An Update on our Waco Fixer Upper Home
A lot has been happening with our fixer upper home in Waco. We are still in escrow so I am not going to show any photos yet. I can tell you we bought a double lot with a small house (and room for another if we are really brave). The home was built in 1910 and yes, it is another one-hundred-year-old home.
For those of you who missed my last post about Waco, we purchased the home in Waco as an investment. We are going to remodel it, furnish it and offer it as a short-term rental. We aren’t moving. We are kind of doing this as a project. For me! I want to learn more about project management and remodeling so this is my plan. And hopefully, you won’t mind if I take you along with me on this journey.
We are past the point of no return with the escrow and that is good. In other words, neither of us can back out without severe penalties. We completed the inspection and nothing was a surprise. We knew the home was a fixer upper and in pretty bad shape. It needs foundation work, electrical, plumbing, roof, and pretty much every other repair you could imagine.
I think some of you are surprised we bought such a run-down home. I have always wanted to restore a home that was neglected and needed lots of love. We looked at a ton of houses that were in pretty good shape. But they were more expensive and only needed some cosmetic changes. I wanted to make a difference and really do some work! When we found the large lot with the tiny home, I knew this was the one. (There is a chance that someday we might build a new farmhouse also on the lot. But that will be later. I am not ready for new construction right now!)
If you are wondering why I haven’t shown a photo of the home, I need to wait until after we close escrow. I don’t want to jinx it!
In the past few weeks, I have been interviewing contractors on the phone and setting up appointments for my next trip to Waco. I also put together a prospectus for the contractors which includes floor plans and a ton of photos I intend to use as inspiration for the home.
The next step is to close on the house on September 13th. I arrive in Waco on the 14th and then meet with contractors on the 15th and 16th. Hopefully, we will have bids back in within a week so we can select a contractor and start making progress.
My son and best friend will be joining me in Waco for a few days. I am so excited to show them what we bought. Oh, wait, since I haven’t actually seen the inside of the home in person either, I should mention that I am excited to see the house too. Yikes.
We do have a demo day scheduled. I am not sure how much we will accomplish but it sounds fun. Right?
It all sounds fun! I’m excited to see what you purchased. It’s going to be great!
I’m retiring at the end of this year after 30 yrs in Pediatrics and Waco is on my bucket list…my husband promised we can go and my daughter would love to join us too….hope you open an Airbnb or have suggestions when the time comes (next fall most likely)
That’s what my husband and I do and have done for 25 years. It has been great for us. The most frustrating part will be dealing with contractors who never follow through. Hopefully you will fine the one great person who will stick with you on this and other projects. It’s very rewarding, both emotionally and financially. Good luck!!
Wrong name on comment..should be Cindy..not William!
This will be fun and exciting to follow and watch the progress.. It will be like an episode of fixer upper… WAIT!!!!! It will be a series of fixer upper!
Looking forward to this. Thanks
Marcia Keeter
One thing that I have learned in Old House restoration /rejuvenation is take your time. Sit a spell. Walk and feel the home. What is the home telling you? Stay classic, not trendy( you don’t want a person to walk in a say”looks like a Joanna Gaines design”) make it your own (I know you will) give it the style it asks for. Stay organic to the home. Don’t let contractors tell you the old windows need replacing (some do-but often they can be rebuilt and restored at a tremendous savings) save the sinks if they have are vintage, claw foot bathtubs are always better. They stay hot, stay classic and people love them. Use old furniture in bathrooms, salvage old stuff if you can. Contractors want to demo and replace with cookie cutter because it is easier for them. I say-travel Texas for salvage and give it back its roots. As you did in your beautiful Pasadena-keep it classic. But the best advice-slow and simple. Salvage and restore. I can’t wait to see your home. It will be frustratingly fun!
You purchased without seeing the inside! Wow! You are adventuresome.
What a fun challenging adventure. Good for you I will be praying for joy, patience and endurance!! have a great time
I totally agree with Sandy, slow, listen to your gut regarding finding a contractor. This is not a race. Can’t wait for photos 😊
What a wonderful idea!!! This is going to be an amazing journey !!! Excited to tag along!
For what it’s worth. We bought a 150 year old house with the same as you described problems and I am thrilled we did. However, when you work on one thing, dominoes happen, just be ready for it. With that said, I’m thrilled with this home, with all the blood, sweat and tears (literally) we put into it 5 years ago. Remember these words……ENJOY THE PROCESS!
How exciting Leslie, cant wait to see what you do with it!
Why can’t you hire Chip & Jo to renovate this home? Would be fun and quite interesting!