Otis in the Suburbs (2 Viewers)

[Premier]

25k on furniture?

Then again, maybe we've spent 10-15k, and it sounds like our place is a bunch smaller than his.

God. That's an extremely awesome vacation. You could go to Europe for a month like a king on that dough.

 

[corpcow]

25k on furniture?

We moved from a 650 sq foot place in NYC and bought a place in Pitt that we got a pretty good deal on. We quite literally didn't move ANY furniture. (Well, except for my old Aeron office chair). On top of that, after 10 years of awful Ikea stuff in apartments that fell apart, we wanted nice furniture, particularly since the budget allowed for it given all the other factors.But, yeah... seriously. Here's what I have off the top of my head: $5,000 on 4 mattresses (3 queens and 1 king)$5,500 on a leather sectional$1,300 on two "accent chairs"$4,000 on an entertainment center$1,500 on lamps, a new light thing in the kitchen, etc$1,000 on a headboard$2,500+ on bedroom dressers and nighttables$1,500 on kitchen table + chairsProbably $2,000 on rugs and $1k-1,500 on 4 mirrors$500 on some bar stools$1k on a "mini sofa" for our bedroomSo, over $25k, and this doesn't include the $7,500 in blinds (no, SERIOUSLY... WTF), the TV, and all the "stuff" I have had bought from Home Depot and the like.But, that's part of why we bought in Pittsburgh. We were looking at buying something in NYC/Suburbs and could never have afforded this furniture, the work we did to the house (hardwood on the 1st floor, painting, etc), etc.

 

[corpcow]

25k on furniture?

Then again, maybe we've spent 10-15k, and it sounds like our place is a bunch smaller than his.

Bear in mind... as I said we literally had NO furniture, and we moved into a 3k square foot house (not including the unfinished basement). And we wanted decent furniture, since we had spent 10 years dealing with Ikea stuff that fell apart.

 

[corpcow]

On a related note - anyone have any experience with laying hardwood floors? Half of our 1st floor was hardwood, half was carpet. Before we moved in, we had a contract rip out the carpet, lay new hardwood, and sand and stain everything darker. Looked great at first, but about 3 months later (when the weather started getting warmer) we started getting what we now found our are "poly beads".

http://www.finishingwoodfloors.com/technical_help/troubleshooting_finishes.html

Our contractor said there's nothing wrong with it and we "just need to regulate the temperature". We have the air on 69 right now and it's only getting worse. SOme people suggested you have to resand/redo the floors, which I really don't want to have to deal with (cost or nuisance).

Anyone ever deal with something like this before??!

 

[Otis]

25k on furniture?

Then again, maybe we've spent 10-15k, and it sounds like our place is a bunch smaller than his.

God. That's an extremely awesome vacation. You could go to Europe for a month like a king on that dough.

It's not that much money for buying good quality furniture for an entire home. 1k - bed in a box3k - complete bedroom set3k - dining room set2k - living room furniture2k - nice sleeper sofa for den3k - LED TV1k - BBQ500-1k - patio setIt goes fast.

 

[Koya]

I will add that the beer selection at the supermarket is nowhere near as good as the ridiculous selection they had in Brooklyn for all the beer nerds.

OMG THAT'S REALLY HOPPY

Find your local beer distributor. I have never been, but there is one in albertson, not far from you on Willis Avenue (close to walbaums but on the other side of the road).

 

[Otis]

I will add that the beer selection at the supermarket is nowhere near as good as the ridiculous selection they had in Brooklyn for all the beer nerds.

OMG THAT'S REALLY HOPPY

Find your local beer distributor. I have never been, but there is one in albertson, not far from you on Willis Avenue (close to walbaums but on the other side of the road).

Dude, stop knowing where I live.

 

[shuke]

Figure out the toilet seat yet? Want me to talk you through it? Post a pic and we'll label the parts for you.

No.

 

[Shutterbug]

Link

So you "upgraded" to a new ceiling fan with no lights?

also, why white with silver? Looks a little odd against the wood.

 

[shuke]

Ugly ### ceiling fan chopped down and replaced with decent looking one. Suck it fred!

Let's wait until we see the new one installed.

That is the new one installed

 

[humpback]

They have one of these are our local neighborhood hardware store. Likely pulling the trigger by phone tomorrow, and they'll deliver and put it together free within a couple days. I could probably get it a little cheaper somewhere else, but I'd rather support the local stores -- it's a great hardware store, family owned, and they bailed my ### out with the stupid toilet seat stuff.



BARBECUE AT OATS' PLACE

Oathole 2011.

How much? Just as a comparison, it's $839 at that other site- free shipping, no tax (some assembly).

