Back in August my wife and I decided to each take a week off from our respective works and embark on a "Renovation Vacation" at the Akron almost-mansion. The impetus behind the trip was two-fold. One consideration was our realization that it's really hard to make any kind of concerted progress when you live two hours from a job site. By the time we get everything packed for a typical trip, drive to the house, get our work area organized and start working, it's just about time to head back home. The other consideration was that with all the delays we've seen with this house, we thought it would be good for morale if we could make even some small progress on our own. The plan then was to spend a week "camping out" at the house and doing light projects and cleaning while we were there. I say camping out since it's kind of what it was like. Yes, the house has electric and 70% plumbing (including two functional toilets), but there's no heat, no kitche...
Things have been happening at the Akron almost-mansion. The raccoons are gone and the roof is secure. The garage roof is mostly done (Long story. Don't ask). Work is commencing on the second bathroom, and the kitchen is in progress. Major appliances have been delivered. Tile is being bought and fixtures are being procured. Unfortunately, I've been doing a pretty terrible job of documenting this recent progress, so this post is something of a clip show. That is, progress told in the form of pictures other people had the foresight to take. Let's start with "Appliance Saturday". Since it's not always easy or convenient for me to be on site for deliveries, I tried to bunch all the major appliances to be delivered the same day in July. That included a washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, range hood, and dishwasher. I feel lucky to have family in the area who are both supportive and flexible and who were able to be at the house and accept delivery for the earliest ar...