Today I thought I would show you real life around the Savvy household. I told you that one of the main projects I would like to see done around here this year is to update the deck. Our home and the deck is twenty years old this year and the deck is really showing its age. About three weeks ago on a Saturday morning Mr. Savvy went outside on the deck and flipped a board over at the steps. He was thinking he could flip all the boards over and they would be new and fresh until he realized just how much work that would be. He's scrapping that idea.
What he found when he removed a couple boards was the fact that the top of the steps supports were decaying.
He got a much bigger surprise when he removed the boards next to the sun room wall and lo and behold more rot in a major way! He could not believe how extensive this was. We sure weren't expecting that!
When he realized water had been getting behind the exterior planks and soaking into the wood on the wall he knew he had a big job in front of him. He had to removed all the exterior planks all the way down to the ground under the deck. Then the old rotten wood had to be removed and replaced with new wood and a membrane over it so that doesn't happen again. After he first removed the wood and found this problem it started raining and rained most of the week. So this project was on hold till the bad weather passed.
This is just some of the mess I have to look at outside everyday until this job gets finished.
This is how it looked yesterday morning. The wall is all fixed, planked, and painted.
The top of the stairs have been repaired, too.
Yesterday morning the deck looked much neater.
And by late morning it looked like this again. See that new board that is down. The mister pulled up a board that has always had sap running out of it. He said that board was so hard to get up that it broke in four pieces. I'm so glad the sappy board is gone.
So the work continues today and who knows how long after that. He is putting up gutters on the sun room since we never did after adding this room on many years ago. The top of the deck rails are going to be replaced with nicer wider boards and then we need to pressure wash and paint. We will paint the rails with regular exterior paint, but we want to try some of the new deck paint on the floor and steps that adds a rubbery protective coating.
So anyway this will be a slow go for a bit, but I'm so glad it has been started and glad we found our rotting wall. It's always something.
While Mr. Savvy worked out back I was very busy out front. I decided the dark green lirope needed to leave. I had a mix of the variegated and the green and the solid green stuff was just spreading and taking over so it's outta here! In a future post I'll share more about what I did.
I do know one thing this chick is sore all over. I used to work from morning till night outside and I just can't do it anymore. Gosh, this aging thing sucks!
So this is real life around the Savvy household.
I promise much prettier photos tomorrow.
I hope y'all have a very pretty Sunday!
Kim you and Mister sure can do anything! Truly, I'm in awe of all you two can do! Can't wait to see what the new deck paint will look like, I may want to try it too. I say "I", that's a laugh! By the way, love all of your big green trees out in your backyard area!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day and rest some!
Nancy
Oh yea, we had to do the exact same thing to our sunroom a few years ago. You're so lucky Mr. Savvy has those carpentry skills! Word on the aging sucks thing.
ReplyDeleteWe had the same thing happen in one of our houses-only it was a concrete patio that came up tight to the house and the water got between the patio and the house foundation. WHAT a mess- we had to break the whole patio out of there and replace the wood along the foundation and seal it. You will be SO glad when it is done. One thing I hate is paying for stuff that you can't SEE but HAS to be done.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your updated front landscaping.
Same way here- I used to work outside all day and get up and be ready to do it all over again...lol...I am now a slacker. xo Diana
Isn't home ownership fun? I wonder what is lurking behind our walls after living here for 16 years! That Mr. Savvy sure is handy...I wish my husband had some of those skills... Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteShelley
Yes, it is always something!
ReplyDeleteA deck replacement is in our future but low on the list of reno priorities. It's going to be a bear, too, because our deck is off the second story of the house (daylight basement below). Himself has already replaced two of the steps going down to the backyard because of rot. Wish I lived a bit closer to you (I'm on the other side of town) because I'm working on a large flower bed and could have taken some of that liriope off your hands!
ReplyDeleteWow Kim what hard work you've been doing around there. I know it will be nice to have your deck back in order but I hate it when the unexpected always happens. It always means more money too.
ReplyDeleteThose unexpected things are never fun but thank goodness it was caught before some major, major damage occurred. Darn! If we lived a bit closer, I would have come over and help you pull that lirope and transplant it in my yard!
