Finally...a patio and fenced yard!

After many years of wanting a patio and a fenced area for the dogs to run around in….we did it. Slowly we are getting the house as we like it….a long process due to economical reasons, timing, drainage issues……….but finally. I have some before and after photos so you can see the differences.

Oh yeah…there is a story behind how we ended up with a smurf blue colored house…….painters I just can not recommend. At all. Ever.

BEFORE



AFTER




We had drainage issues because trees were too close to the house, thus crushing a septic tank and requiring us to get an above-ground drain field. This resulted in the land sloping in such a way that (we think) allowed the heavy rains to flow under and into the foundation. Our brick floors appeared wet and so…yeah…that is most likely what happened.

The hiring of a fantastic company (Fielder and Associates) to remove trees, install a French drain and drainage solutions as well as put in a beautiful patio was one of the best things we’ve ever done.

The big oak near the front door was bound to give us trouble in the near future with the roots destroying the foundation or a huge limb crashing into the house. Behold the size of it....



We really dodged a bullet getting this down when we did as it was cracked down two sides and had hollow spots inside. Disaster waiting to strike!



Now the shibas have a fenced yard to walk and run freely. Aja is thrilled.



I predict with gas prices soaring that we’ll be spending a lot more time enjoying our new patio, grilling, reading outside and tossing a ball to Kobe and Aja.



Future plans will be saving for either a paint job, Hardy Board or siding. It's taking shape and I am loving it. Now off to buy ThermaCELL to keep the mosquitos from bothering us.