While you wait for a real update, thought I'd share an old write up from May (before BMJ) during our search for the perfect home! Names of the homes have been fabricated to protect identities =)
Thursday, May 11, 2006
House Hunting
The search for a house continues. Its like a drug. Its like finding the perfect mate. Its like an emotional f*ck'n roller coaster ride.
We found a house to make another offer on. This will be our almost third offer on a place. I say 'almost' because the first offer we made was on a house that already had an offer pending and we made a 'back up' offer on it just in case it fell through. Looking back our offer was a joke because it didn't even meet the asking price. Being the experienced home shoppers that we are now (ha!) we realized we should have made an offer over asking to entice the sellers to let us have the place. I really do think that the houses we have been really interested in will lead us to finding our true home. It is like finding a life partner. You have flings with some house and then get serious with others only to realize it wasn't meant to be and you just can't wait to find "the one".
The first house that really made the light bulb go off in my head that I could actually own and have a 'house' was MacGuire. I loved MacGuire. MacGuire was perfect in so many ways. I loved the look of the house, character style, blue with white trimmings. The layout was excellent. A good size and a nice big back yard for the dogs to have fun in. It also had a beautiful cherry blossom tree in the back which I imaged having a swing hang from it in the summer. Unfortunately there is a nice motel sitting right across the street. We didn't know that until we got to the open house. *sigh* Perfect but wrong location.
After the MacGuire escapade, we met Winnifred. Winnifred was totally remodeled and updated inside and out. She had a very big and beautiful yard with a little pond. You didn't need to go to the park because it was right in your own backyard!! Winnifred was the first offer we made (the one that doesn't really count) on a house. The lady who owned Winnifred is also an interior designer and upgraded the house very very nicely. I was surprised that Tuboo was ok with the location. A bit further out. He's more of a westside boy so having him like this location was very odd. But Tuboo fell in love with the interior of the house and was crushed when we didn't get it. I didn't feel so badly because I was still sad about MacGuire.
After Winnifred, we met Chester. Chester was back in the location that we've been looking in. He was also a character home, needed a paint job but was otherwise everything we wanted. A fair sized front and back yard, great layout and updated on the inside. The sellers and their agent staged it for a major bidding war. We offered $40K over asking but got outbidded by someone who offered $95K no subjects. People are crazy!! We thought Chester really was the one and we were both crushed. Surprisingly however we recovered quite quickly.
Recently we looked at 2 houses. We put a bid on one of them, over asking, but not by a lot. We figured we would put in a bid and if we got it, it would be like winning the lottery. We didn't win the lottery. I figure these were like 'flings'. We had fun with them, could have been serious with one, but that one was just too high level for us! Snobby bastard! =)
I guess upon reflecting on this whole process what I really am wanting is to have a place that Tuboo and I can choose to buy together and work on decorating and making our long term home. We own our condo now (thank god for that) but he initially bought it and decorated it etc. etc. I also want a home where the dogs can run around on grass and be happy instead of playing around on our concrete patio. I want to be able to have our family and friends come over to our place for bbq's, birthdays and for christmas without feeling claustrophobic. Hope for luck!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Monday, September 18, 2006
surprise!
So today was a very long and busy Monday at work. It was also the only night I could get shopping done this week so Tuboo agreed he'd stay home while I ventured out into the mall - something I realize I havne't done in a looong time. Its been almost forever since I visited this one mall and its gotton so huge. There is even a mini train that goes through the mall, I guess to pick up tired customers and drive them from one end to the other. For some reason I could never flag it down. The most embarrassing part of my shopping adventure was having to pick up a mall map! I used to know this mall inside and out but it has expanded and I really didn't know where the hell I was most of the time. I felt like a tourist in an unknown town but unfortunately I was...at the local mall. I'm so glad I didn't run into anyone I knew with that map in hand. Anyway I digress from the purpose of this post. Although, I did 'surprise' BBs (thats a nick name for SB and ZZ collectively) by buying a cute basket for their toys. Cute huh? only $16!
