Sunday, October 30, 2011

The motivation to buy a house

Nick and I knew we wanted a house eventually.  There was no hurry, an apartment would do for a couple years.  But like most apartments, we had rules we had to follow.  There was one rule that bothered us (Nick especially) more everyday; NO GRILLING OUT.  We had a little tailgating gas grill, that we used a couple times.  But it didn't get hot enough, and it would send smoke signals out alerting everyone that we were breaking the rules.  I know, we're rebels.

I knew that I could sell Nick on the moving sooner rather than later, if I reminded him that he could grill out anytime.  I also mentioned that a mortgage payment (including taxes and PMI) would be equal to our rent payment.  He was sold.

We didn't even have the house yet, and he knew exactly what he wanted.  Of all of the grills available in the world, he decided on a Char-Broil Red infrared grill (ooohh, aaahh).  

We finally got the grill last week, and started with steaks and burgers.  It works just like they say.  Great sear with all the juiciness you can handle. It's a textbook steakhouse steak at home.  Nick is like a kid in a candy store.
 


PS. Char-broil isn't paying us, but it would be nice if they would.
Sunday, October 23, 2011

Big Changes

Well, there have been some big changes going on around here. 

To get you started, here's a little change.  We removed the fence around the front of the house.  The neighbors have said that it looks so much better without the fence.  It really opens up the front yard.  


Next up is another simple bathroom update.  We added a curved curtain rod, curtain, bath mat, and towels. Simple, but needed. 

Now we go to the living room, which has undergone quite a big change over that last month.  It was an empty box, a workroom, a storage unit, and now a living room.  Although it will change over time, its pretty good right now.





The progress has moved into other rooms.  This bar area can be seen through the archway, in the kitchen.  Say hello to Sue and Bess.


There's lots of work going on around here, so I'm hoping to show many more of these "finished" areas in the next couple of weeks. 
Sunday, October 16, 2011

Bonus Room

I've been hiding a secret.  We have an extra room, unattached to the house.  The previous owners used it as a gym, which is our plan for it right now.  



It has no windows, which creeps me out a little.  I've been thinking about putting a small window across the top, or next to the door.  



It needs some work; new paint, new lighting, and new flooring.  It smells a little musty too.  But it's a nice bonus room.
Sunday, October 9, 2011

A little bit of progress

We've been working hard on moving everything around, still using the guest bedrooms as dumping grounds.  But things are shaping up.  Here's a little bit of the progress that's been going on.

In the living room we are getting ready to mount the TV to the wall.  Scary to think that if it falls, its a $1500 TV that we have to replace.  Cross your fingers that it holds.



The mystery room has turned into an office.  As you can see with all the Razorback paraphernalia that this is Nick's office.  So far we are thinking about a little lounge on the other side of the mystery room.



We painted the shelves in the living room.  The dark wood was just sucking the life out of the room.  During the painting process I decided that a blue background would add some subtle color.  I kept thinking about a less dramatic version of these built-ins.  There will be more on this later.


 And finally, I got going on the laundry room.  This will be my little room.  I have quite of few projects, and needed storage for it.  I also found room for other miscellaneous items.
I have more plans for this room.



That's all that I have for right now. I will try to keep you updated on everything going on here.
Sunday, October 2, 2011

Photo Tour

So this will be a little walk through for you.  This is how we saw it in July, and how we bought it in September.  

I couldn't take a picture of the house without vehicles in the way, so I'm using the realtor's photo.


When you walk in the front door you enter into the living room.  

 
Through the archway, is the large, but awkward kitchen.


As you can see the fridge is lonely.  There will be plans to change the kitchen eventually. 


Down the hallway is a bathroom and two bedrooms.


The larger bedroom is only accessible through the smaller bedroom, which we plan to change.  All in time though. 


Back to the kitchen, and through the doorway, into the mystery room.  I believe this used to a master bedroom.


It has a large walk in closet, which eats up a lot of square footage.  We are waiting to make a decision on this room. 


You saw a peek of the laundry room, so we will go there next. 
This is a very large laundry room, with access to the back yard, too.  


Last, but not least, the master suite. 





I believe that the master suite is another addition to the house.  The bedroom is an average size, but it is dwarfed by our king size bed.  The closet organization was poorly thought out, and the bathroom is very tight.  


So there is your tour.  We have already started working on things around the house.  Once the dust has settled, and I will get new pictures up. 
Saturday, October 1, 2011

Floor Plan

Throwing photos up would be a little confusing without some idea as to where we are, so here is the floor plan.  Study this, and you won't be confused tomorrow when I show photos of the house.  The laundry, mystery room, and master suite are additions. 
So this is the beauty that we are calling home now.  See you tomorrow!