Things are getting pretty Dexter around here in preparation for our wall opening. Because when walls come down, dust comes out, and therefore protective plastic must go up! So to set the mood I’ve intentionally left these photos kinda dark and eerie. I’m nothing if not theme-y.
Oh and since I affectionately call myself Captain Safety (much like Sherry wishes $herdog would catch on), it bears mentioning that old homes can have lead paint, and therefore call for extra precautions (especially if you have little ones and pets around), so you can find more info on that here. We followed those directions and had our walls checked for lead (it’s the thing to do before work begins so you know what you’re dealing with) and ours came back negative. Which was really surprising to us until we read that homes from 1960-1978 only have a 24% chance of having it, so the odds were actually with us. Definitely one of those better safe than sorry things though, and the government takes it pretty seriously if you don’t follow lead-safe practices. So do what you’re told or Dexter Morgan might come for you…
Anyway, it was nice to know that we didn’t have lead to worry about, but we still knew from experience that there would be a heckova lot of dust all over everything if we didn’t seal things off. We used this method for construction dust control many a time in our first house when we were demo-ing, so we got to work sealing off the work area in both rooms with giant plastic drop cloths that are taped on all sides (while leaving a sliver of access in the existing doorways for folks to pass through while working).
We decided to line the sides of those “walk-through-here” slivers with painter’s tape so it’s easy to see where to step through so you’re not standing there flinging the curtain around for ten minutes to find the opening.
Oh and as for who will be here through the chaos, Clara, Burger, and I will stay at my sister’s house for the day, but Sherry’s staying home to answer questions, tend the blog, and stand behind the plastic sheeting with her eyes bugging out with joy as the wall comes a tumblin’ down.
Also on the dust-control subject, we plan to close all of our air vents in the demo area and then cover them with plastic (like we did here) so no nasty dust will find its way into our ventilation system only to be sprayed out the next time it’s turned on (we’ll keep it off during the job since it should be a one-day thing and our house should maintain it’s temperature pretty well during the day). But as for the vent you see below…
… that will actually be where the peninsula meets the half-wall. So we had an hvac pro come out and ensure that losing that vent (and one on the other side) wouldn’t compromise our system. Then with his blessing I went under the crawl space and disconnected and capped ’em (so the vent you see isn’t connected to anything anymore). We actually did that in our first house for our kitchen remodel as well.
Oh and don’t worry, my Dexter channeling stopped at putting up the protective plastic sheeting. Well that and taking this creepy photo.
Okay and maybe this just happens to be my new ringtone. But I swear that’s it. Nothing else Dexter-y happening around here. Promise.
I kind of feel like a bad a$$ when my phone rings now. And of course Sherry’s jealous (in case you’re wondering, this is her current ring tone – and she dances like the Jersey girl that she is every time it rings). But back to the wall-opening excitement coursing through our veins. Needless to say we’re doing that is-it-tomorrow-yet thing over here. Can’t wait to share pics of our progress as we go.
Christine says
I can’t wait to see how this turns out!! One thought— Have you thought about putting blankets or padding around your new appliances while the work is being done? We learned this the hard way. After a workman put a big scrape onto our new fridge, we always do that, even if the work is going on across the room.
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah, we’ve debated that (they’re in the sectioned off area where they shouldn’t be walking, but you never know…).
xo,
s
candace @ thecandace.com says
Genius tip regarding lining the plastic with painter’s tape so you can find your way through the doorway!! So excited for the demo!
kyla says
Aaaa….love the Dexter reference. I have to limit my ‘episodes in a row’ when we stream them on Netflix because Deborah’s vocabulary creeps into my everyday venacular…and that’s just not appropriate. :)
Pammy says
This made me giggle because for Halloween we set up a Dexter themed kill room in our basement! We had planned on clearing out the whole space for our party, but when we didn’t have enough time to complete it, we just decided to cover everything in plastic sheeting instead! It was pretty spooky, we even got some blood red paint and spattered and smeared our hands all over the plastic :) It was a hit.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- love it!
xo,
s
Emily Drake says
So fun…can’t wait to see it how the wall come tumbling down! P.S. I had the same Dexter ringtone for the past 6 months until I got a new phone a couple weeks go. :-)
Jennie says
Just an idea (know from experience during an office remodel job) – you may want to put plastic over your window in the dining room as well. Makes clean up much easier and faster!
YoungHouseLove says
You’re not the first one to recommend that! Great tip!
xo,
s
Amy says
As a real-life bloodstain pattern analyst (and total YHL fanatic) I approve in a big way! Can’t wait to see the new entry!
YoungHouseLove says
No way! You’re the real life Dexter? My mind is officially blown for the day.
xo,
s
Melissa Evans says
Exciting times!
RachelSD says
Ooooohhhh, spooky! So excited for your newest project- I can’t wait to see the “after.”
Totally random question– I’m inspired to do a gallery wall of frames like you guys did. I have a TON of excellent condition wood and metal frames but I want to go white. I bought a large white IKEA Ribba frame last week and need to know what color “white” to spray paint my other frames so that the “whites” all match. Can you point me in the right direction?
