reno pics

Well, it is a momentous day in the Smith household. We are officially done construction of several projects (basement, flooring, deck). Phew! It is going to be awesome to enjoy these home improvements over the years to come. We can't wait to share them with family and friends!!

Sorry I didn't include pics with my last post. In typical Tammy and Ben fashion, we don't really have any before pictures - just think concrete floor and walls. Also, please excuse the "toy explosion" in the basement pictures. We clean up at the end of the day. :)

Deck from our back door.

Deck from our garage door. 

Sample of new flooring - new carpet on stairs and in basement, and hickory on the second floor (bedrooms and hallway) and third floor. 

Ben's GENIOUS idea - take out the wall separating the basement from the main floor. Also, we took out the door. The basement is part of our living space. I can hear the kidlets and they can hear me. :)

We also took the wall out in the basement. 

Looking right from the bottom of the stairs. Our one window. Maria, our friend and neighbour, suggested putting the window ledge on a 45 degree angle instead of perpendicular to the wall - it makes the window seem bigger and lets in optimal light. Thanks, Maria!

Basement from laundry room doorway.

Basement from below the window, towards the laundry room. 

We have lived in our house for 5 years. In those years we have renovated our kitchen and landscaped our front yard (see some pics here: front porch and landscaping). We are so happy to have been able to do these home improvements. Were they absolutely essential? It depends on who you speak to. Investing in your home can be a good investment. Our kitchen is a lot more functional now. Our house is a very user friendly, kid friendly, people friendly space. We love to have friends over. And it is true - we have been able to do that over the years without these improvements.

These decisions are personal and should not be taken lightly. We realize we live in North America, that we are the "haves". It is about balance, accountability, being wise, being generous. These things should be on our minds daily, involved in every decision, big and small. We are so thankful we have a beautiful home to enjoy and share, but mostly we are so thankful for our family and friends to share it with.

Hope you all enjoy your weekend!! I'm going to be sitting on my new deck, playing with my kids!! Happy Father's Day!

Tam