The "Before" Tour - the exterior

Even before you could reach the actual house, it was pretty clear that much work was needed.  The three sets of concrete stairs leading to the porch were broken or sinking or both.

Once on the front porch, I knew that the unique front door would really be cool once it was refinished,

and could imagine how much nicer the house would look once the dirty aluminum was stripped off the siding and off the unusual vertical trim boards between the leaky metal casement windows. 

A wood deck and a concrete paver patio out back were nice and practical but dingy and not very welcoming.

I couldn't wait to get inside!