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Posted by Eigenvector on July 30, 2006, 11:36 am
Top posted for ease of reading.
Thank you all very much for inputting here. You actually said what I didn't
expect you to say, which is to take care of the hazards (obviously) then
take care of the aesthetic stuff first.
Based on what I've read here I can take some of the information and run with
it, make a list of what really bothers me and take it from there. I won't
be doing the electrical myself, I simply don't trust myself sufficiently.
So in that regard I just have to create a side-fund to use for the job. I
can take care of the plumbing myself.
> If those photos are the worst you have, then you are in pretty good
> shape. Really. Nothing in those photos is much to get terribly upset
> about.
>
>> > I find myself
>> > tackling the wrong projects first, usually because they are the easiest
>> > and
>> > provide the most direct evidence that something has been accomplished.
>
> Here is where I start to disagree with you. Definitely do the things
> that make you happiest. My overall advice is to do stop tearing your
> hair out, and just admit that your tastes are mor important than
> whatever imaginary "right" project. I'd reccommend, in this order:
> 1. Fix things that are dangerous (only the electrical could even
> possibly count here, but see below), or need immediate attention so
> they don't get drastically worse (things like a leaking roof, or a pipe
> fit to burst, of which you don't seem to have any).
> 2. Fix things that please you the most. Of all the projects I have
> done on our house (major renovations, structural repairs, complete
> rewiring and replumbing, etc.), most of which were planned out weeks or
> years in advance, discussed, re-planned, thought about endlessly, etc.,
> the two we are most happy about are the nice garden gate in the back
> yard (2 hour project, on a whim), and refinishing the living room floor
> (weekend project, on a whim). We happen to go out that gate every day,
> several times a day, and it is so pleasing every time. For years we
> lived with this crappy piece of fence that had to be dragged out of the
> way to get to the garden.Same with the carpet -- we put up with a
> ever-filthier, ever-dog-hairier, ever-more-unpleasant carpet in our
> living room because there were more pressing repairs, like adding
> outlets in a room we never use. So go for the stuff that will make you
> happy.
> 3. Lastly, do all those other little things that should be done for
> the sake of resale value, easy of maintenance, convenience, etc. All
> your photos seem to fall in this category (except maybe the
> electrical).
>
>
>> > Basement stairway entrance.
>> > http://photos.imageevent.com/eigenvector/houseideas/websize/P7290014.JPG
>
> This looks entirely cosmetic. And its in a basement, right, or at least
> the entrance to the basement? Not exactly where your important visitors
> will be poking around. A friend of my wife's family has a kitchen that
> looks something like that. It has for at least 20 years. Just not on
> their priority list... but you should see the beautiful hand-painted
> kitchen floor.
>
>
>> > Junction between crawlspace wall, foundation, and ceiling/floor
>> > http://photos.imageevent.com/eigenvector/houseideas/websize/P7290016.JPG
>
> Hard to tell, but that wall is just a divider wall in an unfinished
> space, right? And it doesnt quite reach the ceiling/floor? So what. If
> you are worried about mice getting through, then tack up some hardware
> cloth. Or if it is drafts, then put some insulation and tack up some
> drywall, plywood, or pressboard. You could even paint it white if it
> you like to match the rest of the wall. Only the mice and the plumber
> will ever see it.
>
>> > The most hazardous wiring job I've never wanted to see
>> > http://photos.imageevent.com/eigenvector/houseideas/websize/P7290017.JPG
>> > http://photos.imageevent.com/eigenvector/houseideas/websize/P7290018.JPG
>
> Sorry, that doesn't even look dangerous. The first is impossible to
> see, except that the box has no cover, and the wires could use some
> more staples. Coverless boxes are pretty common, especially in a
> crawlspace. Stick a cover on to keep the mice and your fingers out.
> Tack up a few staples to neaten up that wire. Five minute job.
>
> The second looks like a temporary / piecemeal lighting job for the
> crawlspace. Is that thing hardwired, or does it have a plug? The tape
> looks okay, and it seems to be stapled up fairly well. Is this thing
> ever turned on, or is it just for the occational repair of something
> down there? I'd probably just disconnect it and put in a simple ceramic
> socket instead. Thats like a 45 minute job, if you include picking out
> the supplies at the hardware store.
>
>> > Plumbing from bathroom. Supply lines punch through crawlspace wall,
>> > hook
>> to
>> > bathroom, then punch back into the crawlspace to kitchen. Big pipe is
>> > septic tank line.
>> > http://photos.imageevent.com/eigenvector/houseideas/websize/P7290019.JPG
>
> The don't look to be leaking. A hack job for sure -- all those crazy
> angles. But supply lines are forgiving in how you route them. I'd leave
> it alone until there is a pressing reason to change it -- a leak, or
> remodeling the bath or kitchen, or whatever -- then just tear out the
> part that you think is odd and put it in right.
>
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