 

[shuke]

25k on furniture?

Then again, maybe we've spent 10-15k, and it sounds like our place is a bunch smaller than his.

God. That's an extremely awesome vacation. You could go to Europe for a month like a king on that dough.

It's not that much money for buying good quality furniture for an entire home. 1k - bed in a box3k - complete bedroom set3k - dining room set2k - living room furniture2k - nice sleeper sofa for den3k - LED TV1k - BBQ500-1k - patio setIt goes fast.

Man, you people love to spend money. 1k for a grill and 3k for LED TV these days?

 

[corpcow]

25k on furniture?

Then again, maybe we've spent 10-15k, and it sounds like our place is a bunch smaller than his.

God. That's an extremely awesome vacation. You could go to Europe for a month like a king on that dough.

It's not that much money for buying good quality furniture for an entire home. 1k - bed in a box3k - complete bedroom set3k - dining room set2k - living room furniture2k - nice sleeper sofa for den3k - LED TV1k - BBQ500-1k - patio setIt goes fast.

Man, you people love to spend money. 1k for a grill and 3k for LED TV these days?

For what it's worth, I spent less than $2k on a 55" Samsung LED 3D TV (with 2 glasses, even). And I expect my grill will be int eh $500 range.But, real furniture is expensive man....

 

[flapgreen]

Did you put on 50 lbs and buy a van yet?

 

[OC Zed]

Did our first big food shopping at the Stop n' Shop right around the corner today. That place is effing amazing. Are all suburban supermarkets like this? The aisles were huge, they had literally EVERYTHING. The place was so big it was like they ran out of supermarket-type stuff to put on the shelves, so they had to occupy a few aisles with patio furniture, kids toys, a florist, and a Starbucks.Totally awesome.

This point is always lost on the urban snobs. There is nothing more miserable than trudging home to a city apartment 4 blocks in the snow from the supermarket with 3 heavy bags of groceries.

 

[OC Zed]

25k on furniture?

Then again, maybe we've spent 10-15k, and it sounds like our place is a bunch smaller than his.

God. That's an extremely awesome vacation. You could go to Europe for a month like a king on that dough.

It's not that much money for buying good quality furniture for an entire home. 1k - bed in a box3k - complete bedroom set3k - dining room set2k - living room furniture2k - nice sleeper sofa for den3k - LED TV1k - BBQ500-1k - patio setIt goes fast.

By the way, your daughter will pretty much destroy all of that shiny new furniture in the next 5 years

 

[Otis]

Link

So you "upgraded" to a new ceiling fan with no lights?

also, why white with silver? Looks a little odd against the wood.

The ceiling is getting painted white soon. We think thatll look good. At least better than the atrocity that was there.

 

[ShaqAttaq]

They have one of these are our local neighborhood hardware store. Likely pulling the trigger by phone tomorrow, and they'll deliver and put it together free within a couple days. I could probably get it a little cheaper somewhere else, but I'd rather support the local stores -- it's a great hardware store, family owned, and they bailed my ### out with the stupid toilet seat stuff.



BARBECUE AT OATS' PLACE

Oathole 2011.

i don't think you'll be using that side burner for much other than a place to store stuff. great grill though.

 

[corpcow]

Did our first big food shopping at the Stop n' Shop right around the corner today. That place is effing amazing. Are all suburban supermarkets like this? The aisles were huge, they had literally EVERYTHING. The place was so big it was like they ran out of supermarket-type stuff to put on the shelves, so they had to occupy a few aisles with patio furniture, kids toys, a florist, and a Starbucks.Totally awesome.

This point is always lost on the urban snobs. There is nothing more miserable than trudging home to a city apartment 4 blocks in the snow from the supermarket with 3 heavy bags of groceries.

Believe me, I was one of the biggest urban elitists for awhile. We moved out to Brooklyn because our rent was literally half of what it was. Before that, I used to give people #### when they moved to Queens or Brooklyn.... like that was "suburban". Now, I can fit all 4 of my NYC apartments plus two more in my house, and I pay less than any apartment I ever had. (Of course, I also had an extra $100k+ in the bank). Grocery shopping used to be the WORST. FreshDirect was awesome, but pricey. Fairway was awesome, but it was a full-day affair. And the "local" grocery stores always sucked (I do not miss Grosstedes). It used to be you had to plan your day on how you were getting home... Now, I live <1m from a Giant Eagle Market District, which is like their higher end Whole Foods competitor. Prices for everything else are ridiculously cheap, and the higher end stuff (like meats and cheeses, prepared foods) are still cheaper than Whole Foods. The best part? I drive there, load up my SUV, drive into my attached garage and unload into my kitchen. I don't have to drag heavy grocery bags for 5 blocks, up a couple of flight of steep stairs, and unload into a tiny apartment-sized fridge. There are undoubtedly things I miss about the urban lifestyle, but that is not one of them. In fact, there are things about a suburban lifestyle that I have really come to appreciate.

