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Big Black Dog: Metamorphosis Monday -- And 2 1/2 years of my Life

May 3, 2009

Metamorphosis Monday -- And 2 1/2 years of my Life





My husband decided he wanted to remodel the house. I did not want to do it.

We have done major remodels on every house we've ever lived in. I still did not want to do it.

But eventually, after much nagging, I agreed. I thought if you just flipped the existing dining room and kitchen it would work out well. We also needed to replace windows, interior and exterior doors, add interior trim and a few other odds and ends. Probably about a 6-month job, so very doable and the end result would be wonderful. Even knowing I would like the end result, I really did not want to do it.

Then my husband decided he wanted to put on an addition. Okay, a nice, large family room would be nice! And I could finally have a "square" family room instead of the rectangular waste of space rooms I usually have to work around. Then sweetie-pie that he is decided the addition should be a 2-story addition with an extra deep basement. It was now out of control. I was getting a knot in my stomach. I really did not want to do it.

Then he decided he wanted to rip the roof off and change the pitch. The shallow pitch of the existing roof screamed 60's colonial. Actually changing the roof line was my idea but we in so deep now it really did not make much difference. I knew who was going to be responsible to get the job done. I did not want to do it.

My husband also thought it would be a good idea if we lived in the house during the all the construction. And this would include my 3 Rottweilers and 3 cats. At this point I was numb and thinking "just shoot me now".

Over the next 2 1/2 years we did a total gut of our existing home inside and out. Not only a new roof but a new roof line. Added a 20' by 50' 2-story addition including an extra deep basement. All new windows, interior doors and exterior doors, siding, new chimney, new garage doors, new interior/exterior lighting, all new plumbing, all new ductwork, new appliances, 2 new fireplace, new kitchen cabinets, plumbing, 2 new furnaces, hot water heater, patio, wrap-around porch, 4 baths gutted plus added 2 addition full bathrooms, new hardwood floors, new carpeting and the list goes on and on and on.

We began breaking ground on Jun 26, 2006 and the last day for my finish carpenter was Nov 28, 2008.

And I did it all.

I not only designed the house which took me a good 6 months but GC'd the entire 2 1/2 year construction project from breaking ground for the addition to the last trim on our wrap-around covered porch. I lost over 30 lbs. And was down to High School Graduation weight, 102 lbs, when the construction concluded.




Here's our simple, ugly house before.











And so it began with the messy, gawd awful concrete foundation:









And then the carpenters got to work:





















And Finally!

Here's our house as it stands today. We still need to do some landscaping but that's all.

It's done....I'm done. ;)



House Sep 08-1




Metamorphosis Monday is hosted by Susan of Between Naps on the Porch. Please visit Susan's site and find some new ideas, renovations and remodeling that are being freely shared by so many gracious and highly creative people.



All Rights Reserved 2008-9 © Big Black Dog

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45 Comments:

Blogger Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh my word the transformation is unbelievable. I am in awe. What a gorgeous home and that porch is just wonderful. You did a fantastic job and your home is totally stunning. Hugs, Marty

May 3, 2009 at 10:29 PM  
Blogger Kammy said...

Hi Michelle,

Quick call the paramedics ! LOL as my jaw is on the floor from looking
at your Metamorphosis - I am speachless ! I just don't know what to say....it is so beautiful-
and I am just a wee jealous ! We have been flipping our house - but with just the existing inside - haven't added on or done anything to the outside...yet....I told my
husband I WILL NEVER DO THIS AGAIN ! So much work - although I
love everything we have done so far ! I am sure you are so in love with your beautiful home now....I really enjoyed seeing your
post, thanks for sharing !
Hugs ~ Kammy

May 3, 2009 at 10:34 PM  
Anonymous Amy said...

OK, you win the best Metamorphosis Monday, hands down. ;) The transformation is just incredible, and your house is gorgeous. I can't imagine what a pain it must have been, but the finished project is just stunning! Great job!

May 3, 2009 at 10:45 PM  
Blogger Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Congratulations...you did a wonderful job...can't even imagine how much money you saved by being your own contractor, designer, etc. Now you can enjoy it...

May 3, 2009 at 11:15 PM  
Blogger Fifi Flowers said...

Your home is FAB!!!

May 4, 2009 at 1:36 AM  
Blogger Keetha Broyles said...

Oh my, that really is unbelievable!!!! No WONDER you didn't want to go through it, though now that it's finished, I'm sure you will ALL enjoy it!!!

