Otis in the Suburbs (1 Viewer)

[Donsmith753]

Ok, like I said, the house needs work, and I don't have great pics because we haven't moved in yet, but here's what I've got.

It's an odd layout -- the house is situated on a pretty hilly lot, and is almost sideways to the street (the street actually proceeds up directly towards it and then around the side). Here's an overhead view from Bing.

Isn't this always the sort of image you see when there's been a murder...

 

[Premier]

This is crazy to me. Did I land on another board? This is like alternate FBG.

 

[Otis]

This is crazy to me. Did I land on another board? This is like alternate FBG.

Can't wait for shuke and Chase's next sarging report. "

 

[Otis]

Here's a Google earth angle from the front. You can see the driving heading around to the left, but in the middle you can also sort of make out the concrete steps/walkway up to the front door/house level. The steps are just plain concrete and are cracking in some places -- structurally they are fine, but they are not very nice looking at all. We'll need to do something about that too. To the right is the shrubs/pachysandra, with the lawn just up above that.

I'd leave the pachysandra there. That area looks like it'll be tough to grow good grass in, no matter if the grass seed says it's for "shade". Pachysandra, on the other hand, is great ground cover for shady areas.Looks like a really nice house. Grats.

Thanks.Yeah that stuff always looks like weeds to me. I hate it and would love some nice grass there, but I see what you're saying. I could totally envision me spending a weekend out there pulling that stuff up and putting it in black trash bags only to discovery that for the next 3 years I have a front lot of dirt, seed, and zero grass. I could probably have sod put down right? Like a magical grass transplant?

ETA-- the good news on this front is that the house has in-ground sprinklers -- something we never had as a kid. So maybe that will make growing grass a little easier.

 

[menobrown]

Property is 0.37 acres or so. The hicks here shouldn't get too carried away with the ride-on stuff. Also the sellers mentioned they have a service, pretty cheap, whereby a bunch of illegals come by and cut the grass cheap each weekend. I may roll that way. I always wanted to have a lawn to mow, like when I was a kid, but I figure I can find other chores.

It isn't as much fun as you remember. You're going to have enough problems to deal with - get the service.

For .4 acres?

I wish I had .4 acres to mow myself. That hour outside by myself would be awesome every Saturday. No way I'd pay someone for that.

Have a little over .5 acres and make sure to milk it for all its worth.Get done, make some noise like Im cleaning things up in the garage as I grab a couple of beers from the outside fridge. Its a nice little spring afternoon.

Do you all lock your kids inside why you do this because I seriously can't check the mail without my kid following me outside. I go out, my kid always follows. Just makes it more difficult because now I'm trying to do work and watch after my kid.Get a service and forget about it. It's usually cost effective from a time standpoint and the thing about a lawn/gardening is that there is always something to do or a new project to start if you want. Use those times for get away moments when you can and rely on the service to take care of the stuff that has to be done.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Pics have me guessing Northport, Pt Wash or Huntington

All very hilly in spots

Don't think you want to plant grasss on those slopes - mowing would be an adventure

 

[Otis]

Don't think you want to plant grasss on those slopes - mowing would be an adventure

But it would be someone else's adventure if I pay a service, right?

 

[bigbottom]

On another, yet equally important, topic, claim a room for your music studio NOW. If at any point having another kid means you will lose your music room, STOP HAVING KIDS.

 

[Otis]

On another, yet equally important, topic, claim a room for your music studio NOW. If at any point having another kid means you will lose your music room, STOP HAVING KIDS.

Basement.

 

[Arizona Ron]

Still workikng in the city? What's the commute like?

bump

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

build a sweet patio/deck. install an outdoor kitchen (with an outdoor TV). learn to bbq, smoke cigars and drink. have clients over for dinner. write off the whole thing as a marketing expense. :suburbfive:

 

[bigbottom]

On another, yet equally important, topic, claim a room for your music studio NOW. If at any point having another kid means you will lose your music room, STOP HAVING KIDS.

