closing a window, opening a door!

When we moved into our house in April of 2008, we didn't mind the fact that the only way to the backyard was from the kitchen, through the garage and then out to the backyard. It didn't take long for us to realize that a back door would be nice to have; so, we decided that the big window in the kitchen could be replaced with a door without tearing apart the entire house. 

A true back door will make it easier to let the dogs in and out (we'll put a dog door in the screen), easier to barbeque, and I hope it will be the first step in making our backyard and patio a great place to hang out. In the next few summers, we would like to pour a cement patio, get a patio set, add a pergola, add some flowers & other finishing touches and we should have a beautiful backyard! And now this summer is the summer we start to make it happen!

A before picture (the big window off to the right)

We decided to go with a sliding door because our dining room area is too small for a swinging door. Because of space constraints, we also need to have a five foot wide door. And for a little bit of luxury (and convenience), I wanted a door with the blinds built in. Once we had our requirements, we ordered the door and then started the demolition. Kyle has done most of the work so far, but I have pictures of the "damage":

Kyle and his dad picked up the door, which prompted further destruction because we finally knew we could set a "door-in" date. 

 

The dogs wanting to "help" (but there's a reason they're locked up!)

My dad and my uncle Paul (who is a contractor) agreed to help us put in the door. So on Sunday July 25, we made the change.

 

The dogs approve!

I'm so excited that our door is in! Thanks so much to my uncle Paul, my mom & dad, Kyle's mom & dad, Caitie and Kyle, of course!

The next parts were a little less exciting, but still great! We got the siding put back up, Kyle got the drywall cut and put back up (plus all of the mud work and sanding that goes with it!) Then we primed, painted (thank goodness the paint match was dang near perfect!), and Kyle put up the trim, casing and base molding. 

All that's left is painting all of the trim, filling a space on the floor between the tile and the door, then putting the kitchen back together.

Our finished door!!!

A close-up of the trim

I love our new door!!! It's so wonderful to have and much more convenient! I have to thank everyone again who helped:

Mom & Dad Hanson, Mom & Dad Harris, Uncle Paul, Caitie, and especially my dear husband Kyle, who did a majority of the work and did a wonderful job putting up with my demands! I love you all! 

Thank you!