The winter has been wet. I've not been working on the deck or my house in general, instead I'm working at our rentals. I spent October, November and December renovating and making ready three places for renters. I had to some extensive work at one... the tenant had four cats and a dog! We had allowed the dog and a cat, but one cat became four... heaven only knows where they came from. So the apartment had been used hard, but more than that it stank! Ever had a bad smell you needed to get rid of? I ripped out all the carpets and padding.I had to use every trick I knew to get the odors out: used vinegar to neutralize the urine. Then later sealed the wood with an oil-based sealant. Together they all worked. It took weeks to get the place cleaned up... but it sure looks nice now and it doesn't smell. (Thank goodness) I also removed some of the old dark paneling and then replastered the walls. Replaced the florescent light in the kitchen with a curving track light with 6 halogen fixtures. It helped update the kitchen. I also had to replace the old appliances, so I got all black ones. That also helped the kitchen look more current. I can't afford stainless steel for my rentals, but the black really looks good. So it's onward...
For the first time in over 7 months all the rentals are filled. I am pleased that they are not just filled, but filled with really great tenants. Now I hope a few months go by without emergencies.
I did have to replace a doorknob at one rental, because someone tried to break in and they trashed the knob set. I like all locks in a residence to have one key, so I had to take the lock in to be keyed. As I had purchased a set of locks from Home Depot and it was one of them, and new, I took it in and they rekeyed it for free. Good thing cuz money is tight with all the expenses of getting three places ready.
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