Weatherproofing

Beau peer pressured me into climbing onto the roof this weekend.  It's not that I'm afraid of heights, I just didn't get the point.  He was right.  It's fun.

Do you see that pretty, blue, glass high-rise to the left?  That's where I work.  It's a 15 minute walk.

The house 4 down with the giant antenna is my parent's.  It's like cable only fewer channels and free.

This is our roof.  I'm standing in the back and taking a photo towards the front of the house.  That giant parking garage is being developed into condos.  Awesome for home values, less awesome for future parking potential. What's really amazing though?  The condition of this roof.  Beau will do some small repairs, but like the rest of the house's exterior, it's in pretty great shape.

Beau actually is afraid of heights.  He was hanging on to my sweatshirt while I took these, looking down onto the side alley and back patio area.

This is our patio.  Digger George is kind of being a slacker and hasn't picked up the pots yet.

Beau invited me up to check out his handiwork.  He's in the process of removing the chimneys.

We have differing opinions on "weather-proof". This was apparently perfect to get us through the snow storm.

Chimney number two is still waiting for some duck tape, I guess.

The bricks just crumbled at the slightest touch.

I'm thinking these gaping holes will need a little touchup.  Later this week, I'll post what we had to gain by losing these chimneys.

House Tour: Basement

In case you missed it, you can find my previous house tour posts here: Appraisal, Living Room & Dining Room, Kitchen, Out Back, Second Floor.

With a few exceptions, this basement is pretty standard. It's in pretty great shape and exactly what we hoped to find. The smell and failing staircase are only minor details...

Our first view towards the front.


Towards the back.


Presents.


I'm only joking.  These aged mechanicals are totally useless.


Great beams/bones.




A little foundation whoopsie.


Updated electrical box, who knew?!


I take shots like this for Beau. He likes them. I think he's the only one.


The realtor described these as "spongy". I think she meant completely rotten.


So that about wraps it up. Do you see the potential? I'll start laying out our plan tomorrow!

House Tour: Second Floor

In case you missed it, you can find my previous house tour posts here: Appraisal, Living Room & Dining Room, Kitchen, Out Back.

Now we're getting to more good stuff. Fair warning, this is not pretty. If you see anything you like, I'll save it for you!

So we'll start in the hallway to give you a little taste of the beauty to come.

Going up the stairs from the first floor.


Don't mind the falling paint(?) chunks.


I'm pretty sure a full size adult could fit through those banister holes.


Need a closer look?




Oh, you noticed the floor?  Watch your step...


Moving on to the master bedroom.  These walls actually have a popcorn texture that most people reserve for ugly ceilings.


I wonder what inspired them to take the carpet? Please tell me they didn't keep it.


We call this the nursery because it is accessible from the hall and the master bath. Cute, in theory.


Reality? Not so much.




Moving on to the one and only bathroom. Glad I'm not claustrophobic.


The cleanliness took me by surprise.


Don't worry, I saved the best for last. In case you forgot, someone slept in here.


I know what you're thinking. It's not that bad. But there's more.








And one last detail shot. 3 layers of carpet-esque linoleum.


Monday's post will complete the tour, ending in the dungeon/basement.

House Tour: Out Back

In case you missed it, you can find my previous house tour posts here: Appraisal, Living Room & Dining Room, Kitchen.

I'm not sure what the proper name is for the small area behind the back of the house. It's hardly a yard, but it's not quite a deck either. We'll call it "out back", until someone enlightens me.

What we found out back was a little bit of sanity. And a nice break from the disaster inside. The space is large for the city and in a surprise twist, clean. We located the "dryer" and the recently removed bump-out and window. We added them to the todo list and moved on. On a whole, it's pretty great out here and smells quite a bit better!

Take note of the presents left behind. Some planters and the house mascot that I showed you earlier. I think we'll get rid of that faceless pup...never!


The missing dryer.




For all those people who think I'm not helpful. Removing the dryer.


You thought I was joking about the face mask. I wish I could send you a whiff through the computer screen.


Gate to the shared alley.


The second window was located to the right of the drain pipe.

Get excited for the big reveal of the second floor, coming tomorrow!