Meridian-Kessler Remodel, Indianapolis

[ChrWright]

We are renovating the majority of this 1920s house over the next six months.

http://wrightworks.net/images/MK1.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/MK3.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/MK2.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/MKIMG145.jpg

The work will include:
An addition with a mud room, pantry, half bath, small laundry, and covered porch
Relocating the kitchen and adding a bar/butler's pantry
Renovating the master bedroom, bath and closet
Renovating an existing partially finished basement, including a half bath
Refinishing all of the hardwoods on both floors
Complete repaint of the entire lower level, first and second floors
Burying the electrical service to the house

Unfortunately, the years have not been kind to this fine lady--or rather, previous renovations have not been. At some point, all of the wood windows were replaced with vinyl and all of the window brick mouldings were wrapped in aluminum. The original roof was very likely stone or tile, and the original gutters copper. The copper scupper boxes were kept but the gutters and downspouts are now aluminum and the roof is dimensional asphalt.

Still, it's a great house and I'm excited to have the opportunity to work on it.

[ChrWright]

Here are the early working drawings which were used to bid the project. The final design has been refined and adjusted since then.


The revised master bath plan:
http://wrightworks.net/images/scan0006.jpg

[JasonW]

Sweet! Keep us posted.

[JasonW]

Are you working with an Architect or is it a Contractor/Client design/Build?

[RCP]

Can't wait to see what you do!:2thumbsup:

[ChrWright]

This project is a collaboration with an Architect/Designer I often work with, Matt Harris.

[ChrWright]

When renovating a house of this age, you are likely to find the history of building materials over the past century. How well new technologies were adapted to the old usually determines how far things must be taken apart.

Unfortunately, what we most often find is a hodge podge of various mechanical and structural systems patched and spliced together hugger-mugger with little regard for safety or longevity. This has certainly been the case in this house thus far.

Our deconstruction started with the first floor and basement while the HO was still moving out. We are currently one week in, with 60 yards of plaster, lathe, floor coverings and miscellaneous debris removed.

Here are a few before photos of where we started from:

The sunroom--this space gets a new floor:
http://wrightworks.net/images/MKDSC_0330.JPG

Side stair hall:
http://wrightworks.net/images/MKDSC_0341.JPG

Existing kitchen. The pass through wall will be blown out to combine the two spaces. This kitchen area will be the new family room:
http://wrightworks.net/images/MKDSC_0349.JPG

Existing family room. This space will be reconfigured as the new kitchen. The stone floor is original, installed over a 2 1/2" mortar bed:
http://wrightworks.net/images/MKDSC_0370.JPG

[ChrWright]

The bump out space at the end of the old family room was added in the late 90s. We will remove the framing completely and extend and add to the block foundation for our addition.

http://wrightworks.net/images/MKDSC_0373.JPG

[WarnerConstInc.]

Are they keeping the stone floor in the new kitchen?

[ChrWright]

It's difficult to take pictures at the moment until we get some temp lights up, but here are some highlights found after taking apart the first floor:

I apologize for the quality of this pic. I went back to take a better photo and this header had fallen out. It was held up by only the nailed blocks on each end. You can see the cripples were hacked back to get it in place--and not a single nail attaches it to the king studs.

You can see the metal lathe on the kitchen side, which held an original subway tile wainscoting. It was left in place and drywalled over.

http://wrightworks.net/images/MKIMG00154.jpg

The household electrical system was originally knob and tube. As I've stressed before in other threads, you CANNOT tie new work to knob and tube wiring. The previous kitchen renovation could not possibly have been inspected, for reasons you are about to see:
http://wrightworks.net/images/MKIMG00195.jpg
http://wrightworks.net/images/MKIMG00147.jpg
http://wrightworks.net/images/MKIMG00202.jpg

[ChrWright]

Are they keeping the stone floor in the new kitchen?

It's coming out. The footprint of the room is being enlarged for the new plan.

[WarnerConstInc.]

It's coming out. The footprint of the room is being enlarged for the new plan.

That sucks for two reasons.

One, its pretty cool.

Two, that is a butt load of work then.


Dont be throwing away any good stuff there buddy!!

[ChrWright]

Here's a fun shot of the basement 1/2 bath. You can wash your hands and reset breakers at the same time:

http://wrightworks.net/images/MKIMG00112.jpg

Needless to say we are relocating the panel as part of the service burial.

[ChrWright]

Underneath the existing kitchen family room was a finished section of basement. The perimeter walls were furred in 2x2s with drywall and the ceiling was a dropped grid. After removing the grid ceiling, you can see the original higher ceiling above, and a mechanical mess of wires, ducts, and pipes. You can see an original ceiling mount radiator in one corner. Very cool, and probably weighs a ton.

http://wrightworks.net/images/dIMG_1002.JPG
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There are even bigger messes between the 1st and second floor, as well as a number of structural issues we'll have to correct.

[naptownCr]

That sucks for two reasons.

One, its pretty cool.

Two, that is a butt load of work then.


