1) Install the floor box for the outlet that was formerly in the baseboard. (The one that I first blew out while exposing the brick wall and then rewired into a new outlet temporarily).
2) Install and coax cable.
3) Put trim around the brick wall - all four sides.
At the recommendation of my friend, Dena, I hired Generation 3 to come to the electrical work. It was a small job, and one that I probably could have done myself, but I wasn't confident in making the hole in the floor. I also have no experience with coax cable. In the end, it was a reasonable price to hire someone and make sure it was done right!
I hired Nate Gavin again to do the trim. He is very laid back, and I always like how we can design the solutions together and he is very good at just going with the flow of the project. He ended up doing the priming and painting for me as well and repairing the plaster on the side walls and didn't increase his estimate at all.
I really, really love the room. It has transformed from a room that had potential but wasn't very usable or welcoming to very much the opposite! I love to read in there, sit down with the animals, and watch the news.
In total, here are the projects that I did this year for that room:
- Exposed the brick wall through removal of horse hair plaster (all chisel and hammer work due to the softness of the brick)
- Had the chimney restored and lined so that the first floor fire place could be wood burning (Hearth & Stove)
- Purchased tile from Tiffany at Earthstone Tileworks and hired Jason from Earthstone Tileworks to complete the fireplace surround, since wood paneling was coming all the way to the fire box
- Hired Nate Gavin to remove the wood panels and refashion them around the tile surround
- Relocated the outlet into a floor box and had a coaxial cable installed so that I could set up my entertaining stand along the brick wall (previously, it was installed above the fireplace with all wiring and outlets in that area) (Generation 3)
- Put trim around the brick wall (Nate Gavin)
I've been giving some thought as to what my big 2016 projects will be, but I'm planning to take the first quarter off from home improvement, replenish the emergency fund, and enjoy the space for awhile.
I hope you all have a wonderful New Year! There is so much to be thankful for!
Here are some pictures of the most recent projects.
