https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 25 May 2026 22:54:47 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2680712 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 10:40:01 +0000 MrsB2012 2680712@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: sorry you didn't get the house :( I'm a huge believer that things happen for a reason, so maybe you'll find something you like better that you don't neee to change around. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2680595 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 07:50:05 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2680595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Munchkin: aw you're sweet to think of us! We actually did put in an offer! But they didn't accept our offer :( we were pretty bummed cause this house had really started to grow on us and we kept envisioning what it'd be like... and the location couldn't be beat. But it came down to price- we put in our absolute max offer which was still very slightly below asking. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2680583 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 07:09:38 +0000 Munchkin 2680583@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mspen ... I'd be interested to know what your family decided? 🙂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675876 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 20:36:23 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2675876@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: You should be able to take out the wall. Even if it is load bearing, there are things they can do. I would definitely open it up. :) It could work though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675849 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 18:26:08 +0000 hellobeeboston 2675849@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: yeah, I would take out that corner wall and put a huge island in. </p> <p>And I would paint all of that wood trim white. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675847 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 17:55:54 +0000 Pancakes 2675847@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: I think with the location and lot, I would go for it. Hopefully seeing the similar home you saw that's been updated will give you an idea of the potential the house has. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675840 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 17:04:14 +0000 brownepiano 2675840@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not a huge fan of split level but I don't think having bedrooms on different floors is such a bad thing. Or having living areas on different floors. We have two bedrooms upstairs (and nothing else) and one on the main living floor. It is nice. The baby can nap upstairs while we do stuff downstairs. Our bedroom is downstairs and I can work on things in the bedroom/ watch stuff during nap time without worrying about waking the kids by making noise. That location would trump almost anything for me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675837 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 16:51:25 +0000 Boogs 2675837@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For us location and lot size are the most important things that you can't change. Anything in a house can always be changed! I wouldn't do any major renos until you lived in the space a bit, it really is the best way to determine how your family would best use the space. And of course check with a profession to make sure any walls you would remove aren't load bearing. </p> <p>In the meantime to make it more your style, you'll feel so much better once those carpets are gone. And paint changes spaces so much that if you paint some walls, trim, and railings, it might make you feel happy enough in the space until you save more for renos and do some planning. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675821 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 15:49:58 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2675821@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love the idea of knocking that wall down. </p> <p>I don't think it would be too expensive and you could do it while doing flooring. I think YHL took out a walk in their second home and blogged about costs for what they had a framer come do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675808 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 15:15:15 +0000 Modern Daisy 2675808@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The first thing I notice is that tiny little breakfast area taking up a ton of space in the kitchen with a big dining table steps away in the next room. I'd definitely use that corner for something else - more cabinets? pantry? Knock the whole wall down? Depending on how functional the kitchen currently is. I also notice it feels like wood on wood on wood - not sure if your house has that same aesthetic but I would definitely paint the trim white, stain the railing/banister darker and use upholstered chairs and glass table in the dining room. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675801 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 14:55:31 +0000 Greentea 2675801@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: okay! Entry is so important. But then you have to go through the kitchen? If that kitchen wall could be opened up/taken out, as @Foodnerd81: suggested, that would really help. Still, I think having that living separated would be stressful (at worst)/ inconvenient/ awkward. That's just my opinion of course! But, interiors matter, especially in our cold states, and with kids, like it or not, most of our time is spent indoors. I would try to make sure you love what you buy, so you feel more arrived as opposed to on your way somewhere, if you know what I mean! