Last week we bought a house. It was not the house we originally tried to buy. In fact, it's over 100 square feet smaller. However, after careful consideration, we decided it was the best option out of our limited pool. Rather than let disappointment and dissatisfaction ruminate in my bones, though, I've decided to turn this into one of my infamous "projects."
The house itself is pre-manufactured with many of the style issues you might expect. There are battens wedged between vinyl wallboards. Trim is pretty much nonexistent. The ceilings are textured and the fixtures are fluorescent. Still, the layout is good, the colors are decent, and the place is well insulated. Also, it's brand new, which is a major plus.
We have a long list of things we want to do. Pull up all the carpet and lay wood flooring throughout -- with the exception of tile in the bathrooms and laundry area, of course. Rip out all the battens, fill, tape, mud, paint, and trim all the walls. Replace the light fixtures. Upgrade the appliances. Replace the kitchen window. De-popcorn the ceilings. Et cetera, et cetera. I'm sure you get the point.
Today we began site prep for installation. There are a number of small trees and bushes that have to come down. It's a lot more work than we thought it would be, and the weather isn't cooperating. Tomorrow we have to finish the job, including grinding the stumps down. Then a gentleman will come lay down a pad for the house to rest on, and by the end of the week installation will be complete.
There's just a few little catches. Aren't there always?
The county can't hook up water for another couple of weeks. And then because of unforeseen expenses, we probably won't be able to have a septic tank installed until the next pay period after that. Luckily, both of us get paid every two weeks. But, that means that we're paying a mortgage on property we can't live in.
Luckily, the land we're moving to is literally next door to where we're staying now. With a little luck, a few extension cords, and some elbow grease, I feel we can use the weeks ahead to make a good start on our renovations.
Follow John and I as we begin our adventure in home ownership, where there's no one to call when the dishwasher fills the kitchen with bubbles.
