Because I am nervous.
Super Duper nervous.
We have been house hunting for the past four months and we finally decided on a real gem.
Well, more like diamond. in the rough. super rough. super 1977 rough.
What in the WORLD are we doing? seriously though people. I think we are crazy.
House hunting is like the worst thing ever for my personality type. I am a perfectionist trouble shooter. I hate making wrong decisions. I take a long time to decide things because I have to make the right decision. So that is why I am dying because I just don't know if we have. I doubt myself a lot. I naturally see problems. Not to dwell on them, but to try to prevent them. And fix them. I am a fixer and a problem solver. When there are problems to be fixed and I can't fix them, it drives me absolutely mad.
So we buy a fixer-upper.
great.
During the house hunting we saw some lovely homes. Some lovely homes that had been renovated and improved. Most of the time I did not like the improvements I would end up having to pay heftily for. Like this beautiful cherry-wood kitchen with black granite countertops, with a sink in the island. These people sunk like 30-40K into this kitchen addition, I am sure. (they added it to an old farmhouse).
And yes, the kitchen is gorgeous and functional and like a dream or something, but it just isn't my style. PRETEND IT'S YOUR STYLE!!! you say to me, and I said the same thing to myself, but somehow, it will always feel like someone else's dream kitchen. And I don't want to pay for it. Do you get that???
All that black just isn't me. I can't do dark kitchens.
But apparently I can do funky retro 70's kitchens.
because that is what I am about to get come July 21st (if everything goes as planned):
No, I am not joking.
But were the designers of this kitchen joking when they didn't put ANY drawers into this??? HUH???
But really, that above cherry granite kitchen home was $120,000 more than what we paid for 1977. And it also had a master bathroom like this:
But believe it or not Fancy-pants doesn't like Fancy- baths. I am not really a soaker either. Guess we aren't so Roman.
And I am not so decorative accent tile lover.
I just sort of really didn't like the idea of paying for things I didn't love. Do you get me???
It had the three most important things for us: good schools, good neighborhood, good property. I always feel like you can improve and build on your home, but you can't make your property move or grow, change your neighbors or neighborhood, or change schools (without an ordeal)
So it looks like this is where I will be powdering my nose:
EAT YOUR HEART OUT ROMAN SOAKING TUB!!!!!!!!
Our work is cut out for us. We had the home inspection already and the bones of this house are great. Central air and heat (I am not THAT crazy), great, sturdy walls and foundation, functional plumbing flowing perfectly through avocado and mauve toilets.
And if you want to see top of the line 1977, you better get over there fast after July 21st, I have a feeling that come mid-summer this blog will turn into a home renovation blog. We have big plans. We have vision. We have helpful friends that love to paint, tile, refinish floors and demolish kitchens and bathrooms???????
Are we nuts?
17 comments:
Nope you are not nuts! You'll never believe what those rueckert boys can do with a hammer!
You aren't nuts! I'm so excited for you! You're going to make it look fantastic. We're rolling up our sleeves to get some things done around here as well. Race you?
I love your choice! I also love fixer uppers! I think that you will really enjoy making this house your own. Just take your time and don't worry about having it all done at once. We try to do one thing a season...and that has been working for us.
If you need any help let me know! I am totally excited for you!!!! Sad that you are leaving, but SOOOOO happy that you are moving into a home that makes you happy : )
Even after the 1977 gives way to 2010, any party hosted there will be 70's at heart.
The neighborhood streets are perfect for cruising on a skateboard, lemonade stands, ad hoc parades, and other 70's stuff. rock n'roll. cold war-era national pride. we need a Jeep Wagoneer.
Max and Oliver will thank us later.
1977 was a good year. I have a good feeling about this house. And I could never see you in that fancy house with the black counter tops and the tile detail. Not that it wasn't nice, but you have made some very good points and I think it was a very, very good decisions! That is the best part of you perfectionists, you make great decisions in the end!
Hooray and congratulations!
awww, that WAS a good year! My cutey brother that I love so dearly-a good man and as good a friend as one could ever have- was born that year!
Yes- you're crazy, but that's what's so fun about it! I LOVE to fixer-upper :) because in the end it says "YOU" all over it. And you're never lefty bored with nothing to do. And the kids learn SOOO much about home maintenance along the way. That's why I knew as a 15 year old how to lay tongue and groove porching, and how to lay concrete as a 6 year old. Please! What 6 year old with normal parents doesn't??? LOL
Just think of it as a house that you will be able to mold into your ideal home with a little determination and elbow grease! Our house was built in 1948 and needed a TON of upgrading/TLC..the DIY projects can seem never-ending at times but once you finish a project and see the improvements that YOU made it is well worth it :0) I cant wait to see you transform your home into something fabulous! Good Luck!
Do what feels comfy to you! Congrats on your "new" house!
oh friends, what would I do without your encouragement????
Tiff---- you are so right. I need more faith!
Azucar - on your mark, get set, go on july 22nd.
Katie, aren't I crazy for doing this while I am pregnant???
Fance- Will the side paneling on the Jeep match the wood paneling in our family room?
Serena, you know me better than I know myself. Your confidence in us means a lot!
Jess, I love the image of you in my head pouring concrete and laying porches. That is part of why I wanted to do this. This home will be hard work for us all, but we will all make it a home that we will love. You are inspiring!
Tenille, all of your projects have helped me realize that I can do this! One of the first things I am going to do is paint over our brick fireplace... any tips?
Trisha, this isn't going to be comfy, rather uncomfortable actually, but we will be all the better for it.
Way to go. You have your work cut out for you, but I am so excited for the final product. You do great things. Love your style and courage to embrace it. I also echo you on the black kitchen. It just doesn't look fun. Does that make sense? There isn't any spunk there. And I am certain their will be spunk in your kitchen.
Oh, I can't wait!!!!
I have a new rule, when I stumble across a new blog I think I'd like to click back to, I must introduce myself.
Hey Likely, I'm Kelly and I like it here.
And, I'm with you on the whole 1977 renovation thing. We moved into an older house (1940s) and the things I hate about it, are the updates the previous owners did- except we haven't really had the money to fix something that doesn't need fixin', even if it is u.g.l.y.:(
It is my dream to buy an old house filled to the brim with charm and change it to my liking. Next house, next house. I am with you all the way. Now, if only I had married someone who was handy...
- your new (hopeful) friend in the blog universe,
Kelly
Hooray for you for introducing yourself kelly! I wish more people would do that , really! I am so so happy that you did. Thank you so much for your confidence and your reassurance. This process is scary!! I would actually like the 1940's style home much better I bet, but there are bigger updates and renovations to do with that decade -- central air, heat, lead paint, insulation, etc...
This house has charm, but it also has puke.
lots of charm and i think you will fix it up perfectly! :)
I think you made a great choice, and I don't even know you or where this house is!! All I can say is that we have been in the same boat (on a different side of the country). I keep looking at these state of the art expensive kitchens and bathrooms and hating them, they're just not me, and they are sooo "perfect." If you have the money, I would much rather fix up a room at a time in the way that makes you happy. Be brave!! You'll be so glad in the end!!
this had me laughing out loud! we are a lot alike, my dear....i can not WAIT to see what you do with your gem! I can already see all the charm. and when you're ready for a handy man who works on the side, I know a really cute one. :) xo.
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