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 House Renovation...back to the 30s.

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Mimi
lindydiva
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lindydiva
I get my mail here.
lindydiva


Number of posts : 875
Location : Not New York
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeWed Jul 16, 2008 9:18 am

Don't hold your breath or anything, but it looks like we might be buying a house.

Incredibly, my husband found one in the area that's almost reasonable (here, a doghouse would go for $200,000 +).

It's even within walking distance of our current apartment. And it was built in 1930.

However (you knew there'd be at least one, right?)....it's a foreclosure. It's bank owned, and the process can be slippery. The last owner decided to get back at the bank by ripping out the entire kitchen. Down to the bare walls.

Now, in terms of style, that's a good thing. Apparently it was granite countertops and so on (he did leave a crookedly laid ceramic tile floor). But...as this is bank owned (a recurring phrase) they say it must be "habitable" before move-in, and that means a working kitchen.

We could do it ourselves for $1,000. We priced the things we wanted (including used appliances). Of course, that won't do. Because it's (fill in the blank).

There has to be a Contractor...

Etc. You get the point.

So we also had to apply for a construction loan and it's come through...but I don't know when we're going to start with the inspections & such. Also, I want to check and double check on the paperwork so we have proof of bank ownership, that there are no liens against the place, and all that.

THAT being said...who else has restored a place, or researched it? What worked for you, and where did you find parts, appliances and supplies?

p.s. You don't want to know what the last owner did to what was probably a Florida room...
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lindydiva
I get my mail here.
lindydiva


Number of posts : 875
Location : Not New York
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeWed Jul 16, 2008 3:51 pm

Lots of looks but no comments, eh? cyclops

Doesn't anyone have any advice or horror stories (or good ones) to share?

Well, my husband will be meeting soon with someone who'll be coming up with an estimate for the repairs and so on. We'll need that for the bank.
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Mimi
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Mimi


Number of posts : 525
Location : Charm City, USA
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeWed Jul 16, 2008 9:09 pm

I'm glad to hear it's working out!

My only real input would be to look at things like Freecycle and Craig's List religiously. I see stuff ALL THE TIME--vintage appliances, etc, where people are "renovating" and want them hauled off cheaply and quickly.

Also, if you know a contractor, tell them to watch out for these things. Ryan's Dad sees stuff all the time, just nothing I'm looking for!
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Ali
I Really should be Working
Ali


Number of posts : 462
Location : Earth Orbit
Title : Proud Bad Example
Registration date : 2008-01-03

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PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeThu Jul 17, 2008 4:34 am

I can only speak for this side of the Pond regarding contractors....there's lots of what's called "cowboy builders" here. So find out if there's a regulatory body for them in your area and ask around everywhere for personal recommendations. Then double check them and get quotes from several.

Sounds exciting regardless! Will this be your first house purchase?
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lindydiva
I get my mail here.
lindydiva


Number of posts : 875
Location : Not New York
Registration date : 2008-01-02

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PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeThu Jul 17, 2008 9:07 am

The first for me, third for my husband.

I have been checking Craigslist. In fact, there's this stove...but we might not have the cash in time. Still, I've seen enough of them already to know we'll be able to find another.

I also joined Angie's List (reviews listings of all kinds of businesses). There are some excellent reviews for inspectors and contractors.

AND I've just joined Freecycle.

I'm keeping an eye open at all times. Very Happy
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SusieQT
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SusieQT


Number of posts : 339
Location : The Great Swamp
Registration date : 2008-01-11

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeThu Jul 17, 2008 3:57 pm

Get your permits in order and be prepared for delays. Read and double check the builder's contract for hidden clauses that will cost you extra $- my parents are putting in a new garage and their contractor just hit them for the "rock clause". Apparently dirt with a couple of rocks makes too much work...

Thankfully you can put in vintage (aka "used" Wink ) appliances and cabinets for little cost if you're lucky enough to find the right things at the right time.

Best of luck- make sure to take plenty of "before" pictures so you can show off all your hard work later!
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lindydiva
I get my mail here.
lindydiva


Number of posts : 875
Location : Not New York
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeFri Jul 18, 2008 8:52 am

Good news so far.

