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Basement Demo part II

The demo party we had last weekend went really well and we got a ton done, but there were still a few small demo projects to finish before we could move on.

Moving the pile of wood

Last week we had put a pretty big pile of wood out on the curb and listed it for free on Craig's List.  I purposefully didn't put all the wood out because it was the end of the day and I was suuuuper tired and also because I wasn't sure anyone would actually take the wood.  Well someone definitely took the wood!  Whoever wanted 2x4s with nails sticking out every which way must have been in heaven when they found our pile!

Since we had good luck getting rid of the wood last weekend, I started a new pile and posted it again on Craig's List.

Even though it was Easter weekend, the pile was gone by Monday!  I didn't actually put ALL the wood outside for free.  There were quite a few 2x4s that were nail free and in good condition.  They're too short to be used as studs when I do the framing, but I might be able to use them somewhere in the basement.  If not, I think I'll build a compost bin and use any extra scraps for fire wood.

Taking down the red wall

We didn't have enough time to get to this wall last weekend... plus we piled the wood in front of it so it was impossible to even get to the wall!  With the pile of wood gone, I was ready to swing a sledge hammer at it.

Surprise #1 - Fresh Air

I knew our chimney (for the boiler) was behind this wall but I didn't imagine I'd find a HOLE in the chimney!  There were a few sheets of paper covering the hole but I'm 100% sure they weren't doing anything.  We need to patch this hole asap, I'm really scared I'm going to meet the gaze of two squirrel eyes in the hole some day.

Surprise #2 - Newspapers
I have a little secret.  Every time I open up a wall I'm hoping to find old newspapers stuffed between the studs!  It was pretty common to use newspapers for insulation or to help the plaster and I've heard people say they found some in their walls.  I've been waiting for my turn, and here it was!

It's from December 12, 1937.  This also answered a big question we've been wondering about the house.  We found out a lot of history about our house when we look up an old permit card.  One of the permits was for plaster and electricity in 1937 (our house was built in 1920).  We've been trying to figure out if they redid a room or added something on.  I guess this settles it, they built the work room in the basement in 1937.

The rest

I also took up the rest of the sub floor and a few ceiling boards.  I was hoping to take down all the wood paneling in the laundry room too.

I didn't get to the laundry room and I realized everything takes waaay longer with just one person.  It makes me really appreciate all the help I got last weekend!  So these yellow walls are on the docket for this Saturday.  Anyone want to help?