The first things to happen a fortnight ago were grouting, and more painting (including architraves and cornices).
Then the floorboards were laid, it took only a day to lay whole lot - living, dining, kitchen and downstairs corridor. We have used spotted gum engineered floorboards (4mm timber thickness) with a 2mm acoustic underlay (please note we did not use the supplier on the underlay link, Quiet Step is available from multiple online sellers).
Michael and I had both spent quite a bit of time researching how to reduce noise from the upper level. I'm sure most of you have been in older houses where you can hear literally every noise from upstairs like it's in the room next-door. Basically there is no perfect solution in a timber house (even in concrete buildings, if your upstairs neighbour installs floorboards your noise will get much worse). Best option is carpet with a good underlay. There are many, very expensive, options like acoustic plasterboard, thick underlays etc if you want to lay floorboards or tiles. Being limited on budget, we went for insulation in the ceiling space downstairs (of dubious effect according to the internet), plus effectively a 'double layer' of floorboards as we kept the old ones, lay the underlay on top and then the new boards. We are thrilled that you really have to stomp to hear walking noise, so that solution has worked for us!
After the high of the floorboards, reality set in as Michael and I set out to make all the drawers and remaining Ikea kitchen carcasses. Over 8 hours later, and here is the result...
On Monday, these kitchen bits & pieces were put together and installed by Michael and our fabulous cabinetmaker Wayne. Ikea is designed for DIY, but having an older (and therefore not perfectly square) house, as well as wanting a good result, has meant having professional help has been invaluable. If you want a polished result, Michael would recommending recruiting a bit of help for your Ikea kitchen install! We are stoked with how the Bodbyn fronts have fitted into a classic Queenslander.
Outside, we had another 2 days of earthworks to work on digging out for the new retaining walls, another concrete pour and the blockwork has mostly been completed now too.
And painting has continued, including the skirting boards which could finally be fitted after the floorboards were installed. Amazing how skirting and architraves finishes off a room.
We have not made all good decisions unfortunately during this reno - none of the three sinks we pre-purchased actually fit in the cabinetry. Oops. I've bought 2 replacements for the downstairs bathrooms and will grab one for upstairs tomorrow. So if anyone wants an undermount sink, or a wall-mounted sink - I can send you photos!
If you've made it to the end - well done! Would love to hear your comments, if you have any questions feel free to message.
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