What have I done?
After just completing a long drawn out renovation of the “last” one I’ll ever do (that’s what I said) here comes this into my lap.
“Uncle Bill’s” house came along after he pased away and the in-laws want to keep it in the family. I “voulnteered” to help make it livable after saying I’m not doing it.
Can’t decide to run away or dive right in. Talked to the Building Inspector and he suggested to get a demolition permit, demo the inside, then decide. Visable problems start at the foundation and end at the roof. No idea whats behing the drywall. The good news is that it’s only about 800 sq ft so foundation leveling, re-structuring, new plumbing, new wiring, insulation, drywall, HVAC, flooring, cabinets, appliances, fixtures,…………… won’t cost too much.
Maybe there’s treasure under the floor.
Stay tuned. After we gut Bill’s house I’ll have a few questions, like how to put the front wall back on the foundation? I can’t wait to set up the laser and check the foundation.
What an idot.
Replies
Whats all that stuff in the yard????
I am going to tell rez and company you are trying to horn in on their territory. ;-)
They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
That stuff is gone, well 80% of it. What's left should fit in the dumpster.
Should be about 120 deg in there when we gut it.
thats not stuff, there is another word for what that is, that they won't let me post here in this forum.
Move that smart bomb sight just to the left a smidge and let er rip.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "
Me.
Two words: Bull Dozer
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Nah, track hoe would be more fun.
Two words: Bull Dozer
I go by this old house, big two story. It was there yesterday when I went to work and when I came home there was this big machine sitting next to a huge pile of MULCH. There was a back hoe looking thing, had a big set of jaws on it, I assume that thing grabbed at the house and fed it into this giant mulching machine, never saw anything like that but there is the pile of mulch probably 2/3rds the size of the house.
Just found that interesting when you suggested the bull dozer.
Doug
ONE word: NAPALM!!.
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"After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
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If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???
plan "B"........
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
MOAB!!.
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"After the laws of Physics, everything else is opinion" -Neil deGrasse Tyson
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.
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If Pasta and Antipasta meet is it the end of the Universe???
MOAB!!
I haven't heard that in a while!
“Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.” Reagan....
Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. -Truman Capote
Actually I think a riding mower and a chain around one corner would do it.
Problem is the in-laws want to keep it in the family. I'm the only one with the "skills" and money to fix it. It could be fixed up and sold for a modist profit but I can't do that.
So, I think I fix it up to code, charge rent to whatever in-law lives there and re-coup my costs.
Besides it's an historic house. Built to house WWII workers in the 40's and there are hundreds of houses like it in the area.
Now, how many Harbor Freight bottle jacks do I need to jack the foundation level?
Your inlaws sound like someone I once worked with who said that "No job is too difficult or expensive for someone who doesn't have to do it - or pay for it".
Since you're the one with the "skills", it may be time to "go pro" on them and treat this like any other "repair or replace" project. If they're interested in an investment, I would bet that demo and build new would make more economic sense than trying to restore. If they want a shrine, let them figure out how to pay for it.
I like that quote. It fits to a lot of things.
I think demo the inside for the cost of the permit and a dumpster, just to see exactly what we got.
The BI already offered to come take a look and render an opinion. I'm sure he has seen this situation before because of the number of similar houses in the city. The in-laws are afraid the city will condem it. I say fix it or someone will get hurt.
Red Green or Mike Holmes? Hmmmm.
Don't forget SWMBO.
it is a huge mistake to be involved in this project in any way shape or form.
at this time with the current real estate market you would be unwise to tie any money up in this thing not to mention trying to get any of your investment back out when you complicate it with actual legal ownership of the property, you would be better off to find the closest abandoned meth lab and try to rehab it, at least you coud get it in your name.
what i am trying to say is that property might be a losing proposition if they gave it to you, and you are considering spending time and money to fix it up without even owning it?
listen i would be willing to adopt you, take you under my wing, and give you some gentle guidance in the ways of the world. first you must send me $10,000 in small unmarked bills, and then i will begin to impart my wisdom on your behalf.
I will even divulge my secret mantra, DO, NOT THINK. in order for this to be truly effective you have to repeat it over and over several times quickly.
DO NOT THINK, DO NOT THINK, DO NOT THINK, now send the money.
Already have a meth lab next door to where I live. Nice neighborhood too.
One thing about the real estate market here is that north Texas is bad, but nowhere near as bad as other places. I just put the last project on the market so I'll see.
On the other hand my first reaction was "Run Away". Logic says put it in my name (or my son's), mulch it, and re-build.
Actually we could sell the house in the country and downsize. I could walk to work instead of drive 20 miles.
Somebody give me a waffle iron.
Don't they have kids that play with matches there? Of course, make sure the insurance is paid up.
looks like ole bill used to run a junkyard
"What's an Arkansas flush?......It's a small revolver and any five cards."
Yer on the right track with that DEMO permit!