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Friday, March 2, 2012

Stunning Exteriors!

TGIF.  It's been quite a week full of inspections at our potential future home.  The more time I spend there, the more I fall in love with it.  However, the inspection process has been a bit of detective work trying to discern what is truly a problem, what isn't, and what can be done later or not at all.  I am definitely out of my league where home construction is concerned but I think we're getting closer. 

The bad news:  It is looking like the house will need a new roof as well as a re-built entry, so negotiations are underway.
The good news:  This opens up to new design possibilities!  So, that has led me to think about how we might re-do things.  The house is a combination of stucco and brick already but it needs a more cohesive appearance, so I have been having fun thinking through the possibilities. 

Let's take a look at these beautiful combinations:


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So, what do you think?  What are some of your favorite features on an exterior?

Also...thanks so much for your input and encouragement on the kitchen plans I posted about last time.  You all have assured me it's the right thing to do so I'm going to go for it!  If the house works out I'll have lots of before and afters to show you all of the kitchen and more!

Keep your fingers crossed on the status.
We should know by next week if that house will be ours or if we're back to square one...I'll let you know!

26 comments:

  1. These are all beautiful.

    Best of luck with your negotiations.

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  2. Barbara-
    I am going to dream about the English tutor home with the whitewashed brick!! I can picture my every there!
    ll of these homes are so gorgeous.
    Glad that things are moving along. have a great weekend.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  3. What an amazing collection of exteriors! There is nothing like a stone/brick facade... my all time favorite. Thanks for the beautiful images and hope you have a wonderfully enjoyable weekend - Jalon

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  4. hello barbara!
    i am new to your blog and love it. one of my professions is an exterior stylist (7 years) which is a passion.
    if it gets closer show us a photo, then the fun really begins
    best
    debra

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  5. Beautiful!!! I am such a sucker for Beaux Art French and Italianate exteriors. Some day we'll do one here in New England...

    I'd like to share a few questions and thoughts with you as you inspect the house. The home inspection industry is not a well regulated industry. Seattle has a builders association you might want to contact http://www.mbaks.com/. They should be able to offer assistance is getting/finding someone who can give you a good second opinion and/or refer you to good reputable contractors when it comes time to do your renovation.

    I'm going to sound like a mother hen... Sorry... In theory, the roof should be easy. The entry, be sure to keep it in context. Depending on the extent you choose to redesign it, have a detailed set of drawings done. You'll get better and more accurate pricing. If you bid the work, it becomes increasingly important to have detailed drawings and specifications. Be wary of the low bidder, especially if they're substantially lower than the next guy.
    No matter what someone tells you what the project is going to cost, mentally add at least 10% to the
    number. There are always unanticipated conditions in a renovation.

    I've rambled on enough... Seriously, if you have any questions - fire off an email to me. I'll do the best I can to answer/help long distance.

    Cheers,
    John

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  6. I love brick and stone the most. French is one of my favorites though we live in a beautiful old Tudor (1920's) and its quite a beautiful home. I think the first house is quite lovely. Lots to choose from.

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  7. The beautiful colonial style home with the stone facade and covered front porch is my dream home!
    Love all of your examples, Barbara. Keep us updated on the new house purchase!
    ~ Wendi ~

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  8. The third image from the bottom is my dream home! Good luck with the house stuff and I hope it all goes well so you can start on the fun stuff.
    Karen

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  9. I've always said I need multiple homes to incorporate all the styles I love and these exteriors have confirmed that. I tend to love a traditional brick Georgian style home, but the old stone...fabulous!! Can't wait to see what you choose and hope the negotiations all go well ~

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  10. Barbara, These are ALL so gorgeous. Sorry to hear about the long process of "inspection" and needing the new roof (good to get that fixed with all this rain.......!! :)

    Hopefully you will get to relax over the weekend.

    leslie

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  11. Hi Barbara, Wishing you the best on your house-hunting adventure......I especially love that New York townhouse facade, the others are also great. Can't wait to find out if you work out the glitches with this house.
    Mary

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  12. Hi Barbara, Wishing you the best on your house-hunting adventure......I especially love that New York townhouse facade, the others are also great. Can't wait to find out if you work out the glitches with this house.
    Mary

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  13. Hi Barbara, Wishing you the best on your house-hunting adventure......I especially love that New York townhouse facade, the others are also great. Can't wait to find out if you work out the glitches with this house.
    Mary

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  14. Hi Barbara, Wishing you the best on your house-hunting adventure......I especially love that New York townhouse facade, the others are also great. Can't wait to find out if you work out the glitches with this house.
    Mary

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  15. Hi Barbara, Wishing you the best on your house-hunting adventure......I especially love that New York townhouse facade, the others are also great. Can't wait to find out if you work out the glitches with this house.
    Mary

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  16. Hi Barbara, Wishing you the best on your house-hunting adventure......I especially love that New York townhouse facade, the others are also great. Can't wait to find out if you work out the glitches with this house.
    Mary

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  17. Hi Barbara, Wishing you the best on your house-hunting adventure......I especially love that New York townhouse facade, the others are also great. Can't wait to find out if you work out the glitches with this house.
    Mary

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  18. Barbra, I will cross my fingers that you will hear by next week. Good luck.

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  19. GREAT PICS:)I really like your blog..so much nice inspiration.
    I wish you a lovely weekend.

    LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
    (Sweden)

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  20. Barbara these are all wonderful images and I'm hard pressed to pick just one. I wish you a lot of luck wit your home purchase. Now I missed your kitchen idea post so I'm off to read.

    Enjoy your weekend!
    XX
    Debra~

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  21. I am really loving that insane city townhouse, wonder where that is. Beautiful exteriors! Have a great weekend!

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  22. Barbara,

    i've being missing your blog. I'm not having time to comment anymore, very rarely and I TRULY miss it. I didn't even know you moved!!! Are you liking it?

    I wish you all the best, my friend... all the best!

    Big hugs,


    Luciane from HomeBunch.com

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  23. You have found some really beautiful choices Barbara! My favourites are no. 2-4! Good luck with the house, I will keep my fingers crossed for you!

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  24. All of the houses look mesmerizing! This is a great collection of different home exteriors as well. I bet your renovated house will look even better than these. A little remodeling here and there won't hurt. I know how the inspection process can be a tad annoying but don't worry, as soon as it is finished, you can start building your future home.

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  25. Great points there, thanks. And here is another relevant article, maybe someone will find it useful too

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Thanks for your comments - I love hearing from you!