The Big Project...

As many of you already know, this Spring Jim will be building an addition onto our house! We've spent many, many hours in "discussions" over exactly what we wanted done. Ultimately, we both had to make some compromises before we could come to a mutual agreement on how things should be done.
After getting some rather scary quotes on what it would cost to do this project from engineers, general contractors and roofing specialists (approx. $25,000-$30,000!!), Jim said "I'm going to do it myself. I'll wing it!". He sat down with a calculator, and has estimated that the entire project should cost around $4000. $4000..compared to $25,000!!!! Many people think he is INSANE for taking on this project!! They view him as just being an "average" guy - he's a mechanic who works the night shift, which he hates, so that he can spend mornings and afternoons with his son. As everyone knows, Jim is a dedicated father. But what they don't realize is just how talented Jim is. He truly defines the meaning of the word "modest". He never brags or speaks highly of his work. Hence where his wife comes in! I love pointing out just how talented my husband is, and I enjoy bragging about all of the things he does!!
Since moving into our "fixer-upper" house 2 yrs ago, Jim (along with some much appreciated help from family whenever needed!), has become a 'jack of all trades'. I don't even think HE realized all of the things he could do until he was put to the test. When we first moved in, Kyle decided to flush a handful of plastic army guys down the toilet. Jim became a plumber. He had to take the entire toilet apart (quite disgusting..) to fix it. Then, not two weeks later, Kyle somehow managed to get his toothbrush stuck down the bathroom sink!! Jim had to take it apart and replace pipes to fix that problem. He became an electrician when we realized how few outlets there were in the house. He showed off some major woodworking skills when he built the shed in our backyard, along with the full bar (which lights up and has working outlets) in the finished basement. Did I mention that he FINISHED the basement on his own too? Equipt with drop ceilings, recess lighting and carpeting.. the basement was transformed from a dark, dreary creepy place to a gorgeous "Jimmy Room" within weeks. He mounted a 60" plasma tv on the wall with an expert-like hand. Not one wire is to be seen. He installed the water heater, fixed the bath tub and hooked up surround sound through out the entire house. The list goes on and on. We've never had to hire anyone to help out. He's saved us thousands and thousands of dollars by doing everything on his own.
So now to those who may be skeptical of what he's about to do this Spring let me just show you the drawings Jim had to present to the Fire Department and Building Inspector in order to obtain the necessary permits needed to go forth with this project. Please keep in mind here that Jim did not go on to college after highschool. He never took a course in "drafting". He sat downstairs, in the "Jimmy Room" with a "Hello Kitty" pencil, a heart shaped eraser, some $1.99 drawing paper from Walmart and Metallica BLARING through the stereo loud enough to make the pictures on the walls upstairs shake and within a few weeks he had perfected drawings that look just as professional as they would have had we hired an architect to do them!
Here is a drawing of the outside of the house, showing what it will look like once the addition has been put on. The whole upper half - where the roof is - is what he will be doing. He's basically raising it up and going out by 7ft..

This picture below shows the structure of the inside of the room. Jim had to make exact measurements, according to specific codes

And this picture below shows, basically, what the rooms will look like when all is said and done. To the left are the stairs which will lead up to two doors - one to the right, one to the left. If you take a right you will (eventually) enter into a huge master bathroom with a sliding window. For now, due to financial restraints, Jim will create a walk-in closet. There will be another door, in that room, that leads to a very large bedroom (Kyle's room). He will install two windows in that room. If you take a left at the stairs you will go thru a door that leads to a second big room. If we have a boy, he will end up sharing a room with Kyle when he is approx 2 yrs old. (He will stay in the nursery, which will be Kyle's existing room now, until then). The second room will become the playroom. If we have a girl, she will get the second room, and the nursery will become a playroom. Unless we decide to procreate again. :)

The game plan is to have this entire project finished before Baby Vargas arrives!! We're very excited..well, maybe not so much Jim who will be up there on that steep roof hanging on for dear life..

I cant wait to take photo's once he gets started :)