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Okay, this is as off topic as off topic can get, but to any of you who have done major home improvement work, I'm sure you can relate. Check it out!!

I've been going to my mother's every day this week doing some real heavy duty demolition/construction. I'm installing a basement door that will lead outside. First I have to dig the hole outside going down deep enough to the basement level in such a way that concrete steps can be laid in. Then I have to knock through a foot of solid concrete where the door will be.

The biggest pain thus far was the start of digging the hole (all of those dang ROOTS) Ugh! But as soon as I ripped them all out, I dug that hole in no time.

Today I used a concrete saw for the first time. I'll admit I was real nervous at first starting it up (the saw is quite heavy and I don't have health insurance) But that big old hog cut right through the concrete like a plastic knife through a sand castle!



This concrete is about 12" thick! The circular blade would only allow me to cut halfway through.

http://www.gcreporter.com/Images/misc/c ... orway2.jpg

Here's a view from the outside...

http://www.gcreporter.com/Images/misc/c ... utside.jpg

http://www.gcreporter.com/Images/misc/c ... d_hole.jpg

It's a mess now, but I'm making headway... and as soon as it is complete, there will be more pictures to follow! Plus she's saving a boatload of $$$ by not hiring a contractor! I hope she keeps that in mind come this Christmas... I could use a nice digital camera or flat screen monitor...

Lorna, that's an awsome project!

I would certainly be interested in reading about and seeing pictures of your progress.

It looks like after you complete it, you deserve a top notch digital camera AND a flat screen monitor.

Don't break a nail .

Jadeanne

* sigh* My nails are gone now...

But I can't wait till it's all done!!

That's when false nails come in handy.

I've done construction, mechanics, roofing, electrical instalation, telephone installation, pert near everything except plumbing. What I tell everyone, you can anything you set your mind too. You doing good Lorna.

You do have a good drain put in at the bottom of that hole I hope! A flooded basement ain't pretty.

I can "dig-it" girl! Possibly could produce some weight loss??? Not that you need to lose weight - mind you! but, who knows. I am sure some of my contractor friends will point out, don't forget about drainage, Outside steps, below grade can cause some drainage problems. Take care, wear gloves and eye protection and "get down!"
Love,
Virginia

Hi all,

Way to go, Lorna! Work that concrete--it stands between you and the freedom of the great outdoors! Have fun with this, girl. You deserve it.

Love,
CJ

Donna - As for the door enterance, a) the bottom will be a step below the doorway, and b) there will definitely be a drain there!

Virginia - Truth be told, yes I could stand to lose a few pounds... but yes I'm working up quite a sweat every day!! Who needs a gym?

CJ - Actually it's not for me (I don't live there, if I did I'd hang myself, LOL) it's for my sis & BIL. They're moving in there next Spring...

These days when I see sweat I tend to faint like Mr. Burns.



Seriously though. You're a good son for getting out and helping with this Lorna!!!

Beauty

Way to go Lorna, wish you were here to help with projects around here. As to losing a few pounds, I think you look great, but be careful about building too much muscle on top, you don't want to look like "Ahnold" in drag. Huggs, Bonnie

Hi Lorna--
What you're doing is the nastiest part of construction--the demo. I used to love it when I was a teen or in my 20s and 30s. The older I got, the less I wanted to do it. Now I tell my customers to hire handywork people to do the demo--and call me when it's time for the finish work.

But you are saving your mom a boatload of money by taking this on. And yes, put that drain in, or you might have boatloads floating around in your mom's basement.
A

Hi Lorna,

You like to do big jobs I can see. At the moment I am moving walls in my house, and contrsructing new floors. My lounge has grown by 40%, our main bedroom is in process of growing by 3m x .5 m, and the bathroom by about the same.
I have constructed a load bearing floor in the loft for storage boxes.
I will tackle everything, but I spend a lot of time reading up and planning first.
I hate doing plastering, it never happens as easy as it looks in the videos.

Back to your mammoth task. Does your door have a lintel?
Is it too obvious to suggest that you cut the other half thickniess from the other side. Be sure to wear a dust mask, googles and gloves, and watch what your doing with that blade!

Take care

Kerri