Today was the first day something productive was done at the house. It was also the first time I realized just how.far. we have to go. Sure, it looks like it needs work when you scan the room. But then when you look, actually look at the details, you realized e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. needs work, if not a complete renovation. For example, today I saw one of the feet on the claw foot tub is completely unattached. Add it to the list. We have a long way to go.

Today I took the first itty-bity baby step. While the carpets on the 2nd floor weren’t in bad shape, we would like to refinish all the floors. Yes; all of them.

(2nd floor front/future craft & guest room)

We could pay someone to rip these carpets up for us. Or I could spend a Friday afternoon, get a bit sweaty and do it myself.

(2nd floor back/future TV room)

Before I got started, I had high hopes of what I’d find. You always hear people pulling up carpet only to find glistening hardwood that had been protected for years.

This, unfortunately, was not so.

It wasn’t difficult to pull up the rug; the edges were all nailed down with little spike nails.

Grab an edge or corner and they just popped up.

Tools I Found Essential:

Robo-grips: very helpful in pulling the carpet up over stubborn nails
Packing tape: once the carpet is rolled up, a few turns of tape kept things closed
Utility knife: for cutting the carpet into manageable strips
Gloves: for protecting my manicure
(Who am I kidding; I don’t get manicures.)

The floor in the front room was painted dark brown; which we already knew because the carpet didn’t go to the edge. The condition was about what I expected.

After ripping everything out, I realized a shop vac would be completely clutch. Check out that dust! Gross.

Guess we’ll suck it up later.

The back (future TV room) was carpeted wall-to-wall.

I think it actually may have looked better carpeted. Yikes.

On one hand, the lack of paint means they’ll have to sand less before hitting actual wood.

On the other, the area to the right of the fireplace is in rough shape. It looks like it’s been patched.

The wood near the marble is completely rotted.

We’re having John, a floor refinisher, by tomorrow to take a peak. We’ll see what he says.

All done!!

Do you have any experience with refinishing floors? Tips or tricks? Please share!