What was I thinking when I promised myself—and more importantly my husband, Phil—that we would be ready to move into our new “old” house by mid-February? Well, Phil did get to move in—to the tiny garden apartment where I’d been camping out during renovations. Now with two adults and a dog, the quarters are crowded and the work seems to be progressing even more slowly for me (and far too slowly for Phil).

My husband’s office is almost finished, but the rest of the house is in various stages of completion. For instance, the closets have no door hardware, so I have been using a nail file. Usually I like things tidy, but I seem to be strangely content these days to have my clothes piled on chairs and benches just for the sheer convenience. The contractor has begun making nasty sounds, because some of the components for the kitchen cabinets are still missing. I lie awake at night, praying for parts and worrying about what I can do to keep the work on schedule.

Here are the best tips for coping with remodeling work that I’ve been able to assemble from this experience and previous projects:

Manage expectations. Throughout this remodel, one of my key roles has been to manage expectations—my own, my husband’s and the workers’. I have become a constant presence, determined to keep the work progressing on some level. When it stalls, I am the one who suggests tackling something else until the previous problem is resolved.

Familiarize yourself with the work. You certainly don’t need to know the job inside and out, but it does help if you have some understanding of what the work at hand is, and what is required to get it done properly. When did I learn that the multi-pole dimmer needs a “companion switch”? I’m not sure, but it’s something I know now.

Become project manager. In addition to sourcing products on the internet, I’ve become quite adept at locating invisible screws and missing parts and fixtures throughout the house. I am resigned to do whatever it takes to keep on schedule. The contractor assures me that work will be completed in late May. I just want to make sure it is late May of 2012.

Keep up morale. I bake cookies and distribute them in the afternoon when blood sugar is low. It’s important to keep the workers in good moods, particularly since I now spend more time with them than I do with my husband. To be sure, I am looking forward to having the relationship end soon, and amicably (with the workers, not my husband).

It will get done. This has become my daily mantra. I’ve been through the process so many times before’ I know things have a way of coming together. And they will for this remodel too, and oh, what a happy day that will be!

Cookies & Other Tips for Coping with Remodeling Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

The original staircase

It’s easy to take the staircase for granted, at least until a problem arises. But as one of a home’s finest architectural features, the staircase deserves a homeowner’s special attention sooner rather than later.

The beautiful curved staircase in my ‘new’ old home is one of the reasons I fell in love with the place. After multiple trips up and down during the move-in and remodeling process, though, it was clear the staircase (and I) needed some help.

My contractor agreed with my assessment of the stairs’ structural condition. The outer strings were separating from the inner string and needed to be re-attached (this commonly occurs after years of wear and heavy traffic). By bolting the offending strings back together from underneath, the steps would provide surer footing and much-improved stability.

Safety was my next concern. Inadequate light and a heavy wall color made it hard to see on the stairs. And even with the beautifully polished cherry banister, I noticed people would support themselves using the opposite wall (where there was nothing to grip onto). Also, the stair treads were slippery and, house guests aside, I feared that my little dog would have trouble managing, so five changes were in order:

Choose a new wall color. I selected a yellow-orange from Benjamin Moore to cover the original dusty rose and give the space a warmer glow. The inspiration came from the hue that Thomas Jefferson chose for his own dining room in Monticello. Tastily named “Nacho Cheese” (we’ve come a long way since Jefferson), the buoyant, bold color works to give the walls radiance.

Larger chandeliers upstairs and down

Improve the lighting. The original chandeliers in the lower and upper hallways were too small to offer adequate illumination. Replacing these with larger fixtures from Currey & Company solved the low-light problem, and by installing LED chandelier bulbs I was assured of superior energy efficiency (and of less frequent bulb changes).

LED ribbon lighting casts light where it's needed

Focus light on the stairs. I’ve always loved the vibe in restaurants where a strings of little lights beneath the bar or banquettes provide visual interest and soft illumination. This was something I could “borrow” for my own stairs; I could run a ribbon of light along the baseboard to cast a soft light directly onto the steps. I discovered a good source for flexible LED lighting online at Express Lighting. The knowledgeable customer service department that provided me with everything I would need for my electrician. Note: If you plan to do something similar, be sure to ask about the size of the drivers and to plan out where those drivers will be attached.

Flexible trim provides grab bar

Install a flexible handgrip. Another research project online brought me to www.trimster.com and the Flex Trim chair rail product line. A unique polymer blend allows the molding shape to be flexible, durable and, most important, paintable. Here was the answer to my need for a grab rail on a curved wall. Installation was easy. One words: glue.