Basement.

Sweet.Also, claim the garage. All of it.

 

[Otis]

On another, yet equally important, topic, claim a room for your music studio NOW. If at any point having another kid means you will lose your music room, STOP HAVING KIDS.

Basement.

Sweet.Also, claim the garage. All of it.

I think that's already assumed. Wife and I are on the same page re: traditional gender roles -- she will happily relinquish the basement, garage, yardwork, and even mostly the TV room, with the understanding that it is her kitchen.

 

[jwb]

On another, yet equally important, topic, claim a room for your music studio NOW. If at any point having another kid means you will lose your music room, STOP HAVING KIDS.

Basement.

Sweet.Also, claim the garage. All of it.

I think that's already assumed. Wife and I are on the same page re: traditional gender roles -- she will happily relinquish the basement, garage, yardwork, and even mostly the TV room, with the understanding that it is her kitchen.

You won't have much say about the bathroom and bedrooms either. Which is probably fine.Someone mentioned garage fridge earlier. Yes, verymuch needed. A full-size one, if possible (mine has a freezer full of pint glasses).

 

[bigbottom]

On another, yet equally important, topic, claim a room for your music studio NOW. If at any point having another kid means you will lose your music room, STOP HAVING KIDS.

Basement.

Sweet.Also, claim the garage. All of it.

I think that's already assumed. Wife and I are on the same page re: traditional gender roles -- she will happily relinquish the basement, garage, yardwork, and even mostly the TV room, with the understanding that it is her kitchen.

MAKE NO ASSUMPTIONS. Otherwise, a year down the road, you'll find boxes of Easter decorations crowding out your tools.

 

[shuke]

Property is 0.37 acres or so.

Just get a self-propelled push mower. Don't overdo it. Just get something with a Briggs and Stratton engine for about $350.

Have a particular one in mind? I want the same thing (and I want to mulch) for a similar sized yard...

People are going to tell you to buy a Honda, but you'll probably pay twice as much as getting a Toro or a Craftsman with a B&S engine.I've just started looking myself as it's time for a replacement. Sears seems to have a variey of 22" deck models in the $280 to $350 range. Probably going to stop by there today.

 

[shuke]

Here is a pic of the front of the house, from the top of the driveway looking up at the front of it, and below that the very back of the house(you can see the gravel patio along with the corner of a short wood "deck."

Lots of trees. Do yourself a favor and get a gas powered leaf blower with one of these attachments to blow the leaves out of your gutters.

 

[shuke]

the outside fridge.

Another must-have that should be on your list.

 

[Otis]

On another, yet equally important, topic, claim a room for your music studio NOW. If at any point having another kid means you will lose your music room, STOP HAVING KIDS.

Basement.

Sweet.Also, claim the garage. All of it.

I think that's already assumed. Wife and I are on the same page re: traditional gender roles -- she will happily relinquish the basement, garage, yardwork, and even mostly the TV room, with the understanding that it is her kitchen.

MAKE NO ASSUMPTIONS. Otherwise, a year down the road, you'll find boxes of Easter decorations crowding out your tools.

 

[Otis]

Here is a pic of the front of the house, from the top of the driveway looking up at the front of it, and below that the very back of the house(you can see the gravel patio along with the corner of a short wood "deck."

Lots of trees. Do yourself a favor and get a gas powered leaf blower with one of these attachments to blow the leaves out of your gutters.

Good stuff -- thanks.

 

[Otis]

the outside fridge.

Another must-have that should be on your list.

The outside isn't very far from the inside. We're getting a new fridge and putting the old fridge in the basement as extra fridge space (beer, holiday meat, etc.), but I'm not sure for a spot like ours we need an outdoor fridge?That a common thing? I could get used to all these suburban comforts. I understand folks drive everywhere too.Crap, will we need a second car?

 

[Nigel]

the outside fridge.

Another must-have that should be on your list.

