Home, Sweet Home

Caleb (son) and Faith (niece) are graduating in May from high school. (Wahoo!) We are planning to have the graduation party for the both of them at my house. I would love to do all types of improvements to my house before then, but money is always going to be a factor. So, I’m trying to set up my priority list so I can stay focused on what is critical vs. what is just desired.
1. Front door – about 6 months after I moved into this house, the wind caught the screen door and ripped it right off. It looks horrible. Plus, the more I look at the door, it is clear that the previous owners have just cobbled that together. BTW – I like that word, cobbled – my new handyman introduced that terminology to me. I need to buy a replacement door and screen door, plus pay for someone to install it. I imagine all together it will cost me a couple of thousand dollars. In fact, I should have my new handyman come over to look at it so he can give me advice on what to buy.

2. Landscaping – I did my front yard last year and now I need to do some heavy duty stuff in the backyard. I’ve done some minor landscaping myself, but this next step is really beyond me. I want to have the entire front area ripped out (layers of old rock covered with mulch, plastic borders, railroad ties) and replaced with some simple rock. In fact, I don’t even think I want them to put in any plants. I also want to have the landscapers power rake the front and back yards and get fertilizer treatments. I imagine this will all cost about $1,500.

3. Bathroom fixtures – I need to have my tub and sink fixtures replaced. I’d also love to have the grout redone on the tub. Last, I’d love to replace the shower doors. But, I think I’ll only be able to do the fixtures and the grout (I really wish I felt comfortable doing this myself!). Just those items will probably cost me about $300.

4. Kitchen sink – I have this “beautiful” pink cast iron sink in my kitchen. Honestly, it is a nice sink, if it wasn’t so pink. I really want to replace it with a stainless steel sink to bring it into modern era. Probably cost about $400.

I also want to replace my dishwasher and stove, have the back picture window fixed, get the carpet ripped out and replaced with laminate, and on and on. I know that money is going to be limited, so it will be good that I set up a priority list for these items. I might also step outside my comfort zone and see if I can replace the bathroom stuff myself. Either way, I know I need to get #1 & #2 done. Those are the most critical in my mind. Plus, they impact more than just cosmetic changes. Wish me luck!