Getting Started!

Just two days in, my exterior seems utterly transformed. It's exciting and scary. I expect the project to be completed in about a month (ok, you can laugh now). Comments, encouragement and opinions are welcome!!

The renovation will include the following projects:
1. remove vinyl and asbestos siding, soffits, etc.
2. frame in laundry room window and door
3, create a new back exit from kitchen with french doors
4. reside the house
5. trim out a newly stylish front porch
6. add a deck off the back
7. surround the back yard with a privacy fence
8. replace the shed (maybe) and shape up the carport
9. Gut and replace the kitchen (NOT part of the current plan, but hopefully up soon!)
Here's the front of the house BEFORE:


Two days ago the contractors came by to take a peek under the siding:

As you can see, the vinyl covers asbestos shingles. Underneath are gorgeous wood windows and good, solid wood planks that hold the asbestos. The following detail shot shows you the planks, which will hold the Hardie Plank siding well. They are smooth and flat, which is important because Hardie is so straight that it shows flaws underneath. Don't miss the cute ripply edge of the old asbestos siding! Why oh why do people install vinyl?


Today when I got home from work, half of the house had had its siding removed! The Tyvek is just temporary, protecting the house in case it rains (yeah, right; we would do anything for rain right now!). Check out the windows, released from their ugly screens, and the big porch. The gutters are gone, and underneath the aluminum soffits, the wood soffits coverinf the underside of the eaves seems to be in really good condition:


OK, that's all for today. There is some rot here and there (as expected) but I'm so pleased that this project is actually underway. There's no going back! Please send good renovation karma.

--Molly