To old or just crazy

[f6john]

I bought a house without having sold my existing home. It’s got good bones but a lot of issues that I really didn’t see as the house  was occupied when I bought it. That was 5 months ago and I’m still tearing out stuff and haven’t moved in yet. Just today finished tearing out the last of the ceramic tile so I’m down to just the subfloor on the ground level floor. I anticipate starting to put things back together in a few weeks.

[Jess from VA]

This sounds like a trick question.

I guess it's too late to give the house back.  

I'm not too old to do it, but I wouldn't want to do it, and mostly I lack the skills to do it well.

Do like I do at my house, when you keep the lights real low, it doesn't look like a dump at all.  

[scooperhsd]

As long as refinishing the interior of a house is your hobby and you enjoy doing it - go for it. However, I'm with Jess - as long as it's not falling apart around me, I'm fine with it now. Home improvement is not something I enjoy doing. Minor house repairs I can handle and sometimes enjoy. Just know when to call in the pros when necessary.

[Oss]

One room at a time

I would never have a kitchen redone while living in a house, been there done that, it sucked,

Looks nice now 20 yrs later but would rather sell and get a new smaller house on more land with a wood burning stove and an outdoor hot tub

Oss

[Gryphon Rider]

For some 66-yr-olds it would be unthinkable.  For others, it would be an achievable project.  It totally depends on the person and what his capabilities are.

If you...
are physically fit
have a well-researched plan and budget
have knowledge and ability to learn
have access to the right tools and know how to use them
have a helping hand to call on as needed
know when to take a break
...then go for it!

Two tools that I have now but should have bought before beginning my basement renovation are an air framing nailer, and an air palm nailer for the tight spaces.

The thing that took way more time than I thought it would, is drywall mudding and sanding.  I'm not a pro, but made it look good.

[JimC]

I am 66, and 5-6 years ago my wife and I bought a foreclosure home in order to down size. We went from 3,200 sq ft. and 3 acres to 1700 sq ft. and 1/4 acre city lot.

We gutted the entire house down to the studs, the only thing left inside the house was the stairway heading up to the 2nd floor. I was retired, and I had my son, who was a contractor at the time, help about 20 hours a week. Together we finished the house, (including a 15 by 24 foot addition) and a 24 by 42 foot garage (shop) in about a year.

We were able to redo the house before moving out of our old one, so that made it a lot easier. All in all, we now have a brand new 135 year old Victorian cottage, and it is very comfortable with new insulation, siding, wiring, plumbing, heating, etc.

Would I do it again, HELL NO, Since then I have gotten older, fatter, and lazier.  I was putting in 6-8 hours a day back then, now, I am lucky to put in 4 hours of work a day.

Jim

[JimBob]

Well, I'm 63, and slowly tinkering along rebuilding my house that was heavily damaged in hurricane Katrina in 2005.
I worked hard on it when things were 'primitive'.
As the house got more and more comfortable, I went slower and slower.
Now, we (my GORGEOUS ex-fiancee and I) tackle projects when we feel like it, and 'let it wait' when we feel like doing something else.... like taking the Valk for a spin.

Several good suggestions in previous posts.
Are you physically able to do it?
Do you have the skill, or the willingness to learn?
Do you LIKE doing it?
I would suggest doing one room at a time, as someone earlier mentioned.
Don't tear out too much at once.... tearing out is fast, building back is much slower.

A piece of advice from a person I knew back when I was actively playing with airplanes.
This person was building a plane from plans.

His advice to someone thinking about building a plane was
"Do SOMEtHING on it EVERY DAY, even if it is just turning a screw."

Do Something on it..... keep it high on your priority list.
If you stop for a day, the day becomes a week, then a month, then a year, then pretty soon it's permanantly apart.

Good Luck and
All the Best!

Jim

[carolinarider09]

I started building my new house when I was 62, more or less and finished it some four years later when I was 66 or so (I forgot since I am no 72). 

I did several things to prepare.  Did lots of research, took a local course so I would be able to get a License to build (but you have to work for someone else for two years to get the cert. ) The class was very useful and had good information.  The code book was very handy as well which allowed me to pass the required inspections for occupancy. 

Things I did not do.  I had someone else to the plumbing.  I had some else do the drywall (its a 2,500 sq ft house with two floors.  Getting the drywall up stairs would have been a real pain they did excellent work).  I had someone else do the hardwood floors because while I could do it, I probably wound not have done as good a job and the additional cost was not that great.  I had someone else do the HVAC.  I had someone else do the foundation.