Dont be throwing away any good stuff there buddy!!

A lot of the old floors didn't have wire in them and are pretty easy to get up once you have a hole. If there's wire well better you than me.:2thumbsup:

[ChrWright]

That floor is already gone. No wire, and nice big chunks. :2thumbsup:

[naptownCr]

That floor is already gone. No wire, and nice big chunks. :2thumbsup:

Last one I took out was the same way. Digging bar lift a little smack with sledge and large chunk. The one I did was about 400 sf had it out and cleaned up in about 1/2 day with a helper wheeling it to the dumpster

[WarnerConstInc.]

That looks like the mess in my basement, only about 3' taller and a lot less spider webs and such.

[ChrWright]

They're usually not that bad--The hardest thing is getting started. Once you get a hole opened up you can smack it along the seams to get it to fracture into chunks.

[naptownCr]

They're usually not that bad--The hardest thing is getting started. Once you get a hole opened up you can smack it along the seams to get it to fracture into chunks.

The one I did was in a kitchen and they built the cabinets up with 6 1/" toekicks and taller and laid the floor around them. I had lots of pre made holes.

[OGStilts]

Anything interesting happening yet Chris?

[ChrWright]

I've not had time to do much posting.

Demolition/Deconstruction wrapped up early this week--a total of 4, 30 yard dumpters worth of debris taken out. We are framing on three levels--basement, main and 2nd floor--and the spaces all stack on each other. There's A LOT of structural work to be done, so we're starting from the basement and working our way up.

I have more photos, just need to get them off the camera--perhaps tomorrow.

I'll share these, though, that I took with my camera phone. When they first started putting cameras in phones I thought it was a HUGE joke. "Why on earth does anyone need a camera on their PHONE???" It's funny now, because I use mine nearly every day. In this case, I was able to slide the camera up in the joist bay and get a view I wouldn't have had otherwise.

The front bathroom was the last space to be demo-ed. It is below a third level attic bathroom that was done about 3 years ago I think. Now, tell me what you'd think if you looked up and saw this:

http://wrightworks.net/images/IMG00270.jpg

[Eieio]

i'd think some put a bathroom in an attic? what did you think?

[ChrWright]

You don't see anything curious about that piping?

[ChrWright]

The next bay to the right:

http://wrightworks.net/images/IMG00273.jpg

[Eieio]

You don't see anything curious about that piping?

Yeah its jacked up.. But I see that all the time here. someone's uncle, cousins brother did it.. It does not even stand out anymore.. I know it needs to be ripped out and started over..

Is that a vent of off the toilet Drain or another sink/tub drain??

[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/images/IMG00276.jpg
http://wrightworks.net/images/IMG00279.jpg
http://wrightworks.net/images/IMG00278.jpg

[ChrWright]

It's the lav drain... and that bathroom was JUST re-tiled 3 months ago...

[Eieio]

It's the lav drain... and that bathroom was JUST re-tiled 3 months ago...


Whats that black tubing stuff??

[ChrWright]

It's temporary sump pump pipe... And the direction of flow is toward the pvc--with a nice big belly in it...

Bubba done it good... :mad2:

[neolitic]

It's temporary sump pump pipe... And the direction of flow is toward the pvc--with a nice big belly in it...

Bubba done it good... :mad2:

You have no call to be showing
that to outsiders! :stunned:

[ChrWright]

I would like to clarify what's shown here. This thread is in the public domain, and at some point a homeowner will likely come across these photos and wonder what the big deal is.

All kidding aside, this plumbing is ridiculous. When I counsel prospective clients on setting a budget for a project, I always tell them it's just as foolish to spend too little as it is to spend too much. When you hire the lowest bidder, particularly one who is far and away lower than everyone else, this is typically the level of care you receive.

I have no idea who performed this work, but it wasn't a professional. He cut a huge corner here, and demonstrated a complete lack of care and respect for both his client and for the house he was working in. Unfortunately, there's a good reason for the somewhat checkered reputation our industry has among homeowners. The few bad apples put us all in a bad light and make the task of earning our clients' trust all the more difficult. Among them, of course, are those who flat out lie, cheat and steal. But there are also a great many more who care little for the end result of their labor beyond receiving the last draw check. By the time their shoddy work causes a problem, they're usually long gone.

If your bathroom was remodeled within the last 5-10 years and you have slow drains, rotting floors, low water pressure, or loose tile--it's very likely because the person who did the work had no business touching your house, or any house for that matter. The things which get buried within the walls and floor are just as important as the finishes you see everyday--in many cases MORE important. It makes no sense to invest so much on nice fixtures, cabinetry and tile--and then hire someone completely unqualified to install them.

Here's what would have happened if we'd not been remodeling the bathroom below, and found this shoddy work:

At some point, the lav sink would have stopped up. The drain is not sloped properly and thus it holds water. The corrugations would have collected hair and other junk and caused a clog. To fix it, the HO would probably have hired a drain cleaner who would have snaked the drain not knowing what it was made of. After shredding that very thin pipe, not only would there have been a huge mess--it would have cost THOUSANDS of dollars to tear that bathroom apart, find and fix the improper plumbing, and then put things back together again.

