“You’re never safe from being surprised until you’re dead” ~ Ms. Rachel Lynde from Anne of Avonlea by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Ain’t that the truth? My family room lighting was supposed to be the next post of mine.
However… surprise! There is more to the story this time around.
Before I get to my lighting, I have to do more demolition like I did in my previous post HERE.
The encasement on the plumbing as well as some random boards need removed.
As I show in my video below, I also have many things to take care of like the nails sticking out from the flooring above as well as remnants from the ceiling tiles above the drop ceiling.
Below you can tap the image to watch me in DIY action. Honestly, if you skip the video, you’re missing half or more of the content in my posts.
INSTALLATION
First thing after removing all those nails, screws, and mounts, I feed the electrical wire through the holes already there to save me an ENOURMOUS amount of work.
Then, on the other side, I have to drill through several joists that wasn’t fun, but I got it DONE.
Here’s the end result of my wiring, though it’s roughed in.
Even in this state the difference is amazing! The “dungeon” is disappearing and my kids are just loving it – mess and all.
That is until I was cleaning up scrap wood and literally slam my palm with a hammer while removing nails and get a giant bruise. Yes, I had work gloves on, so imagine if I didn’t. ouch.
Plus, I was still working with my stitches in and having to trek back and forth to the vet and doctor for Loula and I.
At the end of this day, I mentally prepare for adding the housings to the lights and wires.
However, that is not what happened.
Again, in my last post, where I remove the drop ceiling, I mention selling said ceiling.
When I post the listing, I also include that if anyone wants the ceiling in my kitchen as well, it’s available.
Well… they want that one too, and I am happy to oblige. {{brakes screeching}}
Thankfully, I have three of my six kids to help me this time (last time I did it alone). You have to see the video to appreciate the sweat equity involved.
And here are the two ceilings that are now becoming part of a basement. woot!
MORE STUFF
And then… there’s more.
Remember me mentioning that my washer broke about six weeks ago?
Yep.
I’ve been hauling 6+ loads a week to the laundromat and then bringing them home wet so I can dry them here.
My dryer was a dream to have with steam features and all and HUGE.
But I also mention that I want to make better use of this space and have been shopping for a stacked washer and dryer for MONTHS.
I line up not one, not two, not three, but four trucks to pick it up. It wasn’t until I reach out to a long-time friend, Ben (who owns a local thrift store with his family), that I finally have a way to pick it up. Thankful for friends like that!
It’s sitting like the awkward kid in gym class, but it’s, at least, in my house.
Now… I have to tear apart my laundry to get this useful and so I can actually get into my cupboard in there.
That means I may have to put a pause on the family room lighting and all because I need to have clean laundry.
I am super thankful this chapter of hunting a washer/dryer set down is DONE. {{deep breath}}
A FINAL EFFORT
Last, but not least, I do get back at it with building the housings from scrap wood for the wires and lights on the left side of the room.
I use 1″ x 4″s for the sides with pocket holes to attach.
Then, I cut pieces of luan (thin plywood) to make a face for each section.
Lemme just say that it took F.O.R.E.V.E.R to do this because each section is different, not square, and wonky at best.
Doing this reminds me of all the ceilings I’ve done in the past, particularly my hallway at the old house.
Yes, I have much to do, but as I mention before, I will be moving from project to project. I need to work just like everyone else.
I have a birthday surprise for someone coming up soon that I’m excited to start on and I can’t be late! See what I created HERE.
Family Room Updates:
- Family Room Demolition Begins
- Family Room Lighting (here)
- Hide Wiring in Open Ceiling
- DIY Open Staircase
- Open Staircase Update
- Family Room Update
- Wall to Ceiling Transition
- How to Paint and Open Beam Ceiling
- Open Staircase Trim
SHARE
First, THANK YOU for taking the time to read and engage (leave a comment!) because this is my livelihood. And as a single mama just trying to do the best I can. I truly appreciate all your sharing, pinning, emails, and more.
Don’t be shy to give DIY a try!
