Rounding the corner

The grouting for the tile is complete, and my entry way is sparkling. My bro Dave says he's coming over tomorrow to install my new faux wood shades in all of the windows in my "new" space, including the office. The sun is moving south as winter approaches and is shining right in my eyes here at the bay window at sunset and dominating my upstairs apartment during the afternoon.

I've decided not to build a new kitchen and bathroom in this house unless I fall into great wealth soon. The bathroom has to be re-done from scratch, and the kitchen and dining area need new floor covering as well as new cupboards, which are 20+ years old and falling apart. The floor is uneven, so I can't even think about ceramic tile there, but I do want to get rid of the "kitchen carpet" and put down a good grade of vinyl floor. Dave estimates $10,000 for the bathroom and $25,000 for a total renovation of the kitchen and dining area. Ouch!

No way can I afford that now. Ten years from now? Even less likely!

Instead, I am going to focus on furring in the south and north walls that haven't been modified since the house was built some 40 years ago and adding a lot of insulation. I need new floor covering everywhere (two bedrooms, huge living room, dining area, kitchen, 1.5 baths) and will take that one a room at a time as I can. At that point a few pieces of furniture and a bit of window treatment, probably with the same type of faux wood I'll have elsewhere, and at least the house will look good.

I also plan to put some kind of floor covering and increased insulation in the garage so that I can move my shipping and mailing activities from my main downstairs bedroom to that space.

Stick around, folks. And come see me!