[Blue]

So is this the same HO that has suffered through the hack jobs or is this a new owner?

If so then that's a big commitment for a ex-bargain shopper.

[ChrWright]

No, the bathroom had already been remodeled before they moved in. The only work they had done was to have the floor changed from sheet vinyl to tile.

[WarnerConstInc.]

That is pretty creative.

THey fished the sump pump pipe through the old cast iron to get to where they had to be?

I have seen garden hoses used in walls/ceilings for a extension of a water line.

[ChrWright]

Some pictures from this week. We have completely demo-ed all of the floors to the bones on the first and second floor in order to get them level and properly supported. The old family room (which had the mud-bed stone floor) had a significant structural problem.

If you look at the rest of the pics, you'll see there are a number of other issues with the original framing, as well as some really hacked up stuff on the second floor from previous renovations.

http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1088.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1097.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1103.JPG
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[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1112.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1118.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1134.JPG

[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1136.JPG
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[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1224.JPG
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http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1231.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1243.JPG

[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1245.JPG

[WarnerConstInc.]

It didnt look soo bad untill I hit the second floor pictures.

Its like here a floor joist there a floor joist.

I love seeing where someone else just hacked part of something away and didnt do anymore than that.

Holy watch your step!!!

Just for fun you should put a firemans pole from the second story into the basement.

You have quite the project there sir.

Looking forward to cacthing a peek if I can when I am in Indy the end of the month.

[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1207.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1211.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1215.JPG

[Blue]

You just added an acre to the local landfill :grin:

Pretty good bones for 100 years of retrofitting. IMOH

[Eieio]

Chris what is your time line for this project?? How many SF is the house?

[ChrWright]

I have to be done by March 15. I am working on about 1500 sq ft. House is probably 6,000 or so.

[neolitic]

Plumbers should not be allowed to use
saws without adult supervision.

[Eieio]

Plumbers should not be allowed to use
saws without adult supervision.


:laugh3::laugh3: I swear I got the only plumber that knows now to work with or around framing.. God I love his crew

[ChrWright]

The blame goes to the GC. Most crap work like that gets done by the guy doing everything himself. Professional plumbers know better.

[neolitic]

The blame goes to the GC. Most crap work like that gets done by the guy doing everything himself. Professional plumbers know better.

There are far too many in new construction
who don't.
Back when that one was built notching
the tops seems to have been SOP.

[Blue]

There are far too many in new construction
who don't.
Back when that one was built notching
the tops seems to have been SOP.

LOL Why do you think old houses have creaky floors. That aint ghosts. It's the plumber's calling card.

[WarriorWithWood]

Chris,
I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time and allowing us to follow along. I know photographing and narrating everything can be time consuming.

It's looking like you have your work cut out for you and I can't wait to see the next batch of photo's. The HO is lucky to have someone like you doing this job.:2thumbsup:

[ChrWright]

Every single old house I have ever worked in has had hacked up floor joists, and the first culprit was always the original plumber. Before the age of power tools, it was a lot of work to drill even an 1 1/2" drain hole through the middle of a joist. It was far easier to saw two kerfs from the top and then knock out the meat with a hammer.

[WarnerConstInc.]

Can you blame them, that old wood is hard as a rock.

[ChrWright]

The first floor has has now been leveled.
http://wrightworks.net/images/DSC_0045.JPG

In the mean time, I had two guys finishing the basement framing. (no pics at the moment).

For the second floor, I decided it was too far gone to jack with sistering. Notching the new joists in would have been a huge pain, and it still wouldn't have gotten me to the deflection limit I need for that space (L/720). So, I decided to blow out the floor, solid fill between the plates, and bolt on an LVL ledger for an engineered floor.

Another benefit to this, is it gives me a level surface top and bottom. Sistering would have only given me a good floor upstairs, and I'd still have had to level the bottoms below.

The mess:
http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1243.JPG

The mess gone:
http://wrightworks.net/images/mIMG_0029.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/mIMG_0031.JPG

[ChrWright]

We also had to put in a double LVL beam to carry the weight of a new wall on the second floor:
http://wrightworks.net/images/mIMG_0035.JPG

At the time the house was built, the typical detail for supporting walls parallel to the floor system was to built a "beam" from two joists, spread by 3 1/2" blocks. You can see this detail at the bottom of this photo:
http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1088.JPG

The wall which stacked on these in this space was a load bearing wall for the ceiling joists on the second floor and for the attic space. We removed the 3 1/2" blocks to slip 2, 1 3/4" x 11 7/8 LVLs between the old joists.

[ChrWright]

Ledgers:
http://wrightworks.net/images/mIMG_0059.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/mIMG_0068.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/mIMG_0106.JPG

[nEighter]

awesome project Chris. I have absolutely no doubt this will be an amazing place once finished.

