February 28, 2003
The Joys of Home Ownership
You'd think I would learn to take a break once in a while.
Since we moved into our house, I've been engaged in home improvement projects. Besides the bathroom remodel, none of them needed to be done, but I've plunged in nonetheless. Recently, we finished the nursery and I immediately started moving furniture from the master bedroom into the nursery in preparation for some work to be done.
We found, as we started removing wallpaper, that there were three layers of wallpaper and two coats of paint on the wall, and estimated it would take more than a week of solid days to remove all the wallpaper. So we decided to take down all the sheetrock and replace it with new, insulate the interior walls, and maybe replace the windows. It only took about 5 hard hours to take down all the existing sheetrock, and so far, only about 6 hours to hang the new rock.
Now comes the fun part.
This weekend will be spent taping and mudding (joint compound) the walls. Granted, it will not take up the whole weekend, as each layer must be allowed to dry then sanded, but I'm expecting to be covered with sheetrock materials most of the weekend. Do I enjoy all the work? Absolutely. Would I enjoy a break from all the home improvement? Probably, but there is a great feeling of satisfaction in finishing a project, improving the appearance and value of the house, and making things better than they were before.
We've been keeping track of all the home improvement expenses, and have been pleased that the costs are not really that high, but I have to keep reminding myself that it's because we're not paying contractors to do the dirty work. It may take a little longer when I do it myself, but I love the learning experience, like taking pride in the completion of a project, and don't mind getting dirt under my fingernails in the process.
So, when the master bedroom is done will I stop and take a break? Not likely. The kitchen is the next big project. I won't do that one alone, though. I'll have to call in some help from friends and family for that one. When that project gets underway, you can be sure that I'll be writing all about it here!
Posted by MEK at February 28, 2003 01:56 PM