I did a different kind of painting today. I believe that I mentioned that I have had the house appraised and inspected as I keep thinking I have too much house and too much yard and taking care of all that interferes with other things I could be doing.
My house is in good shape but there are things that need taking care of. Electrical codes have changed since the house was built in the '70s. I have an underground fuel tank which is frowned upon. Bolts are needed where nails have sufficed for thirty years. My smoke detector is the wrong kind--even though I know that it works from the occasional kitchen mishap--burnt toast or a bubbled over pie in the oven.
And then there is that wallpaper which is currently out of fashion with home buyers. I stripped the wallpaper myself and was going to call in a handyman to paint. A few years ago we had the the two story entry way, the upstairs hallway, and the ceilings painted. last fall I had the trim painted in the living room.
It occurred to me that a.) ceilings and trims were the hard part, but I could easily handle the large wall area myself and b.) I definitely will have to hire the electrical work done (It's not complicated stuff. Mike could have done it himself, but I am afraid of electricity). Well it seemed silly to spend money on something I could easily do myself. I mean the paint was expensive enough. I have the time, so I painted the walls. I painted them with "White Sand" by Benjamin Moore, which is what I have in the entry and hallway. Nicely neutral:
The carpet is something sand and the exterior siding is something sand. I guess I choose dirt colors. Even better might be DUST shades for home interiors.
I put on two coats and it looks pretty good. The real estate agent said I could just paint over the wallpaper, but I could not bring myself to do that. When I had the wallpaper done (15 years ago?) I scraped off old wallpaper, painted older wallpaper, and oldest wallpaper to get to bare wall. I would not put another human being through something like that.
The building inspector did tell me that in spite of all the nit-picky things that would appear in his report ("no house is perfect"), the house is in excellent shape. That made me feel good because Mike and I did take pride in our home. I don't know how quickly the moving process will take place, but this home will always live in my heart for the memories made here.
My house is in good shape but there are things that need taking care of. Electrical codes have changed since the house was built in the '70s. I have an underground fuel tank which is frowned upon. Bolts are needed where nails have sufficed for thirty years. My smoke detector is the wrong kind--even though I know that it works from the occasional kitchen mishap--burnt toast or a bubbled over pie in the oven.
And then there is that wallpaper which is currently out of fashion with home buyers. I stripped the wallpaper myself and was going to call in a handyman to paint. A few years ago we had the the two story entry way, the upstairs hallway, and the ceilings painted. last fall I had the trim painted in the living room.
It occurred to me that a.) ceilings and trims were the hard part, but I could easily handle the large wall area myself and b.) I definitely will have to hire the electrical work done (It's not complicated stuff. Mike could have done it himself, but I am afraid of electricity). Well it seemed silly to spend money on something I could easily do myself. I mean the paint was expensive enough. I have the time, so I painted the walls. I painted them with "White Sand" by Benjamin Moore, which is what I have in the entry and hallway. Nicely neutral:
The carpet is something sand and the exterior siding is something sand. I guess I choose dirt colors. Even better might be DUST shades for home interiors.
I put on two coats and it looks pretty good. The real estate agent said I could just paint over the wallpaper, but I could not bring myself to do that. When I had the wallpaper done (15 years ago?) I scraped off old wallpaper, painted older wallpaper, and oldest wallpaper to get to bare wall. I would not put another human being through something like that.
The building inspector did tell me that in spite of all the nit-picky things that would appear in his report ("no house is perfect"), the house is in excellent shape. That made me feel good because Mike and I did take pride in our home. I don't know how quickly the moving process will take place, but this home will always live in my heart for the memories made here.
You are a brave and ambitious woman. I honestly don't think I could have taken on a project like this. It has been years since I painted. Good for you! I can imagine how hard it will be to leave this home, but I understand your reasons. Downsizing is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, you will always have your memories of that house, and that's all that matters!!!
ReplyDeleteI hate painting. I think I worry about not doing it right. anyway, i admire your taking on these projects.
ReplyDeleteI read once that after a loss such as yours, you should not make any big decisions like moving for at least six months. You have given this time and thought. When it all falls into place you will know you have made the right choices.
Wow! Congratulations! I am in awe of what you are doing on your own. You've done a wonderful job!
ReplyDeleteWell done Olga. Sure you can't do the electricity? The only trick to electrical work besides knowing the codes is making sure it is off while you are working on it.
ReplyDeleteI so hope that I can adopt some of your energy now that I have my hip replaced and have lost 56 pounds. Right now I forget that I am healthy and find myself waiting for someone else to do it. Bravo to you!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a good price for your house. The paint job looks very nice.
ReplyDeleteI'm very proud of you! That wallpaper stripping is a rough job! And a nice color selection.
ReplyDeleteWe had similar in our house -- paint over wallpaper, and it was a bugger to remove. The wallpaper that we put on is all strippable and comes off easily. It's a chore getting a house ready for selling -- sad, too.
ReplyDeleteI must say, good for you! This is good therapy, although you seem very well-adjusted and sensible. You understand about change and you have amazing memories. Contemplating my husband's cancer now, I try live in the moment and build memories We had a frank discussion, he doesn't worry about me, since I do all the outdoor work, he does the kitchen chores and shopping. I agree with you, doing that painting is the sensible thing. Hiring outside help is important, as you know your limitations. We've looked at too may disasters AKA handyman' houses, to attempt many things ourselves!
ReplyDeletecheers from cottage country
Hum, I must like dirt colors. I really like the color you picked and it will go nicely with any decorating plans a new owner may want and it sure beats beige. You did a really nice job.
ReplyDeleteI would love to find the ambition and motivation to paint some of my house but not only do I not possess the talents to even paint just a wall -- I can't find the time! You continue to amazes me!
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I don't mind painting walls, though, like you I'd rather leave the finicky stuff to someone else. I won't touch the electrical either, too scary. I have a light fixture I've wanted to change since I moved in 5 years ago. My younger brother keeps telling me how easy it is...yeah, no not trying it.
ReplyDeleteThe neutral shades you've chosen will appeal to many buyers. Good luck with the transition.
Awwww. I love neutrals on the painted walls. Good luck. Stay sane
ReplyDeleteLove this, Olga! I'm proud of you too for deciding to sell and move forward. It is hard to say goodbye....but a sort of peace in making the decision and knowing it's time for a new family. My realtor suggested I paint; but I didn't want to change a thing while I lived in it....the way Jim and I wanted it. It took a long time, but finally a buyer was fine with "as is!" LOL I am reading many of your posts I've missed through my transition months......love your way with words, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI always choose neutrals, too. A buyer will thank you! Will you find a smaller place in VT or go permanently to FL?
ReplyDelete