We decided our first priority would be to finish a number of projects before we would move in. We wanted to fix all the walls -- fill in cracks and sand. It was astounding to see the lack of quality in previous occupants’ handiwork. Sometimes while sanding the walls, we would find holes that were patched with scotch tape and paint. Often, nails would be hammered in and painted over. In the kitchens, our predecessors had painted over grease-spattered walls.
In addition, we needed a lot more electrical outlets installed. There were only eleven outlets in the upstairs unit. We added seven new outlets upstairs, including 220 wiring for the electric stove. Downstairs, we added five. We were so blessed to have my friend’s father, a retired electrician, to do this work with us. It was quite a gift, as much of the work had to be done from the attic and it was a very hot July. I served as the electrician’s assistant, and I learned a lot. But my most important function was to keep Mr. Hutchinson hydrated. He is the same vintage as the house.
Plus, check this out. There was a bathroom fan AND the switch for it installed inside the shower. How's that for shocking?
The walls have been repaired and painted The floors have been refinished. The window dressings have been replaced. The ceiling fan is new. I got a new bed. I decorated with my print/poster collection.
Here's a view from my dining room, through my living room, to the sunroom. The floors look terrific now that they've been refinished. We still have to reinstall the quarter round or get new stuff.
My dad torn up the tiles and plywood and now he's filling it in with oak hardwood to match the rest of the floors.
When the floors get refinished, we shouldn't be able to tell the new floor boards from the old.
When we first got the house, the floor in the sunroom had been painted black.
Since the company refinishing the floors said they don't remove paint, my dad sanded it all off in advance. What would I do without him!?!