The striped runner installed

Add carpeting. This was the easiest decision to make but the most difficult part of the upgrade to install, since the carpeting had to follow the curved configuration of the stairs. Thanks to Edwin of the Rug Shoppe in Savannah, GA, who had to cut and tack each step and riser—he did a masterful job making the seams disappear and the stripes line up perfectly as they went up step by step. Note: Try to select something other than stripes if you’d prefer a more forgiving installation.

For more on staircases and remodeling stairs, consider the following articles and videos:

A Step-by-Step Solution: Pre-Cut Treads & Risers
Building Winding Stairs (VIDEO)
Stepping Out: The 12-Year Kitchen

In Step with the Times: A Case for Updating Your Stairs Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

If you have a small kitchen, like I do, your backsplash needs to be more than a decorative backdrop. It needs to perform. So rather than clutter up the counter with messy containers and small appliances, I zeroed in on that six-foot run of narrow wall. To my delight, I realized there are a wealth of manufacturers meeting the challenge of backsplash-friendly alternatives. Here are a few that should help you make the most of your backsplash and your kitchen.

Store More

Zero-Gravity Magnetic Spice Rack

This space-efficient Zero Gravity Magnetic Spice Rack by Zevro lives up to its name, as the 1.5 oz. canisters can store spices top and bottom. A locking mechanism on each canister allows you to dispense contents by pouring or sprinkling—great for one-hand use. Choose from the 6- and 12-canister models (each model includes a sheet of self-adhesive spice labels for your convenience).

Wall-Mounted Paper Towel Holder

Hang Tight

This wall-mounted paper towel holder from SimpleHuman can be secured to a cabinet or the wall, in either an upright or horizontal position. A tension spring provides just the right resistance to pull off one towel at a time, while the extra-strong mounting bracket provides superior durability.

A Sharp Idea

Under-Cabinet Swinger Knife Holder

Knives can take up a lot of space, in your drawers or on the counter. This innovative under-cabinet Swinger Knife Block from Wusthof allows you to safely and conveniently store up to eight knives and a sharpening steel. It swivels with a touch of the finger, holding the knives securely in place with magnetic strips.

For more on cabinetry and the kitchen backsplash, consider:

Backsplash Idea: Faux Stone Re-Finish
5 Creative Alternatives to Kitchen Cabinetry
Bob Vila’s Guide to Kitchen Cabinets

The Backsplash: A Kitchen’s Most Underutilized Real Estate Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

On the parlor floor, where the public rooms of the house are located, crown molding survives only in the dining room and library. It offers a glimpse of the well-conceived decorative trim that once dressed the 12-foot walls. The adjacent room—which we plan to use as a small family sitting room—had some insignificant 2-inch trim that looked very out of place by comparison. Upstairs, it appears that moldings were never installed, making the 10-foot-high ceilings look naked.

Before I could find a suitable molding profile, I needed to educate myself on a variety of fronts and turned to the folks at Good Millwork to help me understand the four terms that are bandied about in millwork selection: height, width, thickness and projection.

GoodMillwork.com

Next, I needed to learn some basic rules:

Rule 1. The width of the molding depends on the height of the ceiling. If your ceiling is 8 feet tall, look for crown moldings that are 3 to 5 inches wide. If your ceiling is 9 to 10 feet, consider moldings that are 5 to 7 inches wide. Over 10 feet—you can choose moldings up to 12 inches wide.

Rule 2. Select the right material for your budget and your project. Many moldings are still made from hard woods, wood veneers and plaster (more expensive choices). Others, less expensive, are constructed from fiberboard, soft woods (such as pine) and high-density polystyrene. I selected the latter because of its moisture resistance, something of interest to a newly minted Southerner.

Rule 3. Find a design that complements the other features in the room.

Lexington Crown Molding from Century Architectural Specialties

For my 12 foot high ceiling, I needed something important but not too ornate. I looked at historical profiles of molding but none seemed as simple and elegant as what I had in the dining room. I was loath to climb up 12 feet just to sketch the details of the existing molding, so I looked online for possible sources. After a day of total immersion in crown molding designs, I found something just right: a simply layered look called “Lexington” from Century Architectural near Atlanta. This profile is designed to bring the eye up and over as it extended to the ceiling. It is 4 -5/8 inches high but projects almost 9 inches onto the ceiling. Perfect!

Monticello Crown Molding from Century Architectural Specialties

Finding the right moldings for the two bedrooms should have been simpler, but I spent just as much time looking for something that would complement the fireplaces and window trim (Hint: This is another good way to start thinking about molding—simply mimic the window trim). Since the ceilings are lower in the bedrooms, I decided to focus on a heavier wall molding that would bring the eye to the ceiling. Each molding adds a lot of character to the respective rooms.

And here is what I purchased—a subtle change of design on the same dentil theme with “Monticello” (4-5/8 inches wide and a 4-3/8 inch projection) for the master bedroom, and “Manchester Dentil” (4-7/8 inches wide and a 4-7/8 inch projection) for the guest bedroom.