ReplyDeleteAging definately puts a damper on things.
ReplyDeleteThings that took me five minutes ago take forever for me to complete.
Kim, something similar like that happened to us - not affecting the walls or anything but my husband WENT THROUGH the floor boards! He was mad he could have broken his leg that in an odd rage (he isn't ragey) he tore up the entire deck and re-did it. Now the reason I am sharing this is to let you know we got RID of our railing.............and it was sooooo much nicer. He also build seating benchwork all the way around - great place for extra seating or to put food or drinks when dining and more room needed.
ReplyDeleteWhen out there one feels more open now. When we look out from inside the house our eyes don't immediately fall on the railing - eyes extend to the beautiful lush green yard, etc. So, consider that, it made a huge impact.
Our deck is 12 ft off the ground so the rails are necessary.
DeleteWhat a huge job! I immediately called my husband over and asked him to check our deck, too! Thanks for sharing this. I planted yesterday, also, and last night I slept with a hot water bottle at my back. I agree, it's tough getting older. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteGiant liriope is in danger here...the dogs love to dig it up. I could have sent them to you for assistance. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of this aging thing, either. Just how many noises exit our bodies just trying to get up? LOL
Your deck will be beautiful again soon.
There is always unexpected something that needs to be taken care of and smacks us in the wallet...all the while we think, I could have bought a great piece of furniture with that money that goes to repairs and maintenance....A good thing that Mr. Savvy is a savvy handyman!...Your planting beds will look beautiful..they always do...
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that is a mess alright! Our deck at the old house was 291/2 yeard old andthank God didn't rot. We also had a sappy board. I know you have been wanting to get the deck fixed up so I am glad that is happening for you!!!
ReplyDeleteI also feel your gardening pain. I planted 54 annuals yesterday and couldn't believe how hard it was getting up and down! I am way older than you, I think and agree. Aging is NOT for sissied:):) Enjoy your Sunday!!!!
I hate when so much time and money has to go to the ugly details and not the fun decor. I am glad you caught the rot before it got much worse.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I feel your pain girl. My house seems to be the same way. If it's not our house, it's the cabin or something else. Always projects on the go. And one always seems to lead to another. Almost done though, hang in there.
ReplyDeleteOh no! Let us know how you like the new deck coating. Our little back deck is looking horrible and just this morning I was thinking about trying something more substantial than the normal deck stain I buy (that never lasts as long as they say it does on the can). I'm tired of restaining every other year!
ReplyDeleteGardening is so difficult for me, quite a few years ago I smashed my knees in a fall and cannot kneel down, so I have to bend from the waist or sit on a stool.....very limiting!!! It takes forever to do something!! I take 2 Aleve before doing any work and that really helps.
ReplyDeleteWe had the same deck problem in the big house......had to remove the deck to replace the rotting wood......and we put up a short roof overhang from the house with gutters and that did the trick.......its always something with a house!!
It's always a shock to find a nasty big job needs doing when you only plan an improvement. You will be happy with the new cleaned up deck and I'm looking forward to your finishing touches, sure it will be gorgeous.
ReplyDeletePS: I sure can't do what I use to do either so some things now are going to be "natural in the flowers beds."
Happy Sunday.............
Those are not fun surprises , but at least you found out about this way. And the deck looks great. Can not wait to see what you will do in the front of the house.
DeleteHave a great day.
Pam.
I hate it when we start a project and find out it's going to be much more involved then we thought!! Can't wait to see the new product you use on your deck flooring.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you - I used to be outside from sun up to sun down, but no more! I've decided to make myself a schedule of two hours a day each morning outside to get things in shape! We pretty much skipped spring here in the northeast - last weekend the high was barely 60 and today it's 80! So good tho to get outside and dig in the dirt!
ReplyDeleteWell he is doing it the right way and doing a great job! Yeah tell me about it, just from stenciling my floor...I have been sore all week. I think my whole body is bruised! Really hoping in the next 3 - 4 years to down size to a smaller home.I just don't have the time or energy to keep up with our home anymore.And in 3 years it will just be the two of us.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you-this aging thing sucks and I'm not accepting it too well, either! Was outside planting this afternoon and had to come inside! Whew! Your deck is going to look fabulous and it's a good thing that the rotting wood was discovered!
