And it didn't start out too encouraging!!! Ok, so yesterday I closed on this house. It's a foreclosure that has sat empty for nearly two years. Before closing, I swung by the house to check it out. I took note of the key box still on the door (of which I had access). I then headed to closing where I picked up a solitary key.
After closing, I made a run to a materials supply company (where I gave the key to the contractor so he could measure windows), then to Lowe's, then back to the house where I thought I would still find the lock box! IT WAS GONE!!! So last night, I was locked out of my very own house!!! I called the contractor, but he was 40 miles away! He offered to meet me halfway, but I was in the middle of painting the deck!
Long story short, I woke up this morning without access to my home. And that was not good, for Dad and I were fully planning on doing some inside electrical work! So the first order of business was...breaking into the house! I wish I could say this was the first time that I have had to do this, but let's be honest...just a few months ago I had to do the same thing in my house in Cleveland after locking myself out.
It only took about a half hour as I found an original window that was kept secure only by a screw screwed into the track. (This was a nice affirmation that my decision to get new windows was, in fact, a good choice). I was able to pop the window out of the track and around the screw. No security there! I climbed through the window and supported myself with my hands as Dad held on to my feet! I was in!
We were able to start our work now! Woo hoo!
Our goal for the day was installing two new light fixtures in the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms. For reasons unknown to me, the house has sat with NO central lights in the bedrooms for 34 years. A small canned light is installed on the side of each room right next to the closets. It makes absolutely no sense to any of us. I knew from Day One that I would be installing lights in these rooms...they just needed it!
***Let me just state that these small projects give me quite a bit of satisfaction. I doubt I will hold on these houses throughout my entire life, and it's the small efforts like these that just make these homes so much more functional! It's nice to have the skills to make homes more enjoyable not only for me but for others down the road...***
The order of business was pretty simple...
1. Find the center of the room.
2. Cut a hole in the ceiling for the junction box.
3. Run wiring from the can light over to the new light fixture.
4. Install light fixture.
5. Test lights.
Dad had planned an hour on each light, and that ended up being a little ambitious. But only because...
THE ATTIC IS TINY!!!!
Ok, so I am a little guy. I can fit into most small spaces, but I realized the moment I hopped up in the attic that this was going to be a challenge even for me! I had to walk on the rafters and dig through the (quite nice) blown insulation to find the ceiling hole and can lights. I then had to install a 2x4 between the rafters so we could mount the lights. Then Dad coached me through tying in the new wiring to the already-installed light. In open-air areas, this project would take probably 30 minutes. In a tight attic where I gagged more than once (dust particles in the air) with low ceilings (I would constantly hit nails from the shingles with my hand while hammering and back while moving) and tight quarters, I think we averaged 90 minutes on each light...the first one being the longest.
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| The work area for Light #2. All insulation is off limits for support! I laid sideways with my foot on one board, hip on another, elbow on third. I worked with one hand after that! Oh, and it's over 100 degrees up here. :) |
But alas, we were able to get both lights installed. It's so funny to me sometimes how it's the smallest of projects that make the most difference. Bedrooms need lights. And this project was able to be completed with less than $30 in parts. Once again, it's the labor that makes all the difference.
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| Bedroom #1 Before... |
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| Bedroom #1 After! |
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| Bedroom #2 After! |
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| Bedroom #2 Before... |
Not wanting to miss out on a little bit of opportunity, Dad and I decided to put the second coat of paint on the deck. This would absolutely expend both of us! The second coat went on nicely, but the afternoon sun had crept over the roof and was beating down on us. It was HOT. The second coat took about two hours with both of us, but I am so happy with the results. I'm hoping I gained another few years out of the deck!
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| The completed deck! |
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| The deck just 36 hours ago... |
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| It's the small things that make the biggest difference! |
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| I'm so pleased with the results. |
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| The deck now looks inviting rather than disgusting! |
This is so fun. Dad asked if I had any regrets now that I have the house. Absolutely not. I'm not out of the woods yet, as I am cautious about what will be found once the siding is ripped off, but I'm not goin' to lie...this is pretty fun stuff. It's certainly back-breaking work, and I find myself sore more often than not (I can only imagine what Mom and Dad feel like!), but when I look at these Before and After pictures, I take a great deal of satisfaction in the work of my hands.
It's coming together little by little. I need to replace a few switches and receptacles and cover plates inside, but the bulk of the work is really done. It's time to find a tenant!!! Of course, I want the home to look brand-new before that happens for higher rent, but I am slowly getting the house ready to become someone's home. I love it!!!
The really big projects that are left are...
1. Landscaping. I still have yet to remove the massive tree root in the front yard. I also need to pull out the old landscaping below the picture window and replace with new bushes. I need to plant grass in the barren areas and clean up the flower beds in the backyard, as well. I'm hoping for two days of work.
2. Refrigerator! That doesn't sound like a project per se, but it's a pretty important step. I need to install an icemaker line through the floor (none in the 34 years of existence of the home, but if I want to "Wow!" my tenants, I think this is an important step) and find a decent one that will last for years.
3. Bathtubs. I still have yet to repair the chips and holes in the bathtubs. This is definitely a project that needs to be completed. I have the materials, just not the time yet! :)
4. Cleaning! I need that beautiful clean-floor clean-countertop clean-bathroom smell when you walk through the front door!!! I also need to clean up the mess left by the termite treatment. They cut several holes in the sidewalks and garage floors but didn't so much clean up their mess.
But the house is coming together! I'm eager to get this exterior work started. Sure, I'm a bit nervous, but I'm so very, very excited, too. This home is going to be sooooooooo much different in just one month!!! Agh, I can't wait!!! It's pretty fun being foreman. :)
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