One Month ~ Really?

Chris is out on a 4-day trip and I am sitting here thinking, I should update the blog. I can't believe it has been a full month since we have closed on the house. So much has happened this past month!

Where to start? Well, we finally have our belongings. Chris had a few days off at the end of July so we seized the opportunity to make a quick round trip to Rehoboth Beach to gather our belongings from the storage units. Yes, I said units, plural. Before we moved from Texas, I sold so much stuff, gave away stuff, donated stuff, and we still needed 2 storage units. With hired help on both ends of the journey, the furniture, boxes, and tools have all found their way to our new home.

Our youngest son was here for the move and was a great help. He has been our first and only overnight guest. The house is not ready for company at this point, but kids--even 23 year old kids--aren't put out about the details.

If you know me, you know I love a good spreadsheet. I couldn't wait to start charting and analyzing the projects, prioritizing them, tracking the estimates, costs, and lead time. Let's just say there was plenty to record.

So at 1 month here is what we have accomplished:

• Over grown landscape removed and/or trimmed from front of home ✔

It looks a little empty now, but there is a lot of working happening in the next few weeks. Once that is complete, I will plant some fall mums and share pictures.

• New windows ordered and installation scheduled for early October

Our current windows are original to the house. When you look at the window you can actually see the waves in the glass. Some still have the weights in the side to hold them up when you lift the sash--and others--well they don't. I hate to replace them but the cost to have them rehabbed, re-glazed, and made energy efficient is more than double the cost of new windows. This was a must we were aware of before we purchase the home.

• Crew hired to remove plaster and lath from a few upstairs walls to allow for remodel of bedrooms and bathrooms.

There are 4 bedrooms and 1 very, very, small bathroom on the second floor. Chris has created a plan to eliminate 1 bedroom (the middle bedroom) and use that space to create 2 bathrooms and two walk-in closets. This will allow the front bedroom and back bedroom to have their own private on-suite and walk-in closet. Once that is complete, we would rework the door to the hall bathroom and have the entrance come from the third bedroom instead of the hallway. This bathroom would still be very small (especially by Texas standards) but it would be private for the third bedroom. Overall, we will be changing the 2nd story floor plan from 4 bedrooms/1 bath to 3 bedrooms/3 baths. 

• Update Electrical - Mid September

So you have all watched Property Brothers or Love it or List it and hear the dreaded news of old electric, knob & tube wiring--well of course we have some! The house is 118 years old. Chris did hire someone to upgrade the panel to a 200 amp service and make all the panel connections. I hate when he works on the electric. He is more than capable, but it just plain scares me. As a compromise, we will pull the new wires - or should I say fish the new wires - and the electrician will make the connections into the new panel. 

These are a few of the first projects that we have underway. If you saw my original post with the listing pictures, you will see that the kitchen is outdated, but in remarkable condition. It isn't a priority for me right now. The entire first floor is actually in great shape. May not be the colors I would have chosen, but it looks good for now. There is a full bath on the first floor as well--all in working condition and remodel not too long ago-but not my taste. It works so it can't be on the priority list. 

The one cosmetic project that I hope we can tackle before the holidays is the fireplace. It is wood-burning and in working condition, chimney was cleaned as part of the negotiated contract; it is just plain U-G-L-Y. At some point, a previous owner removed the surround and replaced it with big, gray, ugly, Belgium stone. I want to restore it to fit the time period of the home. I searched antique shops, thrift shops, flea markets, and eBay--and I scored! $52 bid on eBay and I have my period correct fireplace surround. As I said, this is a wish list project for me before the holidays, but the fireplace works--so if other things take our time, it may not happen till next spring. 

Fireplace with Belgium stone

My $52 score to replace the stone to a period correct surround. 

The demo crew comes Tuesday morning - so check back for some #demoday photos!