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Message |
    
ciaopescao
Citizen
Username: Ciaopescao
Post Number: 10
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 10:05 am: | 
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Hey there - We are looking at rehabbing an old colonial. I need a list of things to look for/research. Would you please add to the list of things to consider - we are not sure if this is possible or not...
Electric - updated
Plumbing (not sure what to look for on this)
windows
yard condition
kitchen
baths and ability to create a new one
oil tanks
installing CAC
hard water
water pressure
asbestos
termites
insulation
garage condition
roof
water heater
furnace
hardwood floors
walkway/front steps
And by the way, how much money are we talking about for replacing?
Thanks!
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Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 697
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 10:25 am: |
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Heres what we experienced doing the same over the past 3 years (I've only commented on areas we addressed):
Electric - $2000 to update all wires. (I'm talking about updating all wiring, not talking about upgrading to 200 AMP, which a lot of people do unnecessarily)
Plumbing- Look at the condition and material of the pipes in the basement. $3k to update pipes, can be more if problems encountered.
windows- $500 - $800 per window
baths and ability to create a new one $15k per bathroom
oil tanks - $300 to check/ensure existance. $15k for removal/remediation
asbestos- $1500 to remove. $500 to re-insulate pipes.
insulation- Not really an issue with these plaster/clapboard sided homes. After we addressed windows/doors, no issue whatsoever remained with insulation.
hardwood floors- $2 - $3k if existing floors are usuable.
The only item I'll add, specific to this area as well, is the condition of the neighboring trees. If the home is in rough shape, chances are the trees are neglected too. I didn't think about this one until a 500 lb limb dropped on our house in month 4. Anywhere from $300 to trim, to $6000 for full tree removal.
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melicious
Citizen
Username: Melicious
Post Number: 462
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 10:26 am: |
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Electric - what does that mean? I updated a box for 1500
Windows - Depends on what you want, 5-20K
Yard - Depends
Kitchen 5K (minor stuff) - 50K or more (for major)
Installing CAC - do you have ducts? I got a quote of 12K without ducts
Furnace - What kind?
Garage Condition - Do you mean rebuild or repair? To what extent?
This is way too much stuff for one post. Maybe search through the archives on each topic and then post what you can't find?
Good luck - sounds ambitious!
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ciaopescao
Citizen
Username: Ciaopescao
Post Number: 11
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 10:33 am: |
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I am actually researching the indvidual items on the list here and online- I wanted to know if there are other things to look for that should be on the list... |
TomD
Citizen
Username: Tomd
Post Number: 461
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 10:52 am: |
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(not to hijack the original question, but...)
Smarty, what exactly falls under "updating the wiring"? Do you just mean redistributing the load in the fusebox? Changing old outlets? Actually running new wires?
And I'd add basement waterproofing to the list, if that's an issue. |
NYC to Maplewood
Citizen
Username: Nyctomwood
Post Number: 35
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 10:54 am: |
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That seems like a pretty comprehensive list. Only other things I can think of are more decorative - will you need to replace doors, interior or exterior? Change light fixtures? We had to change our box (it was an old Federal Pacific box), so we did that and had them upgrade all the electric outlets and light switches at the same time, total was about $3K. Also, what about the exterior of the house - repaint, reshingle?
Are there any fireplaces - any work there inside or to the chimney? (we had loose bricks and mortar and needed a good cleaning). Gutters? Clean, repair or replace any? What about your moldings - we had a lot that needed to be repaired. And the staircase banister? Again, ours was loose. As for the floors - depends what needs to be done, are you ripping up carpet to see what's under, or just finishing wood that's already there or laying new flooring altogether? Is there a deck - does that need work? |
gj1
Citizen
Username: Gj1
Post Number: 360
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 10:57 am: |
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Uh...well this aproach may be a little crazy. Do you already live in the house or are you considering purchasing the house?
Does all this need to be done immediately (e.g. yard condition, water pressure, cac)? Or, are you just creating a catch all list of every possible thing that could need to be repaired/replaced along with updates you'd like to make? I think you'll find the cost of all that pretty hard to swallow.