The man who set up our loans recommended a contractor. I just checked the guy out on Angie's List, and he's A ratings across the board.

And my husband spoke with him and he's willing to work with us on the vintage thing, too.
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lindydiva
I get my mail here.
lindydiva


Number of posts : 875
Location : Not New York
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeMon Jul 21, 2008 12:10 pm

Well...we're signing tomorrow.

I've spent the weekend nose-down in modern and vintage home magazines. Good thing that retro is in right now (more than I thought). The bank, I hope, will be more amenable to what I want in the kitchen. And the bathroom (it's got the worst of 50s, 70s and 80s renovations...*shudder*).

There are some very good sinks, stoves & etc. out there right now. I really hope
WE are able to do some of the buying. And that we're able to use the stuff we have now and want to work into the kitchen design.
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lindydiva
I get my mail here.
lindydiva


Number of posts : 875
Location : Not New York
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeWed Jul 23, 2008 9:21 am

We're closing (dear God, I HOPE) on August 29th.

Or before, that would be fine with me!
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Ali
I Really should be Working
Ali


Number of posts : 462
Location : Earth Orbit
Title : Proud Bad Example
Registration date : 2008-01-03

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeWed Jul 23, 2008 9:22 am

Good luck! I hope there's no hitches.
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Lost Soul
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Lost Soul


Number of posts : 552
Age : 52
Location : UK
Title : Holy Prophet
Registration date : 2008-02-21

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeWed Jul 23, 2008 11:11 am

You've got Miss R sending me property listings now! In need of modernising could be a good thing but I doubt it. It does have an inglenook fire though!
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lindydiva
I get my mail here.
lindydiva


Number of posts : 875
Location : Not New York
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeWed Jul 23, 2008 11:20 am

Laughing

I can't help it if we're inspirational!

I hoping we can get in to take some "before" pictures soon. The kitchen, bathroom, and mangled sunroom are horror shows.

The rest is pretty good, though.
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Mimi
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Mimi


Number of posts : 525
Location : Charm City, USA
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeWed Jul 23, 2008 8:32 pm

Well, it can be a great Hobby!

I swear, if we ever get the house done, I don't know what I'll do.
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lindydiva
I get my mail here.
lindydiva


Number of posts : 875
Location : Not New York
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeThu Jul 24, 2008 8:50 am

We're already crossing our fingers that we'll be able to buy the vacant lot next door...and we're not even closed on the house. Embarassed

(It would be wonderful, though. A big lot for a city property.)
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Ali
I Really should be Working
Ali


Number of posts : 462
Location : Earth Orbit
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House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeThu Jul 24, 2008 8:54 am

Would you add onto the present house if you got the adjoining lot or build a separate house to rent out? Or have you no plans for it right now, you just want it. Very Happy
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lindydiva
I get my mail here.
lindydiva


Number of posts : 875
Location : Not New York
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeThu Jul 24, 2008 8:56 am

I don't think we'd add on; we would like to have a sizable garden area (flowers, fruit trees, and veg) which would also give us more room to entertain in the nice weather.
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Ali
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Ali


Number of posts : 462
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PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeThu Jul 24, 2008 8:58 am

That sounds excellent. When we buy, I definitely want room for a mini market garden. I hope you get the lot!
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lindydiva
I get my mail here.
lindydiva


Number of posts : 875
Location : Not New York
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeWed Aug 20, 2008 1:53 pm

Keep digits crossed, folks...as of yesterday, we heard that we would know if the closing is going through within 48 hours, for the house.

I tried to look up the listing online, and it's not showing (Good sign, means that they've taken it down.)
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lindydiva
I get my mail here.
lindydiva


Number of posts : 875
Location : Not New York
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeThu Aug 28, 2008 9:01 am

Saturday will be a busy day!

My husband (and 3 helpers) will be picking up the fridge, stove, and sinks.

I'm also hoping to have them move the things I need to paint (I know I can move two of them myself, if necessary, but it'd be awkward).