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675795 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 14:49:37 +0000 honeybear 2675795@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think the main issues are cosmetic and that doesn't seem too bad overall to me. </p> <p>First, I dislike the octagonal window. However, if you're not doing other windows, I'd leave it. It's expensive to replace windows and probably to cut bigger ones (I'd want a much bigger, rectangular one there, if possible). </p> <p>Second, the trim is a huge part of the visual problem, and it's not even really the color, it's the style. Bullseye rosettes have no place in this house, so getting all the busy, ahistorical stuff like that out will make a huge improvement to the aesthetics, and not be too expensive. </p> <p>Third, as to the kitchen wall, I'd consider either closing off the window entirely or doing a half wall with cabinetry underneath and a countertop. Or maybe a banquette? Kind of depends on what the rest of the kitchen looks like and whether you need more storage or a breakfast area. </p> <p>I would really like living on a park! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675792 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 14:48:02 +0000 lioneyes 2675792@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What are the 3 most important things when buying a home? LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!!! :happy: </p> <p>In all seriousness, if the current size works for you, I would consider it. In looking at the pix, it looks like some cosmetic tweaks (removing carpeting, painting/replacing the bannisters, taking down the kitchen wall, even changing the layout of the kitchen) would make a huge difference. And those things, save for totally gutting the kitchen, can be done while you live there, and many of them can be done by you or a specific service provider (versus a contractor). </p> <p>I don't know what the market will look like by you in a year in terms of inventory and pricing, but I do believe interest rates are on their way up and are poised to increase at least 2 more times in 2017. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675786 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 14:25:48 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2675786@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skipra: the lot is really calling to me- the fact that it's on a park- you can literally walk into the park onto the trails from the backyard. That will always maintain property value, too. There is a house with this exact same layout just a couple miles from this one, same price, but has more updates... it's enticing, but rhis lot is so great.<br /> I definitely understand disabilities! I'm a visit nurse and see so many elderly who bought these splits and had to install chair lifts, or are really limited in leaving the home because of the layout. It's actually another reason I don't like splits... I can't help but think what if something happened (perils of my field lol!). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675785 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 14:22:20 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2675785@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Greentea: no, I said one thing I like IS the dedicated entry way! It's a good size with a closet and medium sized hallway. Then, through the entry way is the kitchen. </p> <p>@Foodnerd81: I'll have to ask her!</p> <p>Well I could definitely find child care - take a day off work and keep my son is daycare- I'm not too worried about that! Or on the weekend he can go play with cousins or Grammy :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675783 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 14:18:05 +0000 skipra 2675783@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Unless there is a real specific need or problem with the layout, location and lot would be so much more important to me. When we were house hunting, there were SO many raised ranches that we had to immediately eliminate because we have family members with physical disabilities that will not allow them to do stairs. Neither DH or I liked raised ranches or split levels but would have considered it for the perfect location and price if we could have. No house is going to be perfect but over time you can adjust it to your taste and needs. You cannot adjust the location or lot so that is why I would make those factor in much more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675779 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 13:50:26 +0000 Greentea 2675779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Layout REALLY affects your life, your relationships, everything. @Mrs. Pen: did you say there is no dedicated entry? Do you enter into the kitchen? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675777 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 13:42:01 +0000 Foodnerd81 2675777@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: maybe your realtor knows a contractor to do a walk through with you? I would definitely start there. But also- I kind of like painting too, but trying to do it with two kids and no child care sucks. We have literally been staying up past midnight painting since we can't start until they are both down. It sucks. But maybe since C is a little older he will be better about staying out of the way? Either way- painting can happen when it happens, not a deal breaker. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675760 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 12:47:31 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2675760@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@madisonbee: there's no formal dining, so that area is it :) I think I could definitely live with it- it's so hard to know without actually living in it, you know??</p> <p>@2littlepumpkins: exactly, we have maybe ten houses to choose from right now- most are true splits and anything else needs way too much work to make it worth it. Our realtor said this will go fast once it's officially on the market (pre mls right now), because of price and location! So I feel like we need to decide soon.. </p> <p>@Anagram: ah you make it sound so doable!! I can totally envision those changes. I actually enjoy painting, so we'd DIY it for sure :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675755 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 12:23:47 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2675755@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't be worried at all about the cosmetic stuff. I would be only concerned about the layout. It seems like that wall would come out but it could be $$. You'll need a contractor to look at it. With a little cosmetic stuff I would probably be cool with the layout but it's you that has to like it! Also the inventory around where I am is super low so maybe that's changing my opinion. