Just about this time last year as the final negotiation over the selling price of my house was concluding, the inspection was basically a slam dunk. For a 100-year old house, the inspector found little to be concerned about. The number one item on the list was the front stairs and landing where the lovely Seattle rains -- and some questionable prior construction -- brought on some significant wood rot.
All along, I knew it was going to be the first serious expense for me and then as the summer wore on, I seemingly saw the stairs worsen by the day.
All along, I knew it was going to be the first serious expense for me and then as the summer wore on, I seemingly saw the stairs worsen by the day.
The bidding process was bizarre. Four estimates had a range of cost of $20,000. No, really. Someone said he could do the work for about $2,500 and a local remodeling specialist said $23,000. I rolled the dice and the progress and finished look is on the jump.
The first day the landing was pulled up as was the rotted plywood beneath. Also work started on replacing the steps themselves.
Next, a water proofing layer went on top of the new plywood sheeting under the landing. For a short while, all was pretty in pink, just without Molly Ringwald.
Then, the tongue-and-groove went down over the plywood. And the ridiculous latticework on part of the railing was replaced.
Some paint for the railing, stain for the steps and Gaco for the decking and voila, new steps and smaller bank account.
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