Anyway, to the real point of tonight's blog - when I finally got home, to my surprise Tuboo had finished off the kitchen floor!!! The funny thing is, when I walked through the door I didn't even notice it (I came in through the back kitchen door). I went straight to the bedroom to take off my work clothes, noticed that Tuboo hadn't done anything with the closests (which is what I thought he was doing tonight). When I came out of the bedroom I pointed out that he hadn't worked on the bedroom, pretty cheeky of me I know. He just smirked and I knew something was up. Then I finally noticed the kitchen floors. YAY Tuboo!
Following are some pics of our kitchen renos that show how much progress/change we've made.
Here is the old kitchen & kitchen nook area (previous owner's pics):
Here is what it looked like after we put down the plastic and underlay:
Here is our kitchen nook with the floors finished:
...we added a bench, then added a chair and then a chest for a table. A perfect place for us to sit, have coffee and look out into our garden (minus the reno garbage in the future).
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Here are Before and After pics of our kitchen:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
I have to admit, at first I was a bit weary about having laminate in the kitchen. But now I love the floors! I know it doesn't look that great with the cabinets but just imagine, white cabinents, white tiles for the backsplash (is that what the area is called???) and stainless steel appliances! Coming soon! teehee!
Anyway, to the real point of tonight's blog - when I finally got home, to my surprise Tuboo had finished off the kitchen floor!!! The funny thing is, when I walked through the door I didn't even notice it (I came in through the back kitchen door). I went straight to the bedroom to take off my work clothes, noticed that Tuboo hadn't done anything with the closests (which is what I thought he was doing tonight). When I came out of the bedroom I pointed out that he hadn't worked on the bedroom, pretty cheeky of me I know. He just smirked and I knew something was up. Then I finally noticed the kitchen floors. YAY Tuboo!
Following are some pics of our kitchen renos that show how much progress/change we've made.
Here is the old kitchen & kitchen nook area (previous owner's pics):
Here is what it looked like after we put down the plastic and underlay:
Here is our kitchen nook with the floors finished:
...we added a bench, then added a chair and then a chest for a table. A perfect place for us to sit, have coffee and look out into our garden (minus the reno garbage in the future).
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Here are Before and After pics of our kitchen:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
I have to admit, at first I was a bit weary about having laminate in the kitchen. But now I love the floors! I know it doesn't look that great with the cabinets but just imagine, white cabinents, white tiles for the backsplash (is that what the area is called???) and stainless steel appliances! Coming soon! teehee!
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Doesn't hurt to ask
We FINALLY have the kitchen ready. God that took a long time. We had to rent the jack hammer again to get rid of the remaining grout and we had to chip away at the rest. Not something we ever want to do again!
Now that we have the kitchen prepped, we can lay the rest of the laminate in the dining room and into the kitchen.
Another bonus - Tuboo had bought a chandelier/light in the states on sale for like 80% off. When he got home we realized we didn't have the medalion (?) to hang it properly. We were at the Vancouver store location and innocently asked a sales guy (looked like a summer student) about it and he gave us the one that belonged to the display that that wasn't being used. Not sure if he was supposed to - i mean, what are they going to do when the person who buys the display model needs that piece they just gave to us? oh well. not our fault, we just asked and received. =)
Anyway, updates with pics of the dining room w/ the new light fixture to come later.
Now that we have the kitchen prepped, we can lay the rest of the laminate in the dining room and into the kitchen.
Another bonus - Tuboo had bought a chandelier/light in the states on sale for like 80% off. When he got home we realized we didn't have the medalion (?) to hang it properly. We were at the Vancouver store location and innocently asked a sales guy (looked like a summer student) about it and he gave us the one that belonged to the display that that wasn't being used. Not sure if he was supposed to - i mean, what are they going to do when the person who buys the display model needs that piece they just gave to us? oh well. not our fault, we just asked and received. =)
Anyway, updates with pics of the dining room w/ the new light fixture to come later.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
The Kitchen's a Bitch
Tuboo got the living room floor done before the weekend. Here are a few pics:
SB says hi (he's doing better by the way)...
