When the ball dropped on 2022, I wasn’t ready to think about plans for BHH at all. In the last quarter of 2021, I was recovering from the whiplash of “Let’s refinance and stay here ten years or more” to “We’re moving to Utah“–four words I never thought I would say. Add in all the other stressors that everyone else is going through too, and I was quite happy to not think about projects at all beyond the chaos I had already created here. Now that I am adjusting to our big news, my mind is more open to developing the exit strategy, but I don’t even like writing that, to be honest. Whether I like it or not, it is happening. So, here is the general game plan for 2022.
But before I begin, I want to address the elephant in the room: the bathrooms. In theory, they are coming along. In practice, I don’t want to talk about it right now. I’ll keep you posted, though.
January through April
It is time to buckle down and finish the Grand Staircase, Front Entry, and Butler’s Pantry.
My friend Dale has been the true champion of the staircase restoration. He’s been gently pressing me to move forward on it, and he has stripped his fair share of balusters too. We will finally begin repairing the broken ones this week or next. Out of twenty, at least eleven are cracked, split, or broken altogether. The repainting will require meticulous care, and I’ll plug away at it as quickly as possible without compromising the quality. This staircase restoration will be my legacy. I’m joking, but also, no, I’m not.
For the front entry, I need to repaint all the doors, trim, install the crown molding and two pieces of shoe molding. I have everything I need on hand. I just haven’t done it yet. That’s becoming the story of my life.
I talked about the Butler’s Pantry a couple of weeks ago. If Dale isn’t completely sick of me, he will help me build the missing cabinet doors. Then, I’ll repaint the baseboards and install the shoe molding.
Summer: Travel & Windows
I am actually quite thrilled about my summer plans. In June, I’ll be in New York City for a long weekend. My son and I used to go every year, but we haven’t been in two. We may have to cancel again, but I have my fingers crossed.
Then, in July, I should be in Scotland and Northern Ireland, mid-month, and you can go with me. In case you missed it, I’ll be hosting a tour to Scotland and Northern Ireland, July 12-22. I have partnered with Holiday Vacations.
I wrote an entire post about the trip last week, and I hope you can come. It would make the perfect mother/daughter, significant anniversary, or best friend getaway. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. A $200 deposit is required to hold your spot, but full payment isn’t due until April 8. My role is host, and we will have experienced guides throughout the entire trip. It is going to be so much fun.
In August, I plan to travel to Utah to visit Andy. I will actually be there in March too, but I’m less inclined to dive headfirst into the history and architecture during the cold, icy months. Instead, I will be skiing and helping Andy set up his apartment. August will be the perfect time for leisurely strolls and meeting other old house lovers in SLC. Let me know if you want to get together while I’m there.
When I am not traveling, I’ll be working on windows, including plenty of restoration and sorting out the storm window screens. While it is cold, I have been dropping off the screens at my local hardware store to have them repaired. Repairing screens is an easy DIY, but I just don’t have the time to do it. I am keeping my focus on the staircase, entry, butler’s pantry trifecta.
Fall through the End of the Year
Right now, I don’t have anything planned 100%. However, the fall and early winter chores will become apparent as the summer progresses. They always do. I suspect I will be repointing more stone and renting a boom lift again. The last time I rented the boom lift, I didn’t make it around to the back side of BHH.
Miscellaneous Jobs that I’m Hiring Out
Since I cannot do everything, I’ve started to make a list of jobs to hire out to contractors and tradespeople. Roofing is high on the list. The lower porch roofs and oriel window overhang need new shingles and possibly sheathing. We had the upper portion replaced in 2015.
The sleeping porch off the primary bedroom also needs rebuilding along both sides.
There is a lot to think about and consider in the coming year and plenty to look forward to. A punch list won’t be available anytime soon, but all of this work is a very good step in the right direction.
So, what’s the word at your house? How are your 2022 plans shaping up right now? Do you have anything fun in the works?
