It should never amaze me how things can change suddenly from one day to the next. Yet, they do. Last week was no different. After waiting the entire month of August for the appraisal, we finally received it on Thursday of last week – two days past the promised date. One look at the appraisal, and Jim knew they not only had unnecessarily delayed the process but had also failed to do what they promised. I will not bore you with the details, but suffice it to say that there were huge issues with the appraisal, so much so that the bank is taking out a third-party action against the appraising company for failure to properly assess our property and design. We were both livid about this latest red flag and additional delay.
After sleeping on it and discussing it with our contractor as well as a lengthy discussion between the two of us, Jim and I decided on Friday to pull the plug on this project of ours. We could have continued with it, but after so many issues with the bank and the entire process, we both felt that it was no longer worth the hassle. Also, frankly since the bank was acting like they did not want our money, we no longer felt like giving it to them. This appraisal issue was the last in a long line of frustrations that only made us realize we did not have to do this to ourselves.
So, no more library or four-season room. No more having to pick out cabinets and countertops and fixtures. While we obviously did not come by this decision lightly, we headed into the weekend feeling much more optimistic about everything. Instead of building a new home, we are going to put the money and our efforts into sprucing up our current home and making all of those updates people always say they want to do on their house but never get around to doing. This means little projects like turning the playroom into a dance studio for Holly, moving the kids into different bedrooms, pulling up carpets to replace them with hardwood flooring, repainting the walls, changing the door handles on all of the cabinets, etc. We will even be adding solar paneling to our roof and trying to make this house energy-efficient.
In the end, this is a good thing. I might not get my dream library, but I am going to try to turn my current office into one. The kids may not get new bedrooms, but they can redesign/redecorate their rooms as if they were. We can take our time doing these projects, squeeze them in on weekends or when time allows. Plus, it still gives Jim something to do over the winter. We get to keep our beautiful backyard that borders a protected area, and we do not have to move anything. Our emotions have rightly shifted from disappointment to excitement as we cross things off of our list one project at a time. In fact, Jim immediately tackled one of the projects on our list and tore up the concrete patio attached to the house. Jim and I hauled broken concrete to the dump, and Connor and Jim filled in the hole and added the rock design Jim wanted. He finished it in two days. So, no feeling sad about this or feeling sorry for us. This decision is a good thing and feels right.
OH! I read part 2 before this so was both shocked and now excited for your excitement to renovate. CHEERS to making your library just want you need it to be. 😀
LOL! I can see how that might have been a little confusing. It’s all good.
Too bad about the new house, but YAY! for renos. (And you won’t have to move!) We’re doing some kitchen and backyard renos here. It’s exciting! I hope you post some pics.
I know. Renos are exciting, and the not having to move is a definite bonus. There will be lots of pics, I’m sure!
What a lot of stress before you had really even begun the process but I can’t imagine how disappointed you both were. Good for you to put a good spin on it and get to work to make you house work for you!
For all of the things I do NOT believe in, I do believe that things happen for a reason and oftentimes for the better. I’m so glad that you were able to turn your disappointment into a feeling of excitement. And yay for projects completed!! Um, how about you have Jim contact Scott and share some of that enthusiasm. 😉
LOL! I would be glad to have Jim help inspire Scott for you, although honestly, I think it is due to the fact that the man cannot sit still. This is a person who will go out for a run if he gets bored, regardless of the fact that he may have already gone for a five-mile run earlier in the day. I think that constant energy is what is driving him to move so quickly on some of these early projects. We shall see what happens when the projects get more complicated, expensive, and time-consuming.
As hard as it can be to let go of projects you’re excited about, it sounds like it’s working out for the the best for your family. I can’t wait to see how you fix your current home up! 🙂
Exactly. It is still bittersweet, but I will admit to be thankful I do not have to deal with a new lawn and new landscaping plus the pain of moving, even if it was only three doors down the street.
Hm. I left a comment, and don’t know if it went to moderation or if it got dropped entirely because my internet futzed up when I hit “submit.”
I looked in Spam and do not see it anywhere. Sorry!
Sounds rough, but glad you are okay now with your decision and can move forward with new plans. Sometimes it’s for the best. Just take a breather.
Thanks, Susan! I think this is the best for all of us. Plus, I am really excited for some of the changes we are planning to make to our current house. I am looking at it as if I get all of the bonuses without having to move!
Everything worked out for the best! Although you went through a lot of frustrations and headaches, I’m so happy for you that you have a new plan that you’re thrilled about. It sounds wonderful! I hope you’ll share pictures of all the remodeling projects. I love seeing that kind of stuff!
Absolutely! In fact, I will probably keep the same feature and just post before and after pictures as we move forward.
I’m glad you’re comfortable with the decision but jeez it’s tough to give up on a dream. I’m glad you’re adapting some of the dream into your current house.
Oh, it was incredibly tough. Jim had to mow the lot this week, and he commented on how difficult it was to do that. I suspect there will be a for sale sign on that lot before much longer.