If I were to write a back-to-school paper about how I spent my summer vacation, it would chronicle my relentless search for a home. I’m happy to say I bought a house with great bones in an area I like.
Even though there are lots of things wrong with this house, I bought it anyway.
The house was renovated and flipped by two guys who refer to themselves as an “investment group.“ If they’d cared about anything other than making money, they wouldn’t have done a shoddy job that conjures up words like “scammers.” Whether it’s the inspector I hired to check out the house—before I bought it—or the half-a-dozen contractors who’ve been here since, they’re all shocked by the abominable quality of the work. Looking beyond these guys, who give home flippers a bad name, my house will be fabulous when I’m finished.
I have a game plan for tackling the problems, gutting two bathrooms, repainting inside and out and redoing the courtyard, and I’m excited. Since the house will be under construction for awhile, I’ve only unpacked the most important boxes. Other than one plate, four glasses and some silverware—most of the new kitchen appliances don’t work anyway—the bedroom is the only room that’s close to being normal. That’s so Sam would have a somewhat familiar refuge from the new and the strange. As it turns out, Sam is wherever I am, so all is well.
Difficult projects don’t throw me, which may be why I bought this house. Would you believe the hardest part has been picking paint colors? Am I the only one who struggles with this? I’ve searched online for tips and had a designer friend weigh in, but I’m no closer to the right paint colors than when I started.
If you’re interested, here’s a short video tour of my new house… the “before.” Let me know what you think.
If you’re thinking about renovating and flipping houses, here are my Five Things Every House Flipper Should Do. https://1010parkplace.com/five-things-every-house-flipper/
32 Comments
thanks and I watched it in the video.
Terrific! I appreciate it. Brenda
I watched some of the video. I might have tackled this in my 20’s. In my 60’s….no no no no. And yes yes yes I have a hard time picking paint colors. I’ve been working on paint colors for a room for several months now. I think you do have potential for something really nice and wish you success!
Hi Alana, Fortunately this doesn’t scare me off since this time around, I’m not the one who’s doing the remodel. Thanks, Brenda
Love the tour! And “Miss You” could be my favorite Stones song! Best of luck with the new house.
Elizabeth… You traveling woman, you… Yes, love, love, love “Miss You.” It’s playing somewhere near me multiple times a week unless I get stuck in traffic and need something to divert my attention, then I play and sing along, repeatedly. xoxox, Brenda
Loved the video. Can’t wait to see the “after” one! I, too, have problems picking paint colors. I just try to remember that it isn’t permanent! I know your home will be beautiful once you are finished remodeling!
I’ve used that reasoning before as well. You can always repaint, but since I’m not doing the painting this time, the prices I’ve been quoted are outrageous! I’m feeling the pressure to get it right the first time. Brenda
Love the video! You look great and the house is going to be just wonderful, that courtyard is amazing! Looking forward to seeing the ‘after’ – but probably not as much as you are. Miss you, Essie xxxx
Essie, Some days I like the courtyard. Other days I think that fountains are everywhere in this city, and I want to be different. We’ll see what I do!! “Miss You,” xoxox, Brenda
Your video is so cute! You’re right about the bones. It’s a great house. I went with someone to one of those flipping seminars and you’re right. It’s all about getting out of the remodel as fast as possible and on to the next. Scary that the sink and shower leak.
Rebecca, It’s smart to get in and out quickly, but do good work or don’t do it at all. So much cleanup/redo for the person you sell it to. xoxo, Brenda
I love it Brenda! Congrats.
Thank you, sweet girl! xoxox
I love it all, except that the bathroom doesn’t work!
Susan, since I wrote this blog, the other sink in the master bath started leaking. Pretty soon I’ll be outside, showering with a garden hose. Grrrr….
Love the video and can’t wait to see the after! We’re in the middle of doing some renovations on our house now, and it’s exhausting!
It is exhausting, Lois! I’m sitting here with sweat, literally running down the back of my neck.
I loved the tour — and thx for showing us the “before” because it’ll make the after all the sweeter! It reminded me of the Vogue 73 questions concept — are you familiar with it? Here’s my post about it/my attempt at 73 questions. http://biggreenpen.com/2016/06/12/self-awareness/
I love Vogue’s 73 questions. They have a full crew and a teleprompter so their’s look fabulous! Love your answers! xoxo, Brenda
You will make this FAB in no time. Love the courtyard! Cute video and I can see the wheels turning in it. You have great design sense and I can’t wait to see how you transform this into something our of House Beautiful!
Don’t know if it will be out of “the” House Beautiful, but it will be my version. xoxox, Brenda
Fun video! Thanks for sharing, in all ways!
Joyce, That was the first take! I had too much to do that day, or I would have redone it and asked the cameraman not to follow my backside. xoxox, Brenda
Love this, Brenda!! So excited for you, and looking forward to watching the transformation.
Thanks, Susan! I’ve waited 10 years to have a house for my things, so I’m having fun. xoxox, Brenda
Love it! Thanks for the peek. I love that fountain. The place will be spectacular once you’ve added your touch to it.
Actually, Jen, the fountain’s one of the first things to go. They’re everywhere in the city I live in, so it’s a bit cliche. It also doesn’t work, and when it rains, it’s a breeding ground for mosquitos. xoxo, Brenda
Your home looks wonderful and I really enjoyed the video tour. Yes, picking paint is a huge decision. I love color and I have my house mostly a neutral grey but have accent colors. One is a dark aubergine and another is a dark red. Good luck with the reno!
Hi Connie!! I just put a primer on the wall to X out the gray underneath, but it looks like it’s going to take me three coats of primer. Ugh.
Hi Brenda – I am finally getting caught up on some 1010 Park Place posts after being out of town for my niece’s wedding. LOVE your new house and know that you will make it the perfect home! You are right – it has great bones! The courtyard is fabulous! Keep us posted of your progress!
I am getting ready to take on some projects around my house – dread redoing my wood floors throughout my first floor. That’s the biggest one to tackle on my list!
Lastly, you look great in the video! Loved the Q & A input!
xo
Elaine
Thanks, Elaine. You and I are usually on the same design page, so it’s too bad we don’t live near one another, but I always know I can bounce ideas off of you. xoxox, Brenda