The outside isn't very far from the inside. We're getting a new fridge and putting the old fridge in the basement as extra fridge space (beer, holiday meat, etc.), but I'm not sure for a spot like ours we need an outdoor fridge?That a common thing?

I could get used to all these suburban comforts. I understand folks drive everywhere too.

Crap, will we need a second car?

You may not need an outdoor fridge, but you want to have these mounted all over the place:link

I think I've got 8 of them scattered throughout my house and in strategic outdoor locations.

eta: in lieu of a fridge get a nice looking cooler like this for the patio for when you entertain out there.

 

[ShaqAttaq]

the outside fridge.

Another must-have that should be on your list.

The outside isn't very far from the inside. We're getting a new fridge and putting the old fridge in the basement as extra fridge space (beer, holiday meat, etc.), but I'm not sure for a spot like ours we need an outdoor fridge?That a common thing? I could get used to all these suburban comforts. I understand folks drive everywhere too.Crap, will we need a second car?

i liked having outdoor fridge, but it didn't seem like a good idea in the dead of winter or when it was 90+ degrees outside. extra basement fridges seem sufficient to me.

 

[Garrett]

Property is 0.37 acres or so. The hicks here shouldn't get too carried away with the ride-on stuff.

From what I have seen of suburbia, folks tend to overdo everything home related. Possibly trying to differentiate themselves from the rest of the hive. Following in that grand tradition, you should not only get a riding mower that is way over sized for your new yard, but also consider installing a large flag on the back of it (Otis profile pic or sports team, either is appropriate). Your mower should be proportionally over sized to run fast enough to proudly display the flag in its tail wake. The only thing that will draw even more attention, is when you wreck the mower into the side of your garage at 2pm on Saturday shortly after polishing off a 12 pack of micro brews; and/or possibly sink the front of it into a 5 foot diameter man made pond in your back yard.

 

[dgreen]

I understand folks drive everywhere too.Crap, will we need a second car?

What's your commute going to be like?

 

[Nigel]

i liked having outdoor fridge, but it didn't seem like a good idea in the dead of winter or when it was 90+ degrees outside. extra basement fridges seem sufficient to me.

And freezers stop working if it's too cold. Had one in my garage and had to throw out a freezer full of meat one year.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

shuke is your man for all things domestic.

 

[Please See Mine]

You people are all clowns. Along with Otis. His questions are beyond ridiculous.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Here is a pic of the front of the house, from the top of the driveway looking up at the front of it, and below that the very back of the house(you can see the gravel patio along with the corner of a short wood "deck."

Congrats, looks like a great house! Now if only you had better taste in furniture...

 

[mon]

House looks very nice and comfortable. I'd be happy there. I suggest you try to do the work yourself -- build the patio, etc. There's a lot to be said for manual labor, especially for those of us who spend most of our time in front of a computer. Feels good to finish a job. If you hate it, you can always hire out, but at least try it.

 

[NCCommish]

House looks very nice and comfortable. I'd be happy there. I suggest you try to do the work yourself -- build the patio, etc. There's a lot to be said for manual labor, especially for those of us who spend most of our time in front of a computer. Feels good to finish a job. If you hate it, you can always hire out, but at least try it.

Gonna have to disagree. If you don't feel you can handle it get a pro from the start. Otherwise you pay him to fix your mistakes and then do the job.

 

[tikitime]

the outside fridge.

Another must-have that should be on your list.

The outside isn't very far from the inside. We're getting a new fridge and putting the old fridge in the basement as extra fridge space (beer, holiday meat, etc.), but I'm not sure for a spot like ours we need an outdoor fridge?That a common thing?

I could get used to all these suburban comforts. I understand folks drive everywhere too.

Crap, will we need a second car?

I think you said you were moving to Long Islan, right?I live in LI as well. Just to give you a point of comparison for your neighbors. One of our friends in town mowed his own lawn. His wife was talking to one of their neighbors about lawns/home maintenance, etc. Our friend said "Oh, my husband does our own lawn." The neighbor said "Yes, I know, he's the one on the block that does."