YoungHouseLove says
We actually are pretty lose about our white colors (all the frames in our hallway are a variety of white tones since they hail from thrift stores, Ikea, and Target. Maybe just get a basic white spray paint and do a few and see how they “go” – it’s nice if everything layers in.
xo,
s
decoratica says
I’m loooooooving your ringtone Sherry!
But I’m not sure my co-workers would love it too… Sure they don’t love me as much as your husband loves you… hahahaha!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I’m pretty sure John’s ready to murder my phone- Dexter style.
xo,
s
Amanda says
EEEH! Can’t wait to see it done! Have fun tomorrow Sherry :)
Colleen in MA says
practical demo tips + creepy lighting + protective plastic sheeting + assassins + safety – where else can we readers get both? nice job!
Angela says
hahahaha I just about died when I clicked on the link for sherry’s ring tone. (Then quickly closed the window before the video came on… witnessing that once was already one time too many).
Kirsty says
Hanging out to see that wall come down! Woohoo!
Christin says
I have never seen Dexter as the simple premise of the show gives me nightmares. But that is the creepiest start to a show I have ever seen in my life. I may just have nightmares from watching that!
Krysta @ Domestic for Dummies says
I have a special place in my heart for that serial killer man…love him! And I am most excited about your new wall reveal!
Elise says
My hubby was channeling Dexter big time on Halloween…and I was the unfortunate victim: https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/393393_10150901143415594_686245593_21371161_2100188135_n.jpg
Love that creepy show!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah- love it!
xo,
s
Katherine says
Ahhh, good luck, guys! I’m so excited for you! Looks like you’re all ready to roll. Can’t wait to see the updates!
Anna says
Love the Dexter themed post. My H was Dexter for Halloween. I got the him “kill shirt” from American Apparel last Christmas and he was thrilled. I gotta say, you have to be in pretty darn good shape to do it justice. It’s so tight that it shows any imperfection you may have, but luckily my husband is thin and toned. (Wish I could say the same!)
Excited to see your wall removal adventures begin!
Cindy says
Just wondering why Sherry will be staying home during the demo instead of John. It just seems like something a man would be there for, especially since it is one of John’s friends, right?
YoungHouseLove says
I’m actually the one who managed all of the demo at our first house (while John was at work during the day) so I’m more comfortable with those split second decisions that seem to come up as they go (should we do a or b, no time to call anyone, etc). Guess it’s a gal’s job too!
xo,
s
Laura says
How are the contractors going to get in and out…don’t you want them to use the side door — but that side of the kitchen is all sealed up. Just wondering.
YoungHouseLove says
There’s easy access in and out of the front door in the dining room. Better than tracking in and out of the part of the kitchen with our new appliances, etc.
xo,
s
Jenny says
I think you guys should cook a nice hamsteak, grind some coffee, and wear a white T-shirt tomorrow. Or a sweet gray henley. While John’s phone is going off. I wouldn’t be able to resist. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha. A hamsteak, an egg, and some blood-orange does sound good…
xo,
s
John@Our Home From Scratch says
$herdog, Captain Safety,
Nice demo prep. Do you have a shop vac too? I expect you to hang up little red strings all over the room after the demo as well.
J-Vizzle
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we actually do have a shop vac that we can borrow from J’s dad but the contractor and his crew have promised to clean up behind them so we’ll have to see how much “power” we need afterwards (might just be a bunch of swiffering – hahah).
xo,
s
Becky says
most excellent reference award. hands down!
jess says
Congrats on the progress!
Regan @ RenovatingRothenbergers says
You two are so good at preparing for demo! Can’t wait to see the missing wall!!
renee says
When I saw the video that said Dexter: Morning Routine, I violently hoped John created his own version of the Dexter intro! I know, that’s a ton of added work you guys do not need, but it was really fun to imagine!
Best part, after Dexter locks the door, smirks at the camera and walks on.
Yes, I have an unhealthy obsessions with the show.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- that would be an amazingly fun spoof actually. Maybe someday when we have some extra time on our hands. Oh and speaking of unhealthy obsessed, did you notice the lock that he turns the key into is a Dexter lock? Love that and never noticed until I was sitting on the floor right in front of the TV. Haha.
xo,
s
Amanda L says
I’m so excited to see the progress!!! (and yes, it may be a tad odd how excited I am to see a wall come down in a house that I don’t even live in, ha).
Jenny says
I can’t wait to see the place once that wall is gone.
Also, too bad the place wasn’t Dexterified before Halloween. You could have had a terrifying dinner party or something :)
Unrelated, but do you guys (and by you guys, I also mean Katie et al) plan to feature any of the pinterest ideas. There were sooo many awesome ones. It is so cool how many people got into it.
Jenny
http://www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com
YoungHouseLove says
That’s our way of featuring them! We love opening up our “doors” and letting folks share their amazing DIY projects! With over 700 it would be really hard to pick favorites- we love them all!
xo,
s
Megan says
I have the Dexter ring tone too!
