I need some input from some of you guys that have been involved with construction. When I come back, I'm going to undertake some kind of improvement to my house in Highland. I've been having internal work done while I am gone so that I can focus on a larger project when I get back.

So far I have replaced the ancient hot water heater that was sitting out in the basement room with a tankless unit which is now in the crawlspace. That was the last of the exposed utilities, so now the "pool hall" room in the basement can be finished. I've also replaced all the appliances that were there when I bought the place, added a water softener, and the central air is being done in May.

All that stuff has basically been "headache elimination" and the next step is to add something. I'd appreciate input as to which of these things offer the best value as far as cost, effort, and enjoyment. Here's what I have come up with:

1. Highland has a pole barn, but not a traditional garage that is attached to the house like Grand Blanc, which was great for parties. Would you leave the pole barn as-is and pour a concrete floor, or would you remove the pole barn entirely and replace it with an attached garage that covers the same general area? Those of you that have seen my garage know that I like to wrench on my Jeeps, the Buell, and the other vehicles, so this is my favorite option. I think it would be easier to install good wiring, plumbing, phone, concrete and gas from scratch than to mess with the existing pole barn.

2. I'm giving away my pool. It violates code because there's no fence and its in an annoying location. This would free up the backyard for a deck and perhaps an in-ground pool and patio in the future. I don't have trees in my yard, so I'm thinking that maintenence wouldn't be so bad and this would add more "living space" to the property. I think my backyard looks "unfinished". This would cut down on bugs and I wouldn't have to deal with mowing along the house with the tractor, either.

3. The hot tub is also leaving - I don't like it inside the house and the 220v heater the previous owners rigged up to it is scary. A new one is an option for the deck on the side of the house. Would you do this, or wait and have it built into the patio around the new pool in the future?

4. Get together with the 3 other neighbors and pave the private road leading to the house and also pour a concrete driveway? No explanation is really needed here. I know I'll either dump on it or someone else will sooner or later. It also generates a lot of dust, gets the vehicles muddy in the rain, and the rocks get caught up and thrown by the tires.

5. Enclose the entire yard with a fence. I have a feeling I'm going to have issues with the lady that lives on one side of me. I don't think a tall privacy fence is needed. I'm thinking of a not-too-tall stone fence that is more decorative, but still does the job of clearly defining the boundaries of the property.


That's all I have come up with. Anybody done anything else to their homes that they're really happy with?

 

Well, I bought a new house in the fall and...............Paint the hole inside, replaced every door hinge and door ****, all switchs, lights and electrical outlets, all new carpet, replace entire bathroom, few new windows, landscaped, shelves, borders, all heat registors, roof on second garage, new outdoor lights, mailbox, all handrails, mirrors and closed doors and every dammed thing else in the house and now I'm redoing the whole pool area, sauna and pool room. This in all in a 2000 foot quad, which made it a bigger pain.

Let us all know if you need help, most of our regular DR guys have done lots of home improvement this year.

 

I like the garage idea . I would also put the hot top outside on a nice deck. We were just talking about ya last night hoping you would be back in time for summer . Hope to see ya soon Mark and stay safe over there.

 

well I bought my house last year and I..... (jake)... poured the floor in my pole barn... but if your doing somthing big make it somthing you'll use... you may want a new garage but its not too bad wiring up a polebarn and doing a floor..

 

TAZ also forgot to mention, if you need concrete work see JAKE because he did a great job and for cheap as hell.

 

im puttin a new doorwall and windows in my house this wekend.finishing up sunday b4 the ride on the loop.jake almighty jake, i need a 10x12 pad outside my florida room.

 

I did mention jake you homo

 

I expect to be back for a couple weeks in July, but I don't know if I'm going to make it in time for the annual pilgrimage to Bay City for the fireworks. Gonna cut it close.

I am leaning towards the garage and a deck at this point. Does anyone know anything about the cost of an in-ground pool? Dig a hole, insert pool, pour patio around it?

 

No less than 20k from what I've seen, hope you make it back soon.