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675752 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 12:16:19 +0000 Mrs. Oreo 2675752@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with @munchkin about location and neighborhood being more important. The house definitely needs cosmetic changes and updating it looks completely doable. </p> <p>I would get rid of the carpet, paint some of that wood, and the breakfast nook immediately called out a bench area to save some space. If the layout still completely bothers you despite how you can imagine how it would be, might be better to just wait. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675751 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 12:15:52 +0000 Anagram 2675751@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lots of white/cool gray paint on the wood trim and beadboard and walls, paint cabinets or replace, replace stair rails or paints, and do floors and that would all make a huge difference. And without the new kitchen cabinets, cost maybe &lt;20k? Probably depends on prices in your area, and that's new flooring. Way cheaper if you paint everything yourself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675747 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 12:08:10 +0000 sarac 2675747@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would take a decent house in a great place, for sure. You can probably do a lot to make it your own, and you'll be in a place you love with a great yard. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675746 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 12:03:18 +0000 Munchkin 2675746@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think location and neighborhood are more important than layout. (I'm no fan of split levels either.) I like your modern inspiration photos. I def think there are cosmetic changes can make that will help update the look. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675737 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 11:45:45 +0000 looch 2675737@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, I live in a raised ranch, I hate this style house only slightly less than I detest true splits. We bought it for the location and while we have done some work, the neighborhood doesn't warrant doing any more, so we're kind of just riding it out until we sell it when my son gets to high school. </p> <p>If I've learned anything, it's that if you don't do the work before you move in, you begin to just live with it how it is...which is okay if you can deal with the house exactly as it is. </p> <p>So, I'd look at what your reno budget would be right now, buying the house at this moment and what you could devote to making changes you want. Then I'd decide from there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675724 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 11:20:28 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2675724@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@oskarsmommy: so true! This town is about 25 minutes away from us, but where we spend our weekends. We love it- it's only 20-25 minutes from downtown, but still a "smaller" suburb - one of the best school districts, etc.<br /> but if we stay where we are, it's a decent area to live and we could theoretically stay here- schools are still really good here, and it's cheaper here- so we could likely find something we actually love for the same price... but then we're giving up where we actually want to live. So it's just sooo hard to decide! If DH finds a job downtown, that's an hour commute during rush hour- sometimes more and longer during the winter! Whereas in our dream town, it's 30-40 minutes in rush hour. Anyway- I'm rambling lol. </p> <p>I'm mostly just trying to figure out if it's worth it... we could get a more dated house that needs more work but with a baby on the way I just don't want to do a lot of work right off the bat! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675720 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 11:11:53 +0000 snarkybiochemist 2675720@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: Yea it's just so dated. I like the pictures you posted, but they might be pricey. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675717 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 11:09:02 +0000 oskarsmommy 2675717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, I'd paint the wood or remove it all together. Remove the carpet. Paint the banisters - I think replacing can be $$$. I'd want to open the kitchen for sure, add an island with some seating. </p> <p>Having bought our home, then renovating I learned that you can change ANYTHING, except location! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675715 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 11:04:02 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2675715@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@petitenoisette: the boys can share the bedroom upstairs so that they're both across the hall from me. Or else the older boy (nearly 5) could sleep downstairs and baby would be across the hall from us.<br /> I definitely thinking opening it up and taking out carpeting makes a huge difference! </p> <p>@Foodnerd81: oooh I didn't even think that was an option- good call! I'd love to hear from a professional costs, and what's realistic or not.</p> <p>@snarkybiochemist: I like wood- but not that 70's/80's oak! It's terrible haha. I'd love to replace the banisters with something more modern like this:</p> <p>[attach=1597/17/ojf3ba.400x600.IMG_8849.JPG]</p> <p>[attach=1597/17/ojf3bb.400x600.IMG_8850.JPG] </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-you-do-to-this-house#post-2675713 Sat, 07 Jan 2017 10:57:34 +0000 petitenoisette 2675713@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My dream is to buy a house abutting conservation land and trails so I can understand why that is a major draw. I think if you open up the kitchen and do hardwood throughout that it's really not bad. I would like that there are bedrooms upstairs. would you need to use the downstairs bedroom or could that be a guest bed? </p>