It’s a rainy Carolina day. Parts of North Carolina have gotten slammed with snow followed by widespread power outages so I’m grateful for just a steady drizzle and some gusty winds. (Although I am always appreciative of the few shy snowflakes that periodically meander our way; it’s so lovely to see them fall.)
I wanted to show you a few pictures from our most recent house project. Every year we try to make an improvement that will increase the house’s value when the time comes to sell. This year we set our sights on the porch for two reasons.
The posts that were holding up the porch had started to rot a few of years ago and were getting worse and worse. Also, our steps to the porch had no railing and since we entertain a lot and some of our guests are elderly, a few of them had some difficulty maneuvering without something sturdy to hold onto.
We’ve actually been planning and waiting on this project for over a year so it is very rewarding to finally see it completed.
Before showing you the final product, I want to show a few photos of memories from the old porch. (And to remind you what it looked like so you can more truly enjoy the after which you will see after the before.
After a week’s worth of work by a local carpenter . . .
and some door staining by a local husband . . .
and the installing of a lovely temporary door . . .
the finished product emerged.
An angel even stopped by to help adorn the lovely newness.
The before and after shot.
What about you? What was your most recent project? (Either creative, crafting, home improvement, etc.) Are you good doing stuff on your own or do you usually hire the work out?
Your house was beautiful before, but the new porch railings are just stunning! It looks so inviting! We just recently finished remodeling our master bath (the only things we kept were the vanity and counter, which both were redone) and giving the guest bath a not-quite-so-involved facelift just in time for Christmas company to arrive. We love doing our own projects. Such a sense of accomplishment when the project is finished. Merry Christmas to all of the Smiths!
Gayle,
Thanks for the compliment on the railings; we are sure enjoying them.
It IS a great sense of accomplishment to see a project done, especially when you get to see each of the steps (and the mess) along the way. It makes the finished product all the more appreciated!
Ooooh! I love your updated porch. The stair railing is amazing for older folks for sure, and I love the railing along the porch. Even your “garden” in front of the deck is all cleaned up so nicely. Its all so inviting and pleasant. I love the stained door as well. “You” did a wonderful job on it all. Wendy
Wendy,
Yes, stair railings are a wonderful thing when you get past a “certain” age. A little extra support is always a good thing.
It was especially fun to have the railings done before Christmas so we could decorate them a bit.
Becky, Your home looks soooo beautiful in the “before” photos, but I must say that your renovations took it “over the top!” (Wait… renovation = re+nova. To make new again! What???) It was absolutely providential that you were able to find a “local husband” to do such a fine job of staining the door! 😉 Your home looks so inviting now with the beautiful railings, I wouldn’t be surprised if people began to queue up now, just to sit in the porch swing. And… your artistic touches on the front steps are so lovely. Thank you for including the nighttime photo – a very difficult shot, which you handled beautifully, as always. Wishing you a happy and peaceful Christmas! ~ Fred & Lucy
Fred,
Thanks for your cheery comment; it was a day-brightener as your comments so often are.
Merriest Christmas to you and Lucy, as well!
The railings make it look beautiful. I really like the improvement and the door, too. We have been trying to get a contractor to put up new entry doors (we have 3) since this spring. He told us July and that was fine because we were going to be out of town 2 weeks in June. Well, September came and still no new doors. He said they were 3 months behind. Last week I ask him when would I get my storm doors and entry doors. He said we are on the list and he is 3 months behind. Heard that before. He is a friend so Jim wanted him to do it. We have not purchased the doors yet because no storage space. We will enjoy them whenever. Maybe some new ones will come in that we like better. Got to be a reason. Keeping our money a little longer. ?
Ann,
Yeah, that’s what happened with us. It took us a while to get on someone’s calendar. But you’ll just appreciate those entry doors all the more when they are finally installed!
The new porch looks amazing!! I love the square columns vs. the “shaped” and like the railings also (since I’m apt to fall off or worry about someone else falling off).
Sue Ellen,
You are very observant to notice the square vs.shaped columns. Good eye!
And yes, the older I get, the more I appreciate railings.
My most recent project was replacing the carpet in the master bedroom. My house is only 4 years old but the builder must have used the cheapest possible carpet. The spare bedroom had already been replaced – by the builder – due to some water in it. The master bedroom just looked worn. So after I retired, I had new carpet laid in my bedroom. Most of my projects are hired out since it’s just me. I can usually manage changing a lightbulb but even have to get someone to change the batteries in 3 out of 4 of my smoke alarms. Fortunately I have a neighbor that has graciously offered to do it the last 2 years.
I love the finished porch – especially the railings on both the steps and along the porch. You can never be too careful when going up and down steps. My house in Tampa had two stories – I think every time I walked up and down them, I counted the steps to make sure I didn’t miss one. Better safe than sorry.
Phyllis,
Isn’t it a great feeling to have fresh new carpet put in? Love it?
And how blessed are you to have a neighbor willing to replace batteries in our alarms. I just love people with helping hearts.
Just had master bathroom remodeled. All done except for the shower doors which haven’t come in yet. There are only three of us in the house but going down to one bathroom was rough! As soon as this is finished we’re having our outdated kitchen lighting replaced. Since everyone in my house can barely change a light bulb, it’s all contractors and professionals. As soon as I get the endless dust and mess from this project finally cleaned up it’ll be time for the next one to start!
Melissa,
I grew up in a family of 8 and we usually only had one bathroom; or sometimes, a bath and a half. Looking back, I don’t know how we managed!
As I’m sure you know, updating bathrooms and kitchens is one of the best things to do for increasing home value. Plus, it’s such a great feeling to have everything looking new and fresh. Enjoy!