[Mike(VA)]

Chris, How close have you been on estimating so far, both for costs and time? Have you run into a lot of unexpected problems or have you priced it well enough to compensate for most of them? It always seems to me that the longer a job takes, the harder it is to estimate time and to account for the unexpected.

[ChrWright]

So far things are pretty much where I thought they'd be. I knew both floors would have to be completely rebuilt, and a beam would be required where we removed the partition between the old kitchen and old family room.

There have been a few quirks here and there, but nothing major.

[neolitic]

So far things are pretty much where I thought they'd be. I knew both floors would have to be completely rebuilt, and a beam would be required where we removed the partition between the old kitchen and old family room.

There have been a few quirks here and there, but nothing major.

That's good, cause you don't look
like a happy camper in the pix. :laugh4:

[ChrWright]

That's good, cause you don't look
like a happy camper in the pix. :laugh4:

Just a little impatient. My carpenter in the background, Eric, shot his temp blocks to the wall with about a dozen gun nails and had to pull out the sledge out to get the beam to go down a tick to level. :smash:

[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/images/mIMG_0118.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/mIMG_0212.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/mIMG_0219.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/mIMG_0220.jpg

[WarnerConstInc.]

I bet that is way nicer to walk on than the mess before.

[neolitic]

http://wrightworks.net/images/mIMG_0118.JPG



He makes my knees hurt just looking!

[ChrWright]

He makes my knees hurt just looking!

His name is Eric Burke, and he is one hell of a termite and a super nice guy. I'm damn lucky to have him.

[KitchenSync]

His name is Eric Burke, and he is one hell of a termite and a super nice guy. I'm damn lucky to have him.

Yup. When you get the good ones, you wonder how you ever got along before them.

It's sure coming along nicely.

[Eieio]

ok Chris whats up with the pics??

[ChrWright]

Sorry guys. I'm still trying to catch up on paperwork and appointments from being at the Remodeling Show last week. Framing is just about wrapped--only a few arches left to build. I think the guys finished decking the roof of the addition today.

I'll try to get by and snap a few tomorrow.

[ChrWright]

Sorry I've been tardy with the updates. Here are photos at the end of framing:

http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0429.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0435.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0537.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0460.JPG

[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0462.JPG
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http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0495.JPG

[ChrWright]

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http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0506.JPG
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[ChrWright]

Master Closet:
http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0571.JPG

Bed niche
http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0564.JPG

http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0582.JPG

http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0584.JPG

[ChrWright]

Vanity niche
http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0598.JPG

Water closet
http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0601.JPG

Shower, curb not yet set
http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0609.JPG

Linen closet
http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0613.JPG

[ChrWright]

Tub niche
http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0620.JPG

http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0643.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/frIMG_0663.JPG

[ChrWright]

In addition to what I posted last night, I was hoping to have pics of the French doors in today. Unfortunately, the masons set the limestone sills too high on the doubles... :smash:

[naptownCr]

What are you bending around the tub surround that requires framing 4" on center?

[ChrWright]

My carpenter went a little overboard there, but I'm not going to complain about it. The shower and tub alcoves both get a mosaic tile so I'd rather have more than less.

[WarnerConstInc.]

In addition to what I posted last night, I was hoping to have pics of the French doors in today. Unfortunately, the masons set the limestone sills too high on the doubles... :smash:

Only about another 40 bucks extra in lumber!!

At least you wont have to worry about them over working that wall when the couple of the house "break-in" that new tub!!

No call backs!!:laugh3:

[orson]

Is that 3/4 OSB over 16OC I-joist for the floor system in the bathroom?

What kind of flooring is it getting?

[ChrWright]

3/4" osb over 2 1/2"x11 7/8" i-joists @ 12" o.c. for L/720 +... Gets a stone floor (slate).

[ChrWright]

The vanity will be custom with turned legs. The window is to be covered with a tall framed mirror.

[ChrWright]

This is the Bisazza glass mosaic tile that goes in the curved alcoves of the master bath:

http://annporter.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/summer_flower.jpg

[ChrWright]

Haven't posted on this one in awhile, here's an update and some anecdotes.

We're finally wrapping up mechanicals this week. We added a new HVAC system for the addition and remodeled areas, and eliminated some of the radiators.

The house was originally knob and tube and in addition to rewiring all of the remodeled areas, we are now re-wiring the rest of the house (not in the original scope).

Mistake: We buried the service to the house (200 amps) and set a new remote meter and disconnect on the back of the garage. This was BEFORE we decided to add the new HVAC system (forced air electric heat and A/C). Our original HVAC plan was to relocate some radiators, extend an existing forced air cooling system, and supplement the heat to the addition with an electric radiant system. Adding a new furnace/AC was more efficient, but it put us over on amps and we had to dig and bury an additional 200 amp service from the garage. It was something I should have contemplated (along with the electrician), so I ate the cost of the re-trenching.

