Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Basement Remodel: DIY Demolition Saves Money

Quick review, we are trying to get from a dark, cramped basement with structural issues to an open and bright space we'll enjoy for years to come.






In my last post, I mentioned that we negotiated with the contractor that they would deduct any work we complete on our own from the bill.  I love a bargain, so you can guess what happened next.

Tommy's grandfather, brother, and brother-in-law (thank you, I love you guys!!!) came to help, and the four of them started destroying our basement.  I say destroy with a smile on my face, because I hated the basement!!!

They started by taking down the wall that made 1/3 of the basement into a walk-in closet.  It's amazing how much more open a room becomes when you get a third of it back!

DIY Demo Saves Money | bonnieprojects.blogspot.com

DIY Demo Saves Money | bonnieprojects.blogspot.com

DIY Demo Saves Money | bonnieprojects.blogspot.com

DIY Demo Saves Money | bonnieprojects.blogspot.com

We considered building a new, smaller, closet, but couldn't think of anything to put in it that couldn't go on a shelf, so we decided to skip it for now and just stick with a big open room.

Next they removed the shed from the lower deck.  It was only storing potting soil and a few pots, and we plan to build a storage bench later this summer to store those items.  Removing the shed will allow us to add a window.

DIY Demo Saves Money | bonnieprojects.blogspot.com

DIY Demo Saves Money | bonnieprojects.blogspot.com

Our brother-in-law is really tall and strong (think offensive lineman), and he ripped out the ceiling without using a ladder or really any tools at all.  It was incredible.

DIY Demo Saves Money | bonnieprojects.blogspot.com

Tommy took up all those carpet tiles.  They come up pretty easily, but it's tedious.

I ripped off the top layer of wallpaper, and Tommy and I spent many long hours scraping the backing and glue from the walls.  In case you're wondering, I would much rather spend my 6th month of pregnancy doing something - anything - else!!!  But that's life.

DIY Demo Saves Money | bonnieprojects.blogspot.com

The guys carted all the debris around to the front of the house, and made four trips to the dump to dispose of it all.  (BTW, the dump is really cheap and it cost less than $50 for them to take all that stuff)

Our contractor came by to adjust our contract based on the work we'd accomplished.  My Mom's birthday gift to Tommy is painting the basement.  Between taking out the painting, and the crazy amounts of demo the guys accomplished, we're saving over $3,000!!!

We are already so much happier with the basement.  Even though it's covered in drywall dust, it feels so much more spacious, open, airy, and light!  I can't wait for more!!!

PS: What do you wear in a work zone when you're 6 months pregnant and don't want to sacrifice your new maternity jeans?  Your 15 year old overalls with the straps let out all the way!  As a side bonus, my Southern side was coming through all weekend and I picked up my accent and made a big batch of sweet tea.

DIY Demo Saves Money | bonnieprojects.blogspot.com



You might also be interested in these posts:

Basement Remodel: Getting Started




4 comments:

  1. wow, you got tons done! ..and looked cute doing it! Great work guys!

    ReplyDelete
  2. There's no family time like "let's destroy our basement!" time! Heh. Your relatives must've had a lot of fun wrecking everything apart, all in the name of making it look better. You even saved some cash doing it yourselves, so that's one less job the contractors would have to worry about. At least they can concentrate on making your basement look awesome.
    Lynn Williamson @ DALBuilders.net

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hey nice team work by you all..!!
    And the tall man; awesome work without using any ladder of stool...!!!
    Great basement finishing work...!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I’m just starting my basement renovation so I’m glad to have found your post today.

    ReplyDelete

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