Archive for 2009

Driveway

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

These terrible images were shot during our home inspection almost two years ago. Unfortunately, not that much has really changed with the exterior of The Brick House as we move on into 2010.

Heretofore I dub 2010 “the year of the exterior”.

So hey, lets start off with the DRIVEWAY.

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Here is my awesome drawing denoting the super rad cement pads that would run up the length of the driveway with 1″ crushed rock gravel as a main base. HA HA HA – awww dreaming. Yeah, that was way too expensive. Quotes ranged from $6,000 – $20,000 dollars. What!

Our DIY budget was $1,000 to do almost 3,600 sq. ft. of driveway. Yeah, I know. Stupid low.

Here is what we did…

Step 1

-Rent a tractor for one day.

-Let the Boy go hog-wild grading all our fancy dirt.
(BTW, this was his first time on a tractor and he did brilliantly)

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There was a surprising mess…

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WTF, giant cement blob. You were a pain in the ass.


Step 2

-Take preventative measures with geotextile fabric. It’s permeable, prevents erosion, keeps gravel in place and helps stop weeds. Keeps that gravel looking fresh and not ghetto.

-Roll out 3,600 sq. ft. of this stuff and stake it down into place.

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Step 3

-Move 50 tons of locally sourced 1″ crushed river rock. By hand. 50 TONS. F*ck you gravel.

-Thank your mom, Carpenter Craig, two friendly neighbors, and the Boy for helping spread gravel all day. Thank you guys.

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Yeah. BY HAND.


Step 4

-Compact that crap down. (We used our cars)

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Done!

Well, almost. There is still the issue of that large mound of gravel in the middle. It’s the leftovers for another project we are currently working on…teaser.

The DIY cost break down:

Tractor Rental: $235.46
Geotextile Fabric: $250.13
50 Tons o’ Gravel: $610.00

Driveway Total: $1,095.59

All in all we finished on budget and on time. It took two full days with a lot of help, a little rain and a ton of aspirin.

Holler Homies

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

I know I signed off and all but I just had to step back in and mention that I got a little surprise nomination over at Apartment Therapy 2009 Homies showdown. Thanks dudes, I’m all flattered and shiz.

If you’d like to favorite The old Brick House, I won’t stand in your way. Also, if you want to check out my growing favorite list please do so here.

But why you ask was I so distracted not to notice this radness? Hint Hint:

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Is that a f*cking tractor? Oh hell yeah.

Hmmmmm, what kind of tractor worthy projects could be happening ’round Casa de la Brick?

Happy Holidays!

Signing Off

Monday, December 21st, 2009

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( Elad Lassry )

Season Greetings with arty style.

The gang here at Chez Brick is focusing on some BIG projects, lots’o thrifting, holiday cocktails and travel of the family kind (therefore explaining the drinking). So here’s to making it through the holidays unscathed!

We will be back after the holiday (maybe with a new sleeker sexy sporty look if you’ve been good), some sore backs and a bag full of goodies to share. Come on Santa you son-of-a-bitch, fill those thrift stores with delicious treats.

Happy Holidays!