Measuring at just under 2,000 square feet (give or take a dust-encrusted corner) we live in a very modest 3 bedroom home. By today's housing standards, it would more likely be described as a bungalow, cottage or expanded cape (ranch-like section added on back in the 80's) with the original a-frame portion to the left (when facing the house) dating back over 100 years.
Having grown up in a 5 room home (yes, my parents house was very cozy) and then sharing a 4 room apartment with my husband (cozier still) to me, this house seemed like a mansion.
I still remember moving in on Memorial Day weekend 1993 (I was 3 months pregnant with our 1st child) standing inside the doorway, staring up at the high ceilings and thinking to myself, "Holy crap, LOOK AT ALL THIS SPACE!"
4 kids, 3 cats, 1 doofus-dawg, several generations of dust bunnies later — not to mention having survived dozens of Nor'easters, Snowmaggedon and Hurricane Irene (the bitch!) — and entering our 20th year of living in what first began as our starter home (ahem) it's amazing that This Full House of leaky pipes and squishy wallpaper is still, you know, standing.
"You looking to do any work on your house anytime soon?"
I was taking the garbage out the other day and, seeing as it's been very windy, I stopped to make sure the chimney was still, you know, standing.
"Funny you should ask."
I struck up a conversation with a contractor-type canvassing the neighborhood and, considering I am a firm believer in serendipity (fate, karma, whatevs) not to mention, our walls weep every time it rains (as do I) well, his timing couldn't be ANY better.
So, I took his card, gave him our daytime number(s) and he said we should expect a call later this week.
My husband was a little skeptical (as was I) but, we made an appointment anyway for Saturday after he got home from work and then had a few minutes to compare some quick notes before the guy showed up.
You see, we've watched enough Holmes on Homes to know that you have to be really, really careful when working with contractors.
Aaaaand, we interrupt this blog post for a quick piece of eye candy:
BARK. BARK. BARKITY-BARK. BARK.
I put doofus-dawg into the girls' room and then my husband and I greeted the contractor at the front door.
"Hey, it's nice to see you again."
Although he doesn't look ANYTHING like Mike Holmes (DAMMIT!) the guy has over 30 years experience "in the business" and, well, having been stood up by 2 previous contractors (assclowns!) I was just happy that this one actually, you know, showed up.
"Come on in!"
He wiped his feet, stepped in and proceeded to slip his shoes off just inside the door.
"Oh, please, does our house look like you need to be taking your shoes off?"
[one beat, two beats]
"Regardless, I was taught to take my shoes off when entering someone's home."
Aaaaand, if it were up to me, I would have hired him (or, at the very least, adopted him) right then and there.
"Hey, those are REAL NICE socks, by the way!"
After confirming his license, checking up on his references and driving by a couple of other homes he's worked on, of course.
Beeeeee'cawse, that's what Mike Holmes WOULD WANT me to do. Go ahead, ask him. I'll wait.
See, it's written ALL OVER his face (IS SO!) or, "Don't be messing with my babes…YO!" if you're from Jersey.
Stupid weeping walls, dumbass leaky roof!
(P.S. The original portion of the house…you know, to the left when facing the house that dates back over 100 years…is fine and does NOT leak…go figure.)
© 2003 – 2012 This Full House
Comments
54 responses to “What Would Mike Holmes Do, Aye?”
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Wait?! So you’re remodeling? I can’t wait for pictures! Just don’t let the rest of the house show up your handiwork in the bathroom. 😉
Wait?! So you’re remodeling? I can’t wait for pictures! Just don’t let the rest of the house show up your handiwork in the bathroom. 😉
Wait?! So you’re remodeling? I can’t wait for pictures! Just don’t let the rest of the house show up your handiwork in the bathroom. 😉
Wait?! So you’re remodeling? I can’t wait for pictures! Just don’t let the rest of the house show up your handiwork in the bathroom. 😉
Wait?! So you’re remodeling? I can’t wait for pictures! Just don’t let the rest of the house show up your handiwork in the bathroom. 😉
Wait?! So you’re remodeling? I can’t wait for pictures! Just don’t let the rest of the house show up your handiwork in the bathroom. 😉
Wait?! So you’re remodeling? I can’t wait for pictures! Just don’t let the rest of the house show up your handiwork in the bathroom. 😉
Wait?! So you’re remodeling? I can’t wait for pictures! Just don’t let the rest of the house show up your handiwork in the bathroom. 😉
Wait?! So you’re remodeling? I can’t wait for pictures! Just don’t let the rest of the house show up your handiwork in the bathroom. 😉
Hi Diana!
We need to replace our roof (thank you Hurricane Irene!) it's our first priority, hopefully, in getting the ceiling and the front wall to quit leaking whenever it storms. Seriously, the wallpaper on the front wall weeps. I am SO DONE with wallpaper!
We also need to replace the ceilings and the front wall in the living room (UGH!) hence, This Full House of squishy walls.
Yes, the DIY bathroom redo is my crowning glory — hope to be able to do the same with the bedrooms this summer — thanks 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Diana!
We need to replace our roof (thank you Hurricane Irene!) it's our first priority, hopefully, in getting the ceiling and the front wall to quit leaking whenever it storms. Seriously, the wallpaper on the front wall weeps. I am SO DONE with wallpaper!
We also need to replace the ceilings and the front wall in the living room (UGH!) hence, This Full House of squishy walls.
Yes, the DIY bathroom redo is my crowning glory — hope to be able to do the same with the bedrooms this summer — thanks 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Diana!
We need to replace our roof (thank you Hurricane Irene!) it's our first priority, hopefully, in getting the ceiling and the front wall to quit leaking whenever it storms. Seriously, the wallpaper on the front wall weeps. I am SO DONE with wallpaper!
