If this was your vacation, I'd hate to know what you do for fun...

Now that the bat situation is somewhat under control (I like to believe it is). I can now move onto other things around the house. Over the previous week, I’ve been on vacation from work. It was the perfect time to begin a large project. One that would require a lot of attention once it began. The biggest problem was that I had a serious back problem that required a lot of attention. So I called in re-enforcements to help me with the kitchen… my nephews. Without their help, I’d probably still be struggling with lifting the cabinets alone.

Prior to the bat situation, I’ve been patiently working on the kitchen. I started with the ceiling, by exposing the wonderful tin and installed the crown molding. I also half heartily painted the walls… I wanted to paint the walls completely prior to installing new cabinets but my vacation time was coming on too quickly. So I paused on the painting and started the kitchen update.

Let’s review the reasons for the cabinet update

Cabinet doors did not close properly

Drawers face missing or damaged

Repaired drawers with duct tape

Duct tape drawer

No dishwasher

Everything needed to be removed from the kitchen prior to actually doing any demolition. For the next week, my house was completely turned upside down from empting the kitchen.

Kitchen table with pots and pans in the bedroom

Cleaning supplies and utensils in the living room

Before

Once the old cabinet was removed, through the wall it would appear that there was a door. It looks like the previous owners had installed a wall to cover up the door that goes into the back hallway. I’m ok with the wall because it gives more space for cabinets in the kitchen.

Next was the main cabinet. The base under the sink was pretty dilapidated. Additionally, the faucet was old and it leaked. The wooden handles were started to get moldy as well.

The plan was to remove the dual sink and replace it with a single sink. To fit a new dishwasher within the current space, I had to get a smaller sink base thus it required a smaller sink.

A new drain assembly will be needed. A new hot water outlet will be needed as well to supply the dishwasher.

Within 30 minutes, the entire kitchen was completely demolished.
I then installed a new subfloor to support the new cabinets.

For the new subfloor, I cut out holes for the water, drain and power lines. I created a template to cut the holes out.

Once that was completed, Fredy started to help out by drilling in support boards into the walls

The cabinets were then drilled into the walls, shimmed and then together.

Once the cabinets were in place, Fredy helped me put the counter top on.

The main cabinets were then installed. For the sink base, I used the same template that was used for the subfloor to cut out the access holes.

Fast forward a couple of screws, shims and heavy lifting, the kitchen cabinets were completed. The new kitchen cabinets now have an access spot for the new dishwasher.

 For the new dishwasher, I then needed to install a new water line to the existing hot water pipe. After shutting off the water supply, a new “T” copper spacer and valve were soldered on. To protect the cabinet from getting burned by the torch, I used a flame retardant cloth.

Once that was completed, it was time to install the new sink. I used blue painters tape to outline the new sink. Note the light coming through the window...

Because of the limited space using the Jig saw to cut out the access hole for the sink, I had to use a hand saw to clean out the last remaining portion of the counter. You may notice the darkness out of the window. It took a long time using the hand saw...

Once I was conformable that the sink would fit within the new access hole, I installed the faucet and drain to the sink. The new sink assembly was then installed to the counter using clips and silicone.

The next portion of the kitchen upgrade was installing the new drain assembly. The PVC piping was aligned prior to being cementing together. Note the black marker lines to ensure that the PVC piping was assembled properly. Also note the new drain pipe for the dishwasher waste line.

The moment of truth!!!!!

Yes!!!! Water is running with no leaks…

I can happily state that the main renovation of the kitchen is completed. The next portion of the upgrade is to finish painting, install the dishwasher and upgrade the floor. I also want to upgrade the kitchen hardware. I’m certainly pleased with the upgrade thus far. Yes I still need to wash dishes by hand... But not for long...

The upgrade thus far would not have been completed if it wasn’t for my great nephews, Fredy and Devyn. Without them, I probably would have destroyed my spine. The bonus was listening how they both enjoyed learning how they were able to use power tools. Well until next time, happy building...

The first shot... Hopefully the last...

You may already have notice, but, I have a strong dislike towards bats. I could use the word hate, but hate is such a strong word that it could imply that I want a total destruction of bats… What I’m trying to say is I don’t feel an extreme hostility towards bats. It’s discomfort that I just don’t want them bothering me. Too sum it up, they scare me. Basically, I scream like a baby. And when I’m running for shelter, I’m honestly man enough to scream, “Get out of the way!!! Scared little girl coming through!!!” Sorry ladies, this is one area, I would have to say, “good luck, man in shining armor I am not…” However, I’m ok with catching mice, squirrels and/or chipmunks. Yes I have some experience chasing and/or catching those little creatures. But the flying mice, that is not my department.

