Thursday, July 16, 2009

DIY

It's been an interesting day already. I set off the alarm, almost missed the trash truck, and grabbed my two year old before he could run in front of a car backing out of a driveway (he was on the sidewalk). Otherwise, it's the same old, same old around here. We did sign J up for preschool, but he is on a list. Worst case scenario is a 6 month wait. Gotta love this crowded city.  
Been thinking about my housing predicament. Especially since my AC went out during a very hot day last weekend. I've come to the conclusion that new housing is out--it's the wrong location or it's the right location and way, way too expensive. I'm creative right? I should make my own like-new housing, except that I'm not a contractor/interior decorator or any of that. I've been looking into: flooring specialists to replace carpet, etc; kitchen remodels and new appliances; painters. 
See I figure that if I basically rip everything out of an existing home and paint it, then it's like new again. By doing my homework now, I will know exactly when I walk into one of these older homes this fall what it's going to cost me to upgrade it. And I'll be using that as a negotiating factor as well. Some things though, it's impossible to tell what they will cost. For example, I talked to Home Depot about kitchen re-dos (just upgrading counter tops, refacing cabinets and new appliances) and he was giving me some ball park figures. Well, a lot of the cost has to do with updating old plumbing and electrical work, something I can't see when I walk through (not that I'd have a clue what I'd be looking at even if I could see it). I know if I alert a home inspector to my plans they might be able to tell me, but still. So many hidden costs with remodeling/renovation. I just don't want my kid to grow up on asphalt. I want an actual yard, which is almost a pipe dream here. I have grass envy real bad, hope you appreciate yours if you have any!
Here's a layout I did about our trip to the aquarium in NC. I think we will visit again before the fall for just a couple of days, I miss it.
Supplies: K & Company Patterned paper and Alphas; Making Memories Canvas Alphas; Scenic Route Patterned paper; Bazzil butter cardstock; SEI tickets (All but K & Co patterned paper from Studio Calico July kit).
Have a great Thursday! Until tomorrow. And here are the Scribble Scrabble sneaks: 3 new lines--Lullaby of Birdland, Jeepers Creepers, and Party time.

8 comments:

Murphy's Law said...

sounds like the adreneline was flowing in you this a.m. yikes. good luck w/the house. we redid our kitchen from home depot a couple of years ago and i love it.

Kate said...

Way back when my dd was on the waiting list for pre-school too. Luckily several people dropped out due to various reasons and she got in for 3 days aweek in the end! So good luck and have faith!

mademoisellechitchat said...

Good morning!

Good luck with the home remodeling. I recently purchased my first home, and the ONLY way that I will do it again by myself is if I win the lottery. I nearly had a nervous breakdown after dealing with my loan officer.

Your baby will get in; money is tight for so many people, and they are pulling their children out for cheaper schools. He'll get in. ;)

Home upgrades are extremely expensive. I would love to replace my white sinks/white countertops, but I shudder @ how much it would cost. Lowes wanted to charge me $400 to wire my garage for carriage lights! Not in this lifetime.

Were you in Ashville, NC? I am a Tar Heel (Go UNC!!!!!!). I lived there from 96-98. OH, how I miss the food.

Great layout!

Allison Waken said...

That is SUCH a good idea! Researching all that stuff up front will definitely help.

Cute layout.

*reyanna* said...

Wow, you've sure done your research! That's awesome! :D Good luck!

And cute layout. :)

Rachael said...

Love your use of that cute animal PP and i love that you have decided to remodel (thaough it may seem impossible at times!)

liz mataraza said...

love the letters on the layout. sorry about your home predicament. i hope things look up soon!

glad that J is ok...owen got away from me in the parking lot this morning and the only thing i could get a hold of was his hair. he really didn't like that but what the heck was i supposed to do, you know?

Carrie said...

What a way to start off your day! Glad it calmed down. Definitely try to get back to NC/OBX. I miss it after a month myself. It seriously helped me reset my body & mind; plus get away from my spring allergies. ;)