The Current Status Of The Studio
I shared last week about how I was going to have to completely redo some of the electrical wiring in the studio, and how that would necessitate removing some of the drywall in order to access the electrical wires. If you missed that, you can read about it here.
Well, the wiring is done. It doesn’t look pretty, but it doesn’t need to look pretty in order to work properly. I had to remove quite a bit of drywall on two separate walls in order to move the outlets that ended up being in the wrong spots when I changed my plans from making my cabinets to using IKEA cabinets. And after removing that drywall, I then had to cut out quite a bit of the spray foam insulation in order to remove the old boxes, place the new boxes, and run the new wires between the new boxes.
But it’s done, and about half of the areas where I had to dig out the foam insulation have now been filled in with new canned spray foam insulation. I didn’t buy nearly enough of the canned spray foam insulation, though. I thought it would go further than it did, so I need to buy several more cans to finish up.
Like I said, it doesn’t look pretty, but that won’t matter at all once the excess spray foam insulation is cut away to be flush with the front edges of the studs and the new drywall is installed.
In order to preserve as much of the original foam insulation as possible, I ran the new wires in the channels that I had cut out in order to remove the original wires. It looks ridiculous, and if this wall is opened up by someone else in the future, and they see this mess, they’ll probably wonder if the person who ran these wires was drunk on the job. 😀
If I were placing the boxes and running the electrical wires in empty walls before the foam insulation was sprayed, it would have looked all nice and neat like this…
But because I didn’t want to cut additional channels through the insulation, and I also didn’t want to drill new, additional holes in the studs, my wiring ended up looking more like this. 😀
It’s not pretty, and it took a little more electrical wire to do it this way, but at least I was able to preserve as much of my original foam insulation as possible.
The wall in the “office” area of the room behind my desk looks like a mess as well, and it hasn’t been filled in with the canned spray foam yet.
This wall now has four outlets that are in line with each other horizontally. If I were able to do this wiring in empty pre-foam insulation walls, it would have looked all nice and neat like this…
But you can see this crazy, nonsensical path that I took with the new wires through the original channels and the original holes in the studs. 😀
But at least I was able to preserve most of the original insulation, and I didn’t have to drill new holes in the studs. And it’s done.
Now the challenge is finding someone to install drywall. I shared my frustration with finding a handyman to do small-ish jobs a couple of weeks ago, and things haven’t improved. I’ve tried three additional people since then. One seemed to be really on top of things and ready to take on the job. The reason that one didn’t work out was my fault because I couldn’t decide exactly how I wanted to handle the electrical outlet situation. When he came to look at the project and give me an estimate, I was still planning on moving all of these outlets up on the walls. That idea wasn’t feeling right to me, so I told him to hold off until I could make a decision, and to not hold the day open for me. So once I finally made a decision, he had scheduled someone else for the day he had planned to do this work. (And to be clear, I offered to pay him for the time he took to come to my house, look at the job, and give me an estimate. He declined.)
So then I contacted another one whose wife handles his schedule. I spoke with her on the phone, and she said she’d talk to her husband and call me back in five minutes. That was three days ago, and I never heard back.
And then a third person came and looked at the job. He seemed really nice, and told me he’d text me an estimate. I never heard back from him. I texted him to ask if he had a price for me, and my phone shows that he read my text within about four minutes of me sending it, but he never responded.
So I have no idea when this will ever be finished. I’ve all but given up on this room being finished by our 10-year anniversary in our home (which is August 17th, I think). I simply won’t do the drywall myself. I swore to myself several years ago that I’d never do drywall again, and I have no plans to change my mind on that. I’ll wait two months for someone else before I’ll ever consider doing it myself. So things are stalled until I can find a reliable drywall person.
In other, happier news, my fabric from Spoonflower came, and I love it! (If you missed how I’ll use this fabric, you can see that here.)
I was so curious to see how it compared to the wallpaper, so I got out a roll of the wallpaper and placed it on the fabric. The wallpaper is on the left, and the fabric is on the right. That’s a pretty good match!
You can tell that the colors on the wallpaper are just a touch more vibrant, but I think they’ll work perfectly together.
