BEFORE & AFTER

   I am a fan of the before and after shot, especially when there is such a dramatic change.   There will be many such comparisons with this house.   Here is just one to get started...

BASEMENT WINDOWS...BEFORE

BASEMENT WINDOWS...AFTER

 

The windows are new replacement windows and the brick bays we have had built using the old brick from the collapsing chimneys.  We think the brick mason did a great job matching the style of the original foundation.  Not only has this renovation resulted in a more pleasing aesthetic, but also it has made the house more secure and protected from rains.

* Note : The drip cap and trim above the windows is also new.  Large sections of the original trim had rotted due to long time water damage (see the repair here).  We had the original trim duplicated and Wallace, Donnie and I installed it.

NEIGHBORHOOD BEAUTIFICATION

Eager to make the house a bit homey and inhabited looking, I planted some pansies in some pots for the front steps.  When I searched the side yard for broken clay tiles to place in the bottom of the pots, I came across this iron frog partially buried in the mud.

With several pansies left over, I scrounged up some old slate from the yard, made a simple border, and planted a half dozen plants by the sidewalk.  Just a small effort to pretty up the place.

Not 12 hours later, a dumpster was delivered......
So much for my neighborhood beautification efforts!