Prioritize! First, figure out what really NEEDS to be done becuase it is either unsafe or will lead to further damage/deterioration. Then determine updates you'd like to make.
This can't be determined without knowing more about the house. Maybe you'd feel more comfortable with new(er) construction?
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ciaopescao
Citizen
Username: Ciaopescao
Post Number: 12
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 11:08 am: |
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A lot of what needs to be done is decorative - stripping molding and the fireplace, resanding wood floors, tearing down wallpaper, etc. We do want to install a new bathroom on the 1st floor (a powder room) and also need to gut the one on the 2nd floor. Also need to gut the kitchen and perhaps put a deck on it (and doors leading out). |
NYC to Maplewood
Citizen
Username: Nyctomwood
Post Number: 36
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 11:28 am: |
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Ciaopescao, for what it's worth, we're essentially in the process of doing exactly what you're talking about. We bought a classic center hall colonial that was built in 1940 and had original EVERYTHING. Lots and lots to do but the house has a great layout, great bones, strong structure.
Everyone is looking for something different when they buy a house. I was looking for something that had the potential to be what I wanted it to be. If you have patience and an eye for detail, then it's totally doable. And the best part is you'll end up with exactly what you want, not what the previous owner thought would improve the resale value.
By the time we move in it'll have been 5 months since we closed. The heavy duty construction didn't actually start until mid-April, so it's really not that bad. And, if my kitchen cabinets and bathroom tile had arrived earlier, it would have been done sooner.
PL me if you'd like more info.... |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7946
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 11:43 am: |
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I think that this is a biased question. Most of us who bought homes here chose to rehab an old home and can therefore be considered nuts. As someone above put it, are you talking about doing it all at once or piece by piece over the years?
Many (most?) of us do these things over the course of time. And not always in the order we'd envisioned (necessity is not the Mother of Invention, but rather the Mother of Renovation).
We're here 9 years. We've gotten thru many things, some major and some cosmetic. We still have a bathroom, garage, upstairs floors and (hopefully not too soon) roof and furnace. Before the roof and furnace, I'd like to convert the attic to a bedroom. But, the garage decided to insert itself as a problem child ahead of schedule.
So, if you love old homes and can live with a certain level of uncertainty, go for it. And yes, you are crazy.
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Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 806
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 12:19 pm: |
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In answer to your thread title, yes you are crazy....
Join the club.
It's your home, and while some of the work is necessary, other parts are done to keep it a pleasant place for you to be. Just try not to get too stressed out about it all.
Good luck with it all, it sounds very ambitious, and remember that there are MANY people on MOL who will feel your pain!
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Spare_o
Supporter
Username: Spare_o
Post Number: 416
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 12:24 pm: |
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One thing I have learned (and a tough lesson for a project manager) is what Greenetree says...as much as you plan, something may come up that you didn't envision and needs to be addressed pronto. As we refinished the floors prior to moving in (BTW, I think the price estimated earlier is too low but this depends on the square footage and condition of your floors), we noticed the floor in the master bedroom was sagging. This meant we had to gut the sunroom below (needed to be done anyway) to get at the joists so they could be supported. This also meant we couldn't paint the master bedroom or move in as planned. Which also meant we had to partially finish the smaller guest room which we hadn't planned doing until later. I had barely started executing my plan and was already back at the drawing boards! If you're not crazy already, you soon will be once you start renovating!
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ciaopescao
Citizen
Username: Ciaopescao
Post Number: 13
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 12:28 pm: |
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Thanks - this is very helpful. I am thinking we can do this - especially since everything else we keep seeing is not our taste... |
cecilia david
Citizen
Username: Ceciliadav569
Post Number: 16
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 12:33 pm: |
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We are in the process of updating our home. We are replacing the windows--old steel frame casements that have no insulation; air conditioning and after the heat wave last week it felt great. And a new kitchen--that is a little more time consuming and more folks involved--------so just take your time. cecilia
PS we removed our oil tank and having some issues with the guy who did it. So keep good records of every step of the process. |
SO1969
Citizen
Username: Bklyn1969
Post Number: 334
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 2:19 pm: |
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Your question on cost is impossible to answer, but I'm happy to put out a number that I think you should start getting comfortable with.
