Deck Tearout

 

Our deck was deteriorating, even though we tried to extend its life in 2008.  It was old when we bought the house in 1998, so  we decided to tear it out and replace it.  In 2020 we did replace it with a concrete patio.  Removing the deck opened up the view from our four season porch (not having the railing in the view).  We had our handyman Lincoln do the tear-out.  Underneath the deck was a concrete patio (a DIY quality project) that had a pattern of decomposed pressure treated lumber between segments of concrete.

Bench seats for the 4-season Porch

We decided that our 4-season porch needed some bench seats which would double as storage areas.

Before...

Planning...

Installation...

Result...

Another angle of the finished result...

Adding Built-in Bookshelves in the Living Room

We added some built-in bookshelves on both sides of the fireplace.  We had them make the top similar to the existing mantle.

In the morning...

A few hours later after installation...

Ice Takes Out Gutters with Metal Roof

 

Heavy snow took took out the gutters in the back of our house.  And the ice breaks in the front.  Fun stuff with a metal roof.  

Metal Roof Goes Up

 

We had to replace the roof for a second time in 12 years, so we went with a metal roof.  I took videos, probably should have taken photos too.  But here it is...  I was later to experience what it's like to have a ton of snow/ice come barreling off of a metal roof.

Roof Work Part 1: A Crooked Garage Roof

Roof Work Part 2: The Metal Roofing Arrives!

Roof Work Part 3: The Metal Roofing Starts Getting Installed

Roof Work Part 3: The Metal Roofing Starts Getting Installed

 

Current Requirements for Bathroom Remodel..

Paul has reformatted his "requirements" document (click here to see it) for the bathroom remodel we hope to do this year (before inflation kicks in). Please feel free to pass on to us suggestions such as for tile, fixtures, etc. We want to stay consistent with the era of the house and the other bathrooms.

It's not pink, it's salmon!

Our Ash is Trash...

Our Ash is trash.

In our front yard, we have an ash tree between the sidewalk and street. Recently Paul noticed a bad crack in the trunk. He called an arborist to look at it. The arborist said that although he could attempt to save the tree, he would not recommend it since the dreaded emerald ash borer is rapidly boring in in Rochester (see link). Minnesota has something like 900 million (that's right, see this second link) ash trees and it looks like it's going to be a slaughter. Supposedly Rochester has 80,000 ash trees. The arborist felt it was not worth the risk/effort to try and save the tree (only later to have the city condemn all ash trees in a given area) and unfortunately we agreed. Paul contacted the city forester who came by and officially condemned the tree today.