 

[The Commish]

25k on furniture?

Then again, maybe we've spent 10-15k, and it sounds like our place is a bunch smaller than his.

God. That's an extremely awesome vacation. You could go to Europe for a month like a king on that dough.

It's not that much money for buying good quality furniture for an entire home. 1k - bed in a box

3k - complete bedroom set

3k - dining room set

2k - living room furniture

2k - nice sleeper sofa for den

3k - LED TV

1k - BBQ

500-1k - patio set

It goes fast.

Man, you people love to spend money. 1k for a grill and 3k for LED TV these days?

For what it's worth, I spent less than $2k on a 55" Samsung LED 3D TV (with 2 glasses, even). And I expect my grill will be int eh $500 range.But, real furniture is expensive man....

It's expensive, but if you go to a store, the prices are negotiable. This is something I learned after dropping several grand on office furniture I haven't bought anything at sticker since.

 

[Reaper]

I will add that the beer selection at the supermarket is nowhere near as good as the ridiculous selection they had in Brooklyn for all the beer nerds.

OMG THAT'S REALLY HOPPY

Reason enough to go elsewhere.

Actually a pretty good selection at................ Target

 

[Tiger Fan]

Got some guy off craigslist to swing by today to pick up the crappy plastic patio set they left behind -- new one inbound as we speak. Craigslist is totally awesome.

I've been wanting some patio furniture. Details on what you got?

I made the decision today that I'm going to wait until after summer to buy a set. You can typically get them at least 50% off when they want to clear floor space for other things.I do like the set that Otis got though

We tried this last year and it backfired. Started looking around in late august and all we could find was leftovers and junk nobody wanted.Patio furniture has been surprisingly difficult to conquer.

Hmmm...not what I wanted to hear. On the plus side though, I can't find anything I like in the stores here; so it's not like I'm sacrificing something.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

what's on the docket for this weekend?

- Crew of landscapers here this morning for a major cleanup Well worth the - Guy came in and gave us a quote on siding. For maybe the first time ever, the amount we had in mind ended up being just right or a little high even. Didn't bother to haggle much, gave him a deposit on the spot. All new siding will be done in the next couple of weeks.

- Got a quote back for the masonry all along the front walkway. 18 grand? Yeah, I don't think we'll be doing that. However, I'm tempted to call the guy back and get a quote just to redo the front stoop and do something nice there. I figure a few thousand, but could be worth it.

- Been working on the home automation system. Got the second thermostat replaced with my wireless version and got the network up and running and connected to the iPad. Awaiting a shipment to replace some of the wall dinners, outlets, and to put a wireless lock on the front door. Project coming along. It's not high priority, but it's what I work on to fill time between other things (wife is off getting her nails done or somesuch nonsense and I'm babysitting)

- Wife and I need to shoot out and do some shopping shortly. Some small stuff -- rugs, a small kitchen table, some other things here and there. May stop off at Home Depot or a nursery at some point to pick up flowers for the large planter in the yard, and may also pick up a grill today. New patio set is incoming early next week, so with the grill we will be fully up and running for some backyard chilling/entertaining.

We decided to give ourselves a break this weekend, since the past few weeks have been hectic, so I have no grand ambitions. But if we can knock a few more things out today, I'll be feeling

eyes on the prize

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

Figure out the toilet seat yet? Want me to talk you through it? Post a pic and we'll label the parts for you.

No.

What a maroon.

What the hell is the hammer for?

lolzmao

 

[glock]

They have one of these are our local neighborhood hardware store. Likely pulling the trigger by phone tomorrow, and they'll deliver and put it together free within a couple days. I could probably get it a little cheaper somewhere else, but I'd rather support the local stores -- it's a great hardware store, family owned, and they bailed my ### out with the stupid toilet seat stuff.



BARBECUE AT OATS' PLACE

Oathole 2011.

i don't think you'll be using that side burner for much other than a place to store stuff. great grill though.

Kraut or beans.

 

[The Commish]

They have one of these are our local neighborhood hardware store. Likely pulling the trigger by phone tomorrow, and they'll deliver and put it together free within a couple days. I could probably get it a little cheaper somewhere else, but I'd rather support the local stores -- it's a great hardware store, family owned, and they bailed my ### out with the stupid toilet seat stuff.