The difference is seen the most in these purple flowers. The wallpaper on the left is more vibrant than the fabric on the right. But seeing that the wallpaper and the fabric will be on opposite sides of the room, I think they’ll work perfectly together.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
Well you do what you’ve got to do for the wiring. Not pretty but it was a much smarter move for it not to be in straight lines than to dig out more insulation. What is pretty is the new fabric. Can’t wait to see the wallpaper and curtains go up. Just love that print.
Sweet girl, I simply can’t read this. Could you not find cabinets to fit before you started all the work, just to once again tear it all up?
I know if I met you in person I’d love you to pieces, but girl…get yourself a good contractor and have him/her spearhead these projects in a step-by-step orde, CAD drawings, exact measurements, etc.
I can only imagine how heartbreaking this process of doing, undoing, re-doing, making a great plan, then have to switch to Plan B is killing you! It’s giving me high blood pressure for you.
My fingers are crossed for you.
Will this new wiring pass codes and inspections? I guess that’s the only real concern.
A contractor, CAD, drawings, and measurements would not have prevented this. I worked with a contractor. A contractor did the framing, the electrical, and the drywall for me, and he did so based on my original drawings of the room, and my original and very accurate measurements based on my original plan for the room.
This had to be redone not because I made a mistake that could have been prevented by someone more qualified than I am. It’s being redone because I changed my mind. That’s it. This room sat unfinished for several years, and in that that time, I simply changed my mind. Instead of sticking with my original plan of building my own cabinets with very specific measurements, I decided instead to use IKEA cabinets with very different specific measurements. Any time a plan is changed when a room is halfway done, I’m well aware that there will have to be workarounds and things changed. This is one of them. But I weighed the costs and determined that I’d still rather use IKEA cabinets than build my own. (I considered far more options than just these two options, and still landed on IKEA as the best option for me, even though some changes would have to be made.)
So, no. This isn’t heartbreaking. It’s just drywall. These things happen when remodeling an entire home, and it’s okay to change directions mid-project.
Been watching you forever, and it still blows me away when people who havent followed you, tell you how to do something in YOUR home. Lol, you go girl!!!!
Sweet Caroline – even the best contractors can have complications. AND they’re not perfect. In this case, Kristin simply made an informed decision to change her mind. She’s fine with it. DIYers are a hardy lot.
Only slightly off topic but I am really liking how perfectly those curtains/wallpaper match your couch pillow! It’s like… EXACTLY the same colours. Does the studio have a spot for decorative pillows? 😁
Hope you can find a contractor soon!
I hate doing drywall too! But I think I’d bite the bullet and do it in this situation. Just so I could get those cabinets in and see that spectacular wallpaper!
I second Peggy’s suggestion. You can reuse the pieces of drywall you cut out so not as hard of a job. You have done such incredible projects I find much more difficult than drywall, plus most will be hidden behind cabinetry, so if not 100% perfect only you will know:) I know when you hate doing something you just hate it.
Question about the new outlets, will you cut holes in the back of the cabinets to access the outlets? I know you mentioned drilling a hole in the counter to drop your wires down. I have my outlet in my master bath in a top drawer having the plug in the back of the drawer and hiding my curling iron in there when not in use.
Kristi,
All good things created by the person creating will continue to unfold into beautiful creations. No matter what route you have to take, no matter how many times you change your mind, no matter how much that will need to be torn out and refinished…no matter how long it takes. When your studio is completed to your satisfaction everything will be perfect to you. AND, that is what counts.
On another subject. Can you give the link showing how you used the canned spray foam for the insulation in your studio when you were first doing those walls. Thank you for taking time to show me.
Too bad I don’t live near you…I’d be happy to do a bit of drywall for you. I’ve scraped knockdown texture and popcorn off of every surface of my house, and had to re-mud everything. I’ve replaced whole drywall panels as well. I’m nowhere near a professional level, but I find drywall is totally doable if you’re willing to coat, re-coat, and sand a couple times. I had to do that in my whole house….and well, I guess I can be awfully patient and determined.
JE – Wish you lived in my area! I have been tempted to take a class on drywalling as I have had the same frustrations as Kristi. I am not the most patient person, but I do want it to be done right. Just having a semi-experienced person by my side to show me the way would be a blessing. And Kristi – you have faced so many challenges over the years and I know you will find a way through this one. Love the wallpaper and the fabric – can’t wait to see the final result!
