So is home improvement. The bathtub to shower conversion will be in my thoughts for the next month or so, and I was looking at a brochure for replacement windows yesterday, too--yet another of the three projects that this house needs in the coming years.
First, there's the heating/cooling issue. We currently heat with small heaters when it's cool, and a wood burning stove when it's really cold. In summer, we have ceiling fans (Budley just installed two more of them this past week) and window air conditioners. The house doesn't even have duct work. Fortunately, there is a large crawlspace, so they wouldn't be that hard to install. The problem of where to put the actual furnace is a tough one to solve, since in my little house, there isn't what you'd call "extra space" anywhere.
Second, the the windows need replacing. I've heard these replacement services can do it in a day, but somehow I don't think they'd be the ones to paint or stain the frames or put up the trim around them. Yet another project I really don't have time to do.
Third, the carpets need to be replaced. Twenty years of kids, dogs, and cats have taken their toll, but when I look at everything we'd have to move out of the way, I cringe. I've been donating books to local women's shelters via the Indiana RWA chapter, but there are still hundreds more on the shelves in the living room. At least those could be dealt with a few at a time. You get back in my bedroom, and there's this a huge old oak desk where I do my writing, two dressers, a file cabinet full of who knows what, and a sleigh bed with a Tempurpedic mattress on it that weighs a ton.
Money is an issue, though not as big an obstacle as it was in the past, or we might have done the windows and the central heat/air conditioning project a long time ago. Right now, it's time and hassle. It's hard enough to have people working in your house while you're at your own job, but try sleeping through it.
8 comments:
Yep houses & cars are money pits. Here's wishing it all goes smoothly.
But...But at least there's a pretty hunk to look at...
And I can imagine all that house work. Hang in there Cheryl. We're here for you.
I had my windows replaced recently---and except for some small divots in the stucco at the edges of the frames, the new windows came with their own surrounds, and there was no framing or painting necessary. Check into it with a local company, and I think you'll find it's easier than you're thinking. The guys who installed my windows fixed the divots, and all I have to do is some small touch-up work---eventually.
Rugs? I have all hardwood floors, and don't think I'd like rugs---they hold the dust and dirt, and absorb spills.
I agree--the worst part of home improvement is taking everything out of the way so you can work on it!! Huge sympathy, Cat Master!
Thanks for the support, ladies! I may be grumbling and growling soon, so bear with me!
Window replacement certainly sounds easier than shower replacement, Suzy. Guess that'll be next. I wish I had hardwood floors, but there's only bare particle board under these carpets. Not much choice there.
I'm right there with you on the home improvement, Cheryl. I LOVE the Andersen windows (they require staining or painting on the interior side) we've been installing to replace rotted all-wood ones. You can go with vinyl replacements that use the existing framing and don't need any finishing. Vinyl replacement window are usually much cheaper, but I'm not crazy about the vinyl look on the inside.
If your garage is attached to the house, I'd recommend putting it there if you have room. When we installed our propane furnace, our only choice was the garage because of the location of the tank. When we switched to geothermal, we used the same spot since the ductwork was already there.
I think today's hunk could use a little help washing his back :)
The Internet keeps wiping out my comment. Home Improvement sucks. I hope this hunky guy has hot water. It's only 43 degrees now. Where's my warm socks?
Hang in there, Cheryl! Just take it a little at a time. Don't bite off more than you can chew.
LOL! Interesting advice coming from our resident Pickle Pleaser!
The garage isn't attached to the house, Mellanie. About the only place I can think to put it is in the one storage room we have, which I believe was intended to be a half bath at one point. I hate to give up that space, though. It's been very handy.
It got pretty cold here last night too, Donna. My feet are a bit chilly!
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