Post Traumatic Home Repair Syndrome?

It's become apparent I have developed a severe case of Post Traumatic Home Repair Syndrome, my husband is also a victim! I cringe every time my contractor says, I have to talk to you! I reach for my wallet and anticipate the worst.

When we decided to paint the house we never thought that it would turn into a full blown exterior makeover. Yes, of course we anticipated replacing some cedar clapboards, we had budgeted a couple thousand dollars for the materials. We carefully looked over the house with our contractor to identify potential trouble spots. We felt well prepared going in.  We were all wrong. The hidden problems kept on coming! I'm a perfectionist and it's the little details that I always notice. Little details add up! Mind you, I don't regret replacing a single piece of trim, shutters, pillars, mailboxes, door knockers and lighting! What I do regret is underestimating my penchant for uttering the words replace all of it.

When you own an old home you have to learn to accept that it won't ever be perfect. The walls are never going to be straight, the wood will have marks on it. I'm afraid, I haven't come to grips with that reality. Yet, I love my old home, I wouldn't trade it for anything! I also believe that I have to respect the character and construction of the house and I will always replace the high quality materials used in the 1920s with high quality materials. After this makeover I'm confident this house will stand for another hundred years!

On another note, while on Pintrist last night I found an old picture of my house right before we bought it. It was on a website that highlighted the old homes of Buffalo, NY. This picture reminds me of why I bought this house. I love it, it's beautiful, it's my home! I can't wait to share my final exterior makeover picture!