Have you been missing my posts? Yes - me too. I bought a fixer upper house (3/2 w/ garage 1,500 Sq ft) a month ago and it has consumed my every hour and dollar. I'm taking this weekend off. Not because I want to but because I would have to drive through Hurricane Sandy to get to it. Ok - we are not getting a full blast but high winds, a high profile vehicle, and a highway do not make good partners. And yes, my new house is 75 miles up the road. In two and a half years I retire and I should have the place done about a year after that the way I'm going so far.
Lets start of with the fact that I got an unbelievably fantastic price. Good thing as it needs a new roof, flooring, kitchen, appliances, AC, drywall repairs including and entire bedroom ceiling, some electrical, and plumbing. Did I miss something? I'm sure. I've already been to Home Depot 10 times for the little stuff.
My sister called it a POS but I like to think of it as a blank slate. Enormous potential with nothing to hold back my creativity but cash. Lack of cash actually.
I've been doing demolition since the day I closed. The house is in gated golf club community. The same one my parents live in coincidentally. The previous owners were not the favorite of the neighbors, the home owners association, and likely the police. I have been very well received so far. I'm sure the trash people have a slightly different view as I've already put out 15 loaded contractor bags for pickup. Right now I'm looking at ripping out the remains of the kitchen cabinets and a 13' X 17' bedroom ceiling. Well half. The other half fell due to the roof leak.
I'm sure to some of you.... most of you... Ok all of you - this seems like an overwhelming project. I thought so too the first two times I did this but this is not my first time to the rodeo. The greatest part is I get to lock the door and leave as the dust settles. The last two times I was sleeping in it.
I have made huge progress so far. All the carpet tack strips are up, plumbing done and the water turned back on, garage door replaced, deposit on the roof, drywall in the garage fixed, walls patched, paint cans everywhere. I can get half the house painted at least.
This will be a huge effort but when I'm done, if all goes well, I'll have my retirement dream house at half the cost of the surrounding properties. Check back in about six months and see if I'm still as enthusiastic.
Great post, a few suggestions, list your old kitchen cabinets for free on craigslist if the buyer will come dismantle them. You may get them to do the job for you. Our old bottom cabinets were rotted, so they went in the dumpster, but we took down the uppers, listed them free on craigslist & they were gone in 2 hours. Also buy or rent a hepa filter, it will help your health greatly, you shouldn't be breathing that particulate stuff.
ReplyDelete@Betty - The lower cabinets are a total loss. Water damage and 1984 fiber board construction not a good mix. I have been in wrecked houses before but I have never seen a kitchen with half the Formica lifting off the counter. The uppers I want for the garage. Right now it's a big empty box with a shiny new door.
ReplyDeleteHaha! Does that mean this is the last post for 6 months?? At least you'll have your calendar to keep you company ...
ReplyDeleteGood Luck Bob! I'm impressed! Keep posting updates. Or maybe start a new blog on your progress?
ReplyDelete@Evelyn - I'm hoping by the end of the year to have the major stuff done like the roof and drywall. Shooting for March to install flooring and a kitchen. I'll be posting transformation photos along the way.
ReplyDelete“This will be a huge effort but when I'm done, if all goes well, I'll have my retirement dream house at half the cost of the surrounding properties.” That’s good! Keep motivating yourself to push through and you’ll be able to experience the fruits of your labor soon. :) Anyway, good job on your recent progress!
ReplyDeleteSierra Nordgren
Well, starting over with a new house is going to take its toll on you, that’s for sure. But instead of thinking about that, I think it would be better if you just concentrate on what you’ll be getting after everything is done: A new home, a new haven, a new start. Let your creativity run wild, and remember that you don’t have to spend much to get much. You just have to do a whole lot of thinking!
ReplyDeleteThat is right, Calvin! Renovations can be tedious and oftentimes frustrating. It is a long shot and quite a work. But when you look at it in a different perspective, you will realize that it is just what you need. And the good part is, you can put some of your personal touch on the house, making it more homey. :-)
DeleteI admit, remodeling or hiring contractors could be quite expensive, but with the right research and experience, you can remodel your own house. :) However, if you actually have no idea and you're not wholeheartedly dedicated on studying how to remodel a house, then hiring contractors would be the best idea.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Philip. Well, remodeling is bound to create a lot more dust than what you think, guys. Make sure you protect yourself by wearing a dust mask, gloves and goggles. You must have the precise measurement for every part of the house that will be remodeled.
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