I have a strong respect for bats. I understanding that bats like many other creatures in our world have a function, a meaning or rather a responsibility. They have a duty, like many of us. Let me clarify, they are innocent creatures just attempting to live life and tend to their young ones. Too continue the cycle of life for their species. I had read somewhere that one bat can consume up to about 3000 mosquitoes in one night. So with that, there is a benefit of having bats… Thus, removal of any bats from my house would be humane. I certainly didn’t want to go in gun blazing with pesticides per say. Additionally, bats are protected by law in Massachusetts and may not be killed.

I was fortune enough to find someone with that met my requirements. His name was Enoi Chonmany, owner of Greenleaf Pest Management, Inc. (There is a link on the side bar for Greenleaf Pest Management). Talking with Enoi; he tries to avoid using pesticides when removing animals and/or creatures. But sometime when it is necessary, he tries to use a limited amount. When using pesticides there is a real concern of it flowing down to a neighborhood parks with the possibly of hurting kids and/or innocent animals. I was extremely pleased with that statement.

When it comes to bats, Enoi works at night. The time was about 5:30 pm when he reported for duty. He started by buttoning up the loose siding and access areas of the house. The last thing that would be sealed would be the Chimney-130 hatchway, after the bats exited for their nightly hunt… After about 2 hours, he was completed with the first stage.

We both sat at the back porch talking about his pest control business and life in general. I have to admit, I truly enjoy meeting new people and hearing how they get to where they are today. It wasn't until about 8:15 when we saw our first bat fly by. We sat on the porch for several minutes while more bats flew by. After about 15 minute we then decided to stand by the cars and look up towards the chimney, also to examine if they are exiting through other areas of the house.

That was when I started to count the paratroopers exiting the Chimney-130 hatchway. As we stood looking up towards the chimney, I realized I had a serious infestation of bats when I reached a count of 35 bats and still going.

It wasn't until I reached a count of 52 when I decided to run for cover. As count 51 flew by, we both look up and realize that bat 52 was flying towards the both of us. As if the bat wings weren't strong enough. Number 52 dive bombs us... like a kamikaze fighter. It would appear that he was attempting to defend his home. I honestly almost did a full combat roll to avoid its attack. It was more of a full duck down to my knees. Of course the exterminator was laugh while he bravely side steps the attack. I was freaking out. Number 52, then circles and takes another dive bomb towards us. I crash into the exterminator while he's laughing. The bat then flies by and into the trees behind us... At that instance I through in the towel, time for me to go, have fun Enoi... But I knew that there was more bats in that chimney, but I couldn’t keep counting after that experience... I jog into the house and hide under my unicorn blanket for protection…

About an hour later I go outside to check on Enoi, there he was up on the roof working on the cap.

Picture of the chimney button up

The following morning I had awoken about 5:00 am, and was leaving to do some morning errands… It was still dark out. My nephews were with me as we walked outside towards the car. Devyn looks up and says, "Hey are those birds?" I realize that about 5 bats are circling around the chimney. Sadly they came home to find an eviction notice and the locks changed. I said “no those are bats”. He freaks out and runs into the front seat of the car. Glad to see that I’m not the only one freaking out so early in the morning…

Later in the day I catch myself looking up towards the roof of the house. I was expecting that the bats would be sitting on the trim of the house, waiting to attack with vengeance for evicting them for not paying rent. But as I look up, I feel slightly satisfied that they were not exterminated, that the bats were only evicted from my residence. I don't live that far from a couple of old empty factory buildings. So I like to assume that they have taken new residence there.
But surely, next on the list is to get the chimney cleaned before winter. Over 50 bats in that small condensed area could produce a lot of guano. Well until next time, happy building.

THIS MEANS WAR!!!

Growing up, I’ve been taught to give everyone a chance. Basically try to be respectful and friends with everyone. I’ve learned that everyone will have their own perspective in life. We all see things differently and will have our own needs and wants. My experience in the military also taught me that to be successful in life you need to have an understanding of your faults and strengths.

