hi guys thought i would introduce myself
I'm James from ballarat, renovated a 2 past homes succesfully, one late 1890s californian bungalow, one 1912 californian bungalow, afterselling both have been (with little extra work) converted into bed and breakfasts. although both were succesful in realising the potential in the homes, and increasing value enough to walk away happily, i believe i over used contractors even for simple things, and did little of the work with my own hands. So just moved into my new project 4br weatherboard circa 1950s 2 living areas. lots of plans for the future, will be a peice by peice puzzle to renovate while inhabiting it, and this time, i plan on doing much more of the work myself, (where i can anyway) some of the things on the to-do list are
full bathroom revamp
tiles throught all wet areas, kitchen, laundry bathroom and back sunroom
exterior paint. interior freshly done, just a few touch ups needed
either modify carport with roller door or a knock down and garage build
landscaping/gardening, mostly just gardening i think, but i would like to render the old brick fence and do a entertainment area in the back yard.
new curtains throughout. fiance planning on making them herself and i can do rails
heating is an issue and high on the agenda, still weighing up options, on cost and effectivness, we like gas log fires but unsure if they would heat enough sqrs
new kitchen, thats a long way down the track tho.
chimney repairs including surrounding frame. some of those monster winds pushed the chimney over. (into a clear are thank god) but the stress it applied pulled the wall frame half an inch opening up a gap in a corner in the kitchen that i can stick my pinky through. that wall needs to be set back again. (thats high on the list obviously)
rebuild off built in robes in all rooms to a more modern less gloss paint on masonite look
and the office has wall legnth windows, aluminium winding. thinking off throwing some sliding doors in there to open it up a bit
i know i have mentioned alot there, but all in all the house is in really good condition, sturdy as a rock, (all bar one wall ) and the majority of the things on the list are not as bad as they sound, and the situation is more i do the work because i like to be busy and see things improving, not because we want to raise its value or because its delapadated.
anyway nice to meet you all. hope my indroduction wasnt too long