I want to tell you a little bit about our process and what you’ll see (this applies to painting as well as most of the work we will do). We will definitely be bringing in contractors at given points but right now, it’s the two of us. As we investigated hiring the help to get the house painted, we were told it would be next year before we could get a crew to do it and with winter coming, we wanted to protect the house as quickly as possible from the elements. We also knew that the attention to detail we wanted (scraping the wood all the way down), most painters would not do, nor could they have the time. We understand, so decided to tackle it.

Paul and I also know that with a project of this size, the only way to tackle it, to not be overwhelmed and stay motivated would be to set small achievable goals. Therefore, what you’ll see it we will plan to work the house a section at a time. For example we know normally professionals would scrape all the paint, prime all the wood, then paint and the same process would apply for the inside projects. However if we can completely finish an area, a room, a section and see the finished product, we can check a box and see the end result of why we’re doing it. Staying motivated is the key!

With that same process in mind and the hassle of moving scaffolding, although we know that normally painting is done top down, and completing full sections at a time, we will employ the “small attainable goals” method. This week, if you went by the house you would have seen some exciting things happening. After we mortered the bricks, we primed that section of the foundation and painted. After removing and stripping the cellar window, then reglazing it, it was also primed, painted and placed back in the frame with shiny rust free hinges (see my update to the rust trick post). We have one foundation section done and it’s the beginning of change!

What do you think of the foundation color? I’ll be honest, I like the pic on the bottom because you can see lights in the entry way; the house is coming back…

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