Inspection: The inspection process in Indy is night and day from where it was 5 years ago. Back then, there was an 80% chance I'd never see an inspector on a remodel project unless there was foundation work involved. They've added staff, added technology, and streamlined their processes at code enforcement so that now I see someone pretty much every time. The inspector covering our area has been dropping by occasionally to look in on things. Once while training a new guy, and 4 or 5 other times just to see what was going on. His visits have actually helped a lot. With such a large renovation, we have to bring the house to current fire codes. He's pointed out specific areas we might have missed in that regard, as well as a few other things he noticed while looking around. (He also red tagged an un-permited job across the street).

Mistake #2: The floor framing for the master bath is I-joists, 12" o.c. with 2 1/2" flanges. In order to fit his register boot the HVAC guy "slightly" notched the flanges of two joists. Yes, that's a no-no--and the inspector caught it on one of his drop-ins. Two more I-joists and $100 in hangers later it's fixed. :smash:

My concrete guy got most of the terrace, porch, and steps in before the weather turned--but we'll have to wait for warmer weather for a small section of steps off of the addition.

We're working on getting the cabinets ordered for the kitchen. There will be a combination of stock and custom cabinets which make up the kitchen, mud room, bar, breakfast/desk area, boy's bath, and master bath. I'm excited to see the island made--a custom design with inside radius corners in mahogany (crotch panels for the doors). We've done very well on the rest of the ordered fixtures and finishes, and most of them are already here.

The owners have been very excited at seeing their house come together. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. Working for an excited, appreciative client is about the best damn thing in the world for a contractor (especially when they move out during the renovation!)

[angus242]

The owners have been very excited at seeing their house come together. Sometimes I have to pinch myself. Working for an excited, appreciative client is about the best damn thing in the world for a contractor (especially when they move out during the renovation!)

:clap:

Hope nothing but smooth sailing from here on out!

[WarnerConstInc.]

Did they keep the cable on for you while they moved out?

[nEighter]

You the man Chris! Awesome to be appreciated. Can't wait to see pics :2thumbsup:

[ChrWright]

Did they keep the cable on for you while they moved out?

As in TV? Lol... Probably. But the lines have been down to the house for months now. :laugh3:

[WarnerConstInc.]

I like watching cable while running base. Puts me in the right spot.

[ChrWright]

We passed framing and mechanicals inspection yesterday.

Insulation started today, and will be complete on Monday.

The exterior walls have ZERO insulation, which is typical for the age of the house. We are drilling all of the exterior plaster walls and blowing in cellulose. Hopefully I'll have some new pics in a week or so once the drywall is up.

[ChrWright]

We passed framing and mechanicals inspection yesterday.

Insulation started today, and will be complete on Monday.

The exterior walls have ZERO insulation, which is typical for the age of the house. We are drilling all of the exterior plaster walls and blowing in cellulose. Hopefully I'll have some new pics in a week or so once the drywall is up.

[neolitic]

Feels so nice'
he says it twice! :laugh4:

[ChrWright]

LOL...

Forum hickup... It does feel nice though. I think I'll leave it. :2thumbsup:

[neolitic]

Looks like this week is your
window for exterior work!

I'm not so sure I'm as happy
about increased presence of
inspectors, until I'm convinced
that there is a corresponding increase
in IQ levels....

[ChrWright]

This inspector is very good. He's been on my projects in that area for a few years now and I've noticed he sees a little more each time. Clearly they are taking steps to educate them downtown.

Marion County's division of compliance has undergone steady improvement over the past several years under Rick Powers. (Now that all business licensing has been consolidated, it's called the Office of Code Enforcement).

He came by our NARI meeting this past week to address the news article the week before on business licensing cost increases being considered. He's coming back next month to talk a little more about that, and about other ongoing improvements/changes to their office (and to address the possibility of RRP Rule oversight).

Our inspection force has been made completely mobile this past year, and I'm guessing that's another reason we're seeing them on-site and in the neighborhood more. They now conduct all of their paperwork from networked computers in their trucks. According to Rick this puts them in the field another 3 hours every day.

We still don't have a certificate of occupancy requirement, but as I understand it that's on the horizon in the near future.

[WarnerConstInc.]

Really? No certification of occupancy?

I get one for every deck I build in the county, funny stuff.

[neolitic]

I need to get up to speed on
this new "pre-permit review" deal.

[Sinclair]

The pictures of the remodel are looking good. I live up in Noblesville and always love driving down Meridian and around that area. There's a lot of beautiful homes with some needing a little love. It's good to see your helping with the love part.

[ChrWright]

I haven't posted anything since mechanicals, so I took some shots today before the cabinets arrived.

We're almost complete with the trim (just waiting for some 7/0 doors that were stuck in Virginia this week because of the snow.)

We're also moving right along on the tile.

http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0912.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0913.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0914.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0917.JPG

[Blue]

looks good so far. they should have went with more cans!!



.

[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0922.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/Basedetail.jpg
http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0921.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0925.JPG

[ChrWright]

New Sunroom Floor:

http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0931.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0932.JPG

Second Floor Landing:

http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0934.JPG

http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0938.JPG

[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0945.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0946.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0947.JPG

[ChrWright]

looks good so far. they should have went with more cans!!