You are an inspiration to everyone…..love the wallpaper and fabric.
A “tongue in cheek idea” for the wiring areas: Type an explanation, enclose it in plastic wrap/bag and seal it behind the new drywall. Years in the future, someone will have a smile learning why you did it this way. 😁
I love this idea…just need to print out your blog explanation and wrap and seal behind the wall. We found the children had written something when we were redoing the dining room…such fun!
The fabric looks wonderful!! Hope you can find someone to help you with the drywall.
Kristy I’ve been reading your blog since you lived in the condo. I wish I had some of your talent. Love all the colors in your home & I’m wondering if you were sharing the flower pattern on spoonflower ? Thanks, julie
Yes! You can find the fabric and wallpaper here:
https://www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/15204728?size=YARD
The only thing they won’t sell is the larger print mural. 🙁 So the wallpaper on the Spoonflower site will be the original sized print.
Have you tried using an app like TaskRabbit (or similar) to hire someone? I’ve read others having good luck with it. Just an idea.
I haven’t. I have someone else coming this afternoon. This time, the person is a woman. Maybe she’ll be more reliable. But if not, I’ll try TaskRabbit or something else.
I can’t wait to see the finished room. It’s going to look amazing.
Maybe Clint Harp does drywall? 🤣 Just reading some old magazines this morning…a story about his house he renovated and now uses as a rental. (I hope I got the name right) Interesting how he met Chip at a gas station. The rest is history. You live in an interesting area. I personally would rather bump into Willie Nelson than Chip. 🤣 He talks about Waco in his book too. Meanwhile, I’m sure one of these men will wake up and show up soon. It’s not a huge job – their part taking a few hours? Yours is the harder part…finishing the new drywall. The fabric is awesome!
You and your design just tickles me fancy!
Love your ideas for everything you do!
I can’t wait to see it done.
Print this post (pictures and all) and tack it inside the wall under the drywall so when that person in the future sees what’s in there, they know why! And it’s always fun finding notes in odd places. I refurbish and reupholster antique chairs and I always put new coins and a note inside including any history I have of the chair. Oh, to be a fly on a futuristic wall!!!
That fabric is gorgeous!
Congratulations on getting the electrical work done!
Hiring contract workers is *the worst*.
They’re flakey & shady, & very often no call/no show.
I use to think that was an Oklahoma thing but I have since learned it happens everywhere.
I love the idea of putting some pictures and an explaination in the wall! Lol. I understand your frustration with the handyman stuff. I would think a person could make good money just being willing to complete small jobs for people. Everything does not need to be a big project. If I lived near I would do the drywall for you! But, I am in WV… perhaps you can redo the bath and entry while you wait.
Big Hugs,
Sheila F.
Kristi, I get excited for each of your steps. Contractors/handymen are terrible everywhere. If had contractor skills I would be a millionaire, because I will call back and would complete the jobs. My friend and I were just talking about this subject a few weeks ago. Hopefully, someone will come through for you soon so you can get those cabinets installed.
I might be tempted to leave a note on the inside of the wall,” The lady of the house changed her mind.”
Sorry to hear the drywall guys are ghosting you!
I’m a bit confused; I thought you were dead set against doing electrical work. But hey, that’s one hurdle you’ve dealt with! Do you think there’s anyone in your church who could help with the drywall? It’s frustrating g for us too in S Az. We live in a small township south of Tucson and getting reliable and affordable trades is challenging. Good luck.
(As an aside, I’ve torn my art room apart because I need to corral the mess and still make it functional. I need a craft table I can put some drawer units
under but I’ve made a total mess of it. You’ve been on my mind for days because all I can think is how you would have had a table and drawer units built in a weekend! Oh how I wish I had your talent!!!)
Love the fabric. Remember the reason you hire few things done is because your work is so much better than others. Do that little bit of drywall yourself.
Love the fabric and curtain idea. Instead of shooting for whole studio being done by anniversary, why not shoot for back entrance, half bath, etc, all but the studio finished. Love watching your process. Been following since you started the kitchen.
Glad to see the annoying work done! But why aren’t you calling the decent guy now? Schedule a new day? Or does he do electrical but not drywall?