You have to have the right tools.  Nail gun (both finish and framing) a good table saw or something similar to cut trim and bevels, etc.  A good power hand saw.  Laser level (although I used a water level for the foundation, really cool idea), belt sander, router.  Scaffold will be needed if you have high ceilings and maybe to work on the roof.  Ladders are ok for short tasks but for constant work at heights, scaffolds can not be beat. 

If you are going to do electrical, you will need some more tools as well, not major items but testers, cutters, strippers, ect. 

Same for plumbing.  I had it contracted but they only did the labor, I had all the parts (used PEX and a manifold for water and an outdoor mounted instant on hot water heater). 

What i learned in using contractors.  Some are great, some are marginal.  Don't be afraid to ask questions and point out "errors".  Thats were the code book comes in handy. 

Last year, after I formally retired, I finished a 24 x 45 foot "workshop".  I had a contractor do two things, fill in the area between the forms for the concrete pad and another to pour the pad.  The first job was done right, the second one was marginal (had a similar pad poured for a garage that was done "perfectly" but he was no longer in the business).  With the exception of raising the "forms" I did it with little extra help.  (I was 71).  The hardest part, at that age, was working on the roof (sheet metal roof). 

[Rams]

Not being nearly as old as F6John is    

I can only speculate.  I know I won't be taking on such a project.  I'm a very young 65.  

No desire to do that.   If the wife wants it done, we'll hire someone to do it till she runs out of money.

I've done most of those or similar projects but, no more.   It's time to enjoy the fruits of my labors.

Edited to add:  John, wouldn't you rather go ride?

Rams  

[Big Rig]

I am 54 yo, I have done many job and home remodels over the years. I work full time, have two teenage boys in school, I am also heavily involved on multiple twp boards . 4 years ago I started a master bath remodel, main cause were water leaks around the shower that made it a necessary job . It took me 3 years to complete, I did all the work myself. I really enjoying doing this sort of work. Gives me a great sense of accomplishment when i finish. At the second and a half year mark, I decided that the bathroom would be my last major project. I was giving up spare time to get it done. life is short, I would have preferred to be out riding, fishing or spending that time with my family.

So my question to you is, do you have time to do this and are there other things you would enjoy doing with that time?

I wish you all the luck in whatever you decide to do. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I don’t tile floors anymore. The up and down and bending is just too hard on my back now.

[old2soon]

             Be 74 in Feb. I duz NOT do anything anymore that requires extended amounts of time with me in the kneeling position. Very hard-even With knee pads-on old arthritic knees. Bending to accomplish a task is now Way More FUN then it used ta wuz.  Lifting overhead iz now in the way more fun category also. Do I still do these things in the way more fun category than it used ta were-yes! BUT with a few caveats-it takes longer to do this stuff but I ain't in any hurry no how anyway. You've heard the old adage-measure twice cut once? In my case it's measure lotsa times call a few friends in fer a consult and I Still manage to snuggle it up some.  One room at a time. Careful when picking stuff up-VERY important if your purchases were loaded by others at point of purchase.    Fairly certain most anything ya wanna accomplish on remodeling will Probably have a video available on line. Might maybe have a little look see Before tackling next room/project/assignment. Good luck on yer on the demo refit and final finish.  RIDE SAFE.

[f6john]

Tools are no problem, I’ve been doing this for the last 30 years. Time is not a problem as I have no other job. It’s just not what I thought I’d be doing at this age. I’ve got to go back to my first home this week to add some ductwork in the basement even though I’ve practicall live down there for 30 years without them. Realtor says that the appraisers might not allow the finished basement as living area without the ductwork. I’m just trying to address the issue so I can get the house sold sooner rather than later.

Sometimes I think the work keeps me going somewhat. I like doing other things but I didn’t prepare for retirement as well as some so I’m pretty conservative about doing what I want. I’d really like to go to Taos this year but for that to happen I’ve got one house that has to sell and another that has to be livable one at least one floor!

[da prez]

  Will be 72 soon and doing a remodel in N/E Wisconsin. Will hire out some of the work , but Bonnie and I will do most of it. Some is plan as we go. We have a good idea and I drew up the prints.
  We took down some red oak trees and the saw mill processed them into flooring and a 6x6x12 fireplace mantel. It took four guys at the mill to load it into my truck. Also , it is 13 feet long.


                                          da prez

[f6john]

  Will be 72 soon and doing a remodel in N/E Wisconsin. Will hire out some of the work , but Bonnie and I will do most of it. Some is plan as we go. We have a good idea and I drew up the prints.
  We took down some red oak trees and the saw mill processed them into flooring and a 6x6x12 fireplace mantel. It took four guys at the mill to load it into my truck. Also , it is 13 feet long.


