Little Steps, Little Windows

October 19, 2015October 20, 2015 Chrissy Lou3 Comments

Still chugging along trying to finish framing the little loft windows and installing other windows. Almost all of my windows are salvaged/second hand. But the thing about using used windows is they can be a real pain to install. Slowly but surely, we’re moving along.

I put the tiny bathroom window in upside down. Because I’m pretty clueless and awkward with a hammer (and just generally awkward) it took forever to pull out all the nails, turn the window upside right and nail it back into place. Seth could have done this in about 30 seconds – Thank God he’s helping me otherwise I’d still be building this house 30 years from now

The windows for my living room I ended up purchasing new after many unsuccessful searches on craigslist and at the salvage yards. Those went in easy peasy. Sometimes it’s easier and faster to use new materials but I think all the effort of using secondhand materials will be worth it in the end.

I laid out the floor plan in tape so I could start visualizing the layout. I had originally planned to have the refrigerator opposite the kitchen sink but it was too narrow. We made some adjustments to the floor plan and now the fridge will be next to the stove. I’m sure there will be many other changes as we go along.

Where am I gonna put this thing?

October 17, 2015October 17, 2015 Chrissy Lou1 Comment

The hunt for a real house has been unsuccessful so far. Houses are so expensive! I fell in love with one – a beautiful 1920’s duplex with a huge back yard- put an offer and the seller accepted another offer. This totally put a damper on the whole house hunting experience. I’m sure that a lot of other people can relate.

The pressure is on – Little Lou is scheduled to be complete by the end of November! So it’s time to explore other short term options for parking until I find a house of my own to purchase.

Little Lou would need access to a hose for water, a 50amp plug for electricity and a place to compost. I would cover any costs associated with setting utilities up. I’m open to all sorts of rental or barter arrangements. I’m hoping to find something located on the route 2 corridor between Burlington and Montpelier.

Two of my awesome friends have offered to let me park at their house so it’s not a desperate situation. They live outside of the Burlington/Winooski area and have an absolutely beautiful home. However, it’s still a long commute from their house to my office. If I’m going to have to compromise on where I’d live, it would be nice to find something closer work.

but beggars can’t be choosers! I’m open to hearing all options.

It’s electric!

October 16, 2015October 16, 2015 Chrissy Lou3 Comments

Little Lou is electrified! My amazing cousin Paul roughed in all the electric for the house!

I don’t get to see Paulie as often as I’d like and it’s always a treat when we get to spend time together. So we got to hang out all weekend and my house has electricity – double win for me!

It’s all pretty standard wiring, just like a “normal” house (As far as I can tell, clearly I’m not an electrician). We mounted the panel on the outside and will close it in a utility closet to provide protection from the elements. Right now we’re plugging into a standard extension cord from the panel. When Little Lou finds a more permanent home, the house will plug into a 50amp plug.

We initially planned for 8 recessed light fixtures, a fixture over the sink, sconces in both the sleeping loft and the living room and a ceiling fan for the main living space. It didn’t take long to realize that we had over prepared! We ended up wiring for two sconces in the living room, 2 sconces in the sleeping loft, 4 recessed lights, a light fixture over the sink and a ceiling fan/light. We also wired for a fixture over the tub and a vanity light in the bathroom.

My favorite feature is the plug with usb ports that we installed next to my bed. It feels like a huge luxury to me!

Thanks Paulie for being so awesome!

a roof over our heads

October 1, 2015October 1, 2015 Chrissy Lou1 Comment

We have a roof! Now we don’t have to worry about messing with a cumbersome tarp. I think this step made the house feel more like a home. I was able to think about some design elements and start visualizing them in the space.

Help from Meaghan and Mike putting in hurricane ties! Thanks friends!

Next up, windows! We tried to install some windows the same day we finished the roof but ran into some trouble. We framed the living room windows too small – oops. We will lower the sill and should be fine.

When we tried to put in the bathroom windows, the sash fell on Mikes face (hilarious). Since I had got them used at a local hardware store, I assumed I made a bad purchase. After a panicked trip to two hardware store, I was informed we were trying to install them upside down (embarrassing). At least the rough opening was the right size!

As soon as we’re weather tight (or close to it) we’ll start wiring the house! My cousin Paul is going to help out with the electrical. I’m a lucky girl to have so many friends and family willing to pitch in. I’m still pinching myself to make sure this is real life.