Consider yourself forewarned

 

[Zow]

Congrats??

 

[Otis]

the outside fridge.

Another must-have that should be on your list.

The outside isn't very far from the inside. We're getting a new fridge and putting the old fridge in the basement as extra fridge space (beer, holiday meat, etc.), but I'm not sure for a spot like ours we need an outdoor fridge?That a common thing?

I could get used to all these suburban comforts. I understand folks drive everywhere too.

Crap, will we need a second car?

You may not need an outdoor fridge, but you want to have these mounted all over the place:link

I think I've got 8 of them scattered throughout my house and in strategic outdoor locations.

eta: in lieu of a fridge get a nice looking cooler like this for the patio for when you entertain out there.

Now we're talking.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Not sure where your place is located Otis, but my buddy lives in Hastings on Hudson in a hilly area. During all of the recent rain, a retaining wall failed on his property next to his driveway. He discovered it was not covered on his insurance and it's going to cost him $40k to replace it. So if I were you, I'd go through your policy with a fine tooth comb and take an extensive review of your entire property to see what might go wrong.

 

[Otis]

I understand folks drive everywhere too.Crap, will we need a second car?

What's your commute going to be like?

1 hour door-to-door. Not terrible for NYC commuter standards, and really only about 15 minutes longer than my current door-to-door from Brooklyn (and a lot more pleasant on the commuter train than my subway ride).

 

[bigbottom]

House looks very nice and comfortable. I'd be happy there. I suggest you try to do the work yourself -- build the patio, etc. There's a lot to be said for manual labor, especially for those of us who spend most of our time in front of a computer. Feels good to finish a job. If you hate it, you can always hire out, but at least try it.

Gonna have to disagree. If you don't feel you can handle it get a pro from the start. Otherwise you pay him to fix your mistakes and then do the job.

Does Otis even own tools?

 

[mon]

House looks very nice and comfortable. I'd be happy there. I suggest you try to do the work yourself -- build the patio, etc. There's a lot to be said for manual labor, especially for those of us who spend most of our time in front of a computer. Feels good to finish a job. If you hate it, you can always hire out, but at least try it.

Gonna have to disagree. If you don't feel you can handle it get a pro from the start. Otherwise you pay him to fix your mistakes and then do the job.

I'm not saying he should try anything over his head. Almost anyone can build a brick patio.

 

[NCCommish]

House looks very nice and comfortable. I'd be happy there. I suggest you try to do the work yourself -- build the patio, etc. There's a lot to be said for manual labor, especially for those of us who spend most of our time in front of a computer. Feels good to finish a job. If you hate it, you can always hire out, but at least try it.

Gonna have to disagree. If you don't feel you can handle it get a pro from the start. Otherwise you pay him to fix your mistakes and then do the job.

Does Otis even own tools?

I am going with unlikely.

 

[NCCommish]

House looks very nice and comfortable. I'd be happy there. I suggest you try to do the work yourself -- build the patio, etc. There's a lot to be said for manual labor, especially for those of us who spend most of our time in front of a computer. Feels good to finish a job. If you hate it, you can always hire out, but at least try it.

Gonna have to disagree. If you don't feel you can handle it get a pro from the start. Otherwise you pay him to fix your mistakes and then do the job.

I'm not saying he should try anything over his head. Almost anyone can build a brick patio.

Almost being the operative word there. I guarantee plenty of people would find it real challenging. No offense to O but this just doesn't seem like his thing.

 

[Al Czervik]

:subscribe:

Oh, and congrats!

 

[Tiny Dancer]

House looks very nice and comfortable. I'd be happy there. I suggest you try to do the work yourself -- build the patio, etc. There's a lot to be said for manual labor, especially for those of us who spend most of our time in front of a computer. Feels good to finish a job. If you hate it, you can always hire out, but at least try it.

Gonna have to disagree. If you don't feel you can handle it get a pro from the start. Otherwise you pay him to fix your mistakes and then do the job.