BARBECUE AT OATS' PLACE

Oathole 2011.

i don't think you'll be using that side burner for much other than a place to store stuff. great grill though.

Kraut or beans.

I use mine to deep fry also. It keeps the house from smelling like a fish fry for the next week

 

[St. Louis Bob]

25k on furniture?

Then again, maybe we've spent 10-15k, and it sounds like our place is a bunch smaller than his.

God. That's an extremely awesome vacation. You could go to Europe for a month like a king on that dough.

It's not that much money for buying good quality furniture for an entire home. 1k - bed in a box3k - complete bedroom set3k - dining room set2k - living room furniture2k - nice sleeper sofa for den3k - LED TV1k - BBQ500-1k - patio setIt goes fast.

Looks like you did a good job here and didn't spend too much. I still get pissed when I look at the really nice stuff we bought that the boys have now destroyed.

 

[Sconch]

25k on furniture?

Then again, maybe we've spent 10-15k, and it sounds like our place is a bunch smaller than his.

God. That's an extremely awesome vacation. You could go to Europe for a month like a king on that dough.

It's not that much money for buying good quality furniture for an entire home. 1k - bed in a box3k - complete bedroom set3k - dining room set2k - living room furniture2k - nice sleeper sofa for den3k - LED TV1k - BBQ500-1k - patio setIt goes fast.

By the way, your daughter will pretty much destroy all of that shiny new furniture in the next 5 years

 

[Koya]

I will add that the beer selection at the supermarket is nowhere near as good as the ridiculous selection they had in Brooklyn for all the beer nerds.

OMG THAT'S REALLY HOPPY

Find your local beer distributor. I have never been, but there is one in albertson, not far from you on Willis Avenue (close to walbaums but on the other side of the road).

Dude, stop knowing where I live.

I stalk in peace.

 

[glock]

I will add that the beer selection at the supermarket is nowhere near as good as the ridiculous selection they had in Brooklyn for all the beer nerds.

OMG THAT'S REALLY HOPPY

Find your local beer distributor. I have never been, but there is one in albertson, not far from you on Willis Avenue (close to walbaums but on the other side of the road).

Dude, stop knowing where I live.

I stalk in peace.

(clearing summer calendar for Ohole...)

 

[Shutterbug]

Link

So you "upgraded" to a new ceiling fan with no lights?

also, why white with silver? Looks a little odd against the wood.

The ceiling is getting painted white soon. We think thatll look good. At least better than the atrocity that was there.

Ohhhh noooo Don't paint the wood. lol Also... Did I miss the picture of your lil one???

 

[Shutterbug]

They have one of these are our local neighborhood hardware store. Likely pulling the trigger by phone tomorrow, and they'll deliver and put it together free within a couple days. I could probably get it a little cheaper somewhere else, but I'd rather support the local stores -- it's a great hardware store, family owned, and they bailed my ### out with the stupid toilet seat stuff.



BARBECUE AT OATS' PLACE

Oathole 2011.

i don't think you'll be using that side burner for much other than a place to store stuff. great grill though.

Kraut or beans.

I use mine to deep fry also. It keeps the house from smelling like a fish fry for the next week

I bought an outdoor fryer for that kind of stuff, then realized I don't use it much. I love to use the side burner for bbq sauce. I usually make my own, so that is a perfect place to do it.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

painting over the wood to white?

sounds like a disaster.

 

[the moops]

painting over the wood to white?sounds like a disaster.

Sounds OK to me.

 

[mr roboto]

painting over the wood to white?sounds like a disaster.

Why?Just painted over dark-stained trim in a house I renovated. It is pure glossy white. Looks like new trim.Hire someone who knows what they are doing.

 

[Otis]

painting over the wood to white?sounds like a disaster.

Why?

 

[Drifter]

painting over the wood to white?sounds like a disaster.

Why?Just painted over dark-stained trim in a house I renovated. It is pure glossy white. Looks like new trim.Hire someone who knows what they are doing.

That's trim. These are wood boards. Still, it may not look bad. Depends on what the rest of the room is like but, in general, painting over brick, stone or wood usually looks crappy.

 

[AAABatteries]

painting over the wood to white?sounds like a disaster.

Why?

The hammer is already being used in the plumbing project - wait for that to be over and O should be good to go.

 

[offdee]

painting over the wood to white?sounds like a disaster.

You sound like my mom.YOU'RE GONNA PAINT OVER THE WOOD, WHYYYYYY?!!?!Um, because it looks like crap and makes the room look like a cave.BUT, IT'S WOOOOOOOOD!!!

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I really thought people stopped painting over wood in the 70s.

at people who think this is a good idea.

