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    Exterior House Tour

    January 1, 2010 |

    We invite you to enjoy a tour of some original and some current pictures of the outside of our home.

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    We replaced the original wood windows, which were in bad shape, broken, and drafty, with new ones. We also replaced the black trim with white. The home had three different types of white siding in both wood and aluminum. In order to add insulation and update the look of the house, we decided to cover the wood siding and replace the aluminum siding for a more unified look. Although we didn’t stay with the original white color of the house and went with a tan. We kept “White House” in our blog name, since it is what our house was when we first moved in. This spring, we’ll add the black shutters and at least PART of the name will be true!

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    Our house came had a gutter system that collected rain water and stored it in a cistern (cement room) in the basement. The water could then be used via a pump and the hose. As “green” as it was, we are on a well and the money saved wasn’t much. We decided to replace the obtrusive gutter system and empty the cistern, trying to avoid any issues that might arise with having 5 ft of standing water in a room in the basement.

    Also, this is the side door of our house, but the main entrance since it faces the driveway and there is no path leading to the true front door. We’ll be adding landscaping, lights,and a path to both doors from the driveway.

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    The workers asked if we wanted to take down the large antenna but we kept it (they thought we were crazy). Although some may view it as an eye sore, that antenna brings in 50+ HD channels! It’s nice to have cable and I do miss it at times, but it’s something I can live without. We’re living a bit more simply and saving $60 a month without it.

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    Since we were replacing the windows and siding anyway, we found a patio door at a warehouse sale and installed it. Besides the back door of the garage, we had no true back door to the yard. Adding the new door gives us space for a patio, grilling, and eating area, which we’ll add in the future.

    IMG_4717 IMG_4726IMG_0932 Stitch

    The yard was overgrown and there were small trees scattered in the yard. Although you can’t see it in the above photos, the perimeter of our yard is wooded, with long grass and wild growing plants/weeds/flowers in the center.  We have 1.08 acres and our yard goes back to the cornfield. Doug cut down some trees and cleared out a lot of the wild growing plants. It looks a lot more empty now that it’s winter and although we did a lot of editing, I promise we didn’t cut THAT many down.

    The owners’ daughters were allergic to dogs, so the brown wooden house was for ducks! Although it’d be cool to have chickens or something, we don’t know if that’s allowed anymore and most likely we’ll be taking that out. While the previous owners let the yard grow to avoid having to cut it, we’ll landscape this and use it as more of a back yard. This spring, we’re looking forward to adding a vegetable garden and fire pit!

    More old posts

    • The Big Bed is OUT!
    • Curb Appeal Before and Imaginary After
    • A Walk Through the Yard and Snapping Pics
    • Always Kiss Me Goodnight

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah

      July 16, 2010 at 9:18 pm

      Looks great!! You did a fantastic job!

    2. Peppermint Patty

      June 20, 2010 at 12:57 pm

      Hey $60 saving without cable is great!I just "downsized" my cable from 70+ channels/internet at $95 a month to 22 channels/internet at $50. You know what? I'm not missing much! haha

    3. Anonymous

      May 27, 2010 at 3:44 am

      Hi,I stumbled across your blog trying toget some inspiration for painting the exterior of my house.I love your ideas. I bought my first home in 08 and there are countless similarities. While I loved the possibilites of home improvement,I find myself overwhelmed by the possibilities. You have given me inspiration,I am going to do a "no cost" makeover to my laundry area this weekend!Best Regards,Michael

    4. Mrs. Katie Picciottoli

      April 21, 2010 at 2:40 pm

      Hey you should look look into the local ordinances regarding ducks or chickens! You may find it is allowed and what could be more green than raising your own eggs? Trust me, they taste better and it's a very rewarding family project! Love, love, love what you've done with your place! I'll definitely stumble back here!

    5. Bonnie @ House of Grace

      February 24, 2010 at 2:28 pm

      wow, you are on a roll!!!!! great job. how is the basement? i need to come over soon. we just got back early this morning. scott has off this week too and then his mom is coming over next week for several days.

    6. Hodge Family

      February 23, 2010 at 8:50 pm

      But as always, your blog is perfect. I love the idea of a vegetable garden, and thats something that is a must have for our home when we purchase one. I must have the space for at least a small veggie garden where I can grow at least a couple different things (green beans and broccoli for sure). a fire pit is always nice too!

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    Hi, I'm Ann Marie. I want to help you find peace in your home through simplifying your life, taking on small projects, and learning to find your style. Learn more about this site and why I started it...

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    Hi, I'm Ann Marie. I want to help you find peace in your home through simplifying your life, taking on small projects, and learning to find your style. Learn more about this site and why I started it...

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