Replacement Basement Windows

We had to do something about replacement basement windows in this house. After looking at the neighbourhood, we realized other houses had trouble finding replacements too. The main windows and doors had all been replaced, but we needed to find these 30 x 11.5 inch windows.

They were in an aluminum frame, that was load bearing, so could not be removed. Every window company we contacted said they "don't make them anymore" They would try and get us interested in bigger ones, which would require huge expense and window wells, which was just plain stupid.

Finally, after an exhaustive search, we were going to have to create our own storm windows to cover these basement windows and stop the cold drafts. We had gone to a lot of trouble to add more insulation and replace the furnace, but the basement was freezing! These windows had huge gaps. Then while we were in Home Depot, for another reason, I thought I would whine to the window guy there, and he frowned and took me to a shelf FILLED with these replacement basement windows! The label even says, to replace aluminum framed basement windows. The size was perfect, they might as well of had our name on them. They were also on sale for $102.00 each, and Adair installed them very quickly. So, much for the window companies!

Renew The Hardwood Floor

The hardwood floors in this house, were not in the best shape, especially upstairs. Many stains and just not good colour. We decided to clean the upstairs the best we could and then had it all carpeted.

But the living room, we wanted to save. Our budget could not justify the $3.00 per square foot we had been quoted to have it sanded, stained and varathaned. So, we decided to try this product from Home Depot, that "renews hardwood floors". For $79.00 the kit contained a slightly abraisive cleaner, that takes off the old varathane and any dirt. You then wash the floor with a conditioner, then after it dries, you put on two coats of the varathane. All of this included the mop head were included in this kit.

We were very impressed on how it turned out. This floor is not A1 to begin with, as it has gouges and dents here and there, but I feel Adair brought this 1972 hardwood floor back to life. Plus the coat of paint on the wall helps tone everything down a bit! Just need to get the trim around the window and the baseboard on. But I will save that for another picture!

Repairing Stucco Ceiling

Adair and Hailey replaced the drywall in the living room ceiling after making sure the plumbing did not leak.

This hole was here when we took over the house.

But we then had the issue of trying to match the stucco on the ceiling. We had many suggestions for the ceiling. From just adding another layer of drywall, as it was a tall ceiling, to scraping off the existing stucco. All of them were very labour intensive. We even got a quote from a ceiling repair place that does this for a living. But we were quoted $680.00! We decided to do the best we could ourselves.

I purchased some stucco for ceilings and I sponged it over the area, I then painted the whole ceiling with a large stucco roller. It took two coats. I didn't realize how yellow the ceiling was, until I started painting with ceiling paint. It is not a perfect repair, but it look better, and the whole room looks brighter for the ceiling paint.