Home Improvement Thread

[jdl xstar]

I've seen many home improvements on this board and thought it'd be good to consolidate them into a single thread. I mean, after the time, energy and money spent to undertake these projects, its nice to show them off, right?! Also could be a good source for inspiration so please share projects and ideas!

Here's a project I'd been working on the last couple weekends. I wanted to have larger patio area near the sliding glass doors as an eating area besides the deck in the back yard. Its 18x18 travertine with slate tile inlay to border the middle area. In time I will get a large awning to cover the entire extended area. A GC did the job so I can't take credit for the actual labor..

Before:



During: Had to pour concrete to extend the existing area.





After!

[JohnnyB]

Wow...beautiful patio area...

[jdl xstar]

Thanks man. I feel like I just added so much more square footage of usable area.

[trickskier]

Nice job JD!!!

[Tomsinamerica]

fantastic idea and great design and execution of tiling!

I always have grand ideas when it comes to laying tile but when push comes to shove I just go for the simple option as I hate it soooo much. Which reminds me that I need to finish my half bath downstairs at some point and tile over my brick fireplace...

[Jabrew]

Nice job like the inlay. How are those tiles when wet?

[flipper]

Looks great!!!!!

[Ski-me]

Great thread idea......

We are currently going through a Major remodel! Once I get some of the items complete, I'll post some before and after pics.

Extending hardwoods into family
Sand all hardwoods and re-stain darker
All new trim and doors
New Kitchen cabinets
Re-face fireplace
Re-located laundry room upstairs

Can't wait until its done!!

[jdl xstar]

fantastic idea and great design and execution of tiling!

I always have grand ideas when it comes to laying tile but when push comes to shove I just go for the simple option as I hate it soooo much. Which reminds me that I need to finish my half bath downstairs at some point and tile over my brick fireplace...

I know what you mean about going the simple route. Originally, I was going to simply put squares down with no inlay and border. Got some suggestions about the border and shifting the tile 45 degrees in the middle and that made all the difference.

Nice job like the inlay. How are those tiles when wet?

Thanks! Slickness was a concern of mine but this type of travertine isn't as slick as some types that are used exclusively for indoor. When wet, it is slick when barefoot but with shoes its fine. I would not use this stuff around a pool deck, but for areas where you'll be in shoes most of the time, it holds great when wet.

[PA Prostar]

Here's my big project as of late. Before and After. Still some landscaping to go.

[Double D]

Basement

Here is my basement I did in 2007. Bar picture is missing the bar stools.. Full bathroom behind the bar wall.

[Double D]

Garage

Garage I had built this summer (2009) I didn't build it but I am doing all the inside finish work (electrical, insulation, drywall). Boat loves it too....

[DemolitionMan]

That looks nice. I like the Busch sign.

[SkiDog]

Redid a room at a friends house last week.

[Jerseydave]

Nice home improvements, guys!

This is the bar area of our basement that a family friend built for us last winter. (the rest of the basement was also finished, approx 1000 sq. ft.)
I designed the basement and bar myself, bar top is sapelli wood with an oak chicago-style bar rail, brass foot rests, bucks county stone veneer, sink and drop in bottle cooler. Looking to add some kind of wine glass rack or "bar back" behind it next. For now it's a great space to hang out and watch sports and wake videos!



before



after