.

I'm sure the green police/can light haters will be along anytime now, lol.

Several of those are pendants, though... and some speakers.

[WarnerConstInc.]

I bet it is a crowded house about now.

You don't re-finish your own floors do you?

The bevel on the arch is a nice touch, the tile in the sunroom is cool.

[ChrWright]

2 hardwood guys (sub), 6 guys of mine, plus a cabinet guru I've got helping hang the kitchen and bar cabs. Yep, full house.

If my doors show up on Tuesday like they're supposed to, I'll have the painters in to start prep for finish on Wednesday.

My drywall guys did a phenomenal job with the arches. The angled corners were a stock plastic corner bead--but they took a lot of work to get the edges sharp.

[nEighter]

looks great man. Seriously.

[SLS-Construction]

I can't wait to see it finished - nice job Chris :2thumbsup:

[OGStilts]

Looks good Chris. How about you turn the heat on, that carpenter's head looks cold.

[neolitic]

Looking Great! http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu61/neoliticman/smilieclap.gif

Were your guys frightened by
the sudden appearance of that
yellow disk in the sky yesterday?


I was temporarily disoriented myself.

[WarnerConstInc.]

That sun yesterday was melting snow on the roof while I was trying to install soffet and fascia, boooooo!!!

[ChrWright]

It's a gorgeous day today as well--if only it were about 30 degrees warmer we might get rid of all this snow.

Give me Spring.

[ltconstruction]

Hey Christopher,
Nice looking photos

[ChrWright]

Spent the day installing glass mosaic tile to one of the radius alcoves in the master bath:

D3mJGPIADTs

[nEighter]

outstanding.

[RCP]

Very nice! :2thumbsup:

[ChrWright]

Hardwoods were stained on the second floor Friday: (The I-Joists are walk boards, we're still fine tuning the plaster on the ceiling where we had to move a box for the chandelier).

http://wrightworks.net/HdwdIMG_0284.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/HdwdIMG_0285.JPG

A shot of the glass mosaic mural from the video above:
http://wrightworks.net/IMG_0259.JPG

[ChrWright]

Organized chaos in the kitchen, family room, butler pantry:
http://wrightworks.net/IMG_0289.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/IMG_0293.JPG

Wine fridge in the center:
http://wrightworks.net/barIMG_0297.JPG

Mudroom cabinets being installed at the end of the hall. Parts closest are to the desk area:
http://wrightworks.net/HallIMG_0287.JPG

[SLS-Construction]

Outstanding work there Chris

[ChrWright]

Cornices being built for the butler pantry:

[ChrWright]

Wall cabs in the butler pantry area:

[ChrWright]

Kitchen area:

[ChrWright]

Update:

2nd floor hardwoods are completely finished, except for master bedroom. We've been keeping them out of there while we finish the tile.

First floor hardwoods are stained. Should be done Friday.

Kitchen cabinets are done until we get some parts/additions next week.

Master tile is done now, just have to grout the shower.

Should be trimming out next week, if I can stay out of the painter's way.

[WarnerConstInc.]

When's basketball start?:laugh3:

[LivinTheDream]

Looking very, very nice Chris. Excellent work!

[ChrWright]

When's basketball start?:laugh3:

Basketball?

[WarnerConstInc.]

Basketball?

I thought that was the house that had to be done for March madness.

Like he was an attorney for something like that.

[ChrWright]

I thought that was the house that had to be done for March madness.

Like he was an attorney for something like that.

Ahhh...now I get it. Yes, you're correct.

Move in is week after next. We're looking good. Hardwoods are nearly done, painters are cruising, and we got the first batch of countertops this week.

We're grouting the last bit of tile today (master shower).

I'll take some pics this afternoon.

[ChrWright]

Our homeowners moved in last Thursday and it's been a whirlwind trying to wrap things up. Killed me on overtime last week--but we got them in and the house in functional.

Outside paint is being wrapped up today and we are adding some additional concrete terraces to the wrap around the pool and addition.

The kitchen island was fabricated by a local artisan (as was the master vanity). I picked up the carcasses yesterday and hope to have them installed today. The doors are crotch mahogany veneer panels and they are coming from a custom veneer shop. Should have them next week.

I'll try to post some pics of move-in day and this weeks' work tonight.

[ChrWright]

Final coat on kitchen hardwoods:

[ChrWright]

Shots from move-in day:

Desk area in breakfast room, pantry/storage cabinets in kitchen, lock sets being installed to French doors, powder bath in addition.

[WarnerConstInc.]

Is that a Bona product?

It is a water based one isn't it?

[ChrWright]

More from move-in.

Mudroom cabs, Pantry (shelving system wasn't here yet), dining room, butler pantry.

[ChrWright]

More shots:

Sunroom--radiators set to go back in, living room, boy's bedroom, guest bedroom.

[ChrWright]

More shots--boy's bath:

View from the door, bath enclosure, counter mess, moving truck outside.

