Phase 7: Redefining Space

The past two weeks have seen a lot of transformation. The insulation filled the joists and the walls. 

They used the spray insulation in the ceiling and exterior walls. It goes in like foam, then sticks and hardens. Even though it doesn't fill the entire space from the roof to the ceiling joists, it is all we need. Powerful stuff.

For the interior walls, the insulation is the more typical batting type. This is put into nearly every crevice. What we noticed when we first saw the insulation is that the building felt different. Our voices didn't carry in the space as it did before. Noise was absorbed. Then, of course, as we walked through, we experienced the rooms differently. The insulation constructed actual walls for us; rooms were defined. Closets became concrete. Bathrooms enclosed.  

After the insulation, up went the drywall, which only further defined the rooms. And made them smaller. 

We can see our home taking shape, showcasing our design. It's amazing to see all the little nuances and choices we've made put into place. The above photo is of the dining room and the lighting fixture.

Even though the main living space is open, the white walls make it feel more compact.

I love seeing all the closets. We have so few closets now that I daydream about putting things away and having specific places for stuff.

Another improvement was in our courtyard: the exterior stairs are going up. Despite the heat, these guys are working hard.

The entire frame for the stairs was supposed to be up within two weeks. That deadline has quickly come and gone. I think we will be lucky if it is finished by the end of the month. Delays like this unfortunately postpone our project's completion. As we've learned, there are many hiccups with renovation, but we're rolling with the punches.