The number I'm putting out, without detailed explanation or support, is: $150,000.
Could be high, could be low. Could be in one big shot or over 3, 5, 10 years.
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Elizabeth
Citizen
Username: Momof4peepers
Post Number: 91
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 2:29 pm: |
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don't forget any lead paint remediation - especially if pregnancy or small children are a possibility or regular visitors.
I was going to suggest $200,000 with the same caveats as SO1969. Even if you do a significant part of the work yourself. |
Carol Anne
Citizen
Username: Carol_anne
Post Number: 16
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 2:33 pm: |
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I was going to add being away of lead issues. In addition to paint, I think lead can be found in the old plumbing, so a water test to make sure nothing nasty is leaching out of the pipes into the water may be in order.
Also be aware of lead paint safety in all projects you encounter.
Carol Anne |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11731
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 2:33 pm: |
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A lot depends on condition, but to update, including a new kitchen and a couple of bathrooms, is probably going to run in the vicinity SO mentions, which is probably more than the house value is increased by the work you have done.
Having recently moved and having looked at a lot of houses my feeling is that you are financially better off buying a house that has been updated than one that hasn't. The price will be higher, but not as much as the renovations are going to cost you. A compromise is to buy a house that needs cosmetics, but is sound and with a kitchen and baths you can live with. A lot of people can't see behond fuscia paint and 1970s flocked wall paper so these houses tend to sit on the market for quite some time.
Of course if you just fall in love with a house..... That is a different story. |
ciaopescao
Citizen
Username: Ciaopescao
Post Number: 14
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 3:18 pm: |
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It definitely needs a new kitchen and bath - plus we want to create one on the first floor. We were thinking more along the lines of 100 - 125K. That might change negotiations... |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11735
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 3:30 pm: |
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Also any oil tank removal and asbestos removal should be done by the current homeowner. I think this is pretty standard these days. |
KRNL
Citizen
Username: Krnl
Post Number: 69
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 3:59 pm: |
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C--
Keep in mind that unless you are an experienced rehabber many of the items on your list will require some level of professional help...which can be VERY expensive... and my ball park estimates might have no relevance to what your new home may need. (Rehabbing a Montrose victorian should cost more than a 1-1/2 half story cape cod) (there are kitchen renovations--and there are kitchen extravaganzas, etc.)
And, prioritizing what needs to be done ASAP and what can wait is important. After you have lived in the home awhile you may see shifts in your preferences.
The one thing I regret is not having our floors refinished before we moved into the house. Now we have so much furniture and stuff that I don't want to even think about moving it to get the floors done--so I just dream.
If the house is in good condition--and many of our Maplewood homes are even if they haven't been updated--you may not be able to negotiate the purchase price down based on features }think need updating. And, if the house is priced properly it should somewhat reflect features that are out-of-date.
Some home inspectors will give you estimates of how much it will cost to fix issues uncovered in the inspection (bad pipes, electric wires, etc.) and what things need to be done soon or can be deferred.
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jeb
Citizen
Username: Jeb
Post Number: 120
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 8:18 pm: |
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you could do this ( almost ) within your budget but as someone said, you would need to do much of it yourself. that 200 grand estimate is pretty much a solid figure if structural work is not being done.
building materials are very expensive right now. a 4'x 8' piece of sheetrock is eleven dollars! used to be about 40 cents per square foot to have it installed ( material included ), but now it is near 60 cents.
i am just now completing a 3 family and completed much of the work ( with a helper myself ). yes, three bathrooms, three kitchens..., three times crazier...
buy canadian windows if possible, they are extremely energy efficient. also, my renovation used closed cell poly foam with an r value of 6-7 per inch. expensive, but in these days it just seemed foolish to use fiberglass.
put it extras without buying the finished product. for example, run a gas line for a gas fireplace but hold off on buying the unit itself.
renovations are very, very ( and very ) difficult on relationships so beware.
then there are the taxes...
btw, i do have some v&b subway tiles for sale...