[ChrWright]

More:

Boys bedrooms, 2nd floor landing--guest bedroom and service stair landing, view of service stairs to third floor

[ChrWright]

Is that a Bona product?

It is a water based one isn't it?

Yeah, I believe it's Bona Traffic.

[RCP]

Beautiful home! I love the lines/curves in the bathroom.

[neolitic]

More shots--boy's bath:

View from the door, bath enclosure, counter mess, moving truck outside.

I'm a sucker for that tile scheme. http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu61/neoliticman/smilie/smiliethumbsup.gif

[WarnerConstInc.]

Yeah, I believe it's Bona Traffic.

That is great stuff. Goes on fast, drys fast and is tough as nails.

[WarnerConstInc.]

I'm a sucker for that tile scheme. http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu61/neoliticman/smilie/smiliethumbsup.gif

Just because you remember when that combo got its start.:laugh3:

[ChrWright]

It's been awhile since I've posted. The interiors are down to a few minor punches, and several light fixtures that have were back-ordered.

In the mean time, we've built a new screen porch on the back and are pouring some additional concrete terraces this coming week.

I hope to take finish pics of the interiors within the next two weeks.

[neolitic]

Is it just a trick of the light,
or does the brickwork show
an earlier addition?

[WarnerConstInc.]

Is it just a trick of the light,
or does the brickwork show
an earlier addition?

To the right of the screen porch where the mortar looks different?

[neolitic]

Yup........

[ChrWright]

We tore off an old screenporch, and the brick was painted in that area. You're seeing the line of the old porch.

[RemodelGuy]

Looks great Chris

[ChrWright]

Took a ton of pics today. Here are a few to start:

Crotch mahogany island:
http://wrightworks.net/images/brbIMG_0365.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/brbIMG_0328.JPG

http://wrightworks.net/images/brbIMG_0370.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/brbIMG_0381.JPG

[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/images/brbIMG_0131.JPG

[ChrWright]

Master bath:

http://wrightworks.net/images/1brbIMG_0254.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/1brbIMG_0495.JPG

http://wrightworks.net/images/1brbIMG_0317.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/1brbIMG_0477.JPG

[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/images/1brbIMG_0488.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/1brbIMG_0410.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/1brbIMG_0397.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/1brbIMG_0387.JPG

[neolitic]

Master bath:

http://wrightworks.net/images/1brbIMG_0477.JPG

Finally!
Some vessel sinks that make
sense to me. http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu61/neoliticman/smilie/smiliethumbsup.gif

[WarnerConstInc.]

What is that bottom shower head for?

[kevjob]

WOW, very imrpressive Chris, beautiful tile work as usual. You do get all the fun projects! :grin:

[ChrWright]

What is that bottom shower head for?

There are 4 volume controls on the valve side, which feed the main shower head, the ceiling rain head, the hand spray, and three body sprays.

[ChrWright]

The doors on the vanity are bottom hinged--we don't have the hardware yet but I believe they'll be a bar pulls so you can hang a towel on them.

[WarnerConstInc.]

It is like 8" off the floor?!?!

[kevjob]

Come on warner use your imagination,:idea: we make sure the handheld reaches the bench with some slack.:laugh3:

[neolitic]

What is that bottom shower head for?

Foot massage.

[WarnerConstInc.]

Foot massage.

If you stand up in the shower, all the soap runs down to your feet anyways, so why bother with the head for your feet.

I barley spend 5 minutes in the shower, I could get by with a warm bucket with a hose out the bottom.

Now I could see me using that bottom head to really get my undercarriage cleaned up good though.

[neolitic]

There is a bench.
I'm pretty sure it wasn't designed
with you in mind.


In the summer you just run
through the car wash behind
stranger's cars?

[WarnerConstInc.]

There is a bench.
I'm pretty sure it wasn't designed
with you in mind.


In the summer you just run
through the car wash behind
stranger's cars?


I tried that but those one spinney brushes kind of hurt.

[SLS-Construction]

Took a ton of pics today. Here are a few to start:


I hate you :laugh3:

As always Chris, beutiful work :2thumbsup:

Going for a clean sweep with the COTY this year?

[RCP]

Breathtaking! That shower is beautiful and functional, the lady of the house will think of you fondly every time she shaves her legs!;)

[neolitic]

Breathtaking! That shower is beautiful and functional, the lady of the house will think of you fondly every time she shaves her legs!;)

That whole thing is just loaded.....

[RCP]

That whole thing is just loaded.....

LOL, and I didn't even mention the multiple showerheads!;)

[ChrWright]

Videos of the bath:

be0b20399bac43b08307665c4ed63b94

c46b14ce580e4baa93bb45ec911469df

d843d1f7381a4822a0fd60e69edd4fc3

[WarnerConstInc.]

They were cool about covering the windows with that mirror huh?

It is one big mirror right?

[ChrWright]

They were cool about covering the windows with that mirror huh?

It is one big mirror right?

Yeah, there's plenty of light from the 4 single casements and it worked for the plan better to cover it. It's actually made in two pieces to look like it runs through.

