Fixing a fixer-upper
- sageway
- k
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» sageway - Low-cost options?
We moved into our 100-year-old fixer-upper four years ago and haven't been able to do much "fixing" due to a tight budget. The previous owners had started to remodel when the husband suffered a heart attack and died. So, we have stripped walls, disgusting linoleum, mildewed ceilings, and a serious lack of cabinetry in the kitchen. What money we've been able to spare has gone into structural and functional projects (roof, toilet, etc.). Any suggestions?-- posted by sageway
» k - re: fixer-upper
We are lucky in that my husband works for a lumber company and enjoys a great discount. That has helped us do some remodeling with little or no budget. Also, we do all the work ourselves rather than hiring it out. Construction workers are expensive and we've found the information we need to do our projects on the Internet or at the public library. We also research and recycle. I usually spend a lot of time shpping around or calling around to get the best prices available. We've also recycled existing materials or found/inexpensive materials. I'm especially proud of our entrance way. All the furniture in the room I found in our barn. It looks like a room out of a Country magazine and I've recieved many compliments on it. I love to hear admiration on a room I spend no money on. It is especially rewarding. The other thing to keep in mind is that you need to be patient. Take your projects one step at a time when you have the money and eventually, it will all look the way you want it to. My husband and I joke that we're on the "7 year plan". Hopefully, we'll have the house whipped into shape in seven years.By the way, where is your house? How bad of shape was it in?
-- posted by k
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