Saturday, August 25, 2007

More Finished Pics




This slate shower shows off Josh's design talents, as well as the extreme care we took with the details of the house.

We opened up the stairs to allow access straight to the kitchen via a slate hallway.

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Final pics


Here are some pics of the finished exterior and kitchen.

New paint, windows, roof and gutters made a huge difference to the outside of the house.

In the kitchen pics the slate backsplash hasn't been grouted yet, though we've now finished it.

4 Weeks before finishing


These pictures represent progress from around June 12th.




Listing Description for 1461 Cook St.

Totally renovated, and “green” house.

Standard features include all new electric, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, new cherry cabinets in kitchen and upstairs bathroom vanities with maple cabinets in basement wetbar, 3cm granite slab counter tops throughout, new bamboo floors in kitchen and wet bar, new paint inside and out, new architectural style roof, new metallic bronze gutters, slate floors and showers in bathrooms with a slate backsplash in kitchen, brushed nickel lights and fixtures, new carpet in basement, refinished floors, brand new new low-e windows, new fans in kitchen and upstairs hallway, new landscaping, crown molding throughout, new water heater, stainless appliance package featuring an LG french door refrigerator, range with hood, dishwasher, under the counter microwave, and even a brand new (white) Frigidaire Affinity washer and dryer set.

Layout includes 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, with a master suite with a large walk-in closet; all bedrooms are on the top floor, as are the washer and dryer. Also includes an office, wet bar, storage room, workout room, and theater room in addition to the living room, dining room and kitchen. Tons of functional living space with a large backyard, and a two car garage with workshop.

Green features include all energy star appliances with washer that uses 67% less water, energy saver water heater, the most efficient furnace made (96.1% efficient with a D/C motor that runs 80% cheaper), an A/C unit that is two steps better than energy star, low-e windows, which reduce heat loss by 45% over double pane windows, non-toxic paint inside and out, sustainably harvested bamboo floors, energy star lighting throughout (except 4 lights), carpet made of recycled soda bottles, non-toxic finish for floors, non-toxic stone sealer, and some toxic drywall mud, cleaners, and adhesives. All package waste was recycled, and all yard waste was composted. Will subsidize solar panels upon closing for those interested.

Sunday, April 15, 2007


The new flagstone path from the front to the left side of the house. The flagstone was salvaged from the backyard. It was buried by overgrown grass.

New Amerimax low-e windows that save 45% on energy costs

The walls have been mudded and sanded several times to get a smooth flat finish instead of the bumpy outdated texture.

The "atrium bathroom" has undergone quite a renovation. First, it was even a bathroom to begin with; it'll be the second one upstairs. We added 8" of headroom while making the floor more structurally sound. This bathroom will house the washer and dryer, also, making it easily accessible from the bedrooms.

The basement has all new electrical wiring, new windows, moved a wall to create a larger room for a home theatre, and installed recessed lighting.

Friday, March 9, 2007

Project #1: Cook St house update

Josh and his crew have been really busy. Working lots of hours and with lots of sub-contractors. We have had some major electrical work done but there are still some minor things to do. Here are some pictures of some of the work being completed:


New fencing = more privacy


Removal of old woodwork. This may be controversial for some but the masses seem to think old school isn't cool.


More woodwork removal


Interior paint colors; neutrals with just a hint of color.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Project #1: Cook St House DEMO

We have already made some significant changes. Here are several photos of just a smidgen of the work thats been done at the Cook St house.

This is the entry to the living room from the hallway coming from the front door. It had been closed off with drywall and a small doorway.

















This is the same entry way looking into the hallway from the living room. We removed the closed off entryway as well as open up some windows that previously had stained-glass in them. In the background you can see Ed working on opening the other entry into the den. By doing so, we have created such an open feeling that previously left the space feeling super-segmented.






This will be the new wine cellar. It was just a storage area before.


















This is an original fireplace in the basement. We are going to cover it with stone to give it an updated look, cover the walls with drywall (obviously), and replace those windows. This may become the exercise room but could also be used for an additional bedroom, sitting room, or rec room.