Day 2: Total destruction
When we originally met with our contractor, George, he advised us to let him tear down all of the plaster and drywall so that the electrical and plumbing work could be done more easily. We’re moving the sink and cooktop and adding a lot of lighting, so in the end it would be faster and easier (and cheaper) to strip down to the studs rather than routing new plumbing, gas, and electrical lines through existing walls.
Of course, that makes for a much more radical transformation at the start of the project. When we came home today, we didn’t recognize the room. There was the exposed brick of the firewall between our unit and next door, the frame of an old doorway we didn’t know existed, electrical wiring sticking out all over the place, and a hole in the ceiling where we could look up and see the bottom of our bathtub in the bathroom upstairs. The only thing left of the original room was the hardwood floor and the back door, which we’re keeping.
Our place was built in 1890 but because of renovations does not feel nearly that old, at least above the basement. Without any walls, you can really see how old a building this is. The wood framing looks absolutely ancient. Lots of photos below.
But first, an update on the cat situation: by blockading the entire railing with spare shelves from the basement, we’ve managed to contain Ruskin, at least for now. Clyde still seems able to pass through the gate at will. No idea how she does it.
Formerly the main wall with all the cabinets. That's our screen door that they removed during construction.
More of the main wall, with plumbing and haphazard electrical wiring
Other wall, with mystery doorway on the right.
One familiar thing: the back door.
Looking up into the bathroom wall at the bathtub drain. I repaired the wall above after we had our shower leak repaired.
Protection for the hallway and dining room.