We spent 8 hours at the house yesterday, arriving before the inspector and staying after he left. We arrived around 9 am and set to work. My husband began tearing a hole in the girls' hallway to see if we have an attic or even a crawlspace. What he found above the plywood ceiling was a very ugly, water damaged, sagging sheet rock ceiling. Apparently, when the swamp cooler began leaking, the ceiling became extremely wet and the former tenants decided to cover it up instead of fix the issue. We think, anyway. There didn't seem to be any other reason for the lowered ceiling. So, into the mess, my husband went. Before the end of the day the ceiling had been opened all the way, and he was able to tell that the roof over the girls bedrooms and the library actually have a little bit of space. We have the beautiful wood beam ceilings, about 4 inches of insulation, about 4 inches of space, and then the roof. Good! A big job for another day will be to get the two swamp coolers off the roof and repair the holes they will leave.
Scott (of Integrapect Home Inspections) arrived around 9:30 and set to work. Dan trailed behind him most of the day as they poked around and checked everything. Dirty work, that. Better them than me!
I was getting dirty enough on my own, though. I set to work vacuuming the library, with all of its nooks and crannies. Wonderful places that spiders love to hide! The great little vents along the floor were very challenging to get clean, but I did my best. Vacuuming first inside, then outside to clear the screens. At some point, ivy had been allowed to grow onto the screens so some of the old vines are still in place. One of these days I may take them apart completely to really get them cleared, but for now they are much more usable! I also set to work removing some doors. The accordion doors that framed the window in the entryway had to come down. They did. I also removed the regular door that closed off the kitchen from the hallway/master bedroom. Never saw the point of that door. I cleaned the drawers in the kitchen - getting them ready for our silverware and gadgets. After awhile I headed out to enjoy the beautiful weather. I began trimming the overgrown ivy and pulling weeds on the hillside trail on the north side of the house.
Later, Dan uncovered the kitchen window - you might remember that it had a mirror placed in the frame. The windows underneath are the old style, crank handle, but both sides open - we just need to find a missing screen. The difference is amazing! We look out into the potting shed, of course, but that's not terrible and it will be even better when we either clean up the shed or remove it all together. The light coming in is a great plus. I cleaned the area and once the windows are sanded and painted they'll be really beautiful! (pictures soon)
Scott finished his inspection some time around 4, I think. It was a long day for him, but we really appreciated his insight and knowledge! He's great to work with and his prices are really amazing! Look him up if you need an inspection. Tell him we sent you. Anyway, after Scott left, we began cleaning and loading up the van. We turned off the gas and set off the bug bombs. It was 5 pm and we were exhausted!
BTW, no real surprises in the inspection - but, again, we didn't expect any. If you come out to the house to help (or even just to look) DO NOT WALK ON THE FAR END OF THE DECK (the part that goes around the sunset room. It is extremely unsafe and will be coming down very soon!
Day 61
No comments:
Post a Comment