First of all, I just want to thank you all for your kind words and encouragement on our announcement about the new (to us) house. Wow! We were blown away and are so thankful.
A few housekeeping items:
– I plan to put together at least one weekly renovation progress report with the ups and downs from the past week.
– I may also sporadically post more detailed things, if the mood strikes and the time is available. I’d really like to share more about our plans and answer some questions I’ve been getting on the blog and via email.
– Unfortunately, my Google Reader is getting out-of-control. I read a lot of blogs and truly enjoy the inspiration they bring me. However, I don’t think it’s going to be possible to spend the time doing this while we’re renovating. With that said, I will do my best to comment on all the linked blogs of those who visit us at NewlyWoodwards and comment. While this means that I miss some great posts, it’s a way I can stay connected to those of you who really encourage me with your words and comments. I hope you understand and will continue commenting so I remember to find out what you are up to, too. (I hope this doesn’t come across as self-serving, but I just want you to know why my comments may be lighter. And, to let you know how much I love reading your comments.)
With that – onto our first week. Week one with our new (to us) home brought some successes and a few challenges. These are our stories.
The good:
To begin, the good thing is that things are going really well overall. We’ve already gotten a ton done, Ryan and I have both been on the same page for almost everything and we both feel really positive about the entire project.
One big thing that happened this week is that we listed the kitchen cabinets, the gas stove and the old railroad ties on Craigslist for free. Within two days, the stove was hauled away and the cabinets removed and taken. This was such a blessing because we were able to get rid of things we didn’t need and give them to people who could use them.
Had we taken down the cabinets, we would have just demolished them. They were built onto the wall (not pre-assembled and screwed on the wall) so they were a bear to get down. But, they were solid and will be a great set of cabinets for a garage or basement.
A man spent two evenings painstakingly removing them piece by piece. Then, they were gone and our kitchen was bare. Then, Ryan and I walked around our new kitchen and talked through where things will go. The stove here, the fridge there, the pantry over there. That was fun. It’s like it’s playing a game, but it’s real.
Would it have been nice to get some cash for these things? Sure. But, the advantage to listing them for free is that people were knocking down our door to get them (not literally – all doors are still intact). And, they spent the time taking them down and hauling them. We didn’t have to take time showing the cabinets and wheeling and dealing with multiple people who are just browsing.
And, in meeting this man, we found out that he would possibly take other things that we will be getting rid of – windows and storm windows, the fence – which may prevent us from having to spend big bucks on a dumpster. Score! We met a person who could become a future resource.
The bad:
Good thing the Woodwards are made of money (insert sarcasm font here).
· We made five trips to Menards in the first 48 hours (and 32 of those were spent working and sleeping). I’m fairly certain Mr. Menards is happy we are back in renovation mode.
· I am beginning to think that the name of the city should be pre-filled as the “to” line on all our checks. $50 for an electrical inspection, $100 deposit for the water, $40 to turn on the water, $50 for a gas inspection, another $30 to fix the electrical items that were noted in the electrical inspection. But, it’s gotta be done.
· Our boiler is old. It was made by GM (as in General Motors), who apparently hasn’t even made boilers for around 50 years. (I didn’t fact check this with my bff Google, so I’m not sure how accurate this fact is.) However, this means that it *may* not be in the best shape according to the boiler man. Which means we *may* have to replace it or put in forced air. Which *may* cost a lot of money. The boiler man told us point blank to start saving. And that the lowest end boiler is around $5,000. Yikesies! If you have any experience with old boilers, please comment or email me.
The ugly:
We still have no power. Yeah. Let me marinate on that one for a second.
We’ve had the keys to this house for 9 days, and we still have no power. And, it’s been humid and 97 degrees BEFORE THE HEAT INDEX. In a 100-year-old house. No fans. No lights. No power tools. Windows that barely open.
Try to figure out what you are going to work on when you are powerless (literally and figuratively).
Unfortunately, the process to get the electricity turned on has been just that – a process. We have had an electrical inspection already, which was required because the gas and electric has been turned off for more than a year. When the inspector came through, he made a list of things we have to have fixed to bring the house up to current code before they will turn on the electricity.
Some things make sense and are safety concerns. Some things were quick-fixes. Other things are just plain stupid. For example, try using an electric saw to cut a piece of copper ground pipe that is required when WE DON’T HAVE POWER! Ryan had to use a razor blade to make holes in the wall for electric boxes that are required.Or, do we really want to spend $100 and an entire day taking down an outdoor light fixture that is mounted on the rod iron railing? Then, reinstall a new fixture on the house, only to remove it in a few months when we fix the siding, the porch and the windows?
While it kinda feels like we are living in the early 1900s, we think (and hope and pray) that we are close. Ryan has fixed everything (even with prehistoric methods) to get up to the 21st century code. And, we really do understand that it has to be done, that it’s just the inspector’s job and we have to play by the rules (as noted by the money spent above). It’s just been a little frustrating (and sweaty) over the past week.
So, cross your fingers that our power will be on. Soon. We are.
Any advice, insights or thoughts? Shoot!
(More about our actual progress soon.)
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Oonafey says
Like Danielle and Clint, our boiler is also (at least) 60 years old. We also have no central AC, which means we have to stick with a boiler. We had a guy (that we are familiar with and trust) come out and clean the boiler, do a check on it, etc. He told us the same thing, approximately $6,000 for a new boiler. He told us ours was running at about 60% efficiency, but replacing it would take 10 years to benefit from. Just having it cleaned made a HUGE difference in our propane consumption, though. Our house has mortar/concrete walls and the ceiling in the basement has been concreted it, so they told us $20,000 to put a duct system in! That was dependent on how much work the Mister did himself, though. Not gonna happen. That same 20 grand could build a massive detached garage/workshop with it’s own heating system!
