Chimney down. Holes made.

"How will Santa get in?!?" was the first worry the girls voiced as they watched Matt taking the chimney down. They were assured that Santa didn't use that as an entrance anyways. It leads to no where. We have no fireplace (a feature I would love to have for holiday stockings). It just served as a vent for the furnace - something a smaller pipe could do. So, removing this large chunk of the bathroom's footprint made no holiday difference, really.

Brick by brick we got it down. The hole in the ceiling was impressive. The hole continuing up to through the roof, even more so (insert wish for skylights).

Then came the hole in the floor. Two overflowing loads to the dump later (nearing 4 tons of weight), we got as much of the chimney stack removed as needed! The bricks were knocked below floor level (lower than pictured) - making access for the new vent to reach from basement to roof. Having the claustrophobic feeling gone upon on entrance is a wonderful change!

Then came the holes (plural!) across the whole floor. This demo not only revealed the vintage wallpaper print on the walls and the pattern on the ductwork, it also revealed that the work of the former owners was terrible. The floors didn't even cover wall to wall. Huge gaps in the sub flooring were left along the walls. That obviously didn't go over with Matt. He ripped all the old floor wood out, and laid down new. While not enjoying the time when kids could wander in and fall through to the basement, I did realize the peace in knowing that eventually I can soak in the tub knowing that what I rest on is secure!

Then came the holes (plural!) across the whole ceiling. Knowing it'd be easier to patch the corner's gap by starting fresh, the entire ceiling was removed. The picture doesn't do justice, but now my bathroom nook expands into the attic (insert a cabin-ish feel with the exposed beams...hmm, vaulted ceilings would be nice...). A new, much smaller, vent was built where the chimney once stood. A new, much smaller, knockout was framed around said vent. The roof shingles have been patched. Future can lights have been placed. Electrical is being wired as I type.

Bless this handyman who can do it all! Bless him for already being so sick of the mess that he comes home and works on it after long days plumbing. Bless him for getting me, just now, to come flip the light switch and prove that it works. It works!! It is now to the point of putting back together. The exciting part!