ReplyDeleteIt is truly always something! But getting things in order and taken care of properly always lends a sense of accomplishment! I can't wait to see what you put in the flower beds! We have got to get out and work on ours...I dread it! :-) Have a great evening!
ReplyDeleteMy friend that we were staying with while building had a similar problem.
ReplyDeleteHers went inside though. My husband told her it's from the deck being level with the house. I wasn't sure about that. As it turned out he was right.
I wanted that at the new house. The builder said no that makes bad water problems
Good luck
Cindy
I see another comment that is the way I have come to deal with aging in gardening practices...2 hours max a day. Used to be out there all day long. But things change and have to adapt . I also use a wax therapy pot for my hands on days that are difficult. Hopefully out of the unexpected you will have much beauty. Love watching progress and your ability to share so others can relate. thanks
ReplyDeleteKim, I am sorry about those not fun surprises. It's always a bummer when your find something unexpected like that. You are lucky to have Mr. Savvy to the rescue. I always think if I could have all the money I spent in things like that, that you cannot see or enjoy but they need to be fix and repair, I could have the kitchen of my dreams!! :) Now you can have peace of mind knowing there is no more damage into your walls. I am sure the deck will look fabulous very soon!
ReplyDeleteIt is always a not so great surprise to find rotting lumber, but a good thing you found it now before any more damage was done. The repairs look great and you will have all summer to enjoy your labors! My husband and I frequently say: "Growing old sucks, there is just no future in it!"
ReplyDeleteGood luck Kim! It is a huge undertaking but knowing you guys, I'm sure it will look even better in the end!
ReplyDeleteOur monkey grass is taking over as well. I regret planting it in places. Can not see what you did with yours.
ReplyDeleteThat was a nasty surprise, but I think it's better that you found it and were able to fix it.
ReplyDeleteIs there anything you two can't do!? It seems you can turn your hand to anything. Sorry to hear about the rot. Hate it when a job turns into a overhaul. You're never finished with houses are you!?
ReplyDeleteYou guys have been busy! I am sitting here in my new house looking at tons of boxes....sigh...
ReplyDeleteWe had a similar but much smaller problem. We built our house as if it will be our last home (not sure but we are prepared for old age LOL!!). As maintenance free as we could get. Which meant brick and in the area around the sunroom and patio, we have vinyl siding. No painting, easy to clean. The only thing we have that is paintable are the doors. We have a breakfast "nook" that the roof line drops and the nook juts out from the back of the house overlooking the patio and back yard. We started getting water going down around the window into the basement. Luckily, the basement wall is of course concrete block. Hubby had to do something up above the window to remedy the situation, but the water had not soaked into the wood underneath. Thank goodness! Do you have a basement? I did not realize your deck was so far above the ground. We went with one level - with basement (storage, etc. only) below. Glad you caught it before someone got hurt on the deck!
ReplyDeletetina, no, we don't have a basement, but a very tall crawl space. We saved money not doing a basement and we had one in the first house. All it did was catch all the junk. We have a storage room under the sun room for our lawn equipment. I want to downsize to a one level.
DeleteMakes sense. We love ours for lawnmowers, etc., our hot water heater is down there, our air compressor (for hubby's shop which is in our oversized garage- air line comes up through the wall). Not saying that some things couldn't go, but we're basically pretty good about that. Love our one level, but like having the basement and large garage/workshop. We have 2 steps to front porch and one step from sunroom door and garage side door (both to the patio). If need be you can come in through garage and kitchen with no steps. We ran into that problem at my grandparents - all entrances have steps!!
DeleteMy so un-favorite part of owning a home...maintenance. Anxious to see that "rubbery coating" you were talking about for the deck planks. Hope you show & tell about that;)
ReplyDeleteOh my. Maintenance is such a killer....as is aging ;) Those unexpected $$ drainers are the pits.
ReplyDeleteIt's always so satisfying when those big projects are finished. They are a real drag to do, but well worth it in the end.
ReplyDelete