I see your point on the electical outlets. However, I also have an avenue of putting in more electrical outlets with only moderate work, and no tearing out of walls. The attic is open, with a crawl space from the garage. I had my brother get up there to see if he could get to various walls, to fish new cords in. There were also ways to fish the new cords in from the basement (drop ceiling).
As a whole, I really dont see the need for the updating that some of you are pointing out. I will agree that the kitchen, and green bathroom need to have something done. We already have a new fridge, and are keeping an eye out for a drop in stove. Past that, my wife and I rather enjoy the rustic feel of the house. If you saw my cabin up in the mountians, with no running water, or sewer, you might understand this.
It has newer windows, that I did check for drafts, and none were found. The Jacuzzi was in very good condition, a 10 person version.
My biggest concern is the roof. It being original from when the house was built. There are some sofets damage. Will probly require replacement of all the gutters, and header boards. I dont know the conidtion of the 1/2 plyboard.
Before any contracts are signed, I am paying for my own inspectors to go out, inspect the roof, basement, foundation, water, heat/AC, etc. Once/If the bank accepts my offer, before any contracts are signed, I will have a roof replacement estimate, basement repair estimate, and, landscaping estimate in my hand. I have already decided what my price break is going to be. If after the price of the house, and these estimates are out of my budget, I will move on..
I can write off the costs for updating the roof, and other repairs. I can also get a grant for it as long as I use some special shingle. I can also get a grant to install solar panals (seriously considering it).
In regards to the pics..
1st pic: Not much can be dont about the curb appeal really. This house is in the country. Their is no asphalt/concrete road in front of the house, just a drainage ditch. Its just dirt. I do have plans, down the road, that are kinda 2 fold. If the city plans to come in with a street, do nothing. If they dont plan on it, than to get a couple loads of rock, or maybe paving stones, and lay it in front of the drive. I agree about the trees, and luckily, I am handy with a chainsaw, and my moms neighbor said he would loan me his stump grinder if I need it. I would prefer to get rid of the fence entirely, but my wife wants a dog, and so the fence stays. I may do something, but entirely down the road.
2nd Pic: Again with the chainsaw bit. Before any contracts are signed, going to get the roof, gutters, sofets estimates done. Have it all done at once. The patio doors I know how to maintain and will tackle those..
3rd pic: Maybe I am not seeing what you are seeing. The windows are complete, and have been sealed. I am more concerned with screens on the windows to be honest. I have animals, and I dont need them to get out.
4th pic: Agreed
5th pic: Wood was actually in good shape. The entire bathroom needs to be updated here. This is a spare bathroom, so I dont want to go all out. But it would get a good cleaning until I am at the point for an update,
6th pic: I actually love this bathroom. It is almost perfectly clean too. Surprising considering the other bathrooms. I dont want to do anything to it. And amazingly, my wife agrees
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7th pic: The Carpet thruout the house is actually newer. Replaced 18 months ago, and its a good density, and has a good pad under it. The Crown, and base, ehh. I will agree if I were to sell it down the road, it would be a concern. But that room, in particular, is going to be my computer room. Havent really decided what all I am going to do with it yet... I do plan on running a dedicated power line for my computers straight to the fuse box, with a splitter for the generator. The other room, not pictured, is going to be my wifes craft room. It is a horrid pink color, but she likes it. It also has the same mismatched crown/base mismatch. The pink room also has chested drawers, and shelving units built into the walls. 2 of them, they work, none of the drawers are falling apart, and they are made out of real wood, not partical board.
8th pic: This is a mud room 1/2 bath. Sits right across from the upstairs laundry, and directly off the entrance from the back yard, and garage. I doubt much work will get done on it, except maybe some back splashing to keep my greasey hand prints off the wall. Havent really thought about this bathroom much. Its there, it exists, and it works.
9th pic: The kitchen I do plan a complete remodel. My wife is a decent cook, and I have already bought a 2500$ fridge, and she likes this 1000 dollar electric stove. Its a floor type model, and not a drop it. Would require redoing the cabinets. And althou I am not against it... The cabinets in the kitchen, again, are real wood. not particle board. might just have to refinish them, and mill them out to fit the kitchen the way we plan it out.. Will have to make sure we decide on a final layout before any cutting begins.. I prefer gas appliances, but she wants electric, and its the way the house is already wired.
All in all, I plan on dropping about 30-35k on the house in the first 10 months. Roof, kitchen, sofets, and AC (someone stole the AC Condensor), and landscapeing. Then out of my personal time will come tree cutting, pruning, etc..
Anyways my break is over, time to get back to work.. 65 hour work weeks suck. Its another reason I want to move from where I am, to Denver area. Same pay, but only 40 hours work in 4 days. Right now I am at 65, in 6 days.