So we thought we were on a roll and getting lots done but that came to a big halt. Home Renos? Easy Peasy we thought, until we started on the kitchen floor.
On Friday night Tuboo started picking at the porcelain tile.
Pretty soon we figured we'd need some other tool. So we rented a jack hammer. It was loud! But got the job done (somewhat). This is what we got done in about two hours:
By the time we cleaned up etc. it was time to return the jack hammer. After we got home, we realized there was more work to be done. Although we got all the tile removed, it didn't come off smoothly. If you look closely at the pics, you can kinda see the bumpsand well, the bumps need to come off before we can do anythign else. We thought it would be easy to smooth it out using a chisel but its not. So...we'll have to rent the jack hammer again. Looks like Tuboo won't be able to get to it until Thursday night b/c of work and other appointments. Its kinda disappointing because we were getting so much done and we need have the kitchen prepared before we lay down the floor in the dining room.
Tonight Tuboo seems lost, like he doesn't know what to do with spare time. So, he's on a cleaning rampage (as I sit here typing out this blog - hope he doesn't notice me, I don't feel like cleaning anymore, I'm all sore everywhere from trying to chip away at that stupid floor!)
Here is some advice for anyone thinking of removing porcelain tile from your place:
1. Use a jack hammer (and remember out of courtesy to tell your neighbours there will be lots of noise)
2. There is going to be A LOT of dust. Put plastic over the doorways or whatever you need to do to keep the dust contained. Otherwise, be ready to spend the next day dusting/cleaning out your whole place!
3. Take the time to hammer out everything until smooth. Otherwise you'll be sitting there with a fork and knife for days trying to pick off the rest of that shit.
4. Make an appointment to see a masseuse. You'll be sore for a few days after!!!
Tomorrow, shutter guy is coming to do final measurements for our windows. Can't wait to get them! We won't get them for about 6 weeks though as they are custom made to your windows. We're getting our living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom windows done. Its going to be so cute!
SB says hi (he's doing better by the way)...
So we thought we were on a roll and getting lots done but that came to a big halt. Home Renos? Easy Peasy we thought, until we started on the kitchen floor.
On Friday night Tuboo started picking at the porcelain tile.
Pretty soon we figured we'd need some other tool. So we rented a jack hammer. It was loud! But got the job done (somewhat). This is what we got done in about two hours:
By the time we cleaned up etc. it was time to return the jack hammer. After we got home, we realized there was more work to be done. Although we got all the tile removed, it didn't come off smoothly. If you look closely at the pics, you can kinda see the bumpsand well, the bumps need to come off before we can do anythign else. We thought it would be easy to smooth it out using a chisel but its not. So...we'll have to rent the jack hammer again. Looks like Tuboo won't be able to get to it until Thursday night b/c of work and other appointments. Its kinda disappointing because we were getting so much done and we need have the kitchen prepared before we lay down the floor in the dining room.
Tonight Tuboo seems lost, like he doesn't know what to do with spare time. So, he's on a cleaning rampage (as I sit here typing out this blog - hope he doesn't notice me, I don't feel like cleaning anymore, I'm all sore everywhere from trying to chip away at that stupid floor!)
Here is some advice for anyone thinking of removing porcelain tile from your place:
1. Use a jack hammer (and remember out of courtesy to tell your neighbours there will be lots of noise)
2. There is going to be A LOT of dust. Put plastic over the doorways or whatever you need to do to keep the dust contained. Otherwise, be ready to spend the next day dusting/cleaning out your whole place!
3. Take the time to hammer out everything until smooth. Otherwise you'll be sitting there with a fork and knife for days trying to pick off the rest of that shit.
4. Make an appointment to see a masseuse. You'll be sore for a few days after!!!
Tomorrow, shutter guy is coming to do final measurements for our windows. Can't wait to get them! We won't get them for about 6 weeks though as they are custom made to your windows. We're getting our living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom windows done. Its going to be so cute!