So excited to see how things turn out!
dana828 says
Too funny–I call my husband “Captain Safety” (though he’s not nearly as cool with it as John seems to be!), and my ringtone for when he calls is the Dexter theme. :)
Can’t wait to see the “after” pics…hopefully sans blood spatter!
Paola says
Does Sherry know about sherdog.com? Its a pretty well known MMA forum lol. Very fitting since she’s such a DIY bad-ass! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I’ve heard of it. But I contend I came about before sherdog.com as that was a high school nickname (and aol was just invented- haha).
xo,
s
Tanya says
Hurry up already! I can’t wait to see the new doorway. :). Enjoy your day Sherry. In my world John letting you be the one to stay home tells me he loves you very much. My partner and I fight for that privellage when something major happens to the house – please tell me that’s normal. I’ve got dibs on our next project though, pool installation day :)
Xx
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- it’s so true! I think he worries he’ll explain something differently or something and I’d come home and be like “um, why does this look like this?” – hahah. Like I’m the demo tyrant or something.
xo,
s
Jenn says
Ha! I am such a geek, I love that you incorporated Dexter into your demo project, too fun!
Mary@The Good Life says
Ya Sherry! “I work out!” lol rock it out gurrrrl
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- that’s my favorite part. Because it’s ironic (I don’t actually work out). Haha.
xo,
s
Heidi says
Just watched a kitchen reno on HGTV, where they were doing almost identical projects as you- tearing down a wall, building a half wall, but the best part… Shimmy-ing out those old appliances. Couldn’t help but laugh at all the shimmy-ing going on… :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- we totally know all about that shimmy move.
xo,
s
Sarah R. says
I love Dexter! How about this week’s episode?? I’m so excited for next week. Should be great!!
BTW – I have a shed attached to the back of my garage that I call the “kill room.” It’s pretty creepy.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- we were on the edge of our seat. And your shed totally sounds like nightmare-ville.
xo,
s
Sarah @ { rad: renovations are dirty } says
You need to get the zippers for your plastic-draped doorways! They are the best.thing.ever. seriously. :)
YoungHouseLove says
We’ve heard such awesome things about them!
xo
s
Tricia S. in Iowa says
Did you guys have the walls tested for asbestos? I am in the middle of a 161 house demolition project (massive flood buyout project for my City) and we’ve found a lot of houses built in the same era with asbestos in the drywall texture and ceiling texture. Clean up carefully and post pictures soon. This is much more exciting than waiting for the next Duggar baby!
YoungHouseLove says
We had the walls checked at inspection (since we knew we planned to rip down that wall since our first walk through)! Thankfully it came out clean! We do has an asbestos lining under the vinyl flooring so we’ll be doing the recommended float-a-new-floor-over-it-and-don’t-disturb-it method.
xo,
s
yezenia says
Sorry $herdog and Captain Safety, but those ringtones have gotta go ; )
On a positive note, I am so excited to see that wall come down! I had the HARDEST time visualizing your plan, the sketches/illustrations helped, but I can’t wait to see the end result!
christie says
you probably already addressed this a gazillion times, and i just missed it, but, i miss the clara flikr…. :( is that a thing of the past?
YoungHouseLove says
We definitely mean to keep up with that! John’s planning to update it all soon! We love having things backed up over there- although it probable won’t have stuff that’s not over here since we just share our pics here instead (and plan to back up identical pics and vids over there).
xo,
s
Ali says
Gosh, I never really thought about all the details behind keeping the rest of the home clean and safe when you just knock down one wall. thanks for all the info in case we have to do that in the future!
GreenInOC says
I hope you are putting up a camera to make a time lapse video of the wall coming down!
YoungHouseLove says
We thought about that but didn’t want to do that to our poor contractor (didn’t want him to feel like we were spying with a Nanny Cam- haha).
xo,
s
Jessica@nucheysmommy says
I bet you guys are so excited! My husband is obsessed with dexter….show scares me! Can’t wait to see the final reveal! Gonna look awesome :)
Jen says
This might be my all-time favourite Young House Love post. Hilarious.
Dexter has one of the best opening credit sequences around, am I right?
Liz says
love the dexter ringtone. and secretly love sherry’s ringtone as well. (my husband makes fun of me.) :-)
can’t wait to see the wall come down!
debbie c says
Oooh, this is so exciting! Can’t wait to see the pics! I love how you guys think of every detail, I’ll have to remember to read these posts again if we ever do demo/reno.
Jess@atasteofconfidence says
Love the dexter comments:)
Briel K. says
Hey, looks like John got a haircut! haha
I love watching Dexter. I am a few episodes behind this season though.
Can’t wait to see some demolition photos! How do they take out part of a wall like that? (hammer? saw?)
YoungHouseLove says
We’ll know soon! Haha. Details as we go!
xo,
s
Mai says
I love all the Dexter references!