 

[Otis]

I really thought people stopped painting over wood in the 70s.

at people who think this is a good idea.

Still uber confused by this. You're on an island here, friend.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Still uber confused by this. You're on an island here, friend.

Depends on what the rest of the room is like but, in general, painting over brick, stone or wood usually looks crappy.

maybe it makes sense in your situation. I don't know. I just remember tearing off coats and coats of hideous paint to bring out lots of beautiful hardwood in the house my parents bought. Might have doubled the property value just by getting rid of that crap. It was everywhere. Any piece of wood you could find was painted over by the previous owners it seemed.

I've always believed that painting over wood is just something you generally don't do, except in some extreme circumstances.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

It's not that much money for buying good quality furniture for an entire home. 1k - bed in a box3k - complete bedroom set3k - dining room set2k - living room furniture2k - nice sleeper sofa for den3k - LED TV1k - BBQ500-1k - patio setIt goes fast.

That's it? Man, you are slipping big time.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I really thought people stopped painting over wood in the 70s.

at people who think this is a good idea.

Still uber confused by this. You're on an island here, friend.

Uh, nope. Wood = good. Painted wood = ugly as ####.Wife and I bid on a house 2 years ago....the brochure had a living room with gorgeous woodwork, wood beams in the ceiling. We walked in and the whole ####### room was white. I asked our realtor what happened...."well, they thought the room was too dark so they painted it over." Me: "who suggested that?" Realtor: "um, the seller's realtor suggested it." Me: "Tell the seller's realtor that I want it written into the contract that they will have the wood stripped and re-finished....but here is the kicker....I want the ####### realtor to be the one who strips the wood personally."

 

[corpcow]

Still uber confused by this. You're on an island here, friend.

Depends on what the rest of the room is like but, in general, painting over brick, stone or wood usually looks crappy.

maybe it makes sense in your situation. I don't know. I just remember tearing off coats and coats of hideous paint to bring out lots of beautiful hardwood in the house my parents bought. Might have doubled the property value just by getting rid of that crap. It was everywhere. Any piece of wood you could find was painted over by the previous owners it seemed.

I've always believed that painting over wood is just something you generally don't do, except in some extreme circumstances.

Also, from what our contractor said, also creates a lot more maintenance work, since you'll have to repaint frequently (moreso than on walls) where you would never have to touch the wood. We sanded and stained our existing hardwood, railing, etc and it looks a lot better.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

I really thought people stopped painting over wood in the 70s.

at people who think this is a good idea.

Still uber confused by this. You're on an island here, friend.

Uh, nope. Wood = good. Painted wood = ugly as ####.Wife and I bid on a house 2 years ago....the brochure had a living room with gorgeous woodwork, wood beams in the ceiling. We walked in and the whole ####### room was white. I asked our realtor what happened...."well, they thought the room was too dark so they painted it over." Me: "who suggested that?" Realtor: "um, the seller's realtor suggested it." Me: "Tell the seller's realtor that I want it written into the contract that they will have the wood stripped and re-finished....but here is the kicker....I want the ####### realtor to be the one who strips the wood personally."

daaaayum!@~

 

[the moops]

I just remember tearing off coats and coats of hideous paint to bring out lots of beautiful hardwood in the house my parents bought.

His ceiling appears to be pine. Neither beautiful, nor a hardwood.

 

[mr roboto]

I just remember tearing off coats and coats of hideous paint to bring out lots of beautiful hardwood in the house my parents bought.

His ceiling appears to be pine. Neither beautiful, nor a hardwood.

100 year old mahogany is one thing. Crappy red oak or pine trim/doors is just dated and ugly.

 

[Otis]

Still uber confused by this. You're on an island here, friend.

Depends on what the rest of the room is like but, in general, painting over brick, stone or wood usually looks crappy.

maybe it makes sense in your situation. I don't know. I just remember tearing off coats and coats of hideous paint to bring out lots of beautiful hardwood in the house my parents bought. Might have doubled the property value just by getting rid of that crap. It was everywhere. Any piece of wood you could find was painted over by the previous owners it seemed.

I've always believed that painting over wood is just something you generally don't do, except in some extreme circumstances.

That may be the issue here. That's not "beautiful hardwood.". Like beaded planks and it's very blah. It will look great painted in white -- almost like a wainscoating detail on the ceiling. Then again what the hell do I know.

 

[Otis]

I just remember tearing off coats and coats of hideous paint to bring out lots of beautiful hardwood in the house my parents bought.

His ceiling appears to be pine. Neither beautiful, nor a hardwood.

Bingo. Beat me to it.