Day one in my backyard..Picture Update 9/19 Gorgeous!!!

[amid chaos]

Construction started this week and my gardens are gone, thank fully moved.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/107day_1-med.jpg

[Snowwark]

It's begun, I see! :)

Vanessa, I'm very interested in your construction project, so I hope you'll keep us informed as things move along.

Could you share a little bit of info on what you're having done, for those who don't know? :)

Who moved the gardens? Where did they put them? Did you have to move your shed also?

Are you ready for all this????? :eek: :D

Thank you! :)

[marydmjj]

Yes! Info, info. I don't remember reading any details (which doesn't necessarily mean they weren't there :crazy: )

[amid chaos]

My DH is a chef...went to Culinary Institute of America right out of HS. today he is managing 4 restaurants and 2 hotels for the guy that owns them all.
He is building his dream kitchen. he designed it and is blowing out the back wall so the kitchen can be in a conservatory....one wall will be glass and so will the ceiling.
I had to pick the cabinets, granite and flooring and I am done...this is his deal, no more construction decisions for me...:teeth: I'm the project photographer, though.

Tuesday they started excavating the new basement. Yesterday and all day today 2 guys spent trying to break down the old concrete bulkhead...2 jackhammers, sledge hammers and concrete saws later and they have barely dented it. good thing it only reached a high of 6 today because there will be no pouring cement for the footings until it warms up and the bulkhead is gone.

[Snowwark]

Vanessa, of course I had to show DH your pic, he's interested in following the progress too! :)

A question. When you say "bulkhead" where or what do you mean? Up here (maybe it's a Canuck thing..lol), a bulkhead is where a ceiling meets a wall. We're trying to figure out, from your pic, where that bulkhead is. :)

Are you going to have a basement or a crawlspace under the new addition?

Nosey, eh? :p

BTW - DH says to say "Hi!" to you! :wave: :D

[amid chaos]

:wave2: Hi john!

law requires that you have outside access to a full basement. the bulkhead is a cement "jog " in the foundation. Steep stairs are built inside and a stupid metal door attached...think Wizard of Oz. the door dorothy couldnt get in.

Since we are putting in a full basement we need the old bulkhead gone and a new one put in.
here's a picture of what the old bulkhead looks like after excavation.
.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/107day_1c-med.jpg

[bobbiwoz]

At least it's too cold for people to keep going out and then tracking mud into your house, but I guess that will happen sometime. I'll bet you have wonderful meals and tasty things to eat at your house. I love the birch tree view from the house, it's lovely.

Good luck in all phases of work.

Bobbi:D

[Snowwark]

Thanks Vanessa, that pic and explanation clears things up for DH (and me :)).

We don't have a law up here, that requires basement access.

Vanessa, what's going to happen to your screened-in veranda?

Bobbi, Vanessa's house, lot, and neighbourhood are lovely!! :) Her family is very sweet too! ;) :)

[oldkicker]

Looks like quite an undertaking!

I hope you're all rewarded with many splendid meals and good times!

[amid chaos]

Thanks for all the nice compliments.

My screened in room has already lost 3 feet...needed it for the new wall. I'm not as sad about losing 3 feet as I am about losing one screened wall.

[Tulirose]

This is just terrific! What an undertaking! And your hubby is a cook!! Does he do all the cooking at home too??? (Inquiring minds need to know).

Don't forget to post more pictures!

Good luck with the project. It sounds like it will be beautiful. A glass wall AND a glass ceiling.... pull back those jelousy horns Tuli.

[Snowwark]

Any new project pics to share, Vanessa? :)

[vickyBaby]

It sounds like it is going to be a dream kitchen. Look forward to seeing more pics.

[amid chaos]

They have done NOthing since the last picture...too cold to pour footings so it has been 2 weeks of nothing and this week isn't goign to be any better.

That hole is looking more like a swimming pool lately...and I;'ve always wanted a pool.

[Snowwark]

A swimming pool? :)

How about an ice rink???? :p

Vicky, in case you missed it on the other thread, Welcome to the F&GB! :)

[amid chaos]

Tulirose...sorry, i didn't answer your question.
DH is NEVER home to cook and when he is, it's the last thing he wants to do. so, Why does he want a dream kitchen? i have no idea.

[gina2000]

YIKES~VANESSA

WHAT AN UNDERTAKING! And in the middle of the winter, yet!