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Slow Day, Garden Pics
Today was quite slow on the home reno front. Tuboo went to hang at a friend's place tonight. I don't know who gave him permission to relax when we have so much to do! kidding. To his credit, before he left, he managed to get most of the living room done. I'm thinking we'll have that finished tomorrow night. Don't worry I won't post anymore pics of the flooring...until its done that is =)
Since I don't really have much to report. Thought I'd post a few pics of our garden. Lately, its been looking a bit sad because mom and dad haven't come by to give it some TLC. We did schedule for their services on Friday though. What I do love about our garden is that over the summer there seemed to be a new flower popping up every week. What I regret is chopping up bushes/grassy stuff that I thought were weeds. Ooops!
This is a little pig my mom found in the garden. She said pigs are good luck!
Does anyone know what flowers these are? I know the pink one is a daisy...
I was trying to be artistic in this last photo. Trying to blur out the purple flower and focus in on the berry like things in the background. I don't think I like the way it turned out.
Since I don't really have much to report. Thought I'd post a few pics of our garden. Lately, its been looking a bit sad because mom and dad haven't come by to give it some TLC. We did schedule for their services on Friday though. What I do love about our garden is that over the summer there seemed to be a new flower popping up every week. What I regret is chopping up bushes/grassy stuff that I thought were weeds. Ooops!
This is a little pig my mom found in the garden. She said pigs are good luck!
Does anyone know what flowers these are? I know the pink one is a daisy...
I was trying to be artistic in this last photo. Trying to blur out the purple flower and focus in on the berry like things in the background. I don't think I like the way it turned out.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
All in a night's work
So, we didn't get the whole living room and dining room done. Surprised? I guess I was being a bit over zealous on that expectation. teehee! But we do have 3 more days left til the end of the week.
Seriously though, we did get a lot done. Or shall I say, Tuboo got a lot done. I had to take SB to the vet so Tuboo was left to do most of the work. He managed to lay down the laminate along the diningroom & living room hallway. Good job Handy Smurf!
On another note, I ended up writing a complaint letter to a local furniture company today. Basically one of the sales clerks is a dumb b*tch and so I complained to the head office. Surprisingly, the manager called me right away and profusely apologized and also took measures to resolve the issue. Although I don't want to be, I'm pretty happy with the end result. As for shopping at the store again? I very highly doubt it. Sometimes I think I should write complaint letters for a living.
Seriously though, we did get a lot done. Or shall I say, Tuboo got a lot done. I had to take SB to the vet so Tuboo was left to do most of the work. He managed to lay down the laminate along the diningroom & living room hallway. Good job Handy Smurf!
On another note, I ended up writing a complaint letter to a local furniture company today. Basically one of the sales clerks is a dumb b*tch and so I complained to the head office. Surprisingly, the manager called me right away and profusely apologized and also took measures to resolve the issue. Although I don't want to be, I'm pretty happy with the end result. As for shopping at the store again? I very highly doubt it. Sometimes I think I should write complaint letters for a living.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Labour Day Weekend
This weekend has been all about replacing the flooring on our main floor. Yesterday, Sis & Bro-in-law came over to help out (thank you so much!). In return, we gave them the existing laminate that we took out. The existing laminate is actually very nice and of high quality. Tuboo and I have always just wanted dark brown floors.
Here are a few pics of our work so far.
BEDROOM:
This is a pic of our bedroom, we spent every night last week after work on this. The part that sucked was having to stop hammering/sawing at 9 for the neighbours. The part that took the longest was cutting the pieces around the closet frame, door frame and vents.
Here is our bedroom now. YAY! We finished it off on Sunday night. SB likes it too. He can't stop drooling over it (literally) . hehee!
This is a pic of our hallway looking down into the living room and front entrance.
This was our living room with the old floor (yup we got a new couch and armchair). Doesn't quite go, does it? The living room is ZZ's favorite spot. She's quite depressed right now because of what we've done. Just wait, ZZ! You'll be so happy with it when its complete.
On Saturday, when my sis and bro-in-law came over, we took off all the crown, existing laminate and lay down the underlay for the living room and dining room. The floor you see there is basically what we're living on.
