Slow, but steady, progress on the Big Projects.
A/C
Got a pretty expensive (~$7K) estimate from one guy a month-plus ago for replacing the 20-yr-old furnace with a new furnace and a/c. Margie has an officemate who was raving about the job that someone else did for her, so we had him come over, and expect to seen an estimate from him Real Soon Now.
Siding
Two folks finally made it by yesterday, no estimates yet. If we can get rid of the cedar and go to some other material, that’s probably best in the long-run, but we’re going to a supply place tonight to get a feel for material costs. One oddity — though I’m pretty certain that we’re one of the few cedar siding folks in the neighborhood, and most folks around us are masonite or something like that. However, one of the contractors who came by yesterday mentioned that our neighbors have vinyl siding, which I thought was verboten around here. More to follow …
Actually, given the number of class action suits regarding masonite/hardboard siding, that may not be surprising. That said, I need to make a follow-up call to the Paint Police HOA architectural review rep to confirm whether vinyl is off-limits. It would have the distinct advantage of being cheaper overall than other options as it’s installed atop the existing siding, and removing the existing siding isn’t cheap …
Paint
Pending the siding issue, natch.
Drywall in the Dining Room
Got someone in last week who was recommended as a drywaller by a friend. He indicated his schedule was pretty booked, but referenced another person he swaps work with, who should get back to us today (?).
Steps up from the sidewalk
Probably not this year, between money and yard-watering/landscaping issues.