Jennifer says
Your house reminds me quite a bit of mine so I’m anxious to see what you have in store for it. We’ve been in ours nearly a year, and we’re still trying to make many of the initial, what-do-we-want-to-do-here decisions. I’m hoping to get some major inspiration from you guys.
Misty-Ann says
squee!!!!!
I cant wait to follow your journey!!!!!!!!!!!!
and i’m so jealous of your house it’s adorable.. you can not find anything like that here anymore.. bloody southern cali!
Sara @ Russet Street Reno says
Looks like my reader is out of control, too. I had no idea you got another house! YAY!
carrie @ brick city love says
Do you have steam heat? I’m assuming so, since you have a boiler.
We have steam heat and I’ve learned a ton about it. I know a little about how the actual boiler works (could change your thermocouple, if you need!) but I’m still no plumber. Bought this book – and read it cover to cover. SOOOOOO helpful!
Jenny @ Anything Pretty says
Come on electricity! I am so excited that things are moving along and I can’t wait for the weekly updates. And I am totally with you on the google reader thing….way to overwhelming right now.
Leigh says
Totally feel you on the posting/commenting- I’m in that place myself. I can’t imagine being in a building without ac and 100 plus. Ryan (and you) rock, I want you to come live by us so we can soak up your awesomeness.
Nikki says
Lots of work, patience, and sweat, but I bet it will all be worth it. It sounds like a fun journey.
Leah says
this is so very exciting! can’t wait to see what you all do with this house. i had no idea it was as old as it is. even with all the frustrations i am sure it will all be worth it in the end. good luck!
Tricia says
Oh, I am crossing my fingers for ya’. A new house is always an adventure, but the bumps in the road can indeed be harsh.
As far as boilers go, I have no good news. Our boiler went the first December we lived here after we bought the place in May. We had no idea there was a problem with it. There was no fixing it with ours. It was very old (like yours) and we were told by three different hvac guys that buying replacement parts would not only be difficult, but would not guarantee a fix. Ours came in at $4,200. That was our lowest bid.
Let’s just say, not a very Merry Christmas that year. 🙁 However, you have the benefit of knowing ahead of time that you will need to do something about it. Time is a good thing. Shop around. Ask EVERYONE if they have recommendations.
Wow, I feel like a downer writing that. Sorry. All of that being said, I’m still so happy for your guys on this new journey.
Megg says
I have one piece of advice…save your money and go with forced air when replacing the boiler. It will raise it’s resale value (always a plus!) and also is more energy efficient. Just make sure the pipes or whatever forces the air are insulated well. And also that they go through the basement or crawlspace, because any air leakage will still heat the house that way.
Oh and also, look and see what types of energy saving rebates or tax credits are out there…that will definitely help with the cost, at least a bit! 🙂
Kristen says
Fingers Crossed!! Hang in there and thanks for keeping us posted on everything your doing!
Kristen @ Miss Prissy Paige says
So very exciting! I know you two will have this house looking fabulous once you are all done. I can’t wait to see the progress unfold!
Amanda Sevall says
Yay!! It’s so exciting to start this big new project! Heck, I’m looking forward to reading about it!! Hope you have power soon. And awesome that you were able to get rid of the cabinets for free, they will be recycled and you didn’t have to do all that hard work of removing them!! 🙂
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
I’m going to enjoy living vicariously through you. I love stuff like this. 🙂
I understand about needing to tone down the number of blogs you visit. I haven’t been able to catch up on all the comments that were left for me while I was out of town last week…I ended up just having to delete them from my inbox. I just don’t have the time. Better to start with the fresh ones and go from there. :s
micah @ the yellow front door says
Congrats on the “new” house!! I’m sure you are going to be a busy lady!
Oh, and who really needs electricity? 😉
alexandjess says
Kim,
What a fun adventure you’re getting into! I particularly like that you and the hubby are on the same page so far. House projects always go better when in agreement. (Just as long as he knows that whatever the wife wants is right… j/k!)
I’m looking forward to all the updates along the way.
Jill says
I’m so impressed by your mad remodeling skills! (no sarcasm font intended) I’m curious about what the plans are for your current home. If you were planning on selling, I’d love to hear about that process (staging? pictures? etc). I think we might be looking at selling and moving in the next year or so…
Shannon says
Where can I download that sarcasm font? I’d use the crap outta that one. Anyway, I love progress reports! However, these working conditions sound dreadful. You guys sure are troopers! Good luck with everything this week! I’m proud of you guys!
Mrs. Adventure says
WOW sounds like you guys have been super busy. Poor Ryan trying to saw with no power… ah the stories you will laugh about later!
Deb says
You guys are doing great!
Jen@Notes From the Heartland says
Sounds like you are doing great Kim and Ryan! Renovation is never without hiccups….but the project will be beautiful when finished!! Send Ryan my way to work on my kitchen when he has a chance. 😉 He can work in nice cool AC…really it would be a vacation. 😉
Karla says
Wow, I can’t imagine! I hope it all goes well!
Danielle and Clint says
We have a boiler that is as old as our home…60 years. Just this year, it started leaking and we were informed that we needed a new one. We were quoted $2,500! But that isn’t for an enrgy efficent one. That is the bare basic. We were quoted $7,000 for enrgy efficent. Yikes! I think I would get some more quotes on boilers, if I were you guys. The boiler system is awesome, really! I would stick with it. The only disadvantage, no A/C, unless you want to pay $10,000…ugh.
Anonymous says
I’m guessing you learned all about patience from your mother? Good job!
Anonymous says
I’m guessing you learned all about patience from your mother? Good job!