Paint, Paint, and More Paint

Our house is 106 years old. We actually never planned on buying an 'old house'. We searched and searched for new construction homes but they all looked the same, didn't have a lot of room, and had little to no character. We wanted new construction so we wouldn't have to spend weekend after weekend working on updating a house. So we bought a 106 year old house.

We both fell in love with the house and the location the second we walked in. While it is old....the inside is fairly new. The electrical was all updated, the plumbing, etc. Of course months after buying it the furnace went. And then the sump pump. The roof needs to be replaced soon. And there was this nagging problem with the paint that was peeling off the house. Dad was going to paint it himself...but the house has such tall peaks there was no way he could safely do it himself.

Enter the painters.

Dad got a couple of quotes in the spring. Of course he went with the lowest. Not always the best thing to do. The painters were supposed to start the middle of June. They got a late start and began the first week of July. Estimated time to completion was 2 weeks. Well as of today they are finally finished. They wanted to be done a few days ago...but dad wouldn't let them. This is the actual conversation dad had with the painter:

Painter - your house is finished now. I'd like to meet with you so I can get final payment.

Dad - Finished? You still have to get the peaks of the house and get the dormers.

Painter - I understand but those areas are difficult for us to reach.

Dad - You would be able to reach them if you had a taller ladder. Instead you have guys on ladders with paintbrushes duct taped to sticks to try and reach them.

Painter - Well what do you suggest we do?

Dad - You are asking me? You are the professional painters I suggest you rent a ladder that will reach and finish the job. I hired you to paint the whole house, not part of the house, and not just the 'easy' parts.

Painter - Ok, well we will do what we can.


When dad got home the house was finished. How they did it he does not know. Mom doesn't know either. She was scared to watch them after seeing the kid standing on the top rung of the ladder using the stick and brush to reach the peaks. We are just happy no one got hurt and that it is finally done. Below are some pictures of the finished product.