Tonight is a paint store run!
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Kittenwithawhip
I Really should be Working
Kittenwithawhip


Number of posts : 200
Location : Land of Babes, Dudes, and Attitudes
Title : Time Traveller
Registration date : 2008-01-03

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeThu Aug 28, 2008 9:54 am

Congratulations, homeowner! Let's see some pictures of the new "baby"! How much did it go for, and did the price drop? I wish I could be there to help you.
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lindydiva
I get my mail here.
lindydiva


Number of posts : 875
Location : Not New York
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeThu Aug 28, 2008 10:17 am

Here's a link to "before" and some house misc.:

https://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e111/lindydiva/House/


The price did go down, we're getting a pretty good deal.
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Kittenwithawhip
I Really should be Working
Kittenwithawhip


Number of posts : 200
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House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeThu Aug 28, 2008 10:28 am

Wow, what a GREAT little house! Or maybe I shouldn't say "little" since it looks pretty roomy. The "bordello pink" color scheme throughout the entire house is a bit of a head scratcher, but hey, I'll bet it makes everyone's complexion look baby soft and flawless. Did the wallpaper come with the house or is that a roll of something you bought specifically for this house? And that FRIDGE! Good lord, I want to be you when I grow up. You find the best stuff!
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lindydiva
I get my mail here.
lindydiva


Number of posts : 875
Location : Not New York
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeThu Aug 28, 2008 10:36 am

There's no pink. And thank goodness! Smile (Must be your monitor.) Much of the downstairs area is a tan with white millwork.

The Sopranos bath is O-U-T. That's turning into an office for my husband with an attached powder room.

The wall paper (I have only one roll) I found on eBay. If there's enough, I'd like to use it for the back wall of the kitchen. The appliances will take up half the wall, not to mention the backsplash.

The fridge I located via Craigslist. That's also how we found the stove we're getting.

We heard about the salvage place where we got the kitchen & powder room sink (as well as some lighting fixtures & crystal doorknobs) from an acquaintance who owns a vintage clothing store in the same building.

We still need a pedestal sink for the upstairs bath, and mirrors for both bathrooms. I missed a 30s tub & sink on Craigslist...we were too far away from knowing our close date. Crying or Very sad

For me, the trick to finding this stuff is persistance. I look nearly every day, whether on eBay, Craigslist, or the local thrifts. Luckily, I love doing it!
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Ali
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Ali


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House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeThu Aug 28, 2008 11:08 am

Great photos! Will you live in while you renovate?
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lindydiva
I get my mail here.
lindydiva


Number of posts : 875
Location : Not New York
Registration date : 2008-01-02

House Renovation...back to the 30s. Empty
PostSubject: Re: House Renovation...back to the 30s.   House Renovation...back to the 30s. Icon_minitimeThu Aug 28, 2008 11:36 am

Thanks.

We'll be in our apartment a few blocks away for 4 - 6 weeks. The smaller, DIY and ongoing stuff we'll keep working on after we move in, of course.

We're going to do as much of the small stuff as we can before the move-in, though. Especially with two year-old Siamese! The sealpoint is...not bright, to put it mildly. He's like a toddler,everything goes into his mouth!

We will be:

1. putting in a 1930 style kitchen (contractor for this; it's the terms of the 203k loan [construction] loan).

2. taking out the illegal full bath downstairs & re-routing the plumbing for a (legal!) powder room attached to an office.(contractor)

3. putting 30s doorknobs back in. (me, mostly; that includes cleaning them up before installation)

4. getting the damaged wall in the dining room fixed by the contractor; we have to paint it.

5. I'm painting a selection of free-standing cabinets for the kitchen.

6. doing what we can (afford) for the full bath upstairs...getting rid of the nasty vanity & sink; putting in a pedestal sink & tilt mirror; if I find a 30s tub, maybe we can put that in too (this will have to be DIY).

7. ripping up the pavement--asphalt!--all over the back.

8. putting back wooden columns for the front entry & replacing the "iron" railings with wooden ones.

9. putting windows back into the attic! (contractor)

That's just for starters! But once those things are done it will be very liveable. Luckily the floors are in good shape, and even the roof seems to be in decent condition.
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