You may already know my faults… If not, here is a little flash back...

http://redcano.blogspot.com/2008/09/in-beginning.html

http://redcano.blogspot.com/2008/12/attic-protector.html

http://redcano.blogspot.com/2010/06/bumps-in-night.html

Let us continue… About a week ago, I was traveling home from food shopping. I usually leave pretty late to avoid crowds at the local grocery store. Upon my return home, the sun had just paid its last farewell to us for the night. I'd happen to hear the dreaded squeaking sound that those lovely creatures of the night like to produce. I looked up towards the chimney and notice several bats exiting the chimney one at time. The bats exited the chimney as if they were paratroopers jumping out of a C-130 airplane. I could have sworn I heard the jump master scream,

“Get ready! Outboard personnel, stand up! Inboard personnel, stand up! Hook up! Check static lines! Check equipment! Sound off for equipment check! One minute! Thirty seconds! Stand by!”

“GO! GO! GO!"

Lockheed C-130 Hercules with Airborne troopers jumping

I stood there and counted about 8 bats exiting the chimney. So of course this how my mind works… OK 8 bats... that means 4 of them are possibly female bats. It’s their breeding season, thus each female has about 3 pups. That's a total of about 20 bats in the chimney. Looking further I realized that I need a better chimney cap. OK that isn't a big problem… As long they are isolate to the chimney I’m good. I’ll just contact someone in the morning and get it fixed.

After putting all of my groceries away, I decide to go to the basement to switch my clothing from the washing machine to the dryer... As I'm walking down the steps, a dark spot on the ground catches my eyes… I'm frozen in my step. My right foot is hovering about 2 inches off the ground... I'm standing there like a block of ice.... still, rigid, and cold... After about what felt like 20 minutes of scared time (1 minute of real time = 20 minutes of bat time) I began to feel the numbness in my hovering leg and realize that the bat on the ground isn't moving. It’s another bat, but dead. I’m in shock and trembling. I instantly snap into my Elmer Fudd stance… I walk/sneak over to the washing machine and make the exchange as quickly as possible. The exiting of the basement was swift and quick like a cat…

Another long night was beginning to pan out… I fall asleep with the lights and the Television on, once again. The ironic part was that the movie the Dark Knight was playing as I attempted to sleep…

The time was about 6 am when I heard the dreaded noise of our beloved flying mammals…Did you know, that the noise produced by a bat acts like a sonar. Basically ultrasonic sounds are emitted specifically to produce an echo. The echo produces a detailed image of the bats surrounding.

Anyway, at 6 am, I jumped up and instantly shut the television off… I’m sitting there in silence… I’m concentrating and attempting to focus my listening skills to see where the noise was coming from… After about 10 minutes (Bat time) I hear nothing… I decide to turn the television back on, the echoing returns…I spin around to have my eyes lock onto a kid’s show on the TV… I notice that the kids were playing basketball and their sneakers were rubbing against the basketball floor…

I smile and shake my head in embarrassment. I’m driving myself crazy…

So after finally waking up, I realize that I need to get my clothing from the dryer… I decide to go down with my flashlight. I walk into the basement and place my clothing into the basket. As I’m walking up the stairs with the basket in hand, I have the flashlight pointing up towards the ceiling and checking things out… I feel something touch the top of my feet… I instantly freak out!!! I drop the basket and run up the stairs as quickly as possible… I’m at the top of the steps looking down… I realize that a sock had fallen out of the basket and onto my foot… I had a sigh of relief…

I’m truly driving myself nuts….

This is it… It is time to fight back!!! I’m at DEFCON 1 and my Homeland Security color has just been adjusted to, “Black and blue with a shade of purple!!!” I’m tired of feeling scared in my own home… It’s time to call in the re-enforcements!!!

THIS MEANS WAR!!!!

I contact a local pest control company. They come on site the same day. Here are some of the pictures that were taken while the pest control company representative was on site.

House Chimney-130 Hatchway

As we approached the chimney, the bats could be heard making their wonderful squeaking… The noise was pretty loud…

The Chimney-130 evaluated further... 10 bats were counted hanging. I attempted to take a picture but they dropped before I could get the picture. (I really didn't take the picture, the Pest Control Rep did)

Additional opening into the attic that will be repaired

Pest Control Representative showing me additional areas that need to be repaired

Today my vacation officially starts… You know what that means… Work around the house. Now that the bat situation will be under control in the next couple of weeks, I can now focus on the “Honey Do list…” The kitchen is currently on the radar. The current plan is to purchase and install the new cabinet this coming week. Until next time, happy building.

You're walking a little funny...

