I live in a home that was built in 1920. Sometimes I stop and think about all the newspaper headlines that have crossed the threshold of this house. It is the perfect iteration of “This Old House” and I enjoy figuring out how to make it perfectly mine.
When my house was built, only 35% of Americans had electricity in their homes—built 2 years after the end of WWI and 19 years before the start of WWII. This old house was a part of the roaring 20s, which saw the 27th amendment giving women the right to vote, the League of Nations formed, Woodrow Wilson becoming president of the USA (28th), and Babe Ruth was playing baseball. This was just the start for this little house. She still stands sturdy and I am proud to be a part of the timeline.
The following punch list items have been completed since purchasing my home in February of 2022. My favorite spaces are the backyard and the arch between the living and dining room. The house shows its age in some places for sure but with proper care - it should stand for another 100 years.
So far I have…
Replaced broken and unsafe outlets including GFCI in bathroom
Installed raceway electrical system to have every room to code with outlets
Installed new ceiling fan in living room and primary bedroom
Painted bedrooms and bathroom including ceilings
Replaced 5 windows and trim (still several to go)
Painted front door
Installed fence to have backyard fully fenced in (1 day project)
Total landscaping with foundation plantings in back and front yard
Painted fence, installed hammock hanging post, installed projector shelf to tree, installed string lights in backyard
Gutted kitchen, patched holes in walls, replaced cabinets (36 hour project)
Painted kitchen cabinets
Painted porch ceiling
Installed blinds in each room
These upgrades would not have been possible without the support and guidance of my parents, grandparents, sister and friends. Their sweat and hard work is in this house too and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped and advised so far.
Still to come -
Full Kitchen Remodel
Full Bath Remodel
Floor Refinishing
If you want to keep up with the projects as they happen in real time or watch the highlight real, check out my Instagram by clicking the logo in the footer.