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Jersey_Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 992
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - 9:36 pm: |
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That list sounds like you're building a house. I've been told that any one quote may change as much as 20% during the course of the repairs.
Our first project was unplanned: a leaky bathroom. I wanted the leak fixed (covered by the American Home Shield) and got a quote for $1200 to re-tile the floor.
By the time we were done it was a $17,000 bathroom gut -- to the studs. To save money we refurbished the tub rather than replacing it, and I'm currently painting it myself. Every job can be done cheaply, quickly, or well. Your budget and your stomach will decide for each thing on your list.
That's was just one of the bathrooms. Ahem, so what else is on that list?
J.B. |
Travis
Citizen
Username: Travis
Post Number: 438
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 8:53 am: |
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Quote:Having recently moved and having looked at a lot of houses my feeling is that you are financially better off buying a house that has been updated than one that hasn't. The price will be higher, but not as much as the renovations are going to cost you.
But be aware that the culture of home sellers around here is to put cosmetic patches over structural problems and let the poor schmuck buying the house deal with it later. Of course by the time the poor schmuck realizes there's a problem, it's got that much worse.
I would say that the most important parts of the house to look at are anything that's not covered with sheetrock or plaster. So attic and basement. I would be very wary of buying a house with a finished basement, too much potential for crap being covered up, and they probably didn't bother insulating or else built a mold factory. I would walk away from a house with a finished attic, the houses around here were not designed for finished attics and I don't trust HOs or contractors around here to do the right thing to fix that. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7959
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 9:49 am: |
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I think that the "culture" depends on who you talk to. Most of the people I know have done complete gut & fixes. From the questions on this board, it seems that there are many people who are serious about doing things correctly. In my neighborhood, most of us who have uncovered cheap fixes during major renovations found that the cheap stuff was done during a down market (80s, early 90s) when houses were cheap. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4566
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 9:59 am: |
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I dunno Bob, if I could walk into a house and love it for what it was, fine, but never in my life has that happened. It's in my nature, I guess, to want to tweak things a little. It can't be helped.
My mother thinks I'm nuts, can't understand it, but I can't see it any other way. I love traditional houses, changed to work for our lifestyles. You can't get that unless you make it happen yourself.
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Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 706
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 10:05 am: |
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Travis, the houses around here also weren't designed to have Central Air, Dishwashers, Microwaves, Modern Bathrooms and Automated heating systems....would you walk away from homes that have those upgrades too? |
SO1969
Citizen
Username: Bklyn1969
Post Number: 335
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 10:16 am: |
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Travis
I have an attic that was finished early on...at construction or soon after in 1920s.
Want to address ventilation / insulation issues.
Is there a local professional you'd recommend?
Unfortunately prior owner re-decked house without addressing these issues. So, I don't want to tear up the roof. He did put in ridge vents.
What if I add soffit vents but don't do anything regarding insulation? I'm sure it won't be the most efficient home to heat, but I think it would help in summer and may help in Winter, but fear I'm missing something in the science, ie, I might somehow increase the movement of heated air into the space between plaster and roof deck.
I have an insulated door to the attic that allows me to close that space off in winter. I don't mind that room being cooler, requiring an extra sweater.
Thx. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11746
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 10:20 am: |
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Vig, I agree. However, there is a difference between buying a wreck with a 70 year old boiler, and oil tank under the driveway (a low blow I admit ), 60 amp knob and tube wiring and a moldy kitchen and bathroom and buying a house that needs some updating and decorating.
