Lot of Lizzy- It's alive!

Well, I suppose actually it's dead and barren now, which is more of what we were aiming for.

They were able to clear all of the bamboo and undergrowth! There is a little bit more work to be done and we need to seed it with grass, but overall, I'm excited. It actually shows how large of a yard the house will have.
This is the view from the back corner of the house. You can see the surveyors tape on the left.

Stepping forward just a bit. Did you know there were trees in the lot?

Harris is determined to finall kill that damn vine climbing the tree. We'll see what happens.

There is a little bit more work to do getting the bamboo right up against the house and the brush right along the property line.

From the bottom of the lot looking up at the house. This is going to make one amzing garden and lawn.

A little copse of trees from the bottom property line.

The lot of lizzy

The lot next door is being cleared. Huzzah for small miracles. Here's hoping we can walk around it this weekend!

This is the view from the sidewalk looking North into the lot.



This is the side of the Elizabeth St. house that is now mostly clear. You can see the orange survey tape still there from before we bought the lot next door.



trying out the blogger app. hang in there

Work begins in earnest

It's wonderful! The demolition crew has removed the fireplace that was collapsing, has cleared most of the stuff we agreed to clear and in the process uncovered some gems. Like enough original wainscot to patch all of the ceilings and replace it where it's missing. Or that there are hardwood floors in, to my knowledge right now, all but one room. Without the chimney the space is much much more open. I'm glad we were allowed to take this out!

pictures soon I promise

Met with Todd this morning to go over what stays and what goes. Basically, it all goes, excepting beadboard ceilings, wainscotting, windows, hardwood floors. All of the drywall, remaining ceilings, and the chimney/fireplace are going to be gone gone gone so very soon soon soon. Also, I got a recomendation from a neighbor of a person who can clear, grade, and seed the lot of Lizzy. That should be finished before Halloween.

Almost doubled the cost overnight

We signed the contract with Todd Hershberger at Cadence Construction on Wednesday! We're doing a demolition walk through Monday morning to find the things that are going/staying. Also, contacting folks about taking care of LOT OF LIZZY (lightening bolts and minor cords ensue...) 25 months after purchase we're finally starting work on the house!

tra-la-la

We closed the loan today! I forgot to mention, we were approved for the tax credits. Now...we just have to do the work! WOOTS.

Maybe this time...

oh.em.gee. We might actually have movement. Since Harris was unemployed none of his income counted for loan applications. Nor did our rental income since we didn't have a two year rental history or something. Well. That's nice isn't it. You've got ideas and a plan just no means to accomplish it. Thanks for playing. Harris started back to work full time in January. We've hit the post two year magical mark for rental income. Our house appraised for more than we paid for it and the subsequent rennovation. You see where this is going right? Barring last minute break downs in raleigh, we should have cash in hand to do the project Oct 1, 2012. We have no idea how long that will take, but here's hoping it's not another two years. Once we sign the construction documents and get permits I'll update the numbers spreadsheet. I've been not so secretely pissed about the $337 quarterly payments for vacant housing insurance that we've been making. Nor about walking over to the house and seeing it...same as it ever was. Nor about the continuing boarding of the house (What in the hell are you breaking in for???? The roof leaks, there's nothing of value inside, and it's structurally unsound) That is so about to change.