Finally, last week, the roofing contractor started work on replacing the roof of our house in Florida. When we were looking to buy a house there three years ago, we saw this one and really liked it.
Unfortunately it was a bank repossession, and to negotiate to buy it would have been a very long term thing, so we bought another house instead. This house had been abandoned by the owner, because he couldn’t afford to get the roof repaired after it was damaged in a hurricane. Three years later, just before we left to come back to South Africa for six months, we learned that it was still standing empty, and that the bank had, in the meantime, turned down a couple of offers on it. We decided to try putting in an offer to purchase, and to persevere until we got the bank to sell to us. Of course, by this time, the roof was in a much worse condition; some of the ceilings had collapsed, and the poor house looked quite a wreck inside.
It was the wonderful view from the lounge which really waved to us.
In May, after lots of haggling over the price, we were overjoyed to hear that the bank had finally decided to accept our offer. Of course, the first thing to do once we got possession, was to organise to get the roof replaced. We chose a contractor and hubby got all the necessary permits sorted out, but because of torrential rains, the roofing guy only managed to complete the other jobs he had, last week.
We were so excited when he sent us a message to say that he had actually started work on ours, and he sent us a few photos of the progress.
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- 4000 square feet of roof to replace.
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- All the old tiles are stripped off, and rotten roofing boards being replaced.
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- Looking up from inside.
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- They made really quick progress.
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- So happy that there will be no more waterfalls inside the house.
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- The waterproofing is now firmly in place.
The clay tiles are being delivered today, so the job should soon be completed and we can heave a huge sigh of relief. I’ll no longer have to sing this song every time I look at the weather for Florida, and see that it’s raining again. 🙂
anotherdayinparadise 
What a great view, be careful of alligators and snakes.
That view is worth all the effort of restoration!!! Can’t wait to see it finished Sylvia 🙂
When you see that view, everything else fades. It is worth every drop! 😀
That’s what we thought, Marion. 🙂 Thanks. xx
It sounds like the house was meant to be yours. I know that it will be a long project but the potential is wonderful. I know the two of you are anxious to get started into turning it into your new home for the future.
Thanks, Karen. Yes, we’re chomping at the bit to get started. 🙂
Are you going to live in this house or the other one you bought?
It’s not far from our present house, which we’ll stay in until this one is habitable. Then we’ll either sell, or let our present one.
I think are the works your house will be a nice home.
Yes it will, after a lot of work has been done. 🙂
Are you planning to live there? I can just imagine sitting with a cup of coffee and enjoying that view.
Yes, we’ll move in when all the work is done. Hubby intends doing most of it himself. 🙂
What a relief, so happy for you Sylvia that at last you don’t have to be singing this little ditty when you hear of rain in Florida, although it is very catchy! Your patience certainly paid off and how wonderful to see the progress. You must be getting very excited now… 🙂 xx
Yes, we are getting very excited. It’s not long now until we get back there, and then hubby can get cracking on the rest of the house. It’s going to be quite a project. 🙂 xx
Yes, it will, but beautiful when it’s all done and all your hard work will pay off 🙂
Good Job dear AD, and Good Luck for new house, Thanks and Love, nia
Thanks so much, dear Nia. 🙂 xx
Great surroundings Sylvia I know you can enjoy the place with your new roof 🙂
Thanks, Jake. Yes, it’s going to be really nice living there, eventually. 🙂
Oh what a serene and beautiful place. Wish you a very happy and peaceful stay.
Regards!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. 🙂
Y’all have your hands full, but what a beauty it will become and the view, ad, the view! 🙂
Yes, it’s going to take a lot of effort and maybe a year of waiting until it’s ready for habitation, but we’ll get there. 🙂
Ouch, this project looks painful! But how wonderful that this is making progress before hurricane season really sets in. Good luck with the rebuild.
Thanks, Emily. We’re happy now that the roof is sealed. 🙂
It looks like they did a very good job repairing the roof for you.. A good news!
Yes they did a great job. 🙂
I don’t envy you the work ahead! But you’ll sure enjoy it when it’s done. Gosh, now I’ve got that song stuck in my head! 🙂
I know…..that song is a real ear worm, isn’t it? Sorry. 🙂
Oh boy ! “That’s another fine mess you…….” Glad your roof is fixed Sylvia. Mind you a hole in the roof has many benefits, free air conditioning, free shower, and you can look at the stars at night 😉 Ralph xox ❤
Always look on the bright side of life, Ralph. 😀
You are about to burst into song, aren’t you Sylvia ? 😀
I have a song for every occasion, Ralph. 🙂
Okay. A challenge ! How about, “I visited Ralph’s blog and pressed Like out of pity for the poor man !” Got you ! xox ❤
Unfortunately, living in Florida for 10 years I saw this happen again and again. I am glad you are on your way to roof recovery☺
Thanks, Laurie. Hope we’re hurricane-proof now. 🙂
lots of work, but a sense of satisfaction when done…I like that your contractor has sent you photos so you can see what he is doing! very exciting…
That’s for sure, Heather. It’s very exciting to be able to see the progress, and hubby can’t wait to get back to start work on the inside. 🙂
lol…that sounds like my husband! 😉
Love the song and the images were great. Hopefully you don’t have those indoor water features anymore. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the song and the pics, Woolly. I hope the song has gone out of your head by now. It’s still in mine. 😯
That view is to die for…..I can see why you bought the house,….so I assume you will be renovating this house and finally move in to enjoy that view?
