A New Hobby

Some people complain about being a homeowner, I look at it as a hobby.   I find lots of enjoyment out of decorating the house, renovation projects, and other odd and end projects around the house.  We moved into our house in August 2008 and have done so much to it already, it looks like a completely different house.  It seems like each year we have two or three major renovations/projects.  I am not sure what I am going to do when its all done...oh who am I kidding, things never end when you are a home owner.  In 2011, we are going to finish up the backyard and built a shed.  The kitchen will be a year or two!  Also, a special thanks for all the work Dad has helped me with around our house, it has been extremely helpful.

Projects in 2008

• Bought the house on July 11, 2008
• Installed overhead lighting and replaced a fuse box into a breaker box
• Put in a new lamp post outside along the driveway
• Painted everyone in the house but Russ' study
• Renovated our guestroom bath
• Remodeled the laundry room (new floor, shelving unit, and painted)
• Cut down one tree in the backyard and started to grow grass

 Projects in 2009

• Installed a new bay window and master bedroom windows
• Tore up the front walkway and step and replaced that as well poured a side driveway
• Completed all the room decorations
• Hired a landscape designer to design the outside of the house
• Landscaped the front walkway

Projects in 2010

• Cut down 5 trees and trimmed the front oak trees
• Removed ivy on both sides of the house and cleared out over growth
• Installed a new front and side door
• Dad built us a deck
• Painted the house (brick and all), picking the paint color was the hardest
• Patio and Fire pit finally completed

Front of the House (from the MLS listing)

Backyard (from the MLS Listing)

Front of the House (Spring 2010)

Backyard (with grass and a patio)

Another view of the finished product (now need furniture)

Finally can see the house (no more overgrowth, need a picture without the snow)