“Back in the saddle again”… or at least back in my work gloves again. ha. It’s time for a family room update because not only has it been raining for five days straight, but we also have had snow last week.

And because my hand is finally healing enough so I can do a bit more. (read more on that HERE)

So, let’s take a look at what I’ve been staring at…

Now, wouldn’t that make your eye twitch?

In case you’re new to this renovation, check out these previous posts and you’ll see why Seth had me in giggles.

UPDATES

• Family Room Demolition Begins
• Family Room Lighting
• Hide Wiring in Open Ceiling
• DIY Open Staircase
• Open Staircase Update
• Family Room Update (here)
• Wall to Ceiling Transition
• Open Staircase Trim

WHERE TO START

As you can see, I go from outside to inside work based on the weather. And living in hormonal Ohio in spring it will have you doing both in one day!

Because I had minimal ability, I thought to myself… let’s do something SIMPLE.

bwahahaha!! Nothing is ever simple in my world.

What was to be a pretty straightforward change-up became a head-thumping event.

When I opened the staircase that rests between the kitchen and the family room, I had a light switch leading to a boob light (I hate those things SEE HERE).

And I also figured out that the “non-working” switch in the dining area actually turned on my front exterior lights! The video/vlog shows this best down below.

Loula feels my pain and comes to be my support.

Finally, after much digging and pulling apart, I get the wiring figured out and we have LIGHT!

MORE MESS

As if I couldn’t get enough, I decide to finally fix that gaping hole above my wall furnace and also the insulation holes at the back of my family room. There are TWENTY holes to fill. eep!

Before I get to that, first, I do an experiment to quiet the waterfall sounds from the upstairs plumbing.

There’s nothing like sitting in a nice conversation or watching a show and hearing… FLUSH. ahem.

Using the leftover carpet padding from my daughter’s hidey hole (sensory hideout I created HERE) to wrap around the plumbing

It is quieter, but I will be doing a bit more to make it as quiet as possible.

Next, I remove the blown insulation from that empty spot…

… and then insert it into the holes at the back to top them off.

Thankfully, I have a few rolls of scrap insulation in my attic that I stuffed a piece in that wall hole and am able to cover it up with leftover drywall from building my son’s bedroom.

In addition, after pulling down all the faux wood wall panels, I find this patched up spot that I want to remedy as well.

SO MANY HOLES

How can one wall have over TWENTY HOLES in it?

Because they added blown insulation at some point just like I did when I tore down my previous home dining room ceiling. Hence the faux wood panels that adorned this space once in a time.

In order to patch all those holes, I break out more drywall scrap. Yes, it pays to keep a few things, eh?

First, I find a round object the same size as the holes. I’m using a pill bottle lid. Keep in mind, if you have any kind of hole, you can do the same thing with adjustments.

Then: (see video for full demonstration)

• I cut a piece of drywall 4″ x 4″ square
• Trace the lid onto the BACKSIDE of the drywall
• Using a utility knife, score the circle (or whatever shape as I use this for outlet and repair holes too)
• Using the utility knife again, make scores going out to the edge of the square

• Carefully pop the drywall away from the circle leaving the front paper INTACT as it will serve as the patch.

• To patch, mud around the hole, then insert the patch
• Finally, mud over the path giving ample space to feather out the mud smooth.
• Finish as you would any other drywall repair

NO MORE MUDDIN’ AROUND

And as much fun as that was… the real fun… er… unfun begins with this family room update. While I don’t miss mudding, I do miss being able to have full function of my hands, so I’m going to do the best I can.

And I dance while mudding. It’s the only way!

Isn’t that hot mess beautiful. It’s MINE. 😁

So much so that I felt a few artsy poses are necessitated.

Well, folks, I’m going to keep muddin’ and head back outside the minute I can.

Until then, do leave come comment chatter down below. What is more, pin and share to spread the DIY love.

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Now that you’re in the DIY mood from my family room update, check out these past projects: