In the past couple of months, I've given The Homestead a "facelift". Well, not me per se... I had contractors come do the work. During the spring storms, a 10ft piece of aluminum fascia was ripped from the house. Since the contractor was there, I had him give me quotes on other jobs I wanted done... at some point. In the end, I decided to have the chimney repaired, The Homestead tuck-pointed, and the aluminum awning taken off the front of the house. Over the winter, the part attached to the house had come loose and every time there was any kind of wind storm, a loud banging could be heard.
I think it looks nicer, but I do miss the shade the awning provided. Next year, the plan is to have those bushes removed from the front of the house. Previous owner(s) did not keep them trimmed down like they should have and they're out-of-control. The one on the far left (can't see it because of the pine tree) is about 8ft wide and over 8ft tall. I can barely trim the top standing on a step ladder. Eventually, I'd like to have a porch span the front of the house.
Much to my dismay, the guy who repaired the chimney and did the tuck-pointing also did a job on my hostas and sedum.
Really? Couldn't he work around them?
Due to rain dripping from the aluminum awning, the carpeting on the front porch was always "crusty" due to algae build up growing and then drying. It's been that way since I bought The Homestead in 2007. (Hard to believe I've been here forseven eight years already.) When it got wet, it was slippery and slimy. Gross!
The dark part is the dried algae.
The BF bought a new pressure washer and he let me try it out to see if I like it before buying one myself. It totally transformed my front porch area!
I even did the sidewalk. Looks like new concrete! I was surprised that my water bill did not go up tremendously like I thought it would.
Before - 2012
After - 2015
I think it looks nicer, but I do miss the shade the awning provided. Next year, the plan is to have those bushes removed from the front of the house. Previous owner(s) did not keep them trimmed down like they should have and they're out-of-control. The one on the far left (can't see it because of the pine tree) is about 8ft wide and over 8ft tall. I can barely trim the top standing on a step ladder. Eventually, I'd like to have a porch span the front of the house.
Much to my dismay, the guy who repaired the chimney and did the tuck-pointing also did a job on my hostas and sedum.
Due to rain dripping from the aluminum awning, the carpeting on the front porch was always "crusty" due to algae build up growing and then drying. It's been that way since I bought The Homestead in 2007. (Hard to believe I've been here for
The BF bought a new pressure washer and he let me try it out to see if I like it before buying one myself. It totally transformed my front porch area!
I even did the sidewalk. Looks like new concrete! I was surprised that my water bill did not go up tremendously like I thought it would.
Until next time,
17 comments:
Love the improvements! Contractors do not seem to understand the value of plants to a homeowner....
I would miss the awning as well. I like having a roof over doors! Aren't pressure washers amazing? Everything looks so nice after they've been blasted haha. Sucks that the hostas and sedum got damaged but they'll come back in full force next year~
The homestead looks great Meari. I understand about the awning. Maybe, when you have the whole front finished, you will opt for a covered cement porch. I have one and I love it.
Nan in PA
Looking good - I always think you need to do something to the homestead every year or it will get away from you. A long front porch on the house would look awesome and sure would be a great place to spend some summertime hours. Judi in Phoenix
I think the Homestead looks better too but I can understand you missing the awning. A long porch sounds like a great project for the future! I sympathise with you as we have been having work done on our home too - new guttering and fascia boards and a new central heating boiler. I'm afraid that workmen, even if they do a good job, don't always leave the rest of your house (and garden) as they found it😒
Your home looks great, Meari! You did a great job!
The house looks great!! I would miss the awning too especially when it was raining. Looking forward to seeing what else you do with the Homestead.
Betty in AZ
Your house is looking good since it's "facelift". Can't believe it's that long since you bought it.
Lynne
Wow, Meari, your house looks wonderful. Quite an improvement. Personally, I think it looks much better without the awning.
Dorrie
Your house looks lovely!
It looks good Meari. We had the same problem with our last construction project and had to redo the garden after they'd finished.
Cheryl Kinkaid
Looking great Meri! That sprayer really revitalized your porch carpets.
Deb
Your house is looking well. Think your ideas to get rid of the foundation plantings will really improve the house and also keep all the moisture away, plus being safer for you (have heard that crooks love bushes around a house). We had very tall helleri (a form of holly, I think) cut back to the ground and lots removed. Also think your idea of a porch across the front will really ad to the "curb appeal". Good luck with the projects!
Debby
I like the improvements you have made on your home. I think the removal of the awning makes the front of your home a bit more inviting. I am sure your hosta and sedum will return.
Robin in Virginia
I think it looks great with the work you've had done. At least the hosta and sedum will come back next year. The list of projects to be done around our home never seems to get shorter, even though we complete projects and cross things off the list, lol.
Wow! What a difference! It looks much more open and inviting. I would miss the shade, too. Too bad about the plants. I don't think the workers understand the amount of "sweat equity" that goes into gardening.
Joy K. in TX
Meari -
Your house looks great! Sorry about the plants!
Marge
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