I don't know why you're trying to destroy the FFA.

 

[Otis]

Not sure where your place is located Otis, but my buddy lives in Hastings on Hudson in a hilly area. During all of the recent rain, a retaining wall failed on his property next to his driveway. He discovered it was not covered on his insurance and it's going to cost him $40k to replace it. So if I were you, I'd go through your policy with a fine tooth comb and take an extensive review of your entire property to see what might go wrong.

Good to know. The retaining walls are cracking in some places and to the inexperienced Oats look like they are about to come down (house was built around 1920), but two engineers have looked at it and said absolutely no issue, the walls are fine, and what I am seeing is just cosmetic. Still, it is a hilly area with lots of retaining walls/drainage concerns, so this is a good thing for me to look at re: insurance. Thanks for the heads-up.

 

[mon]

House looks very nice and comfortable. I'd be happy there. I suggest you try to do the work yourself -- build the patio, etc. There's a lot to be said for manual labor, especially for those of us who spend most of our time in front of a computer. Feels good to finish a job. If you hate it, you can always hire out, but at least try it.

Gonna have to disagree. If you don't feel you can handle it get a pro from the start. Otherwise you pay him to fix your mistakes and then do the job.

I'm not saying he should try anything over his head. Almost anyone can build a brick patio.

Almost being the operative word there. I guarantee plenty of people would find it real challenging. No offense to O but this just doesn't seem like his thing.

O come On! O can do it. How does anyone know until they try? Life's too short not to try everything.

 

[mr. furley]

Pics have me guessing Northport, Pt Wash or HuntingtonAll very hilly in spotsDon't think you want to plant grasss on those slopes - mowing would be an adventure

they're zeroing in on you, Otis. might be time to activate the cloaking device.

 

[mr. furley]

Someone mentioned garage fridge earlier. Yes, verymuch needed. A full-size one, if possible (mine has a freezer full of pint glasses).

:deadbanana: /bakes

 

[Otis]

House looks very nice and comfortable. I'd be happy there. I suggest you try to do the work yourself -- build the patio, etc. There's a lot to be said for manual labor, especially for those of us who spend most of our time in front of a computer. Feels good to finish a job. If you hate it, you can always hire out, but at least try it.

Gonna have to disagree. If you don't feel you can handle it get a pro from the start. Otherwise you pay him to fix your mistakes and then do the job.

Does Otis even own tools?

I have a hammer and a couple screwdrivers. Are there tools beyond these?

 

[dgreen]

I understand folks drive everywhere too.Crap, will we need a second car?

What's your commute going to be like?

1 hour door-to-door. Not terrible for NYC commuter standards, and really only about 15 minutes longer than my current door-to-door from Brooklyn (and a lot more pleasant on the commuter train than my subway ride).

How are you getting to the train? Walking distance? Bus?

 

[Otis]

House looks very nice and comfortable. I'd be happy there. I suggest you try to do the work yourself -- build the patio, etc. There's a lot to be said for manual labor, especially for those of us who spend most of our time in front of a computer. Feels good to finish a job. If you hate it, you can always hire out, but at least try it.

Gonna have to disagree. If you don't feel you can handle it get a pro from the start. Otherwise you pay him to fix your mistakes and then do the job.

I'm not saying he should try anything over his head. Almost anyone can build a brick patio.

Almost being the operative word there. I guarantee plenty of people would find it real challenging. No offense to O but this just doesn't seem like his thing.

Excuse me sir, but I did a tile backsplash in the kitchen in the Opartment last year and it came out pretty darn well. :handyman:

 

[Otis]

I understand folks drive everywhere too.Crap, will we need a second car?

What's your commute going to be like?

1 hour door-to-door. Not terrible for NYC commuter standards, and really only about 15 minutes longer than my current door-to-door from Brooklyn (and a lot more pleasant on the commuter train than my subway ride).

How are you getting to the train? Walking distance? Bus?

Short walk or super short drive.