I admit it is an opinion, but my quick calculations on houses like that always indicate that the cost of repair is more than the increase in value the work would generate, especially in MW where a house with "original details" (which often goes with the above problems) is very desirable, almost regardless of condition. |
Virtual It Girl
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 4567
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 10:29 am: |
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Hey Bob, our oil tank was in the front yard, no offense taken! |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 6479
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 10:30 am: |
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Did I misread or do you really think you can do all the things on your list for 125-150K? If so you are seriously underestimating. As Greentree said, things come up and once you open up the walls things will add up. Someone up above said it is often more cost effective to buy a more finished home and be a little house poor for a while than buy something and gut and redo it. But that all depends on your financial state as well. If you can afford to redo everything HAVE A BLAST.
We have been here 10 years and each year we have tackled something. This year it will be the back yard landscaping and possibly the basement waterproofing and finishing. |
SO1969
Citizen
Username: Bklyn1969
Post Number: 336
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 11:19 am: |
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Frankly, a lot of people buying homes are first time buyers or have never lived in homes of this vintage.
Some issues, like oil tanks and asbestos, get a fair amount of publicity and attention from realtors, lawyers, etc., so folks get up to speed pretty quickly.
Other matters, related to utilities and the cost of accessing the knob & tube, or the lead pipes, etc., get less attention.
Folks see a house with "good bones" but don't realize the "guts" are all bad or mostly bad. Removing and replacing the functionally obsolete stuff, plus adding the CAC and the custom kitchen, new bath, etc. adds up to a lot of money.
I wish Bob K were wrong on the math, but I think he's probably right. That said, I'm taking VIG's approach. I hope we stay long enough to enjoy it.
Travis is also right...a lot of bad stuff gets covered up with sheetrock and a fresh coat of paint. I think the worst of all worlds is the "flip" where all the surfaces look good, cosmetic updates are done, the purchaser pays a premium for "updated" home thinking its got a fresh coat of paint, new fixtures and new windows, so it's "like new", but the "guts" are still obsolete and the cosmetic improvements may need to be torn up to fix the problems when the systems fail. |
Jersey_Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 998
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 1:51 pm: |
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Mine was like that. BUT, I got "a deal" during a crazy real estate market (last year.)
J.B. |
ciaopescao
Citizen
Username: Ciaopescao
Post Number: 15
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 1:55 pm: |
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I now realize that I am truly dealing with some professional rehabbers on this board!
One thing I wanted to say is that although buying a home with all of the new updates looks good, we have had quite a few experiences of "flips" while looking in MW. My brother is a contractor (and has gutted many a home)- we were able to quickly spot the difference. Not to mention walking into a "new" kitchen and saying "I want to rip this completely out!" because it wasn't suited to our tastes anyway.
To answer some questions - the list I provided above was to actually look at these items after entering the house (for a fourth time!) and considering how much work we needed to do (= how much $$$). It was not that I needed to fix all of it by any means. I just didn't want to miss anything before putting in a bid.
We are still taking the plunge even if we have been so warned! Call us stupid but we fell in love with the potential of the house. Bid is in. Wish us luck.
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Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 711
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 2:02 pm: |
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What % below asking did you offer? |
SO1969
Citizen
Username: Bklyn1969
Post Number: 337
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 2:15 pm: |
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Glad you did your homework and are going in with eyes open.
Good luck!
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Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 11755
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 2:25 pm: |
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Ciao, my best also and many of us would kill to have a brother who is a contractor.
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ciaopescao
Citizen
Username: Ciaopescao
Post Number: 16
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 3:27 pm: |
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Too bad he lives in Chicago. But a webcam is a powerful tool! And he might be able to get me things at wholesale... Smarty - I would rather not say since I have no idea who is on this board. But we went in low after thinking about comparisons of the area with work done. I am honestly obsessed now. I read the entire HFI archive! I'll keep you all posted. |
Bklyngirl
Citizen
Username: Bklyngirl
Post Number: 100
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 7:43 am: |
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Good luck with everything.
My husband and I were thinking of doing what you're doing, but we chickened out once we realized how much time and effort it required. Instead, we decided to pay through the nose for a home that was in perfect, move-in condition.
