Window Replacements - January 2020

When I bought the house I knew the original windows would be replaced one day. I decided the tenants deserved to have windows that I would want myself so I arranged to have them all replaced.  I used a local recommended window replacement company and was pleased with the result. "That Window Guy" in Lindale, Texas was awesome. 

They recommended these and we wound up replacing 8 windows in the home with white vinyl, single hung (one of the 8 was a non operating small picture window) premium replacement windows. The glass will be double pane, insulated with a lowE coating and argon gas between the panes.

I couldn't be happier with my choice!

Little Things Mean A Lot

When I bought the house in 2016, I think it still had the original mailbox. Through one thing or another it never got replaced. When I got mail out of it it was usually soggy and wrinkled. No way to treat the mail!

I remedied that this month when one of the local handymen had a post on FaceBook showing a new mailbox and offering his services, so.. Et Voila!  Now the mail won't get wet and it looks much better than the original one from the stone age!

#littlethings

A Few Updates- July 2019

The little house has really grown up and become a place I want to live in one day. More updates as we move ahead, but for now the nice family living there will enjoy the fruits of my labors.

I lucked out again and found some folks to live in my little house. They're actually already resident non-owners in HAWL so they know their way around the place and like living there too.

I did a final few updates before they moved in and plan to have the garage enclosed in a month or so and the front door and windows removed, recycled into the garage space and the same french door with sidelights put on the front of the house as I did on the back!

Here are a few of the updates:

Entire deck, front back and side was power washed and recoated with Behr "DecoOver" in Harbor Mist. Looks Great!

A new mirror and vanity - more storage and much nicer than the original one I installed.

I really like the lower drawer - need storage because the bathroom is TINY.

And a new low water use power flush toilet - comfort height as well (for grownups!)

Finally - The Kitchen Shade Is In

I went out to Hideaway this weekend to check on the house and do a few chores, meet with a handyman to get the new attic access done so I can add more insulation.  That done I turned to the kitchen window. 

I struggled getting the kitchen window shade in because the window frame is all ceramic tile! I've never drilled tile and honestly I was a little afraid of it. But I bit the bullet, bought a small set of bits and it was EASY like butter!

Love the look - they're the same simple white pull down cellular shades I have on every window in the house except the new french doors which have drapes.

Easy peasy and looks great!

Updated Photos - TODAY! 11/11/2018

I drove out to Hideaway today to visit the house, hang the drapes, get a couple of measurements and winterize the hose bibs. It is going to get cold and rainy this week, but today was a fairly pleasant, although not a "sunny" day. I took the opportunity to just take a bunch of photos so here they are!

EXTERIOR

From the backyard - tiny house HUGE deck

My new favorite photo of the exterior of the house.

The trees are nice but WHOA the leaves and mountains of acorns are amazing.

My yard backs to a green space so no house looking over the fence!

I think the next real project will be enclosing the carport to make a double car garage. Absolutely necessary before I move in for sure.

Those new doors make another appearance. Can't get enough of them.

INTERIOR

Almost 2 years old and these quartz countertops look newly installed.

New French Doors - November 2018

When I bought the house in September 2016 I knew it had the original windows and fixtures. The windows are pretty good even though they're single pane, they have storm window coverings so for now, they remain.

Original 1975 Sliding doors.

The sliding door in the living room was almost 8' wide, single pane and ridiculously heavy. It took a LOT of effort to even open it and it was not at all energy efficient. I decided to bite the bullet and upgrade it. I bought a set of french doors with side opening side lights. The sidelights actually both open, have screens and allow for circulation. No brainer.

They are really heavy and the contractor John and his partner Aaron manhandled them into place and the results are completely amazing.

The full length side lights with the screen allow for great ventilation.

The sidelights that open are the real winner. Not just good looking but functional too!

Even the outside looks great!

Money well spent all round.