Good luck, Sweetie! I'm sure it will be gorgeous once it's done!

[amid chaos]

They poured the footings today. Yup, that cement is going to get hard, but not because it set...it'll be because it FROZEN!

[Tulirose]

A month and a half since they did the cement footings. Any new progress??

Hubby tells me it could take up to two months allowing it to harden before they do more work. Is this true in your case?

[DebºoºS]

Wow what a remodeling! Yikes!
After all the suffering and hardship it'll be wonderful for DH to have his own dream kitchen realized.
And you get a new dream home.

[dianeschlicht]

Vanessa, I think it is time for another update! Perhaps your DH will start cooking at home if he has a "dream kitchen" there!

[amid chaos]

OK, here you go. new area is being framed..that's my DS up there.http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/107framing_day_2-med.jpg

[Glinda]

Wowza, it's huge! You're building a whole new house! Beautiful design, nice and open.
After this experience you can start a new career as a General Contractor.

[Tulirose]

I thought you said you were blowing out a wall to build a new kitchen. When did it become a full blown extension with a second floor? I think you left out a few details. LOL! And YES, I am definitely jealous.

That's okay though... BIG PARTY AND SLEEP-OVER at AMID'S HOUSE in a few months down the road!!!!

[amid chaos]

That upstairs part is going to be a bigger bathroom with a tub and storage beyond a walk in closet.

My new kitchen and family room will be a great place for a party....we can have it when I'm ready to redesign and plant the new beds...you all want to help, right?

[marydmjj]

Unlimited plant budget, right? I'm there!

[amid chaos]

Actually mary...for what i'm putting up with for HIS kitchen, my husband wouldnt say a word! so yes, it' unlimted. what did you have in mind?

[shep]

Looking very nice..

[bobbiwoz]

Wow! It looks and sounds like things are progressing as you hoped they would.

Thanks for the update.

Bobbi:D

[marydmjj]

Amid: Don't have anything particular in mind. I was thinking I could live vicariously through you since I don't have an unlimited plant budget. ;)

[bobbiwoz]

Ya know, marydmjj, you expressed my feelings exactly. Watching another's dream come true is also a pleasant pastime!

Bobbi:D

[Snowwark]

Oh wow Vanessa, this is really coming along!!! Very exciting....a construction site (must show it to DH..lol)! :p

:wave2: Waving to Bob! :teeth:

[amid chaos]

KIM..Hi ya Honey....been missing you!

Right now I have a bathtub sitting in my backyard...have to get it in before they weather tight the place,

[Snowwark]

You're going to have a bath in your backyard? :eek:

Ummm....okay...lol. Don't get too pruney!! :teeth:

Ohhh...get pics too, if you're comfortable with that......:p

[Tulirose]

Leaving tomorrow a.m. for Sunny Florida! YES!! Upon my return, hope to see new progress pictures posted and perhaps an update on our unlimited budget planting party plans!

Snowwark - Delighted to see you posting again.

[bobbiwoz]

Have a great time, tulirose!

Snowwark, hi!:wave2:

Bobbi

[Snowwark]

Have a great trip, Tulirose! :D

Unlimited budget planting party plans? Hmmmm......an F&G birthday shindig? Now you've got me thinking....lol. :smooth:

[amid chaos]

I was away in NYC for 3 days and when I returned the old wall was gone and now the new room is open...and OMG it's huge. I just looked at my husband and said "what the **** are you going to do with all that space?" It's pretty dark so I'm not sure a picture would turn out, I'll give it a try today.

[amid chaos]

Here's the picture. let's see if i can explain it.
I am standing in the old kitchen's back wall. The 2 posts in the middle are where the old wall was...those will be gone eventually.
The wall you see to the right will be all glass, the wall to the left is the side of the house and will have 2 windows with window seats and the gas fireplace.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/107wall_removed__looking_from_old_kitchen-med.jpg

[Snowwark]

Wow Vanessa!!! :D This is exciting! The window seats sound like a cozy idea.

Have they started any plumbing or wiring work yet?

:)

[amid chaos]

Hi Kim!!!!!!

no plumbing or wiring yet, hopefully soon though!!

[Tulirose]

Originally posted by amid chaos
I was away in NYC for 3 days and when I returned the old wall was gone and now the new room is open...and OMG it's huge..... Huge??? Don't ya mean HUMONGOUS?? CAVERNOUS??? Oh! What's that? I think I hear an ECHO....echo... echo.... LOL!