All the best, again.
bklyngirl
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Smarty Jones
Citizen
Username: Birdstone
Post Number: 714
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 8:44 am: |
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Bklyngirl....better to have paid through the nose for a perfect condition home, than to pay for the nose for a fixer-upper, and pay again to fix it up! (That was us) |
Bklyngirl
Citizen
Username: Bklyngirl
Post Number: 102
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 8:57 am: |
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You're right, Smarty. I would not have been happy if that had happened to us.
bklyngirl |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 6486
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 9:37 am: |
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Man were we lucky. Bought in 96 brand new kitchen and the only thing we have had to do so far was the bathroom. Which we now need to have redone to a degree because of contractor issues, and some landscaping. We will probably do the siding soon. The roof was brand new and the inspector said, conservatively, that it would be good for 40 years.
And now all I want to do is move back to Boston. 
Where a house as close to that city as we are to NYC would start around 500-600k.
my how things have changed.
Best of luck on the bid and the house, and all the rest. I hope that you have bought a HOME as well as a house. |
doulamomma
Citizen
Username: Doulamomma
Post Number: 1489
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 10:08 am: |
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But Duncan, by now YOUR house would probably go for that, no?
But that's crazy talk - don't leave!
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mjh
Supporter
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 591
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 11:02 am: |
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Ultimately (though it's been difficult) I am very happy that we did a lot of renovation, including a total gut of kitchen and 2 bathrooms. I'm sure we'll continue to improve on what we have as long as we live here, 'cause there is always something that could be better.
We picked out every single little thing for our renovations........down to the color of the grout. We love it. It's "ours", and it's really, really a home. We didn't renovate with re-sale in mind at all. We renovated for ourselves and it's terrific and very comfortable. We've discussed moving now and again, but I don't think we could do it now. We're too darned comfortable and happy at home.
When my son sat at our new kitchen island for the first time to do his homework while I cooked, he said "This is the life!" and he really meant it.
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ciaopescao
Citizen
Username: Ciaopescao
Post Number: 20
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 11:11 am: |
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Update - we lost the bid. I am crushed but pulling myself off of the floor and starting over. Have 7 on our list tonight...at least 3 look very promising. Let's hope for the best! |
Bklyngirl
Citizen
Username: Bklyngirl
Post Number: 103
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 12:13 pm: |
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Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. But, don't worry. You'll find your dream house real soon.
Good luck tonight.
bklyngirl |
mjh
Supporter
Username: Mjh
Post Number: 593
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 12:28 pm: |
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We lost at 5 bids, so I know the feeling well. We love our house, so don't despair!
At least this tells you that the real estate market is healthy in the town you've chosen.
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ciaopescao
Citizen
Username: Ciaopescao
Post Number: 25
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 1:19 pm: |
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(Secretly praying its a money pit anyways!)
Two are in South Orange - not sure about that... |
Jersey_Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 1013
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 8, 2006 - 9:18 pm: |
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They're all money pits. At our first Christmas in our new house, under the tree was a gift, labeled "from the -------'s" who we bought the house from. It was a DVD of "The Money Pit." I think it was really from Santa, or my wife. Pretty funny in an aw •••• kind of way."
J.B. |
Travis
Citizen
Username: Travis
Post Number: 440
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 6:01 pm: |
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Or check out Mr Blandings Builds His Dream House.
I have to cry when they decide to tear down the old farmhouse and build anew.
Funniest part is where Blandings (Cary Grant) decides to act as his own GC.... |
Spare_o
Supporter
Username: Spare_o
Post Number: 424
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 6:05 pm: |
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We lost out on 3 houses before we got the one we are in now. In retrospect, I'm glad we lost out on those other 3 since each one, in their own ways, was wrong for us but we didn't know it at the time. We are very happy where we are now in spite of all the renovations!
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ttwizard
Citizen
Username: Ttwizard
Post Number: 24
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, June 9, 2006 - 6:32 pm: |
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Spare_o,
We had exactly the same experience. we put a lot of Blood, Sweat, and Tears into our - we've still got a long way to go., but we are still happy with our decision to rehab an older home. |
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