The Show Stopper

As you may know, our loan process was derailed for a few weeks because of the appraisal. Long story short, it passed inspection, but not appraisal. So we asked the owners if we could work on the house so that it would pass (there were a few problem areas to fix.) We then had to wait two weeks for the appraiser to come back from vacation and re-appraise it. TORTURE!

So this was our problem child. We knew it was damage that would need fixing, though we didn't quite know how to face it. 

It looked a lot worse than it actually was, once the reinforcement came to our rescue. Who were our reinforcements? My grandma (84 mind you), my Uncle Robb (a retired contractor), and his wife Sharon. 

Uncle Robb worked on the problem child. He scraped everything away, all the plaster that was coming off the walls and ceilings and then he re-plastered it. It probably took him all of 1hr if that.

We had to let it dry the rest of the day, so Dave and Uncle Robb started painting another room. The appraiser had also stated that rooms needed painting. Um, duh. But anyway, we tried to oblige at least on a few rooms to show her we were serious.  

Meanwhile, Sharon, Grandma and I were washing walls. Do you see the difference??? It was hard work, but we got most of the downstairs washed in the few days they were here.

The next day, we put the first coat of paint over the plaster on the wall in the dining and then living room. It is amazing what paint can do!

Sharon and I painted while Uncle Robb and Dave installed a new door at our other house. Seriously, it was great to have them here. We knew nothing about plaster walls and installing new french doors. But we do now!

So here is the problem child, no longer a problem at all. In fact, turned out quite beautiful and it is hard to remember what was once there. A HUGE thanks to the family that was able to come!