We also need to replace the ceilings and the front wall in the living room (UGH!) hence, This Full House of squishy walls.
Yes, the DIY bathroom redo is my crowning glory — hope to be able to do the same with the bedrooms this summer — thanks 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Diana!
We need to replace our roof (thank you Hurricane Irene!) it's our first priority, hopefully, in getting the ceiling and the front wall to quit leaking whenever it storms. Seriously, the wallpaper on the front wall weeps. I am SO DONE with wallpaper!
We also need to replace the ceilings and the front wall in the living room (UGH!) hence, This Full House of squishy walls.
Yes, the DIY bathroom redo is my crowning glory — hope to be able to do the same with the bedrooms this summer — thanks 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Diana!
We need to replace our roof (thank you Hurricane Irene!) it's our first priority, hopefully, in getting the ceiling and the front wall to quit leaking whenever it storms. Seriously, the wallpaper on the front wall weeps. I am SO DONE with wallpaper!
We also need to replace the ceilings and the front wall in the living room (UGH!) hence, This Full House of squishy walls.
Yes, the DIY bathroom redo is my crowning glory — hope to be able to do the same with the bedrooms this summer — thanks 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Diana!
We need to replace our roof (thank you Hurricane Irene!) it's our first priority, hopefully, in getting the ceiling and the front wall to quit leaking whenever it storms. Seriously, the wallpaper on the front wall weeps. I am SO DONE with wallpaper!
We also need to replace the ceilings and the front wall in the living room (UGH!) hence, This Full House of squishy walls.
Yes, the DIY bathroom redo is my crowning glory — hope to be able to do the same with the bedrooms this summer — thanks 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Diana!
We need to replace our roof (thank you Hurricane Irene!) it's our first priority, hopefully, in getting the ceiling and the front wall to quit leaking whenever it storms. Seriously, the wallpaper on the front wall weeps. I am SO DONE with wallpaper!
We also need to replace the ceilings and the front wall in the living room (UGH!) hence, This Full House of squishy walls.
Yes, the DIY bathroom redo is my crowning glory — hope to be able to do the same with the bedrooms this summer — thanks 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Diana!
We need to replace our roof (thank you Hurricane Irene!) it's our first priority, hopefully, in getting the ceiling and the front wall to quit leaking whenever it storms. Seriously, the wallpaper on the front wall weeps. I am SO DONE with wallpaper!
We also need to replace the ceilings and the front wall in the living room (UGH!) hence, This Full House of squishy walls.
Yes, the DIY bathroom redo is my crowning glory — hope to be able to do the same with the bedrooms this summer — thanks 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Hi Diana!
We need to replace our roof (thank you Hurricane Irene!) it's our first priority, hopefully, in getting the ceiling and the front wall to quit leaking whenever it storms. Seriously, the wallpaper on the front wall weeps. I am SO DONE with wallpaper!
We also need to replace the ceilings and the front wall in the living room (UGH!) hence, This Full House of squishy walls.
Yes, the DIY bathroom redo is my crowning glory — hope to be able to do the same with the bedrooms this summer — thanks 🙂
Hugs,
Liz
Work is starting? Praise the Lord!
BTW, the roofers are coming here this week! Woo Hoo!
Work is starting? Praise the Lord!
BTW, the roofers are coming here this week! Woo Hoo!
Work is starting? Praise the Lord!
BTW, the roofers are coming here this week! Woo Hoo!
Work is starting? Praise the Lord!
BTW, the roofers are coming here this week! Woo Hoo!
Work is starting? Praise the Lord!
BTW, the roofers are coming here this week! Woo Hoo!
Work is starting? Praise the Lord!
BTW, the roofers are coming here this week! Woo Hoo!
Work is starting? Praise the Lord!
BTW, the roofers are coming here this week! Woo Hoo!
Work is starting? Praise the Lord!
BTW, the roofers are coming here this week! Woo Hoo!
Work is starting? Praise the Lord!
BTW, the roofers are coming here this week! Woo Hoo!
I can’t stop watching Holmes on Homes. It simultaneously amazes and terrifies me.
Hope your new roof and other repairs turn out great!
I can’t stop watching Holmes on Homes. It simultaneously amazes and terrifies me.
Hope your new roof and other repairs turn out great!
I can’t stop watching Holmes on Homes. It simultaneously amazes and terrifies me.
Hope your new roof and other repairs turn out great!
I can’t stop watching Holmes on Homes. It simultaneously amazes and terrifies me.
Hope your new roof and other repairs turn out great!
I can’t stop watching Holmes on Homes. It simultaneously amazes and terrifies me.
Hope your new roof and other repairs turn out great!
I can’t stop watching Holmes on Homes. It simultaneously amazes and terrifies me.
Hope your new roof and other repairs turn out great!
I can’t stop watching Holmes on Homes. It simultaneously amazes and terrifies me.
Hope your new roof and other repairs turn out great!
I can’t stop watching Holmes on Homes. It simultaneously amazes and terrifies me.
Hope your new roof and other repairs turn out great!
I can’t stop watching Holmes on Homes. It simultaneously amazes and terrifies me.
Hope your new roof and other repairs turn out great!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! WOOOOOOOOO! 🙂 Cannot wait!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! WOOOOOOOOO! 🙂 Cannot wait!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! WOOOOOOOOO! 🙂 Cannot wait!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! WOOOOOOOOO! 🙂 Cannot wait!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! WOOOOOOOOO! 🙂 Cannot wait!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! WOOOOOOOOO! 🙂 Cannot wait!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! WOOOOOOOOO! 🙂 Cannot wait!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! WOOOOOOOOO! 🙂 Cannot wait!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! WOOOOOOOOO! 🙂 Cannot wait!