The Novel Homeowner

Paint: Costs a lot of ‘green’

John — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:24:03 +0000

As if picking out colors isn’t stressful enough, there seems to be about as many paint brands and styles as there are color swatches. The easy part is picking out the sheen; I’m fairly certain we’ll go with flat or eggshell. What’s difficult is choosing which brand and “price point”.
In addition, we have to take in consideration whether to prime/not prime, buy paint with the primer built in, buy the more expensive paint and double our painting expenses, or purchase the cheaper paint and risk a less than perfect outcome.

I’m all about getting the most for my money but in this case since the living room will be in view everyday and to every visitor, we’ll be taking a good hard look at what’s best – no matter the cost.

Look out for future posts with details on what we choose.

To do list…

John — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:30:06 +0000

Here’s the move in to do list, in no particular order:

Purchase stove and dehumidifier. Refrigerator has already been ordered.
Wash windows. Previous trips to the property saw a penis and possibly boobs that had been crudely drawn in the grime on a living room window. Dirty drawings have since been wiped away.
Remove old wallpaper border and miscellaneous adhered materials from various bedroom walls.
Spackle drywall: Nail holes to a golf ball size dent or two.
Paint living room and 3 of the bedrooms.
Buy a fill valve for each of the toilets. Toilets would not stop running at time of inspection.
New door knob and deadbolt for for front door. Lockable door knob for door to garage. (Have you seen those deadbolts with keypads? How cool! But I’m afraid their too expensive and impractical for us.)
Have carpet cleaned. Hopefully the various stains left by previous homeowner (or their dog?) will come out with no problem and the carpet will look like new.
Caulk cracks in porch.
Caulk in kitchen, around sink.
New light bulb for recessed light above stairs to second floor.

And next priority:

Programmable thermostat. (Heard these are a must.)
Ceiling fans for living room and master bedroom. Since both have cathedral ceilings.
Wireless router and 2 adapters. I think it will be more convenient to go wireless once we get moved in.

About The Novel Homeowner

John — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:05:52 +0000

My name is John. My wife and I are expecting to close on our first home on October 8th. After making the biggest purchase of our life so far, I’m sure there will be lots to share in this adventure called “Owning Your Own Home.”