Eaves + Denitls: A $27K Surprise
You see that, right there? Those rectangles up at the roof line? Yeah, you’re staring at $8,860. Those are some damned expensive boxes. We just got…
We Passed the Historic Commission
I filed into the auditorium on the 11th floor of the Coleman A. Young building in downtown Detroit at 6 p.m. on a Wednesday. Our date…
The Historic Commission Must Approve Vegetable Gardens and Other Things I Learned Today
Things I learned today, in order of craziness: 1. We have new windows! The first delivery came in and they are being installed. That means soon…
If Frances Mayes Can Do It, So Can We
I was flipping through old home-renovation memoirs and look what I found! Frances Mayes, the queen of buying a crazy old house, signed my book.…
Actual Email From Our Sellers
This is the lovely note we got from our sellers after the close. Have you ever heard of such a friendly sale? No drama, no…
A Pep Talk, Involving Zombies
It’s becoming more official. I signed the Detroit inspection report (ACR) this morning and on Monday we’re scheduled to close. The house — and all the…
I’m a Louse, a House Cheater
I admit it; I’m a cheater. I’ve found another. She’s beautiful; a solid life partner. She has a great figure, and I can imagine my life…
Embarassing Home-Renovation Dreams
I woke up on Wednesday night and Karl wasn’t there. He’d gone out for pub quiz and enjoyed himself way past the witching hour. (Which is…
When Buying a House for Cash, Do You Just Write a Check?
It’s been one week since Karl and I decided to embark on this project. It has been seven days of everything and nothing, highs and lows,…
Of Technology, Marriage and Home Renovation
Technology: It’s going to be critical to this renovation project. In the best of circumstances, Karl and I can have, shall we say, challenges communicating. We…
Amy Haimerl 