I have a friend who is married to an architect. They added a second story to a one story house - - - afterwards she said she wouldn't recommend that to ANYONE it was such a mess. But their finished product was lovely also.

May 4, 2009 at 4:10 AM  
Blogger NKP said...

Holy Moley! What a gorgeous home! I can't belive you designed and GC'd the whole thing!
Can I move in?

May 4, 2009 at 5:59 AM  
Blogger KBeau said...

Oh my gosh, that is so beautiful, but I can't believe you lived in it during the construction.

You may have found a new career. When I became the GC for our new house construction in 1991, it launched a new career for me in residential construction and remodeling. I've been at it ever since, but I've never lived in a house while it was being remodeled.

In fact, I just hate having to put my own customers through the inconvenience of ripping out their kitchen or master bathroom.

May 4, 2009 at 6:52 AM  
Blogger Dawn said...

What a gorgeous home you now have! I'll be you're glad to be done with it!!!

Hugs from Eventually Cottage!

May 4, 2009 at 7:13 AM  
Blogger Tiffany said...

Holy Cow, that is an amazing transformation!

May 4, 2009 at 7:38 AM  
Blogger Sherrie said...

I hate remodels too... but this is truly gorgeous!! How wonderful you must feel every time you show this off! Beautiful :0)
Thank you for visiting.
~Sherrie

May 4, 2009 at 7:58 AM  
Blogger Carrie said...

What a marvel...the house has been transformed into a truly handsome and interesting dwelling!

May 4, 2009 at 8:03 AM  
Blogger xinex said...

Wow! That's a huge change and a lot of work but so pretty it turned out to be. I betcha you are enjoying all that extra space! Great job!..Christine

May 4, 2009 at 8:51 AM  
Blogger Jeff said...

I hate remodels too. Mine are a lot smaller scale than yours like maybe moving cabinets. However, it always seems I get started, distracted, and then have to come back a year later to finish it.

Nicely done and looks flipping amazing! That is not a metamorphosis but a brand new house.

May 4, 2009 at 9:26 AM  
Blogger Maria said...

Wow, your house is beautiful. I bet you are so happy to have it done!!

May 4, 2009 at 9:42 AM  
Blogger Debbie said...

What a gorgeous house, you should be so proud. I would love to see more of your house since it is finished. Thanks for coming by my blog, come again anytime. Debbie

May 4, 2009 at 9:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OMG!!!!!That's all I can say - it's gorgeous! I would love to have your porch. Absolutely unbelievable! Can you come do that at my house?

p.s. Please visit my blog - I'm having a few giveaways!

May 4, 2009 at 9:53 AM  
Anonymous Christi @ A Southern Life said...

Wow, just a breathtaking transformation. You not only transformed the house, you transformed yourself. Absolutely stunning!

May 4, 2009 at 9:58 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WOW! WHat a fabulous transformation!! I bet you are just so happy with it now even though you started by digging you heel in not wanting to!!!

Stunning!

blessings
mary

May 4, 2009 at 9:59 AM  
Anonymous katrina said...

Wow! What a before-and-after! Looks gorgeous and so happy it's done ( tho, you do realize, houses are never "done", right?) :)

May 4, 2009 at 10:09 AM  
Blogger Nancy/n.o.e said...

I love construction and remodeling, but I've never been my own GC. You took on quite a project, and what a beautiful result! And no wonder you lost weight - living there with no kitchen, lol.

May 4, 2009 at 10:11 AM  
Blogger toontz said...

The new porch itself is worth the headache! Beautiful. What is with the homes with the dinky front "porch"? I just have an ugly slab - but at least it never pretended to be anything but an ugly slab, lol! I had to laugh reading this post. My father was constantly remodeling our home growing up. When I was in high school, they decided to move. The one thing my mother said was "I want to move into a FINISHED house...no remodeling needed." Well, of course that didn't happen. They got such a deal on a house that was partially done (contractor ran out of cash) that they couldn't pass it up. I think my father finally got done doing what he wanted about 5 years before he passed away. But it is a wonderful home.

May 4, 2009 at 10:12 AM  
Blogger Amy said...

Your house is just amazing. I just can't believe how gorgeous it is. I can relate to the stress of home projects. We have had many additions to homes we have lived in, but...I gained weight during them! Oh no! :) Amy

May 4, 2009 at 10:18 AM  
Blogger Elle said...

It's breathtaking! What a gorgeous home! Now, can you come and do mine? hehehe!

May 4, 2009 at 10:20 AM  
Blogger susan said...

