From neglect to neighborhood gem: Follow the inspiring transformation journey as we breathe new life into a once-vacant house. Witness the power of restoration and community revitalization firsthand!
Before
After purchasing the house at a County tax auction, I discovered it had been vacant for over two years, leading to significant neglect of the exterior. The wood siding and cedar shakes required extensive repair, replacement, scraping, and painting. Additionally, several sections of the roof, including the cupola, needed repair or replacement, while the gutters also needed attention. Reglazing was necessary for all 31 double-hung leaded-glass windows. The landscaping was severely overgrown and required substantial pruning and maintenance. Furthermore, the collapsed front porch steps needed replacement, and the arched leaded-glass front door had been stolen.
After
The most challenging aspect was working on the cupola’s roof and siding, which required me to work at a height of 35 feet. To steady my nerves during this daunting task, I resorted to a couple of extra sticks of chewing gum. However, the most rewarding part of the process was witnessing the remarkable transformation of the house from a neglected wreck to a beautiful addition to the neighborhood. Previously, the house exuded a dark and foreboding aura, whereas now it emanates cleanliness, crispness, and cheerfulness.
I am grateful for the compliments and encouragement I received from my neighbors, which served as a source of motivation during the more challenging days of the renovation. Additionally, I was fortunate to have skilled neighbors willing to lend a hand. One neighbor, an excellent cabinetmaker, crafted a new custom front door to replace the stolen one. Another neighbor assisted with heavy equipment driveway excavating and gravel hauling, for which I still owe him a beer and fish taco dinner.
