Upcoming Toilet Install

While there are no plans to replace the current toilet I am planning on replacing the carpet with something. That will require removing the commode and re-installing it. I found this link on the Internet that did a pretty good job of explaining what is required.  How to install an American standard cadet 3 toilet. I hope it turns out that easy.

Laundry Hide-Away

Found this cool idea on a way to hide the stacked washer and dryer combo.

Eclectic Laundry Room design by Other Metro Interior Designer Interior Works Inc

Trash Idea

While visiting the ReStore in Troy we came across this interesting kitchen Trash Bin idea. Along with the Pull Out for the Hideaway Trash Can instead of a drawer on top they made a cutout so you could dispose of small trash without opening the door. I'm not sold on the concept but my son Tony likes it.

Vanity in a small bath

The bathroom is small. 6x10 at best and the space includes a tub, hot water tank and two entry doors. The sink plumbing comes out of the wall and not the floor. I would like to replace it with a small vanity but the one we both like is $250.

Tony likes the open shelf and legs vs the traditional box style.  I even toyed with the idea of a DIY re-purpose of an end table and sink vessel. My biggest worry is not just the cost but the height and width. There is not much space between the sink and the toilet.

Here is a picture of what we are looking at. I didn't have a measuring tape but my guess would be it is about 29 inches high and too short for our plumbing.

Of course I could cut off and extend the legs..........or not.....I am glad this is on the down the road list of things to do.

As much as I like the idea of a vanity for the added storage a peddle based sink might be the best option. 

Floored

Tony and I had a great night shopping and ciphering on how best to tackle the remolding of our new project home. I was first leaning toward cheap $.68 cent tongue and grove wood laminate till I saw a large section on display. The pieces slide together but do not lock and I could see this could cause an issue with the seams. I found an upgrade for $1.09 not top of the line but has locking edges. The wood laminate will go in the living room and kitchen. It too has mixed reviews but I think it is worth a shot.

Utilities

Somethings you just take for granted and utilities is one of them. Here we are with all these grandiose plans and we haven't given a thought to utilities. I wonder how long it will take to move the electric and water from the realtor to me or my son. Like I mentioned earlier we have a very short window till move in. We do have a portable generator if we have to go without service so we can work but it is not quiet. So not much late night work could be done. The backup plan is to have him live with us if he has to until we get things liveable. Details, Details, Details. I will update and re-post how this went when we get to that point.

Occupied Remodel

While the property is currently unoccupied, my son will be moving out of his apartment and into the house the first of February about a week after we close. That does not give us much time to remodel before he moves in.  So we are going to have to do the majority of the repairs and upgrades while my son lives in the house.  Prior to his moving in I hope to have the bathroom and kitchen functional and the bedroom done. There is a lot of work that needs to be done. We (My Son and I) will be burning a lot of midnight oil to get this done before he moves in.

Punch List

Kitchen - Looks like we will have to live with the Shag Carpet for awhile, but we will definitely need a working refrigerator. Clean Cabinets and replace missing knobs. Repair Broken drawer and Light above the sink. Repair electrical outlet above counter. Clean Oven.

Bedroom - Install Door, Ceiling Light, Walls Painted, Carpet Replaced.

Bathroom - Medicine Cabinet Replaced,  Lights and Light switch added, Shower Curtain and Rod, Carpet Replaced. Tub/Shower Wall and ceiling Laminate Clean and painted. Window cleaned/sealed/painted. Shower Head.

Oh and lets not forget the concrete step that needs repaired. 

Where to Start?

... one of the keys for adding value to your home is to repair, replace or remove anything that could turn buyers away.

From the DIY Network - 30 Tips to Increasing your homes value

A good quote and starting place to start a remodel. This house has some issues that hurt its value for sure.

Outdated: Both the Kitchen and Bathroom are in need of some TLC and upgrades.

Flooring: Not sure why the former owner went with shag carpet in the kitchen and bathroom, but we will be replacing that with something other than carpet.

Awkward Layout: Traffic flow is also a problem as you have to walk through a bedroom to get to the one and only bathroom

Size Matters: First off it is small -- 576 square feet. It is basically a 24'x24' foot square. There is not much we can do about that.  There is a built in back porch/sun room, but that's not year round living space. The second bedroom is small 6'x9'. The former tenant had converted it to a walk in closet.  We will be changing it back into a small bedroom.

Curb Appeal: I absolutely hate the windows, they just kill the looks of this quaint little house.  Zero landscaping is another big issue we will have to tackle this spring.

Picking and choosing what we tackle first and what we contract out and what we just live with is the fun of remodeling. I am looking forward to the challenge and fun of revitalizing this little ole house with my son Tony who also plans on being the first tenant.