                                          da prez

So maybe I’m not nuts after all or Valkyrie riders are just a do or die bunch!

[hubcapsc]

Valkyrie riders are nuts!

-Mike

[da prez]

  The smooth ride is what keeps us young. The long ride keeps us younger.

                                   da prez

[Gryphon Rider]

Post lots of pictures of your progress.  With all the popular home reno shows on TV, you know many here will be interested.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Post lots of pictures of your progress.  With all the popular home reno shows on TV, you know many here will be interested.

I loved PTGB’s garage work a few years back 

[f6john]

Well here is a start, I had one other leak to deal with that I have mostly addressed.
This the bottom of the back door leading onto the deck



I cut out an area of the floor about a foot wider on each side of the door and about 18 inches into the room. This was an old leak that not only rotted the door jamb but the subfloor too.





This is the flooring replaced and new door installed. Once again the reason this was not apparent was there was tile on the floor just inside the door.






The roof leak I’m dealing with is on the opposite side of the mantle shown in the last picture.

[f6john]

  The main contributing factor for the door leak was the fact that the brick sill under the door is installed flat. There is no slope away from the door. Poor caulking also contributed to the issue. My long term plan will be to build a cover over the door to keep direct weather off the sill.

[Gryphon Rider]

  The main contributing factor for the door leak was the fact that the brick sill under the door is installed flat. There is no slope away from the door. Poor caulking also contributed to the issue. My long term plan will be to build a cover over the door to keep direct weather off the sill.

Is it possible/practical to grind the bricks to create the desired slope?  Or perhaps to knock those bricks out and reset them at the right angle?

[Jess from VA]

Good work.   

At my house, I'd just put a carpet over this. (and remember to step over it). 

Layered security is always a good idea against intruders.   

[Robert]

Good work.  

At my house, I'd just put a carpet over this. (and remember to step over it).  

Layered security is always a good idea against intruders.  

 

Thats what is nice about Florida most houses are concrete.

If you like the work, have the knowledge and have the cash to coordinate what you dont or cant do then whats the problem? Being older may take more time but its not a stopper unless your in poor health. Heck what are you going to do sit in a recliner?

About to tackle a kitchen remodel have done a few and its very rewarding when you get done stand back and see the work completed. But if you make a mistake no matter how good the work is you will focus on the mistake, so dont make mistakes. 

[f6john]

  The main contributing factor for the door leak was the fact that the brick sill under the door is installed flat. There is no slope away from the door. Poor caulking also contributed to the issue. My long term plan will be to build a cover over the door to keep direct weather off the sill.

Is it possible/practical to grind the bricks to create the desired slope?  Or perhaps to knock those bricks out and reset them at the right angle?

 Wouldn’t want to grind on the bricks as it would alter their appearance dramatically. I could knock the bricks out but the deck floor is somewhat in the way so I would need to wait for better weather conditions to tackle something like that. I like for my exterior doors to be protected by a roof or overhang where possible and the design of the back of the house will allow me to do just that without too much trouble. My front door faces the west and is well protected from the prevailing winds. It’s about 8 foot back under the “porch”

[f6john]

Good work.   

At my house, I'd just put a carpet over this. (and remember to step over it). 

Layered security is always a good idea against intruders.   

I would remember at least 9 out of 10 times.

[f6john]

Good work.  

At my house, I'd just put a carpet over this. (and remember to step over it).  

Layered security is always a good idea against intruders.  

 

Thats what is nice about Florida most houses are concrete.

If you like the work, have the knowledge and have the cash to coordinate what you dont or cant do then whats the problem? Being older may take more time but its not a stopper unless your in poor health. Heck what are you going to do sit in a recliner?

About to tackle a kitchen remodel have done a few and its very rewarding when you get done stand back and see the work completed. But if you make a mistake no matter how good the work is you will focus on the mistake, so dont make mistakes. 

Lot of single story homes on slabs in this area too but basements negate that for the most part. This house is getting a kitchen remodel by default since I had to remove all the base cabinets and the wife didn’t really like the layout and the fact it had old post formed countertops. I’ve had lots of practice on kitchens. The home I’m selling has two kitchens and one of them is on it’s 3rd reincarnation.

[h13man]

66 and still do everything but drywall. That stuff just sucks but nice if someone else does it period. Don't roof anymore than a 6-12 pitch. All other facets, its a go.

[f6john]

66 and still do everything but drywall. That stuff just sucks but nice if someone else does it period. Don't roof anymore than a 6-12 pitch. All other facets, its a go.

I’ll do drywall for myself if time isn’t an issue. Wouldn’t want to try and make a living doing it though.