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While you’re at it, here are more DIYs like my family room lighting:
And she does electrical work too!! You are amazing dear Larissa!!
Oh yes. Many years of learning and shared my recent post where I wired my son’s bedroom as well. https://livinrealwithlarissa.com/bedroom-addition-lighting/
😉 It’s a rewarding experience.
Wow! I don’t know how you do it all. I am sure it was wonderful to have help in the kitchen! I love the kitty perch in the tree! There is so much to explore & observe. I hope that the washer/dryer combo works out well for you. I love the idea of it but worry about one part breaking down while the other continues to work. It beats going to the laundromat though. I look forward to the next phase in the Family room beyond the electrical work. You are so blessed to have that talent. Electrical work is terribly expensive. Your hand looks painful…hope it heals quickly!🌿
Me either! It was and is wonderful. They ask to help, but sometimes it’s a one-person job, so I use their skills whenever possible. Yes, I get the debate on the stacked set. I needed this like it or not and didn’t want to spend on two front-loading machines at the moment. Yes, I had to pay an electrician to do my garage lighting because of the inspection of a new build and it really burned me that I could have done it myself! ah well… it was nice to have it done. Hand is doing much better and back at the family room today.
Hi! You’re doing great! I’ve been following you for 6ish years now, ever since I was on the hunt for a sander tool and found you by your recommendation of the tool you use. Thanks 😉 I love your format of pictures and words, that’s why I subscribe, so I can have a nice read with my morning tea)) I appreciate the extra work it must be to make and post videos, but I don’t use blogs for my video content, so I am admitting to you that I usually skip the video posts. Do you have a YouTube channel? That type of video layout is much more conducive to watching. I’m excited to see how you will transform your new home and land, and I love the taupe-y color you seem to be using as your anchoring base color. I hope you had some arnica nearby and that your hand heals quickly! Please forgive my two cents; it’s your blog, after all!
Hi Kaleria! Thanks so much for the encouraging words and for stickin’ around so long. {{hugs}}. Very long story made short, I was on YT for MANY years and when my Facebook and Instagram got hacked and I lost over 100K followers, I was also banned from YT for a year. It was so much work on their to even minutely get into the algorithm and I earn from my videos (on my old blog for the time being). I make these because I want my readers to be able to actually SEE what I’m doing and get my vibe. I’d love to know why YT is more conducive, because I prefer this instead without all the “junk” they throw at you.
Yes, arnica is a blessing! It’s still a deep ache but much better now. Back to working on my ceiling! 🙂
Larissa, you are the best. LOVE all that you do, you are so handy. I have done some remodeling but not at your level. I really look forward to your remodeling. Keep up the good work!!
I totally needed a “hug” today, Michele. Thank you for that. My goal is to inspire and sharing is why I’m here.
I’ve said it before, but you truly are amazing for so many reasons! I never cease to be amazed by your skill set, and it’s wonderful that your children are learning by doing. I loved and laughed at your comment about the washer and dryer “sitting like the awkward kid in gym class”! That took me back some 60 years to my own gym classes, I was truly that awkward kid😂🤣
bwahahaha!! I think we all were, Sheryl. I hate dodgeball where the guys blasted you for no reason. I would let myself get hit so I could get out without pain. And then there were times I had at them. haha! 😀
Girl, I’m tired for you, wow that is a lot of work! But I can see the end result is going to be so worth it. Happy to hear you found a stacking washer/dryer and your laundromat days are over. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you are amazing! Ouch, sending healing vibes your way.
Right? haha. Yes, if I can figure out a few things. But honestly, I’ll need to get outside to work before I can get this done, I’m sure. And a blessing to find that set in great shape too. (fingers crossed no more issues!! 😉 ) Thanks so much, Marie.
Very well done, not as competent as you, but do love to give it a go, nothing more satisfying than looking at something and being proud that you did that.
I’m sure if you had the opportunity, you’d catch on too. Yes, you’re right – very satisfying! And I didn’t have to get mad at a contractor that didn’t listen. haha. Thanks so much, Linda. 🙂