This is gonna be great! What a PARTY ROOM!!!!

Yes, I am jealous and it's not because of your talking voices - it's because of your humongous room!!!

Keep these updates coming when possible. We are just so nosey!

[amid chaos]

They moved the deck from my garden yesterday!!!!

[MaryAnnDVC]

Just happened across this thread...(this board scares me ;)...I'm not a gardening person :(). What an exciting project!!! I have this fear that if I had an awesome kitchen, I'd feel pressured to COOK! :eek: But I probably don't have to worry about that happening (a new kitchen).

Anyway, Vanessa...best of luck with the rest of the project!! It's shaping up and it sounds like it's going to be GORGEOUS!! I'll check back for more progress updates. :)

[amid chaos]

Hi Mare...so nice to see you! How are the kids?

[Snowwark]

Welcome , Mare! :flower3:

It scares me too, sometimes!! ::yes:: If you like flowers (no one claims to be an expert...lol), you're in!! :) :)

Vanessa, I'm almost afraid to ask.....how were things under the deck???? :confused:

New pics soon? Pretty please..lol.....:tongue:

[amid chaos]

Good morning kim. Things were ok under there...kind of a sickly light green, but hopefully they will green up with some sunshine.

The windows are coming next Monday (with another crane, hope this one doesnt get stuck), so I'll hold off posting a picture until then.

The excavation brought up a ton of sand...my backyard is like a sand box. Even underneath the screened in porch is now full of sand and the cats are using it for a litter box and it STINKS. So yesterday i crawled under there and removed as much sand as I could and replaced it with leaves and rocks...hopefully that will be a deterant cause on a hot summer day sitting on a litter box is not going to be pleasant.

[Snowwark]

You were crawling around in the giant litter box, Vanessa? :eek:

What a dirty job that must of been...yikes!

:crazy2:

Looking forward to the window pics! :) :)

[MaryAnnDVC]

Vanessa, have been thinking about you and your project...how's it coming along?

I've been thinking about you A LOT in the last few days because we're getting new countertops today (cheapies) and an as-yet-unpurchased stove, and my kitchen is turned upside down. No stove (no cooking, no FOOD) for 2 days now, and no sink since last night. I emailed DH this morning to find out where he put the microwave (the garage), but it was too much work to move it and plug it in for a cup of coffee. WWAAHHH! NO COFFEE!!

I've been wanting new countertops since we moved here 17 years ago. When Dave accidentally set it on fire a few months ago, that was the clincher! :teeth:

Anyway...it's making me crazy dealing with this...I could NEVER deal with a huge renovation, altho I bet I like YOUR results better than MINE! Hope things are coming along!!

Oh...the kids are doing pretty well. Hope your DD had a great first year in college. :)

[amid chaos]

Hi mare....I bet your new counter tops will make your kitchen like brand new! Is your husband installing them?

I havent had a kitchen since January...looks like it will be mid July before I have an intact kitchen. The old stove and fridge are in my dining room and everything else is upstairs in the laundry room where I have a sink.

My suggestion to you is to eat out while you can and while it is still new enough to enjoy it. I made meat loaf a few weeks ago and the kids, who usually turn their nose up at meatloaf, ate what was on their plates and asked for more. it dawned on me then that all they wanted was a home cooked meal.:eek:

Go get the microwave...it's cool today and you might want that coffee.

Everyone is fine here...Norah got home the other night, she
had a GREAT year!

[MaryAnnDVC]

Originally posted by amid chaos
Is your husband installing them?:eek: Oh gosh, no. We decided we wanted it done RIGHT! LOL The rent-a-husbands ;) (ie, the countertop people) are scheduled to arrive at 3ish PM.

I found the Farberware coffeemaker on the porch, so I've got myself a POT of coffee brewing...amen!

It's amazing what you find when you clean out all the cabinets...all sorts of things that ended up shoved in the back. While it's all out, I'll sort and get rid of stuff...so liberating!

Good for Norah! I've got college on my mind a lot, even tho it's another two years away.

Any new pictures to post of the kitchen, or are you waiting until the grand unveiling?

[DebºoºS]

Thinking about you in all the heat and now rain. You must be frustrated too without a garden to vent in.. I mean dig in.

