Posted by: Matt Graber (3-30-09)
The Domestication of Graber
A little over one year ago, I did the scariest and most “WHOA!” thing I’ve done to this point in my life. I purchased my first home. After countless signatures, meetings and sleepless nights, I was the proud owner of a little two-story home in North Canton.
While sleeping on the floor of my new living room the night of the closing and getting over the initial sticker shock, I decided that now would be the best time to do a remodel. I’ll just put some new floors in, paint some walls and get some new furniture. It will be easy, and shouldn’t take more than a month or so, right? I wasn’t able to escape the naivety that is so characteristic of a first time homeowner. 60 year-old homes have a tendency to surprise you in ways that blow your mind as well as your wallet.
After completely replacing all of the sub-flooring, laying new hardwood floors, painting, moving walls, redoing a fireplace, refurbishing windows, doors and cabinets, digging and pouring new footers, installing new electrical wiring and lighting and everything else imaginable, I am now nearly finished with the bottom floor renovation. Is the basement or upstairs next? I think I’ll wait a little while on that one.
With the overwhelming help from my dad, a little sweat and ten months of hard work, I now live in a home that I can truly call my own. I have no regrets and have learned a lot. However, I will certainly think twice before diving in to another renovation.
Go to Matt's page.