Recently I’ve been placed on the Disabled list… To be honest I wish I could explain how I got this injury, but I don’t know how it happened… Possibly sneaking around the basement like Elmer Fudd… Let me explain, somehow I hurt my lower back. I’ve been walking crooked for the last couple of weeks. The pain began on Thursday (June 17th)… The pain really didn’t take hold until the following Monday. I had gone into work and after about two hours of sitting, I had to leave. The following day, I went to the doctors. I was given pain killers and also took a couple of x-rays. I went to work on Wednesday and by 12 pm I was in severe pain. The x-ray turned up negative. The doctor believes it's a hip injury…But I was required to go to physical therapy. Which I feel isn’t working too well…

I do not feel the pain while I’m lying down. I feel it when I walk and when I sit…. Thus for the last couple of weekends, I’ve been lying on the couch, doing absolutely nothing. So here I am, bored out of my mind… I just hope that my back feels better… It doesn’t look I’ll be meeting the August goal of moving out… However, we’ll see what happens once I heal…

So as you may notice, because of my boredom, I’ve revamped my webpage… Looks a little cleaner… Also, I’ve added a new button to the website The New Englander Bloggers. This website is a collaboration of different bloggers that are within the New England area. Please enjoy, until next time, happy building…

Bumps in the night...

The last couple of days living in this house have been pretty daunting. Basically every time I walk into a room I’m look to the ceilings. It’s so bad that when I walk into the basement, I’m sneaking around like Elmer Fudd hunting for a wascally wabbit… Let me explain what’s going on… but let me start with a little history lesson… way back in time… When I was a wee lad; my mother and I were in the bedroom. She had noticed something up at the ceiling and was instantly frightened. A bat had flown into the room… She was so frightened by the flying mouse that she ran out of the room and closed the door behind her. Yes, I was left behind in the room frightened out of my mind!!! So after many years later (Today) that horror continues to follow me….

Last week I was in Orlando, Florida for work. I had flown back on Sunday and began to unpack my clothing. As I walked down to the basement with my dirty clothing, I’d notice some dirt on top of the dryer. Then I notice movement in the dryer vent. I instantly thought there was possibly a mouse in the dryer vent. So I decided to turn the dryer on, in hopes that the mouse would climb back out of the dryer vent due to the heat. But then the movement stopped… I then peaked behind the dryer and instantly saw a black mass. Our eyes locked as my eyes grew to the size of a half dollar coin… I could see it hissing at me… (Ok not really) But I did run out of the basement as quickly as possible…

I was in shock… For several minutes I could not focused. I was pacing back in forth between the kitchen and living room… Then after several seconds of breathing heavily, everything became clear… I instantly sent a text to the tenants, “Don’t go into the basement, there is a bat down there, I’m calling the exterminator to remove it”

I then started making calls to exterminators. The time was about 8:30 pm at night...I was able to get in touch with an exterminator and he told me that he won’t be able to get to the house until morning.

I then got a text from one of the tenants, “can you do me a favor then, please?”

I instantly responded, “First off. I’m scared of bats. So no I’m not going in there to get anything. Sorry but no”

She then responded that her boyfriend would go in and get her clothing. I informed them that I will not be responsible if he gets bitten… Sorry…

So Adam comes to my house… He’s a 25 year old standing at my back door requesting a flashlight with a clothing basket by his side. So we go into the basement from the outside. I open the basement door and he sneaks into the basement. I stand outside looking into the window by the door. Before he enters, he places the basket over his head.

Through the window I can see him sneaking into to the laundry room (Elmer Fudd style). He is slowly walking into the laundry room, stopping for a second and looking around before taking his next step. I see him stop at the laundry doorway… He pauses for a brief second as if he’s thinking of his next move. He instantly spins around and runs… I’m standing there in disbelief then I notice the bat right behind him... He bolts outside and trips over his own feet…Right behind him is the bat flying out of basement… I realize that I finally have a chance… I rush in and close the basement door… I’m now standing inside the basement, standing at the door excited that the bat flew outside… I’m proud of what has just happened…

Then I hear something in the background… I hear bat squeaking in the background… I realized that I’m not alone… I instantly run outside and close the door… I talk with Adam and tell him that I heard another bat in the basement… He returns into the basement. He hears the same squeaking but doesn’t know where the noise if coming from. Adam was able to gather the clothing and runs out of the basement.