Must be good to have Norah home though. I can't imagine how I'll feel next year at this time. My #1DS is graduating from HS this month. It's very emotional for me. He's planning his trip to Univ. of Alabama.
A long way away:(

[Snowwark]

Norah is home? Hey, that's great! :) Say Hi to her for me, okay Vanessa? :wave:

Awww Deb....:( It must be difficult to let them go.....

I envy both of you, I'd love a new kitchen!! ::yes:: Actually, I'd love a new house! :teeth:

[amid chaos]

Got tired of waiting for the DIS photo gallery, using imagestation.

Back of house with conservatory windows
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid118/p3256dc2cbfbd0e929122ac5f3228b106/f882f67a.jpg

View of kitchen
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid118/p6a4022d3eeec1ff1ddf0e09f1264b081/f882f0ee.jpg

[DebºoºS]

Oh Vanessa, it is beautiful! So big and with all those windows you'll have full sun all day! I bet the night sky is beautiful too from inside.

I have palladium windows and at night when I can't sleep (alot lately) I come down and watch the stars.

[Snowwark]

Vanessa, that is awesome!!!! :eek: :sunny: This is going to be fabulous when it's all done! :Pinkbounc Maybe I'll get invited to see it....;)

Bud bus trip to Vanessa's place for a garden party next year!! :tongue:

[battricia]

wow! that is a gorgeous addition! Congratulations and I can't wait to see more pics!

tricia.

[amid chaos]

I have more pictures to post but for some reason the photo gallery wont let me upload them...oh well.

Everythign is primed and ready to paint on monday...they are using a sprayer so it should go on very quickly. I stepped out of my comfort zone and used colors..:teeth: Arizona tan for the walls and mystic beige for the trim...ceiling and doors are white. i was goign to go really wild and paint with some dark greens but i chickened out.

Floor goes in wednesday, Fireplace on Thursday.

Looks like we will be done the very end of July or beginning of August...too long. Still doing without a kitchen.

[Snowwark]

What, no white?????? :eek: :tongue: Hey, beige is beautiful.....and the colour of my kitchen. :teeth:

You could email the pics to me, Vanessa, I'd be happy to put them up for you, besides, I'm nosey as heck!!!! I wanna see them!!! :tongue:

Snowwark@Netscape.net

:flower1:

[amid chaos]

OK..sent them to you kim.

[Snowwark]

Ta da....presenting, Vanessa's kitchen!! :Pinkbounc

Looking from the kichen to the family room area. Primed and ready to paint!
http://worldzone.net/anime/snwark//amidkitchentofamilyrm.jpg

Kitchen area.
http://worldzone.net/anime/snwark//amidkitchen.jpg

Vanessa, this is soooo exciting! It's going to be fabulous!!! :D :bounce: :D

When did you say you were inviting all the Buds down, to help you re-landscape? ;) :tongue:

[bobbiwoz]

The kitchen space is wonderful! It's going to be worth the wait!

Bobbi:D

[amid chaos]

September Kim...let's do it in September...abit cooler and the kids will be in school...:teeth:

Bud party in september!

Thanks for posting them kim!

[DebºoºS]

It's beautiful Vanessa! Congratulations! It's so light and airy. To be able to cook again and in such a fabulous kitchen wow.

[Tulirose]

Oh my! The kitchen is going to be HUGE!!! You will run your little feet off walking from the stove to the fridge to the sink... and you will be enjoying it all the while.

BTW - I am SO Jealous. I have a teeny kitchen -- lost the word for what it is called -- just two counters opposite each other with a door at one end and a table at the other.

Be warned: GREEN JEALOUSY MONSTER REARING ITS UGLY HEAD!!!! I would DEFINITELY go to a BUD meet at your house.... to STEAL YOUR KITCHEN AWAY WITH ME!!! HAHAHAHHA!

[amid chaos]

Tulirose...is it a "galley" kitchen?

We have teased that a pair of roller skates might be necessary to cook in the new kitchen.

First coat of paint went on yesterday. My first choice of color was a great green but I chickened out and chose Arizona Tan for the walls...it looks great, I am so pleased.

Floor is supposed to go in today and tomorrow, but we doubt we will see them today...quess they are rather busy. But everytime someone puts us off a few days it , of course, pushes everything else back and the days add up to weeks on the end of the project...:confused:

[Snowwark]

Amid's awesome new floor!!!! :D

It's beautiful Vanessa! :) Care to share your floor story with us? :D

http://worldzone.net/anime/snwark//amid_snewfloor.jpg

[amid chaos]

Thanks Kim...ok, the floor story.