Tuboo, aka Handy Smurf, also started taking out the front tile. We're planning on putting the hardwood in there as well. We're hoping to get one seamless lay from the front door to the back door in the kitchen. I'm not looking forward to when we take out the tiles in the kitchen!! Its going to be a big mess!
Our plans for this week are to get as much of the flooring done in the living room and dining room. Think we can do it??
Here are a few pics of our work so far.
BEDROOM:
This is a pic of our bedroom, we spent every night last week after work on this. The part that sucked was having to stop hammering/sawing at 9 for the neighbours. The part that took the longest was cutting the pieces around the closet frame, door frame and vents.
Here is our bedroom now. YAY! We finished it off on Sunday night. SB likes it too. He can't stop drooling over it (literally) . hehee!
This is a pic of our hallway looking down into the living room and front entrance.
This was our living room with the old floor (yup we got a new couch and armchair). Doesn't quite go, does it? The living room is ZZ's favorite spot. She's quite depressed right now because of what we've done. Just wait, ZZ! You'll be so happy with it when its complete.
On Saturday, when my sis and bro-in-law came over, we took off all the crown, existing laminate and lay down the underlay for the living room and dining room. The floor you see there is basically what we're living on.
Tuboo, aka Handy Smurf, also started taking out the front tile. We're planning on putting the hardwood in there as well. We're hoping to get one seamless lay from the front door to the back door in the kitchen. I'm not looking forward to when we take out the tiles in the kitchen!! Its going to be a big mess!
Our plans for this week are to get as much of the flooring done in the living room and dining room. Think we can do it??
Our BMJ Home
Weekend mornings are almost the only time I have to myself. That's because Tuboo (hubby's nickname) likes to sleep in and I'm up at a reasonable hour. So, I decided to use this time to start this blog and write about our trials and tribulations of home ownership!
BMJ - the title of this blog, is also the short form of what we named our house. Yes, we have a tendency to name a lot of our stuff, which you'll come to learn.
BMJ came into our lives June 2nd, 2006. Its been 3 months and we are still in love. It's a quaint little character home. Although its on a standard lot and just under 2000 sq.ft., it feels like BMJ is smallest house on the block (just look at that the monster house beside us!) but I'd say its the most charming house (a bit biased here)!
A few features:
- 2 levels, 2 bedrooms down and 1 bedroom up
- 2 full baths
- white picket fence along the front of the house
- original fireplace
- 3 tiered deck and very large garden in the back
For the last 3 months we've been working hard at renovating the place to our own style. Its been fun and very rewarding but also very very tiring. But I have to admit, even if we had the money, I wouldn't pay for someone to do the stuff that we're doing. We really do feel like this is our home and we're going to put our heart and soul into fixing it up and taking care of it. Corney, I know! Luckily all of our renos are basically cosmetic. Structurally all is good, the roof is almost 4 years old and all that other important stuff like plumbing etc. is all in good standing.
BMJ - the title of this blog, is also the short form of what we named our house. Yes, we have a tendency to name a lot of our stuff, which you'll come to learn.
BMJ came into our lives June 2nd, 2006. Its been 3 months and we are still in love. It's a quaint little character home. Although its on a standard lot and just under 2000 sq.ft., it feels like BMJ is smallest house on the block (just look at that the monster house beside us!) but I'd say its the most charming house (a bit biased here)!
A few features:
- 2 levels, 2 bedrooms down and 1 bedroom up
- 2 full baths
- white picket fence along the front of the house
- original fireplace
- 3 tiered deck and very large garden in the back
For the last 3 months we've been working hard at renovating the place to our own style. Its been fun and very rewarding but also very very tiring. But I have to admit, even if we had the money, I wouldn't pay for someone to do the stuff that we're doing. We really do feel like this is our home and we're going to put our heart and soul into fixing it up and taking care of it. Corney, I know! Luckily all of our renos are basically cosmetic. Structurally all is good, the roof is almost 4 years old and all that other important stuff like plumbing etc. is all in good standing.
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