The 2nd Chance Crew arrives at the Loctite 2nd Chance House, ready for another full day of renovation. Jessie is focused on framing the fireplace, Clayton is tackling attic drywall, and Sydney is installing custom wood paneling. Each project presents unique challenges, but the team is determined to make progress. By day’s end, the house will be one step closer to completion.
Jessie stands in front of the unfinished decorative fireplace, framing tools in hand. Her goal is clear — transform this space into a modern focal point. The original structure lacks definition, so she carefully measures and marks where the new framing will go. Using a level, she ensures each piece is plumb before securing the wood frame in place.
The challenge lies in working within an existing structure. Uneven surfaces and slight warping in the walls require small adjustments to keep the frame square. Jessie double-checks her work, making minor corrections to ensure a seamless fit. With the main supports in place, she reinforces the structure to handle the weight of future materials.
A well-framed fireplace is more than just aesthetics — it provides stability for the finished work that will follow. Whether installing tile, stone, or drywall, proper framing ensures longevity and safety.
DIY tip: Before framing a fireplace, always check local fire safety regulations to confirm proper clearance from combustible materials.
As she drives in the final screws, Jessie steps back to assess her work. The new frame is solid, level, and ready for the next stage of installation. While the finishing touches of the design stage are still ahead, she’s successfully set the foundation for a fireplace that will serve as a defining element of the home.
Clayton climbs into the attic, tape measure in hand, surveying the space that will soon become a primary bedroom. Right now, it’s a maze of exposed beams and odd angles, a common challenge in older homes. His goal for the day is to finish framing and begin hanging drywall, but the attic’s irregular structure will require careful adjustments.
Framing in a space like this isn’t straightforward. The attic’s existing framework doesn’t follow modern construction standards, meaning Clayton must custom-fit each piece to align properly. He starts by reinforcing key structural points, ensuring the framing will support the drywall. Using a chalk line and framing square, he maps out where each panel will go, adjusting for angles that aren’t quite 90 degrees. With precise cuts and a few creative fixes, the framing takes shape.
Now, it’s time to hang the first sheets of drywall. The sloped ceilings and tight corners make this a two-person job, so he calls in a teammate for an extra set of hands. Holding the drywall in place, they carefully secure it with screws, checking that each panel sits flush against the framing.
DIY tip: When dealing with irregular attic angles, use a drywall lift or temporary supports to keep panels steady while fastening.
By the end of the day, Clayton has made significant progress. The attic, once an unfinished and awkward space, is starting to look like a functional, inviting bedroom. There’s still work ahead — more drywall, insulation, and finishing — but today’s efforts have laid the foundation for a transformation that will make this house truly feel like home.
Sydney steps into the kids’ room, ready to add a custom wood-feature wall that will bring warmth and personality to the space. Her plan for the day is to stain and install lath paneling, but before she can begin, she needs to prep the ceiling with a dark undercoat to create contrast. With a roller in hand, she applies smooth, even strokes for full coverage. Once dry, this base layer will make the natural wood tones of the paneling stand out.
Next comes staining the lath boards. She carefully selects a warm, medium-tone stain that enhances the wood grain without overpowering the room’s design. Each board gets sanded to remove rough edges before she applies a pre-stain conditioner to ensure even absorption. Working in sections, she wipes on the stain, allowing it to penetrate before buffing away excess for a rich, uniform finish. After proper drying time, she applies a second coat.
DIY tip: When staining wood, always test a small sample first to ensure the final color matches your vision.
With the boards ready, it’s time to install. She starts at one corner with Loctite Heavy Duty Power Grab. Then, she uses a level and brad nailer to secure each panel in place. As she works, she double-checks spacing to maintain clean, consistent lines. By the end of the day, the feature wall is nearly complete.
The once-blank wall now has depth and character, giving the room a cozy, finished look. There’s still trim work and sealing left to do, but today’s progress has turned a plain surface into a custom design element that will make the kids’ room feel truly special.
As the workday comes to an end, the 2nd Chance Crew steps back to assess their progress. Jessie’s newly framed fireplace is ready for its final finishes, giving the living space a defined focal point. Clayton’s attic transformation is well underway, with framing complete and the first drywall panels secured. Sydney’s custom lath paneling has added warmth and texture to the kids’ room, turning a blank ceiling into a design feature.
Each project brings the Loctite 2nd Chance House one step closer to completion. The team’s efforts today laid the groundwork for the next stages — finishing the fireplace, completing attic drywall, and adding final touches to the kids’ room. Up next? More interior work, painting, and the start of flooring installation.
The house is changing with every workday, proving that with the right tools, skills, and dedication, any space can be transformed into a home.