Gone

Gone
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

I have officially moves out of my first apartment in Dallas. I lived
somewhere prior to this but I didn't choose it. I saw this place
shortly after my road trip to California in 2007 moved in weeks later.
I enjoyed apartment living, but not the fact that I paid A LOT for
this place which could have paid for a mortgage. It was time to move on.

Backsplash Install - 2.95 of 3 Completed

Before:

After:

After the grout dried it left a residue on the glass so I spent about an hour cleaning with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad. I thought about using a chemical but I didn't want to deal with a hazardous substance, so I used elbow grease instead. The tiles were gleaming when I finished. After that, I applied a sealer to make it water and stain resistant. When it dried, I caulked the gap in between the granite and tile ... and viola, project completed ... mostly. I need to replace the plastic wall plates for the outlets with a brush nickel version. Hopefully this can be done with having get them custom made.

So that is pretty a wrap on the backsplash project, and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. In total it took about 10 hours, and saved about $500. I can finally cook food now. Yay!

Next project: staining wood bed-side tables. Something else I have never done, but seems easy.

Backsplash Install - Step 2 of 3 Completed

Backsplash Install - Step 2 of 3 Completed
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

Last night I put the grout in between the glass tile backsplash. It
took about 1.5 hours to do but it was surprisingly easy.

I really love the way the grout makes the tile stand out a bit more.
After I installed the tile, I was not really happy with it, but after
putting in the "linen" colored grout it looks much, much better.

The last step it to polish, seal and caulk the tile and I will be
done. I will do the tonight and then I will finally be able to cook in
my kitchen on Saturday.

Backsplash Install - Step 1 of 3 Completed

Backsplash Install - Step 1 of 3 Completed
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

The tile is up and now I have to wait until it all dries. When it is
dry, the grouting will begin.

Backsplash Install Progress Update

Backsplash Install Progress Update
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

I spent more time worrying about cutting the tile than putting it up.
What you see is the smallest that was completed late last night. This
is not pattern I was looking for but I had to take apart the tiles lay
them evenly to fit that wall. The main wall (middle) will have a less
uniform look. I will end it with the last wall in the uniform pattern
as sort of bookends.

Update you when I am finished.

Backsplash Install - Prepping

Backsplash Install - Prepping
Originally uploaded by KillerVirgo

I am beginning the backsplash project after spending about an hour at
home depot and lowes looking for a tool to cut the glass tile. I
finally just bought a tile score and snapper for $17. I think I am all
ready to go, so....

... it begins.

Updates later.

The Trouble with Tile

I have been mulling over whether or not to install my new backsplash glass tile in the kitchen of my new condo myself, or pay someone else to do it. I have been doing a lot of research, and I think I am going to put it up myself.

The average cost to install this by a contractor is $400, and the job is really small. It will only cost me about $100 in supplies, which I would have to supply the contractor with anyways, so why not do it myself?

It's pretty simple but the only hard put seems to be cutting the glass to go around outlets. I thinking of using a wet saw, but I decided to try to do it by hand with glass snippers. After work I am heading to Home Deport (or its equivalent) to pick up supplies and I will start the project tomorrow morning.

I will post photos of my progress ... if any.

Wish me luck!

First Time Homebuyer

As of 3/31/2009, I am now a homeowner.


It funny because just about 2 months ago I was joking with some friends during dinner and stated that I love being a renter. I am a renter no more, thanks to the $8000 tax credit provided by President Obama.


I was really nervous prior to closing and I thought about backing out of the deal. Cooler head prevailed and still back at ease regarding my future purchase. Closing day came and went with any thing major happening but now it is all about the move. I am in the process of packing my things, transferring services and change my address on anything that requires my address. I just did all this less than two years ago, but this time seems easier. I plan to be fully into my condo by 4/15 and plan on throwing a party in mid-May.

Let the fun of packing/moving begin.