I don't know what the prize is, but you win! The house is amazing ( and I hate that word; think it's so overused) But this is HGTV amazing! I hope you have eaten your way back in that gorgeous creation...you've earned it ( and a good long rest :)!

May 4, 2009 at 10:31 AM  
Blogger The Muse said...

It is a pleasure to meet you!
And nice to see that you have survived! (are you wiser?) LOL
Oh goodness, it is a heart wrenching, soul testing event~is it not? Now repeat after me...
NEVER AGAIN
NEVER AGAIN
(well, unless the house speaks to you) LOL

May 4, 2009 at 11:08 AM  
Blogger Painter's Place said...

This is just beautiful...and your hubby suggested it! I can't wait to see the inside of it. I love your header. It's beautiful too!!

May 4, 2009 at 11:18 AM  
Blogger Lori E said...

My, my, my you have been busy. I just love it when a plan comes together. I would like permission please to live in your kitchen so I can sleep next to that stove of yours. I will even cook some of the meals.

May 4, 2009 at 11:27 AM  
Blogger Lori E said...

BTW I tried clicking on Archie to follow you on twitter but it just goes to my twitter page not yours. What is your twitter name?

May 4, 2009 at 11:32 AM  
Blogger Michelle said...

Lori,

Thanks for letting me know about my twitter follow not working.

My twitter is @BigBlackDogs

Thanks again and I've fixed it...I hope!

May 4, 2009 at 11:42 AM  
Blogger Nancy said...

This is fantastic! You did such a good job. Wonderful!

May 4, 2009 at 11:59 AM  
Blogger Sarah said...

Oh my Gawd! That is amazing! What a huge transformation!!!

May 4, 2009 at 1:00 PM  
Blogger Pinky said...

Somebody call HGTV.....NOW!!!!!!! You definitely get the prize for the best MM, the best transformation, the MOST patience, etc., etc.!!!!!!!! Gosh, I am SOOOO jeal;oys BUT would have gone crazy while it was happening. Now....PLEASE show us the INSIDE!!!!!!! Purty please???? Hugs, Pinky

May 4, 2009 at 2:28 PM  
Blogger Pinky said...

PS, that porch is my DREAM!!!!!!! Oh! Be still my heart!

May 4, 2009 at 2:29 PM  
Blogger Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Beautiful! Just think if you would have never gone down this road...never got all this accomplished. It is amazing how lovely the transformation was...and your still alive...blogging. We love posts like this!
Blessings,
Debbie

May 4, 2009 at 2:36 PM  
Blogger artis1111 said...

Oh how beautiful!!! JUST BEAUTIFUL!!! Kathy

May 4, 2009 at 3:50 PM  
Blogger Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

That is a huge transformation! Doesn't even look like the same house...Wow! I bet you are loving it! It looks wonderful from the outside...I'm with Pinky...we need the inside tour now! :-) Susan

May 4, 2009 at 3:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will never, ever complain about my little renovation again. 2 and one half years? You are a saint. You didn't have the Rotties then did you?
Everything I have seen is so beautiful, and I look forward to all of your future posts Michelle.

May 4, 2009 at 5:33 PM  
Blogger Janis said...

So beautiful! You have a lot to be proud of: design, GC, living in a construction site.... It's just as well that you bit the bullet and went for all the changes you wanted in one l-o-n-g fell swoop. Now you'll be wondering what to do with all your "spare" time!

Thanks for sharing!

May 4, 2009 at 5:46 PM  
Blogger Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Holy cow! That is magazine-worthy....call HGTV! I think ever agonizing moment was worth it - GORGEOUS! Linda

May 4, 2009 at 8:00 PM  
Blogger Elyse said...

Wow! What a transformation. Great job, Michelle! I'm so impressed. Everything looks absolutely great. And I can't believe you GC'ed the whole thing. So impressive! You've got quite a magnificent home!

May 4, 2009 at 10:02 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Absolutely beautiful transformation... But what I keep going back to is your blog banner... is that your kitchen stove? Its just really beautiful!
~Really Rainey~

May 4, 2009 at 10:10 PM  
Blogger Lisa (aka) French said...

OMG what a transformation your home is beautiful!!!! French;)

May 5, 2009 at 8:13 AM  
Blogger TeaLady said...

That transformation is fantastic. You took a nondescript house and turned it into a beautiful home. Great job!!!! And you didn't want to do it.....

May 6, 2009 at 3:45 PM  
Anonymous Kayte said...

OMW, I am absolutely speechless...this is so gorgeous! Wonderful job...you are to be applauded!

May 6, 2009 at 5:58 PM  

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