Manchester Dentil Crown Molding from Century Architectural Specialties

I could not have made these decisions without some guidance from an expert—Barbara Duncan of Century Architectural Specialties. She was patient with my endless questions and offered a number of  creative solutions for me to consider. In the end, the process was a learning experience for me and a character-building one for the house.

For more on moldings and trims, consider the following Bob Vila articles, slideshows and videos:

Installing Baseboards and Making Moldings
Quick Tip: Installing Crown Molding
10 Ways to Bring Historic Style Home

Character Building: A Case for Moldings Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

A fresh coat of paint would certainly be an easy solution to conceal the nasty, discolored wallboard. But, I wanted the ceiling to be more important. Perhaps even a different material… like the wood plank ceilings that I remember seeing in European homes. And that’s exactly what I decided to do.

I live in the land of pecky cypress (Georgia) and wanted to adorn the ceiling with a local wood that looked like it had always been part of the house. Finding rough sawn cypress was not a problem, though it was disappointing to discover that much of the knotty character would be lost when planed into tongue-and-groove planks.

Step #1 – Talking the Talk
I had to learn the lingo of wood from a nearby lumber yard. What I really wanted was old-growth cypress (more possibility of knots). I also needed to specifiy that the “boards be dressed on three sides and rough on the face” to achieve the look I wanted.

Step #2 – Background Check
To start, I had furring strips installed and then had the ceiling painted black; a designer trick I learned to make the knot holes less apparent while creating a sense of depth.

Step #3 -  Board Walk
When the cypress boards arrived, I sorted them so that the knot holes were evenly distributed. My contractor did a masterful job of fitting and nailing them with the same attention to detail. He also covered the main support beam that now makes the wooden ceiling seem to float overhead.

The end result is a unique ceiling that will get the attention it deserves. Now, if I can just prevent cobwebs in those crevices!

As an alternative, if you want a more refined or less rustic look in wood, Armstrong makes a Woodhaven ceiling plank system that can be installed easily. The pre-finished planks—available in pine, cherry and apple—are virtually maintenance-free and sag-proof. Visit www.armstrong.com for more details.

What Do You Say to a Naked Ceiling? Remodel. Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com

Rinnai Tankless Hot Water Heater

Whether you are building a new home or retrofiiting an older one (like me), take time to evaluate the hot water system.  After all, estimates report that as much as 30% of a home’s energy budget is consumed by heating water.

My new “old house” came complete with an old, rusted gas, tank hot water heater in the attic that was dying…well, dead.  The question was not “should it be replaced?” but rather “should it be replaced with a similar model or a new tankless system?”

A traditional water heater continuously heats water in the tank regardless of whether it is being used.  By comparison, the newer tankless designs heat water only when there is demand for it.  Less stored water to heat…less cost.  And, let’s not forget, more compact and wall-mounted designs.

I did some research on water heating in general—and tankless hot water heaters specifically—and here is what I learned:

Size Matters:  Tankless hot water heaters are available in room (i.e. sufficient for a large bathroom) or whole house sizes.  Calculate how many appliances or fixtures need hot water to determine the best size unit for your home.  For me, a whole-house system was required.

Gas-operated tankless hot water heater diagram.

Fuel Type: Hot water heaters are available in either electric or gas (natural and propane) models.  If you are considering electric, check for voltage and amperage requirements.  The gas version will need some electric to operate, but venting will be the bigger issue.

Location: If you live further north, your ground water will be colder than if you reside in the southern or western part of the U.S.  The temperature of the water will affect the speed and flow.

Know the Flow:  If you think you will need to run the dishwasher while someone else is showering, calculate a larger gallons-per-minute (GPM) to meet your overall water needs.  Take into account water usage, too: A bathroom needs less water than a kitchen; a dishwasher less than a shower, etc.

Look into Rebates: Many utilities offer incentives and you may benefit from state tax credits as well.  Investigate both to make sure you meet the requirements and reap the full benefits.

Rinnai Tankless Hot Water Heater Install

Understand the Payback: In general, a tankless hot water heater will cost you more upfront—the average between $800 to $1,150 (plus installation), compared to traditional tank water heaters at $450-$750 (plus installation).  Balance the cost of your unit with your ongoing operating costs.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy website, tankless water heaters can be 24 to 34 percent more efficient than a traditional tank-style water heater depending on a home’s daily hot-water demand.

I chose a Rinnai tankless hot water heater for my home.

For more on energy saving home improvements, consider the following Bob Vila articles and videos:

Installing an On-Demand Hot Water System

Five Simple Ways to Save H2O at Home

Smart Water: Faucets, Heaters and Systems

Tankless Hot Water Heaters: Should I or Shouldn’t I? Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com