Virginia Real Estate Blog: January 2010

Yeah!  JEL TILE finished the job today!  It looks great!  I need to paint, install the lights, put up mirrors, and well... the rest of it. But the hard work is done.  Thanks again to John and Lori at JEL TILE!

I know everyone has been waiting for an update!  So here it.... The tiles are going in beautifully!  The contractor, JELTile on Garrisonville Road in Stafford, VA is really attentive to detail and takes the steps needed to 'get it right'. I am very pleased with their work so far.

As you know from reading earlier blogs, this bathroom remodel was not elective, but requisite!  On the plus, if we were considering selling the house, a bathroom remodel is a great investment and one where the homeowner may see a return on investment for the project.  Bankrate says almost 85% of the value can be recovered while the COST vs VALUE report from National Association of Realtors (Realtor.org) says about 75% of costs are recouped.

Regardless, I am loving the results and it will be worth every penny to me.

Stage one is compete.  The old cracked tiles have been removed and the shower has been gutted.

We added insulation for sound dampening to the shower walls and the plumber comes this afternoon to install the new 'guts' - shower diverter, etc. 

The plumbing fixtures have been the biggest challenge.  This home isn't old.  1992 seems like a new house to me compared to my previous Norfolk home, built in 1912. But sure enough, the 'guts' of the shower and the tub are so old that no new fixtures, even ones of the same brand, do not fit.  Anyway, after numerous online attempts and trips to home stores in the area, I finally understood that all new plumbing was required. 

John from JELTile (a tile store in Stafford VA) is here today to start laying the floor and next week they will finish up the shower walls, tub surround and the vanity goes back in.

In an effort to discover Fredericksburg, our new town, and to take advantage of one of the first warm (over 50 degrees) days since our move, my husband and I decided to 'take a walk in the woods'. This walk would surely be less taxing than Bill Bryson's for several reasons

1. We were NOT attacking the Appalachian Trial from either end or even from the middle

2. We would have 2 beagle dogs with us who would surely be looking for their beds after an hour or two

3. We would be leaving an elderly beagle boy home to guard the house in our absence and he would need food and the outdoor facilities in short order.

Regardless of our time constraints, but aware of them, we set off to Caledon Natural Area in King George VA (this between our home in Fredericksburg and the area near Dahlgren).

The walk was, in a word, monochromatic. In two words, monochromatic and flat.  We will try harder next time!  Actually it was quite lovely, peaceful, and provided a intertesting view of the Potomac River with ice. The area is known for its eagle population and so is off limits during breeding season. I am glad we had a chance to see it in winter and I look forward to another visit in spring.

Today, it is chores on the agenda! 

PS, the girls were, in fact, pooped after the walk. Seen here in the back seat of the Ford Escape Hybrid! 

PPS we did in fact pick up the trash that floated onto shore - I dont think eagles like Corona.

Wanted to take this opportunity to introduce Maize to you.  She is a SWEET beagle girl of a certain age (she's not telling) who is available for adoption through Beagles to the Rescue in Hampton Roads Virginia.

Find a friend, adopt a beagle!

http://www.beaglestotherescue.org/maize.cfm