I love your new porch! There is something so satisfying about seeing a project come to completion! We started a living room remodel about 6 months ago (something that should have been done probably 20 years ago) -the first project we have ever hired out for and I have to say, while it has been a crazy wild process -it has been amazing not having to stress about completing things ourselves! Also it’s kind of awesome to see professional work!
CJ,
Yeah, professional construction folks are amazing. Just watching a little bit of our porch guy’s work was so interesting. I agree that letting someone else deal with the stress and hassles of remodeling is definitely a luxury.
After 6 months of living room remodeling, I know that you are more than ready to get everything straightened out and put back into place.
A very beautiful remodeled porch. I think in Minnesota before you could have purchased the house, the railings would have had to be added. Very cozy looking area and know your guests will enjoy it. When we bought our home, the basement was unfinished and that’s the way we wanted it. My husband is a Jack of all trades and except for me helping carry in the dry wall he did the whole basement by himself. Plumbing and electric. We did have the carpeting installed by professionals though. When the inspector came – even he was impressed at what my husband had done. He has also re-padded the dining room chairs and recovered a no-arm chair we have had for about 40 years. We have had a brass headboard for our bed for several years. Difficult to find a place to put your head to watch t.v. So he told me he would make me one. Has looked on line to see what’s out there, so I’m excited to see what he will come up with. It’s so nice to have a man around the house!!! I know that you know that because Steve Is very handy too.
Sharyn,
You are absolutely right about the railings. I believe Steve said this home was grandfathered in and in any other situation the porch would have had to have been completed before the builder first sold it. It sure would have saved us some money if it had already been done!
Handy husbands are the cat’s pajamas, for sure! I’m sure your husband and my husband would enjoy sitting down and talking about tools and projects.
Beautiful and love the railings!
Guerrina,
Thank you. I really love the new looks and especially that handle to grab in times of necessity!
Love the colour of the front door and the railing looks great. I wish I had a handyman husband but alas I do not unless it is working on vehicles. I have a list a mile long on what I want done on the inside of my house but our next big project will be new seamless gutters on the house. It will be money well spend but I just think of what I could do with it inside instead. Wants vs needs I guess. Have a great week.
Mel,
I feel your pain on the gutters. Steve said we will need to replace our roof soon and all I can think of is all the pretty stuff we could do with that “boring” roof money.
But gutters and roofs are important so I guess we’ll just have to bit our lips and write those checks! 🙂
Very nice door, like the dark rich color. Love walking by houses and noticing the front door/porch area decor– makes one imagine what kind of person lives there– what is visually pleasing to them and to those just passing by … Ruth
Ruth,
Thanks. Steve chose the color of the door. Whenever he and I walk in our neighborhood we pay attention to doors, porches, shrubs, lawn, lawn ornaments, flags, etc. Like you said, the porch and yard are a reflection on the inhabitants and it’s fun to get to know them that way!
YOUR house and yard certainly offer plenty to look at!
Looks so pretty! Really makes the house look even more welcoming and complete. Great job!
Randy recently switched out the handle hardware on the front door. That’s the extent of our home project-ness lately.
Deb,
A new handle is a nice thing to have.
Everytime you enter or exit the house, you get to enjoy that small but important improvement.
Love the porch! Something I wish my house had. Our recent work is still in process. We did get new carpet-photos won’t show well, but it is reminding us of a sandy beach. The carpet was several year old when we moved in and got more trampled by our 8 years treading on it. Loving the look and feel of the new carpet. We are still awaiting the installation of solar panels. Won’t be a pretty new look, but hopefully will save power bills and boost the resale of the house.
Patti,
Trampled and treading. Yep, that pretty much describes the feet patten of any 8-year old!
Isn’t it so lovely to get new carpet?
And you’re right. Solar panels aren’t pretty but they are good for the environment and good for the wallet. Win-win.
The porch looks great! My husband is a CPA by profession but should have been a carpenter/electrician/painter etc., we have been married 34 years and have NEVER had anyone come in to do any work….Dave does it all, he has finished 4 basements, painted/wallpapered countless rooms, built a fire place, put in at least 2 brick walks, built a couple of sheds, built a deck and a screened in porch off the back of one house, put on two new roofs….well you get the picture, most of our friends are envious, but it sure takes up a lot of time, but it is a stress reliever, and here in Raleigh we got 8 inches of yesterday and it is still snowing lightly today!!! When we moved here from Kansas, we sold all of our snow equipment so I think we are down to one small shovel with which to dig out.
Dale,
Wow! He is one talented fella. Probably all that physical work is a good distraction from all the mental work he he has to do on the job.
A good combination for him and great results for you!
Wow! What a lovely, updated porch you now have! Actually, it looked great before but I really like what you did. 🙂
We do most everything ourselves and have done some pretty major stuff over the years. Like build a new attached garage, convert the old garage into a family room, side the house, gut the kitchen and completely re-do it. Oh, I could go on and on. Suffice it to say that we are getting pretty tired of projects and happily only have the basement bathroom to remodel and then we will be done. Our goal is to get it ready to sell in a few years when we retire because we want to move closer to our kids and grand kids. Our most recent project is the complete gut/remodel of our basement. All done but the ceiling and some finishing work in the laundry area. These projects are tiresome but the money saved by doing it ourselves is astounding! I am so fortunate that my honey is so handy and talented and can build things and isn’t afraid to tackle a project, large or small! 🙂
LeeAnne,
Astounding is right when it comes to money saved by doing stuff yourself.
Sometimes Steve and I will make rough estimates of how much money we have saved over the years on three fronts:
1. doing our own repairs
2. shopping at thrift stores
3. eating out infrequently
Pretty amazing!
Enjoy your retirement and living closer to your kids!