the garage: part one

Have I mentioned we are building a new garage?

Last Saturday was a work day for the builder, so we all had our faces pressed against the windows

watching the backhoe dig footings. They did some work this weekend, too.

Here's a current picture; we call it progress.

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Let me just say a few things here.

When making decisions about renovations, you need to consider how long you will be staying in

the house. Is this your forever house? What will be the return on your investment? How is the housing market in your city... in your neighborhood? If you live in an old house, in an old neighborhood, are other people renovating? What are they renovating? Can you afford to renovate? Can you afford not to?

Hubby and I ask ourselves these questions all the time. The big and small renovations we have completed and some we have started, we hope will increase the value of the old house. Do your research, talk to your neighbors and befriend a realtor who knows your neighborhood.

I think the pictures below provide the answer to the question, Can you afford not to?

The old house's garage was falling apart. It fit one car (barely), and we only parked a car inside if snow was in the forecast. The back wall was held up by a large piece of wood that was braced by a tree, the structure was completely rotted, the roof was ready to cave in, and it was home to many small, whiskery critters. Have I convinced you? Can you tell, I am still trying to convince myself? It is a big project.

- original, but completely rotted carriage door on left -

- no caption needed, ha! -

- yep, there is a garage under all that vine -

One more thing about renovations. Will they improve yours and your family's quality of life while in the house? Hubby and I believe this project will for us. Not only will we have a building to protect the cars, but we will have needed storage. Most importantly and what we are most looking forward to is a

beautiful and secure backyard for the children and Truman (ruff!). We are so thankful this is happening.

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