Bits and Pieces

I suck at drilling. So hanging curtains is an absolute nightmare for me. I've left my fair share of pieces of broken bits in the walls and wood trim. If there was ever a magnetic storm, every house I have ever lived in would be an executioner's weapon. Sometimes a bit will get stuck in the wall as I try to pull it out with the drill in reverse. I have no idea why this happens. Usually I can reattach the drill and tighten up the key. But sometimes the only answer is to get another bit and try to drill it out. Usually with the help of a pair of pliers to pull as I create larger and larger holes. Never a good resolution. Especially if you are precariously balanced on a 6 ft aluminum ladder. 

My go-to technique at this point is to start a pilot hole with a really small bit, then drill again with a medium bit, then drill again with a larger medium bit. And finally use a hand screwdriver to drive in the screw. 

And don't even get me started on trying to use the drill to screw in an aluminum screw. I can strip a head faster than a Vegas showgirl. I tend to use the old fashioned analog hand-held screwdriver. I place the top of the screwdriver against the palm of my hand to hold it in place and use my other hand to rotate the screwdriver. This method keeps the screw driver from slipping off the head and stripping it. And as a bonus, I only have to curse the gods a half dozen times instead of issuing a steady stream of profanity. 

But finally, after only 3 days of sweaty swears, 3 broken drill bits, 5 ruined screws, and multiple battery recharges, I was able to get sheers hung on all 7 of my bedroom windows!

Lessons learned: Don't let puppies play around the ladder when your standing on the top step in flip flops. 

ESTIMATES PLEASE!

ESTIMATES PLEASE!

Trying to get numbers out of a contractor is like trying to get blood out of stone. I've had about a half dozen contractors to my house for repairs and renovation. Only one has given me an estimate.

I guess they are all filthy rich and don't need the work. Meanwhile, my laundry room is pushing AC into the attic and my flex room is stuck being a 500 sq. foot closet. 

Electrical and Plumbing First!

When I purchased the home a few things came up on the inspection report that I needed to get taken care of right away. Luckily, I was able to negotiate the sale price down a little to pay for some of the repairs. In order to do this, though, I had to get a licensed contractor get me estimates of the repair costs. As per the law of all contractors, the estimates were considerably lower than the actual cost. 

My insurance company decided the updated Challenger electric panel that was installed in 1996 is now on the terrorist watch list. It's prone to sudden and unpredictable suicide attacks. It needed to be removed immediately. And with it, the 60 amp AC thug wire that was too small for the load. Electrical repairs are first on my list of renovations to take care of.  The estimate for the electric panel and 60 amp breaker wire was $1350.00, but the actual repair cost was $1475.00. 

American Electrical did the repair. I liked the techs, they were friendly and helpful. Although, it took almost 7 hours to do the work, they got it done like champs. It didn't take long for the house to start getting hot with no electricity. After 7 hours of no power, I think I sweat out about 10 pounds. 

And, unfortunately, they left a giant hole in my wall because the new panel is smaller than the old one. Ill-fitting panels seem to be a common problem that no one tells you about in advance.  So, I have to call out a handyman to take care of that, separate from what I paid to get the new panel installed. However, they installed my new ceiling fan and secured a loose outlet for free. So that kind of makes up for it. 

The garbage disposal also came up on the inspection report as broken. I don't cook enough need a disposal. But, when I turned on the dish washer, foul smelling demon water came up a hell drain into the sink. So that needed to be taken care of post haste. The repair estimate from my inspector was only $180.00. No problem, right? Not really, the actual cost from David Grey Plumbing was $285.00. But the techs were really awesome. They showed up early for the appointment, got to work right away, and finished quickly. And better yet, they tolerated my furry foreman that was watching them intently.

Lessons learned: You are going to underestimate and overpay on all repair costs. Budget for it.

Starting Over

Well, here I am again. After 2 renovations with Matt, I'm starting out on my own with a new house. I swear the last renovation had nothing to do with our break-up. (Ok, maybe a little). 

I recently purchased this vintage little gem in the historic Murray Hill neighborhood in Jacksonville, FL. Built in 1950, it's a classic example of a vintage mid-century ranch with french cottage accents. I think it has a lot of potential to really play it up. The bones are solid. It just needs a little love.

This is long term project, so stay tuned. It's gonna be fun. 

Before Pics: These are from the MLS listing before I moved in. Cute, right?