A series of unfortunate events!

Thanks for taking time to watch this seven-minute presentation.

There was a flood in the ceiling of my bedroom and while things could have been much worse, I am fortunate to have been able to live and work in my apartment while the restoration work took place.

I hope your home never encounters flooding and its consequences, but if this should happen, this presentation may give you some insight into how your home can be restored!

Best wishes, Maureen

My bedroom after October 17, 2009On Sunday, October 18, 2009, I awoke at 8.18 a.m. and was horrified to find that water had been dripping from the ceiling, due to a flood in the apartment above mine. Thankfully there was no water damage to the floor of my bedroom and it didn’t go down to the suite below mine.

We have hot water heating in our condominium and it turns out that the heating system in the bedroom above mine had some problems. John my neighbour left to go fishing at 4:30 a.m. unaware of this and we think that the water travelled across the ceiling and into my room for perhaps four to five hours!

The following photographs show the progress from the first gaping holes in the ceiling, moving furniture from the bedroom to the living room, hallway and patio, and culminating with the final product of a new bedroom!

Enjoy the show! ……………..

Oh no, asbestos!Braedon the plumber from National Plumbing and Alex from On Side Restoration made two big cuts in the ceiling and covered them with plastic (due to asbestos in the joists). I was later informed by Miles, the project manager at On Side that the whole ceiling would have to be replaced ……….. what a mess!

Drying Equipment – kept me company for a month!

The water was pumped into the bathroom sink, and it was quite something to watch it flow up the tube

and gurgle its way into the sink!

Not only did the water affect the ceiling, it also came down the

corner and side of one wall. These red marks indicate the area to be

cut out of the wall - oh no!!

Enjoy it while you can Lady because the bed will soon be moved into a spare room and we’ll be stuck in the living room –

surrounded by bedroom furniture wherever I can find space!

Bedroom contents in the living room - awkward to say the least, especially as I was also seeing clients who were very understanding!

Bedroom TV covered and thankfully this cupboard is on wheels for moving around, because it was heavy!

Dining Room chairs on the patio - well covered to protect against the anticipated rainfall!

Bring in the troops! Both Jason and Cody were excellent in preparing the room for the ceiling’s removal; time to keep away and leave them to it!

Jason and Cody suit up

Warning signs!

Despite their masks, I asked them to smile for the camera, and they did!

What a lot of insulation and drywall to clear up; Jason and Cody did a great job – kept everything clean,

which really helped! Thank you both so much!

When the drywall and insulation was removed you could see the original wood in the ceiling. I was so impressed with the

quality of workmanship in this 35-year-old building!

I invited as many residents as was possible to let them witness the ceiling, and indicated that their suite was also

probably in such good state!

James from On Side tested the walls for water residue, and found none!

Almost at the end!On Monday, November 16, just one month after the flood, James advised that the walls were dry and the equipment

would be removed!! Yippee!!!!!!!!

On November 19, John and Carl from Bender Painting came to install insulation and drywall; once done, they

started mudding.

John and Carl keeping busy!

Andrew joined John to work on the ceiling; he would later paint the walls –

they both did a fantastic job!

November 25 and the final stage: Trevor installs the track lighting,

the last job to be completed.

Seven weeks later, on Saturday, November 28, I have my room back! I am still thrilled with the outcome and although inconvenient it was also

quite the experience – and one I won’t forget!

“Spa” is the delightful pale blue paint that replaces the original cottage white; it is such a calming and welcoming

shade, meeting a lot of approval!

Not to worry!! It’s okay to have plants in the bedroom and they (and I) seem to be thriving very well!

TV and VCR work so well!

Lady is so glad to be back into familiar surroundings!

This poster of Jerusalem and Flowers of the Holy Land look so well against the pale blue background

I am the Alpha and the Omega

This is truly a magnificent painting and was a wonderful Christmas gift from my friend Joanne several years ago, for which I continue to thank her!

Here, the Menorah forms the background to the Risen Christ

Thank you for viewing!I want to particularly thank my friends Earl, Linda and Wayne who helped with moving furniture, etc. As well, trades people from National Plumbing, Coast Mountain Thermal Inc., On Side Restoration, and Bender Painting and Decoration, for their professionalism, expertise and courtesy.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and all the best for an Olympic 2010!!

God bless, Maureen

Music: “Don’t Give Up” by Sarah Brightman and Gregorian Masters of Chant

December 23, 2009www.omegasecretarial.com