Thanks, Annie. Yes, this is the plan. It may take a year to complete the renovations, but it’s something to look forward to. 🙂
LOVE that song…. one of my favorites from eons ago! Thanks for that memory! Your house (except for the roof) looks pretty much like my mum’s near Tampa before I moved her out here to be closer to me. I’m so glad things are progressing and that you have stopped any further damage from the rains. Only wishing we could have had some of that rain here. Looks like you and hubby will have your work cut out for you once you get back to this side of the pond. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the ‘ear worm’ memory, Gunta. 🙂 Oh yes, lots of work to be done on the house, but we’ll get through it eventually.
Considering you are the pianist I thought you would have been singing:
‘Right said Fred, we’ll have to take the roof off, this here roof is gonna have to go.’
…we was getting nowhere….etc etc…so Fred said…’ave a cup of tea…
(or something like that)
😉
That’s also a great song from way back. Pianists don’t always sing well. 🙂
‘Dad, do you know the piano’s on my foot?’
‘No, son, but if you hum it, I’ll play.’
Ouch! 😯
It’s an incredible view. I would have stuck with it too. Any home you purchase will have something that needs a repair or two. Yours happened to be a BIG-gy but once it’s completed you can move on to the next one. Eventually, you’ll be sipping a wonderful Cabernet on your patio and soaking in that fabulous view. Good Luck with everything. 😃
Thanks, Issy. Looking forward to being able to relax in the house, once it’s finished. 🙂
what a wonderful news, Sylvia! you have lovely view of the lake! good luck to the restoration! btw, i enjoyed the music and slideshow! 🙂
Thanks, Lola. Glad you enjoyed the music. 🙂
You have found a gem, I think, with a perfect view. You are sure to enjoy it once the house has been fixed up.
Thanks, Colline. We’re very happy with that view. 🙂
The view is stunning, hope there will be lots of bird life for you – to show us of course!
Thanks, Gilly. I think I’ll have to kidnap my Great Blue Heron and bring him to the new pond. 🙂 There was a lovely Pelican in the tree when we we were there last, and a huge lizard.
YAY – Wonderful that the job on the roof has started. I bet you will be glad when that’s done. May that & any other repairs go smoothly.
Thanks, RoSy. I’ll be very happy when everything is done and dusted. 🙂
Something worth waiting for. A room with a view…
Thanks, Ann Christine. I’m looking forward to eventually moving in. 🙂
That view was definitely worth waiting for!
Thanks, Naomi. Yes, the view is even better than the one at our present home in Florida. 🙂
What a grand house it will be. 🙂 It’s so exciting to see it get into shape.
Yes it will be an exciting challenge, Imelda. 🙂
Glad there has been progress on getting the roof done. At least you will be able to start on the interior when you get there!
Yes, hubby really has his work cut out when we get back over there. 🙂
Looking forward to see some photos when the roof is repaired … Hugs to you from me and Yarri ! … // Maria 🙂
Thanks, Maria. I’ll keep you posted. 🙂 xx
HOW EXCITING!!! It’s a process but will be just yours when it’s done!
Thanks, Kathryn. Yes, we hope to make it exactly how we want it. 🙂
I know you will!
That is fab ad 🙂 Will be looking forward to the after pictures 🙂
Thank you. I also can’t wait for it to be finished. 🙂
‘hehehe’ perfect choice of music,
you could have chosen “Who’ll stop the rain” too… 😀
Seems to be some clever guys… 😉
Thanks, Drake. That’s also a good song. 😀 The roofing guys are very expert at their job, thank goodness.
Glad to hear that major work is being done. Yes definitely don’t want to drown in your new gorgeous location. 🙂
Thanks, Sue. I’m so glad the water will now stay on the outside. 🙂
This is huge progress,Sylvia. The water view and the birds it attracts makes for a great choice. You’ll be turning this forlorn house into a lovely home before long. 🙂
Yes it is, Lynne. Now for the inside. Lots of work to be done. 🙂
wow, this us going to be a wonderful project to work on. Will follow it with interest 🙂
Thanks, Ruth. So will I. 🙂
I can see why the property appealed to you, but it looks like you have a project ahead of you.
Thanks, Lulu. Oh yes, there’s an awful lot of work to do on this place. 🙂
Great news! 🙂
Thank you. 🙂
I can’t wait to see what it will look like in the end, especially what you will do with the view to the beautiful serene waterway 🙂
Me too, Andy. 🙂
Hi Sylvia,
Great news that the roof is being repaired on the new house now. Cannot wait to hear about and see all the progress photo’s once you are back there and settling in again. Looking forward to those posts!
Take care and regards
GAIL
Thanks so much, Gail. I’m sure there will be lots of posts forthcoming, on the renovations. 🙂
Ah, good to hear it’s being mended!!!! In summer it could have served as a ‘planetarium’ but in rain it wouldn’t be very pleasant, indeed! 😉
Hahaha. Love your way of thinking, Marina. A planetarium………I didn’t think of that. 🙂
Good luck with the new roof … and the entire rehab process!
Thanks so much, Frank. Nice to see you. 🙂
But I wasn’t looking through the hole in the roof. 😉