January 26, 2017

House: Front Gables Makeover

Before

I was able to paint one sheet of siding before it went up. I'd
hoped to do them all, but we didn't get them in time for that.

Dan replaced the two roof struts. Not because they needed
it, but because it was easier to install the siding without them.

The challenge to this project was that none of the lines of the triangle
 shapes are straight and true. We figure that's why they invented trim.

The smaller gable was more challenging because it is so small.

Done, but still in construction mode. More on that soon!

It makes a big difference, doesn't it? I'm sure the neighbors appreciate it! Our house goal list now looks like this:
  • front end gables
  • front window in sun room
  • front porch ceiling
  • side windows in front bedroom
  • side windows in sun room
  • back end gable

Replacing the front windows in the sun room will be next. (Click here for that.)


House: Front Gables Makeover © January 2017 

30 comments:

Connie said...

We own a fixer upper too, but we have been enjoying making it our own. It's not easy, but it is well worth the hard work. The best to you, consider it an adventure.
Connie :)

Unknown said...

Looks great! We have akso used a LOT of trim on our old house!

Leigh said...

"Making it our own." Connie I think that is so important. We've gotten some discouragement from folks who think we should only do things in such a way that the next buyer will want it, but I can't seem repairing and remodeling our house to the tastes of someone else! It's a home, not an investment, or at least that's how I see it. :)

Leigh said...

Trim is great stuff! LOL

kymber said...

it looks absolutely beautiful! and heck - have you seen our shack? we can only afford time-wise and money-wise to do the absolute necessities...we'll get around to the aesthethics one day. your place is coming along just so...and yes, you do what you want to do to your "home" because it's yours!!!

sending much love! your friend,
kymber

Leigh said...

Kymber, thanks! We are in a constant discussion about how far to take our repairs and upgrades. In our case, the old ship-lap siding has a lot of gaps between the boards - air and energy leaks! - that had to be dealt with. Dan originally wanted something prettier but more expensive! The siding panels are the cheapest option for us, but the energy payoff has been soooo worth it. :)

hoosier girl said...

That certainly made a difference. Bet it boosted your mood, too. I always get a little pep in my step when something like that gets done. :)

Leigh said...

It's been a huge moral booster, especially for Dan. Finishing the house is on his list of things that must be done before we finally transition out of our establishment phase and into seasonal living. I confess I've been more take-it-or-leave-it in my attitude! :o But, it was looking pretty bad, and it would be better to deal with it now than wait until the old siding starts to rot away. Yes, I'm happy to get it done. :)

Anonymous said...

Lovely, absolutely lovely. You all are doing a nice job taking care of your home. *smile* Your new back drop of the snowy tree branches is also wonderful. Thank you for sharing with all of us. Sincerely, Mommy of two growing blessings & so much more!

Mama Pea said...

Arrrgh! Remodeling a home (your own home!) for resale? The thought makes my blood boil. How in the world would one ever even know what "the next buyer" would like?! Our remodeled place here has so many nooks, crannies, one step up into a room, funny little storage areas that I just LOVE because they are all just what we wanted and feel comfortable with. Yes, your place is your home, but it's an investment, too. An investment in YOUR happiness and security!!!

Leigh said...

Mama Pea, I love your definition of "investment!"

I think the whole "next potential buyers" concept is so overrated. That leaves us with cookie cutter homes with milk toast decor. I'm guessing that there are a whole lot of people who would love more unique features and less blah. ;)

Leigh said...

Thank you! For as long as we procrastinated because this didn't seem like a priority, I'm definitely glad it's done.

Farmer Barb said...

Ahhhhh!

jewlz said...

I looked up "charming" and found a picture of your newly sided front facade! :)
Love it!!

Donna OShaughnessy said...

What Jewlz said! Can't add much more other than, how crazy are we to always have projects? to never be done? Happy Homesteader Crazy I guess.

Old School said...

Beautiful!

1st Man said...

Wow, that made such a difference. I don't have a lot of pictures of the outside of our farmhouse posted but it needs work. We got the inside livable and comfortable and we've been doing other things around the property (and still so much to do) but we have to get to work on the outside of the house at some point. We need siding, new doors, a roof, etc. You inspire me to make sure we focus on that sooner rather than later. We'll see. Probably a roof first. I love how you changed the look of those gables. Thanks for this!!

Chris said...

Awesome job. You're gradually polishing that old gem of a house, until it sparkles. It really does make a difference, that new gable, and a new coat of paint.

Sandy Livesay said...

Leigh,

Beautifully done!! Before you know it, you and Dan will have this home exactly the way you want it.

Ashley A said...

That looks so pretty! I love watching transition from house to your home!

Leigh said...

:)

Leigh said...

LOL. For awhile I was actually questioning the blue, even though I've loved it. But I decided that I still love it because there's no way I'm going to re-paint everything we've done so far just to change the color! (I really don't want to, it was just a strange thought to be struck with).

Leigh said...

Dan and I were talking about that the other day. When are we done? At what point do we consider ourselves established? I don't have an answer for that!

Leigh said...

Thanks!

Leigh said...

It's tough, because there is so much to do in establishing a homestead and the house often seems less important than things like a garden, fencing, outbuildings, and critters. We have truly noticed a difference in energy efficiency and comfort, however, which translates into things like less wood in winter and not having to run A/C in summer. Still, it's now kind of hanging over our heads as a large unfinished job that keeps us from other things we'd like to be doing. I just wish Dan was home more. We feel that if he was, we'd get done faster.

Leigh said...

It's amazing how even small changes can make a huge difference!

Leigh said...

Oh Sandy, I hope so!

Leigh said...

Thanks! As much as I complain about the time it takes to do it, I'm really happy with it and relieved it's finally getting done.

Mike Yukon said...

Looks better all the time! Just be careful and not wear Dan out before his time! :-)

Ed said...

Looks great! I think if I had a deep covered porch like that I would have a pair of rocking chairs or at least a hammock somewhere to enjoy the shade all summer long!