June 2009

Foaming at the Top

June 30, 2009
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Earlier last week I talked about our decision to go with Icynene®, a low-density, open-cell foam for our attic insulation. Insulation Day finally arrived on Thursday, a day I had been anxiously anticipating. Unfortunately for the guys, the HVAC wasn’t yet up and running, and it was going to be a hot, hot day. By [...]

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Happy Anniversary, Bungalow!

June 25, 2009
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Wow, I just realized that we closed on the bungalow exactly two years ago today! While a lot has changed in a relatively short period of time, some things remain the same in a manner of speaking, so I thought I’d do a little That was then, This is now picture show. Then, the PO’s [...]

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Destination Insulation

June 24, 2009

When our attic renovation was still in the planning stages, I began researching insulation options. It made my head spin: closed cell foam, open cell foam, blown-in cellulose, venting or not venting the roof… I knew for sure that I didn’t want to use fiberglass batts. From my own research, unless the batts are installed [...]

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Friday June 24 1932

June 24, 2009

It’s been a while since I’ve talked about the previous-POs, the Milke’s, who owned the house from 1932-1966. In honor of the 85th anniversary of their daughter Muriel’s birth, I give you this snippet that appeared in the local paper on this day in 1932: Mr. and Mrs. Leo Milke entertained 17 guests Sunday evening [...]

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Steam Bath

June 23, 2009
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While the temperatures soared in the attic… …Günter enjoyed himself a little bath in the oppressive heat. The AC unit hasn’t been hooked up to the attic yet, so the contractor’s guys were suffering up there today (we have central air on the main floor and are adding a second unit for the attic). The [...]

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Random Renovation Report

June 23, 2009
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Just a few random things today. A lot has been happening, but nothing too exciting, in pictures or words. We had our rough framing, electrical and mechanical (HVAC) inspections last week. We needed to fix a few things on the electrical and framing, but it didn’t seem to be anything major. We passed our mechanical [...]

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Robin Update

June 22, 2009

We went back to the family cottage yesterday, for the first time since the Robin’s nest issue. I can’t say with certainty, but I’m sad to say that I’m pretty sure they didn’t make it. We had several terrible storms over the past week with strong winds and driving rain. My brother-in-law, who wasn’t around [...]

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One Down…

June 17, 2009
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…three to go. We passed our rough plumbing inspection yesterday! Woo hoo! Isn’t she pretty? Master Bathroom Laundry Room Pipe in floor joists Rough framing, electrical and mechanical will be combined into one inspection. Wish us luck.

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The House Came Crashing Down

June 17, 2009
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Not to worry — it wasn’t our house. It was Robin’s house. There we were on Sunday, ready to enjoy a beautiful summer-like day at the cottage Pete’s family owns just over the Wisconsin border. But first there are always a few chores to do before the relaxing can begin. Over the years we’ve lost [...]

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Getting the Shed Out

June 13, 2009
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Well, after all the angst over the shed dormer in past weeks, I’m totally fine with the outcome. We had it constructed according to the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association’s guidelines, in that it’s located more than 20 feet away (much more, in fact) from the front of the house. While it would have been nice [...]

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