Home Improvement Update

[ikarcuaso]

Mid-century modern pad build in 1957. Previous owner was a widow for 10 years prior to our 2003 purchase. That means the place had really gone to sh|t. Changes we've done that aren't pictured:

- remodeled a full bathroom
- replaced all flooring on top level (with carpet, hardwood and vinyl)
- replaced roof
- replaced several windows and a sliding patio door
- some interior painting
- removed a free-standing fireplace on hideous turquoise-colored bricks, replaced sub-floor, drywall, etc.
- replaced some dry rotted siding
- drainage work

I'm sure I'm missing stuff. And we're not close to being done. In hindsight, I should have spent an extra $100K or whatever and bought a house that didn't need so much work. Oh well, I do feel better about the place.

[ikarcuaso]

[speedracer]

Very cool, I love mid century modern houses. Great find!

[bell]

the first pic indicates you have a killer view of a valley of some sort......any pics of that?

[cantdrv55]

No more ivy!

[competentone]

Originally posted by cantdrv55
No more ivy!

Some of the trees look kind of close to the structure too. They only get bigger with time.

Cutting them back looks like it might give you some really good views too.

What was the roof replaced with? It looks like it's all low-slope/flat roof.

[ikarcuaso]

I'm sure the view was much nicer when the home was first built. Trees are taller/bigger now, and the hills are more densely populated.

The ivy hasn't been completely uprooted, just cut down really low, so it will come back. We did cut back the trees. Maybe not as noticeable in the "after" pics.

Yep, the roof is low-slope/flat, standard mid-century modern design. After looking at all the options (foam, rubber, bitumen, etc.), we stuck with tar & gravel.

[fumanchu]

I assume the Oakland hills? Pricey area.

[notfarnow]

Beautiful mature lot too, and I love that fence.

[ikarcuaso]

Pricey? I think > $400 per sq. foot is the general rule. Getting a borderline fixer helped lower the barrier to entry for us. Unfortunately, you have to fix it at $ome point. "Wifey" gets credit for the fence.

[Zeke]

I like the mid century, too. I've never lived in one and worked on only a few. I'm thinking the gray color scheme is not the optimum for that style of house. You may not like some of the colors they used originally; some were rather bright. But, the dark beams and facia on the "before" shots looks right to me. A charcoal will go with your gray, if you decide to go back to the style. I've even seen them black (the accent).

The wood deck brightener stuff works really well and you can stain the deck to give some nice color to it and get a few more years out of it.

I'd take a house like that, given the chance. Although, it would be tough to give up my 1930 Spanish stucco. The kitchen remodel would be the most fun from a creative standpoint.

Less is more.

[ikarcuaso]

We understand that somethings we do, like the paint scheme, might not be 100% mid-century compliant. I've been taken to task on an MCM forum by some purists. We do try to keep it semi-tasteful, at least. You won't see crown moulding, ornate fixtures, etc. anytime soon. Thanks for the constructive input.

Obvious to tell, the deck/stairs are now high up on the to-do list.