Our floor came in and was ready to install. the day before, we got a call from the store owner...he said someone had rejected a floor from the same company (it was too dark) and he didnt want to send it back to Sweden. he wanted to know if we wanted to take a look at it. it was very similar to the floor we had chosen, just made of a harder wood. Merbeau VS cherry. We decided to take it and found out that it was Paul Fireman who rejected the floor...the owner of Reebok. Just a fun story about our floor.

[Snowwark]

Vanessa, is it a Pergo floor? We have a wood laminate floor in our kitchen/hallway, but it's not Pergo, I think it's Columbia...maybe...lol.

:scratchin

You refer to it now as your Reebok floor though, right? :teeth:

[paras4ri]

I can't see the pictures but wanted to say congrats Vanessa!

[Tulirose]

Originally posted by amid chaos
Tulirose...is it a "galley" kitchen? Yeah, I guess that's it - galley kitchen, but I seem to think there is another name for it too, like TOO TINY!

Snowwark's pictures no longer show but doesn't make me any less jealous cuz I certainly remember how it looked! Hope you are cooking up a storm in it by now or, if not, very shortly!

[Snowwark]

The pictures are back!! :) I hope you guys get a chance to check them out!

Occasionally, Worldzone goes down for a while.

Gail, very nice to see you here!!! :flower3: :)

[Cruise04]

What wonderful pics. I LOVE that color you chose. I hadn't been over here for a while and saw this post and all the progress....very very nice!!!!

[Snowwark]

How are things cooking in the kitchen Vanessa? Are the cupboards in yet? :)

[Snowwark]

OMG!!!! Vanessa, it's absolutely gorgeous!!!! :sunny:

I love it, it's beautiful!!! :) Are you happy with it? You must be, it's like something from a magazine!! :Pinkbounc :D :Pinkbounc

http://worldzone.net/anime/snwark//vanessakitchsept.04.jpg

[amid chaos]

Thanks for posting the picture, kim and I noticed you changed the title too. LOL

As of Thursday there are no more guys here at 7am. We are moved in and enjoying it very much. I thought not using an architect was going to be the downfall of the project, but Dave did a great job on the kitchen. I guess his dreaming about it for 25 years really helped...LOL

I was very uncomfortable with the big stove and double ovens but I love the small oven..it heats up quick and cooks really fast. I haven't mastered the convection oven yet...not sure even what it is.

The big TV and media system he ordered while I was away is ok...still dont like TV, but the music system is great.

[Snowwark]

Vanessa, it's fantastic!! ::yes::

I love your stove, the cupboards, counters, well, pretty much everything!!! :sunny: You guys have great taste! :)

Is the table new? I love that too...lol. :)

The big TV and media system must be in the new family room addition, right? Any pics of that? Did you have speakers wired through the house?

:bounce:

[chessie]

OMG Vanessa, Your new kitchen is awesome!!! I wouldn't know ho to act in something that gorgeous. I love your floors. I have been thinking of putting wood floors throughout the main areas of my house. I have heard different responses from different people. How do you like them?

[amid chaos]

Kim, Dave bought the table, seats 10. It is an old barn door from France...they just put the legs on it, still has barn hardware on it.

the media system is on the other side of the room from the kitchen and yes, he wired the whole freaking house...

:rolleyes:

chessie...so far I like the wood floors...have a couple scratches from construction..I havent attempted to repair them, but with the repair kit, it should be pretty easy. Ask me in a few months..LOL

[bobbiwoz]

That's a fabulous looking kitchen! Enjoy all of the great times and family and friends who join you there.

Bobbi:D

[DebºoºS]

Vanessa it is so beautiful! Huge ! Really well done !! Looks like a cover for BH&G.

I particularly like the counters, I think I have the same ones:) That table is fabulous too and the wood floors I could go on and on.

Double ovens are great for more than just cooking 2 things at the same time. If you have a spill over in one you can switch to the other one :hyper: If anyone turns on my top oven right now there will be some major smoke.

Many happy healthy meals to you in your new fabulous designer kitchen!

[Tulirose]

OMG! OMG!!! It is stunning! It is beautiful!!! It is GORGEOUS!!!!!! I am SO JEALOUS!!!!

I love the faucet! I love the table! I love the cabinets! Can I move in with you??

Did you fill all those cabinets? And, more importantly, can you FIND the stuff once you put it away? I would forget what I put where!

