The Glenview House
How to Buy a Fixer-Upper Without Getting in Over Your Head
Margaret & Tom · Apr 20, 2026
After five years of renovating a 1952 fixer-upper, we’ve developed a clear framework for evaluating distressed properties — what to look for, how to budget, and the questions you have to answer honestly before you make an offer.
Stripping Paint from Original Casement Windows: A Complete How-To
Margaret & Tom · Apr 20, 2026
Our 14 original casement windows were painted shut, some hadn’t opened in decades, and six had frozen crank mechanisms. Here’s our complete process for stripping, repairing, and restoring every one — for $795 in materials.
When the Roof Inspector Was Wrong: Our $14,000 Lesson
Margaret & Tom · Apr 20, 2026
Three inspectors said the roof had years of life left. That first November, water came through the master bedroom ceiling in three places. The full story of our $14,200 roof replacement and what every old-house buyer needs to know.
Full Bathroom Renovation for $3,847: Every Single Line Item
Margaret & Tom · Apr 20, 2026
We gutted and rebuilt our 5×8 master bathroom for $3,847. Here is every single line item — what we paid for everything, what went wrong and cost extra, and what we’d do differently.
The Knob-and-Tube Wiring Decision: What We Learned, What We Did
Margaret & Tom · Apr 20, 2026
Our 1952 house had original knob-and-tube wiring, a Federal Pacific panel, and an amateur modification history in the basement. Here’s our full account of the evaluation, the decision framework, and what everything cost.
Refinishing Original 1952 Oak Floors: What We Did, What We’d Change
Margaret & Tom · Apr 20, 2026
We found original 1952 oak hardwood under carpet in every single room. Here’s the full account of refinishing all 1,420 square feet ourselves — equipment, process, mistakes, and the final cost breakdown.