I had to wait until morning for the exterminator to come to the house. That night I had turn on all of the lights. I also had the television on. My thought was that the noise from the TV would scare the bat away. That night was the longest night that I could remember. I was up almost all night… waking every 1 hour and inspecting the room to make sure that I was safe…

Finally the exterminator comes… We find two more bats in the basement. They were young bats. The exterminator takes the bats and place them in a coffee can to take away from the house. The only problem was that now there was a good possibly that the mother would return. He informs me that the mother would attempt to get her pups  for about a week or so.

So for one week, I have to struggle with going into the basement… So here I am going into the basement looking like Elmer Fudd… Anyway, until next time, happy building….

Got my Chocolate Bar...

Over the past month, things have been extremely busy. I’ve been unable to do things around the house because of my extra responsibilities (activities). Ok yes it’s an excuse I know. But my nephews Fredy and Devyn have started playing little league baseball and I’ve started to play softball. Let us not forget the periodic travels for work as well. Although I seriously can’t lie, it is really nice seeing a smile on Fredy and Devyn when they both independently make a significant play on their respective teams.

Fredy at Bat

Devyn at Bat

They are having a lot of fun playing on their teams and it shows… Ok let me move on… I can honestly say I’ve been able to do some stuff around the house…

So recently the wonderful state of Massachusetts decided to give back to its tax payers by providing a rebate for purchasing a new energy star appliance. The state allocated over 5 million dollars to encourage its residents to exchange their non-energy star appliance for a new energy star appliance. The concept was the same as the recent vehicle “cash for clunkers.” The only difference was that individuals were required to get a registration number prior to getting the rebate. The rebate for a dishwasher was $250. I had discovered the deal about 2 weeks prior to the actual start date. Since I’m in the process of renovating my kitchen, I decided to make the dishwasher purchase a little early.

There was one problem, as part of the rebate, I had to exchange an old one for a new one. I didn't have one for the exchange... So three days before the rebate phone banks were to open, I was able to get a dishwasher from Craigslist for free…

To register for a “Golden Ticket” or number, I had to calling a 1- 800 number and/or by logging on to the Mass Save website... The phone lines and website would be open on April 22, 2010 at 10 am until 7pm. It was going to stay open until all of the money was depleted. Sounds simple enough…. Not really…

On the day of the giveaway, I was at work and as I was walking to my desk, a co-worker had reminded me that the phone lines were open. It was about 10:30 am when I was reminded. I went to website and got an error page. The website was down for some reason… So I decided to go to the Massachusetts Government website because I figured it would at least tell us if something was wrong.

Sure enough, the website and phone banks were so overwhelmed with request for registration numbers that they both shut themselves down. But on the government website, they made a second website for people to register. I was able to get to the new link and within 5 minutes I got my “Golden Ticket”. At that very moment I heard a voice in my head, “Run home Charlie!!! And don’t stop until you get there! “

In least than 2 hours all of the 5 million dollars were depleted. Many residents of Massachusetts were extremely disappointed. Talking with people at Home depot, many customers didn’t know about the rebate. People had made purchased days before and wanted to make exchanges to get the rebate. Or people going to the store tried to get the rebate but couldn’t get it. It sounded like a complete mess…

So now I got my “Golden Ticket”, I started to look into dishwashers. I began to look at different dishwashers online. I evaluated cost, haul away cost, delivery cost and warranty cost. Luck would for the dishwasher I found, there were two other rebates that totaled an additional $75. I found one at Sears for $377, but the delivery and haul away cost was an extra $100. I found the same dishwasher for $500 at Home Depot. It turns out that Home Depot has a price guarantee with a 10% discount… additionally delivery and haul away were free…

So at the end of the day, after the purchase of hoses and electrical cords I paid $400. But the best part after all of the rebates are mailed, the total cost for me should be $75. I will not be installing it for some time a lot of work is still needed prior to installing dishwasher. So the kitchen remodel continues.

New Dishwasher

I then filled the cracks with wood putty and sanded them. I also sanded the wood cabinets to prepare them for painting.

After completing that process, I thought long and hard about what to do with the ceiling. See I struggled for a bit about painting with a dark color or with a light color. The other issue was that I wanted the metal look. So while I was in the basement looking for a tool I discovered a can of spray paint that I used in the bathroom.

I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves… Although I have to admit, they really don't give it justice...

The spay paint is a hammered brownish color. This is what the ceiling looks like currently.

Next I began to prime the walls...

Ok so here is where I am at currently.. I still need to finish priming the wall and cabinets... Anyway, sorry for the long delay... But until next time, happy building...