WOW! I am so impressed! I trust you feel this was well worth the wait and the mess and the stinky litter box and even (well maybe almost) the deck covering one of your garden beds!

Best wishes and many great meals in such a beautiful kitchen to you and your family!

Okay - so the BUD meet is at Amids.... when was that date? You can bet that I'll be clearing my calendar to attend! Did I spell calender right?

[Cthia]

Your Kitchen looks gorgeous. Looks very big and cosy. :D

Hope your husband has a great time cooking in the kitchen.

[Mamu]

Absolutely gorgeous. I coming for peach pie and coffee.

[Snowwark]

What a great idea, Mamu!! :) :) Peach pie is one of my favourites!!

Start rolling out that pastry, Vanessa!! :p :D


A table with history!! That's very cool!! :)

[gina2000]

OMG! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN!!! VANESSA!!! I WANNA COME COOK THERE!!!!

[amid chaos]

That's great Gina...you can come and make Mamu's peach pie. LOL

[DebºoºS]

Coffee and pie in your beautiful kitchen, count me in.

[MaryAnnDVC]

Vanessa, it's gorgeous! I'm so happy for you!

If I had a kitchen like that, I'd learn how to cook! ::yes:: At least that's what I tell DH.

I love the barn door table. And from France no less! Ooo-la-la!

Congratulations!

[Ranatra]

Vanessa, I just found this thread! It was fun seeing it from start to finish in less than 5 minutes!:)

We are currently under construction. We also put an addition on, we're getting a new kitchen, new bathroom, new walk in closet, new patio out back with a spa porch and hot tub. We are also putting in a waterfall in our back hill. Hopefully next summer I'll be ready for some landscaping.

I really love your kitchen! Fantastic Job!!! You must be so excited!

[Snowwark]

Sandi, your new addition sounds like it'll be awesome!!!! ::yes:: Maybe you'll share some pics once the work gets started? :D

BTW, it's great to see you here!! :sunny:

I'm beginning to think these kitchen renos are contagious! Unfortunately, I don't feel like I'm catching anything....:( ;) :crazy:

[amid chaos]

Sandi, I'd love to see pictures of your progress!

kim, i'm afraid john would build you a commercial kitchen..LOL

[Ranatra]

Originally posted by Snowwark
Maybe you'll share some pics once the work gets started? :D
BTW, it's great to see you here!! :sunny:


It started back in June. The addition is on, the roof is raised, all the walls are knocked down and all the framing is done. The bathroom and kitchen are gutted. We just had new ductwork run and new plumbing, we are now waiting on the electrician who is suppossed to start tomorrow.
The new windows and sliding glass doors will be in at the end of the week. So will the skylights.

Thanks Kim! I know it's been a while. I wasn't able to do any planting this year in the yard because of this construction. But once the new patio and waterfall are done, I'll be ready for some landscaping. I'll try to take some photos.

[Snowwark]

That's a huge undertaking, Ranatra!! Was it one of those, 'either we do this or move', situations? :)

I look forward to your pics!! :sunny:

Vanessa, if John had the time (and the money! :)), he'd love to buy older homes and completely renovate them. Kind of a dream of his. :)

We've still been looking for a house to buy. Checked out 3 of them this weekend, but none were suitable.

[DebºoºS]

Best wishes Ranatra with your huge undertaking. Sounds like the finished project will be wonderful.

We bought our last house knowing we would make many changes to it. Just about everything was remodeled or rebuilt. It was a labor of love. With so many happy memories wrapped up inside the walls it was very hard to leave. DH was offered a great position here in NJ or I would not have left as it was he had to commute for 6 months till we found this house. After all those years of changing things it didn't take long before we were ripping out walls and redoing things here too.

Kim, Keep up the spirit in finding your dream home. It can be so disheartening at times. Good thing is, it's a buyers market with prices starting to decline and rates still low (at least here it is).

[Ranatra]

Originally posted by Snowwark
Was it one of those, 'either we do this or move', situations? :)


Kinda. We bought the house that I grew up in. It's at the end of a cul de sac, with woods behind my house and very private and quiet. We like it here. Now we just want to get the house the way we want it. My parents hadn't done much in the way of remodeling at all over the years.

[Snowwark]

No wonder you want to stay there, Sandi, it sounds like a lovely location, and your true 'home'. :) :)

Places like that (with woods behind them) around here, are few and far between.

Kim :D