Ready, set, go!
We are back on it with a new project. In this crazy housing market, it took us a bit to find a property that would fit our model—right location, right size, right price.
After taking a little time for ourselves, we started working in earnest on our new project in July. This home is very near the Pink Palace so it is close to shopping and services (you can walk to Vibe Foods), the University of Memphis and East High School. It has a wonderful, shaded back deck along with a nicely landscaped back yard. We love the very quiet, tree-lined street and have gotten to know many of the neighbors.
Before stain
As always, our designs are guided by practical considerations — improving the traffic flow, upgrading or adding baths as needed, reworking the kitchen and creating storage all while making sure the renovations are pleasing to the eye.
Curb appeal is also key. One of our first decisions was to stain the exterior brick to match the existing siding — unifying the look of the exterior materials. Through a bit of research, we learned that staining the brick is a better choice than painting as it allows the brick to breathe, thereby holding the finish better. After John and Evan pulled off the very sad metal awning, the paint contractor got to work, first pressure washing the entire exterior then applying the stain. Now we have to figure out a welcoming front entry.
After stain
The floor plan is in the process of being overhauled so that the living spaces are more accessible and usable. Yes, it now has an open concept. Yes, it will have a great kitchen.
The house formerly had three bedrooms and two baths in a really funky configuration. When complete, it will have a master bedroom suite with full bath, walk in closet and working fireplace, along with a second bedroom with a walk-in closet. There is a laundry room with a half bath that has easy access to the very large back deck. And it has the new Covid-era necessity — a separate area just right for a home office.
If all goes well, we hope to have the home ready by mid-October.
