We've completed the major renovations! In a few more years, we should be done with the very long list of minor renovations, plus fixing whatever didn't come out quite right the first time.

After purchasing the property in December 2021, we spent nearly a year deciding what to do, clearing the yards, and beginning demo before hiring a general contractor for the big stuff. After pausing while the 2022-23 winter rains turned the crawlspace into a mud pit, the contractors finished their work more or less on schedule. Progress photos are shown on the Remodeling page.

In October 2023, we decided to move in even though it was still a construction zone. Managing the work—and doing a lot of it—was much easier when living on site. Five months later, laying the driveway pavers was the last big step in transforming the property. Along the way, in addition to overhauling the aesthetics, removing a small forest of fallen trees and much else, we've gone all-electric, upgraded energy efficiency throughout, and installed drainage to channel the torrents of rainwater that flow down the street. Photos on the Results page show how the place looks now.

Plenty remains to be done.The enormous yards are a blank palette for low-water landscaping. We're continuing to make the property an even better shady oasis for butterflies, Pagrovians and others who pass this way.

Looking forward to meeting more of our neighbors!