House is rented

The windows that were supposed to be ready to pick up December 26 were delivered to the store this week.

That meant it was time to tear out the old windows

At least they were all the same size so I could cut all the filler boards the same length. It was almost like running an assembly line. Precut all the wood. Tear out the old windows. Fasten in the new windows and put up the final trim.

Carried all the old windows out and will give them away. It amazes me, people actually want these things. If you want a window and you see Sharon, ask her. She is in charge of giving them away.

It was the last major project in this house.

I was finishing up some trim boards on the exterior of the new windows when I saw the kitchen window on the east side of the house. AH, that's why I originally had 1 more window on the list to order. I still have a window to replace.

And all the wood working tools are moved to the next house, 

and the basement is swept out and cleaned.

Why even this lovely toilet in the basement is hooked up and usable. The inspector allows toilets in basements without vent fans or doors as long as the basement is not partially finished. I don't understand the rules, I just abide by them. If you have a family of 4 in a house they want that extra toilet hooked up in the basement. 

We removed the ones we had in basements when the inspection program started because of all the cost for code compliance. Then after putting in a vent fan, and a door, I watched the inspector walk past a basement bathroom without even checking it. I did not ask any questions that day because I did not want him going back and checking, but I did later. that was when it was explained to me they do not check "emergency toilets" for compliance. Even  later I asked for a definition of "emergency toilet". We were in a partially finished basement and we had removed a toilet and taken out the door because of a mold issue. The inspector took one look and said, "if you put that toilet back in there you will need a vent fan and a door." (This was  a house where the inspector and I were arguing a lot. He wanted balustrades on the front ramp. Sorry pal, not doing it it is only 27 inches high and has a rail. Code says I don't need them at less than 30 inches. Well its close he said. No it is 3 inches within code my friend. Did he really think I don't measure those heights before he shows up? He wanted a ladder in the basement window well. Sorry pal, not doing it there is no bedroom down here. Yea, but there could be he replied. Yea but there isn't. Hey there is a closet in the back corner of the basement so that makes it a bedroom, he said. There is a sink in the front corner does that make it a kitchen? I replied. Then I was informed he was going to put a note in his file. Oh, well if you are going to write a note.... Ask me if I care.)  Anyway for basement toilets it has to be in an "unlivable" basement and not in regular use. That made some tenants happy when we started putting the basement toilets back in.

New water heater is in. The one that was originally there was fairly new and worked great but there was no way I was going to get it to vent the exhaust within code so now we have an almost new water heater setting in storage.

Tom got the new HVAC installed this week. 

And I finished the wood floors. 

Ceiling light in the living room is up. Too many remodel jobs 40 years back removed ceiling lights. Evidently lamps were the fad. Stupid fad, if you ask me. Now I have to put the lights back in or else tenants have to have lamps. We always put in the ceiling lights.

Also enclosed the stairwell. I wanted to put up a half wall with sheet rock, Micah wanted slats. Look who won that one. I don't believe it was me.

Goal was February first. Tenant started moving in yesterday. I love it when we are ahead of schedule.

The house rented without ever advertising it. We have that happen quite often. I firmly believe God sends the people he wants living in our houses. That doesn't mean it is always smooth sailing. Sometimes rent payment is late, sometimes the house is not cared for the way I want it to be, but if God sends the tenant he will make it all work out. We may have to repair broken windows and doors and repaint walls, replace flooring, but I tell myself, I make a mess out of my life at times also and God keeps providing for me. If we can build God's kingdom by providing housing for those God sends to us. That is good enough for me.