[ChrWright]

More Vids:

09b8694174004891b0338f0238533225

98b6ac5a114e408a9e9cf6e43f06cc6d

(The cat's name is Petunia...The kids call her Tuna... lol)

0cf3960273d849b198579bb454f6824e

52f35609a930454babc378e61403b268

[ChrWright]

The kitchen:

http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen1.jpg
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen2.jpg
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen4.jpg
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen3.jpg

[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen5.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen15.jpg
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen7.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen18.JPG

[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen13.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen14.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen20.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen22.JPG

[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen24.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen25.jpg
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen28.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen26.jpg

[WarnerConstInc.]

Love the beveled edge arch, why do the cabinets stop like an 1 1/2" from the ceiling?

That will be a dirty mess on top of those things.

[neolitic]

Very nice, as usual! http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu61/neoliticman/smilie/smiliethumbsup.gif
I like the beveled corners too.
Was that an original detail
in the house?

90% of the people I know would
have frightened by the piece of stone
they chose for the island.
Dramatic though, did the HO or
the designer choose it?

[ChrWright]

Love the beveled edge arch, why do the cabinets stop like an 1 1/2" from the ceiling?

That will be a dirty mess on top of those things.

I believe it was just a factor of the proportion of the crown trims. I kinda like the shadow line. The ceiling height is an odd dimension.


Very nice, as usual! http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu61/neoliticman/smilie/smiliethumbsup.gif
I like the beveled corners too.
Was that an original detail
in the house?

90% of the people I know would
have frightened by the piece of stone
they chose for the island.
Dramatic though, did the HO or
the designer choose it?

We matched the new arches to the existing details in the house. There were five archways when we started. The one by the butler pantry is new, and the one from the side entry to the kitchen (first pic) was only 6" or so deep and we extended it.

We added another on the second floor landing, and one over the bath vanity. The vanity arch is slightly different with a flat across the top to accomodate the can lights.

The designer chose the granite. It's a gorgeous piece of stone, but I agree you would think it might be Fra-G-Lay.

[ChrWright]

Before:
http://wrightworks.net/images/MKDSC_0341.JPG

During:
http://wrightworks.net/images/DSC_0006.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/IMG_0416.JPG

After:
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen1.jpg

[ChrWright]

Gotta give some props to my drywaller, Don Corvaia. He's done several projects for me that required plaster work and details like these arches. He did a phenomenal job on all of the arches--but getting this one perfect took a lot of care.

[ChrWright]

Before:
http://wrightworks.net/images/BefDSC_0361.JPG

During:
http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1088.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1103.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/zIMG_1207.JPG

[ChrWright]

http://wrightworks.net/images/IMG_0461.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/BefIMG_0456.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/qIMG_0911.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/IMG_0289.JPG

[ChrWright]

After:
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen21.JPG
http://wrightworks.net/images/MeridianKessler2010Kitchen23.JPG

[ChrWright]

8e80f3f8376845d9825f105d1b4d4d7f

[kevjob]

Awesome work and video, love that running bond! SO i gotta know how many jobs a year can you do like that one and if appropriate ballpark costs.

[ChrWright]

This project took about 7 months. In that time we completed several other projects at the same time of various sizes.

At the moment, I have one project of this size under way. I have another going about half as big, plus a master bath. I'll send you a PM on the cost.

[ChrWright]

Just getting around to doing some video progressions from this project:

7hz-DqJpQdU

[bconley]

Very nice.
Did you do the video yourself? if so how (what program)?

[ChrWright]

Very nice.
Did you do the video yourself? if so how (what program)?

Thanks.

I used Microsoft Movie Maker (I think it's called Windows Live Movie Maker Now).

They've made some very good improvements to it since I first started using it. It's very simple to use and has a lot of good transition and effects options.

I'm just starting to experiment with it using live action video. Up to now I've only done photo slideshows with it.

[KennMacMoragh]

Thanks.

I used Microsoft Movie Maker (I think it's called Windows Live Movie Maker Now).

They've made some very good improvements to it since I first started using it. It's very simple to use and has a lot of good transition and effects options.

I'm just starting to experiment with it using live action video. Up to now I've only done photo slideshows with it.

How did you get it to pan? Did you make the whole video with still photographs? Or did you record with video as well?

[ChrWright]

How did you get it to pan? Did you make the whole video with still photographs? Or did you record with video as well?

The video above is all stills. There are about 30 pan and zoom animation options you can apply to stills within that program.

I created a JPG for the opening and closing slides, the rest are still photos.

[stefan s]

Wow Chris. Nice work on your Indianapolis remodeling (http://www.angieslist.com/companylist/indianapolis/remodeling.htm) project. I actually live on the northwest side of Indianapolis and know that area quite well. I golf nearby and enjoy eating outside in Broadripple during the summer months. By just looking at the inside photos, you would think this was a new build up north in Carmel or Geist. Kudos on the good work! I really enjoyed this thread.

[Greg from K/W]

That is incredible work Chriss. Way to go.

[ChrWright]

Thanks guys.