My “image” of people plotting a plan for a dream house is new construction. While I’m not so crazy about parts of my current home, I do like the lot and location. I have an Audubon sanctuary behind me, and part of the lot is lightly wooded. I’ve put lots of work into the garden, done away with the lawn, and don’t want to start over.
The neighborhood is friendly, and it is quiet. I don’t think I want new construction in some place with an invasive Homeowners Association. Yuck! The ringleader would spot me immediately as a troublemaker, and off to the races we’d go with arguments. I can do without that. Slinging mud over the issue of fence repair is not how I wish to spend my time.
No, I’d love to have the cash to redo my current home. The most expensive bit would be redoing the fieldstone basement – either sealing it, or in parts replacing. That alone would greatly improve heat retention in winter and the usability of the basement as a shop. In the winter, I might actually use it for work rather than a place to stow equipment.
Uptairs? A complete solar system, redone spare rooms with extensions, new windows, upgraded electrical, and an elevator for when I get to 100 and can’t use the stairs.
The cats and dogs want pet doors, more large windows and doors for bird viewing, and window seats with big cushy beds for them…oh, yes, they want those heated.
My home dates to 1900, and it is solid construction. Yes, it’s dated, but we like it.
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I’m with you. I want no part of new construction or, heaven help up, an HOA. Driving by clear-cut lots is devastating. Plenty of cookie cutter homes, but not a single tree to be found. I could do with more insulation and an energy efficient A/C system, but I am staying right where I am–great location and great neighbors. Amen.
ps That is my favorite photo of Sabrina. The look on her face…😹!
Hers, too. She participated in a raid on the trash yesterday with Max. That was the look she gave me when she was punished. Trash Cat!!!
I just want some kind person to come and say, “Let me get rid of those invasive elms for you, Martha.”
I hear you! I have some maples by the fence line I’d love to get rid of…too small for syrup, and if they blow down, they’ll take the fence and the pond.
I think we are both tree lovers, but there are times and species, in your case, that we’d love to get rid of.
Yep. I love trees, but these guys don’t belong where they decided to grow.
They start small, and before you know it, they are too large for us to cut down by ourselves.
Yep. They say, ‘I’m barely more than a twig’ then ‘mua-ha-ha, fooled you.’
That seems to be true with maples around my area. If they were the size to tap, that would be another thing!
They’re manipulative little bastards when they’re young…
It’s so nice to live in a home you love, and also nice when you get a chance to renovate it to your own desires. The worst thing about buying a new house that someone else recently renovated is that you have to live with what they did till it gets old and you can justify the expense to replace it. Your lot sounds like a really good one. I love the idea of living in a quiet place.