanks to a wonderful 20% off discount at Home Depot this past weekend, we were able to purchase all of our needed lumber for this project at an incredible price. This is a project Chris has decided to take upon himself, and is looking forward to tackling next weekend.

I look forward to sharing some updates on our kitchen and laundry room progress later this week as well.   As always, stay tuned, and have a beautiful and blessed day! :)

Home Reno: Take One

I realize it has been a while since I last blogged, and for this there is a very good reason. Since the day we closed on the house and were handed the keys, Chris and I have been going at home renovation full-steam ahead. Part of our renovation fervor is due to our excitement over having no limits on what we can do, and another part is because we are anxious to feel settled so we can begin to welcome our family and friends, as well as have time to get connected to our new community.

With my trusty camera by my side, I've been doing my best to document our progress on each project so we can share with you our exciting journey as new homeowners. Here are some photos of phase one in our home makeover. :)

During the inspection period it came to our attention that our home's foundation needed extra support. North Carolina's red clay is notorious for shifting, and over the course of the years since our home was built, one side of the house began to sag.

This issue called for professionals, so last week a foundation company came out to install two helical piers. (Don't worry, I had no idea what they were either until we began this process.) They ended up having to drill 46 feet into the ground before they reached solid ground and could then install the support.

All done, and the yard is as good as new.

Next project: repainting the entry way. Here are a few before photos.

And now the after photos. :) In addition to paint, we switched out light sockets and covers, and replaced the door hinges. I am still on the lookout for the right light fixture for the hallway, and will also replace the doorknobs on the powder room and coat closet.

Next project tackled with repainting the living room. Here are the before photos.

 And after. Salmon with a purple-grey on the walls, and a crisp white on the fireplace. Still waiting on new wall switches and covers, as well as a new light fixture and door knobs. :)

 Our one, new addition to the kitchen thus far has been our refrigerator. We actually purchased this a month ago after we found it on super sale at a store called HHGregg. This was my dream model because of the fantastic storage it offered and the convenient layout, and we were just thrilled to find it for such a wonderful price.

 P.S. This is what the kitchen REALLY looks like right now. Pretty, eh?

Yesterday, the movers arrived with all of our worldly goods, which had been sitting in storage the last month. In an effort to keep the disorganization contained until it was time to put things away, I had most of the boxes stashed in what will be my future office downstairs. Given the fact that I sold/gave away around a third of our belongings prior to moving, I'm amazed at how much stuff we still have. How long can I just pretend this pile isn't there? ;-)

At least the Christmas tree stand is handy...in case I don't get around to putting boxes away before the holidays arrive. ;-)

The most recent project started this week was the beginning of our kitchen demo! While we aren't replacing counter tops or sinks (the previous owners put in pretty quartz counter tops) the cabinets and island need some redoing and updating, as well as the back splash.

Chris got to work on removing the old back splash yesterday, and has already made significant progress. For those of you who have never done this before, it is not an easy task. I'm just thankful for a husband who is eager for any excuse to purchase power tools and show off his manly skills. I'll come in on the fun part -- installing the new tiles! :)

Progress thus far. Who wants to come over for dinner? :)

 In other news, we have two exciting new additions to the McLean household to introduce! And no, they aren't more pets...

I have been scouring Charlotte and the surrounding area for an awesome deal on a deep freezer, and stumbled upon this one -- brand new -- at the Habitat Restore for $80! We want to be able to make some bulk meat orders, and up until now, have had no where to put anything. So excited about the money we'll be saving (not to mention just the convenience of being able to buy some items in bulk!) with this little guy...

P.S. This is not its final resting place. We haven't even begun to tackle garage organization and cleaning just yet. But that day will come. :)

 And, a purchase that Chris was more than just a little excited about -- you know, that whole "I'm the king of my house and yard thing" -- our first lawnmower! :)

 I snapped this photo right before Chris took the mower for its inaugural mow around our yard. We've been feeling a little bad that our yard has been sitting unkempt for the last week while the neighboring yards are all in sparkling condition, so it felt good to prove that we weren't "those" kind of homeowners who bring the street value down... ;-) Call me crazy, but I actually look forward to my own turn pushing the mower around. There's something about the instant gratification that comes from seeing a lawn go from jungle to golf course that makes me feel happy. :)

Alright, that's all the updates I have for now. I shall post more as our projects (and married life adventures!) progress. Have a beautiful and blessed day!