Come along for the ride

We're a few weeks into this major project that Paul and I have embarked upon - namely buy a semi run-down house, gut it, and fix it up. And it's dawned on me that we're learning a lot that could be useful. So this will be the story of the making of our new, humble abode in Ithaca, New York.

Because I'm starting up this blog well into the process, I'll play catch-up for the first few weeks to bring you up to speed. For starter's, here's where we live now.

And here's where we headed.

Our realtor fondly referred to the style as a "raised ranch." There is a 1200 square foot, three-bedroom home upstairs and a 1-bedroom apartment downstairs. (We'll be renting that out to defer the cost of taxes in New York.)

The house - and most of the others on our block - were originally built in the 70s as rental properties and were later sold. The previous owners of our house were veterinary students who graduated and moved out this spring. (Yes, there was animal dander everywhere!) So that's the start. Stay tuned for the details.