Who Knows Where The Time Goes

I'm on Instagram now (sarahsimserwinduplex), so I've been posting pics there. But clearly I've been slacking on this blog. Long story short: I'm in the home stretch. Much is complete: new floors, kitchen cabinets, walls, and window frames. But there's plenty left. As per usual, I ask for your prayers. And thank you for getting me through.

The basements

Those who have seen our "basements" suspect the whole structure was built on dirt back in the 1840s or 50s. So in order to install modern mechanicals, we have to dig out what is currently a low crawl space. Many friends helped with this hard work (big ups to Olivia, Don, April, Tim, Joe, and Justin). We're now ready to pour concrete pads on which to put the boilers. Here are some "treasures" found doing this dirty and tough job. Behold. Thanks to those involved. We are forever grateful.

More nice people saying nice things.

"I love your commitment to restoring the home instead of an 'easy' alternative like tearing it down. I can't wait to see the beauty in its restored glory. Please keep me in the loop when it's ready for guests."
- Karyn Locke
travel writer, Sand and Snow...and Everywhere in Between!

Because Some Have Asked.

To paraphrase my uncle, "If you have no regrets, you haven't lived."

Someone Pinch Me!

It's official. We launched our Indiegogo Life fundraiser. And we're already 7% funded. My physical and emotional reaction to the generosity of our first "lucky 13" benefactors is real. Your kindness has inspired me to be a better person. I thank you for that, and for your assistance. To quote my cousin Kate, "I feel like the luckiest girl in the world." Look at that... I wasn't sure my mood would ever turn around, but it just happened. My "lucky 13" changed it for me. I thank you. (Our fundraiser page is here: https://life.indiegogo.com/fundraisers/you-can-help-restore-an-historic-home/x/2255575)

It has come to my attention that you, and others like you, are reading this blog. And I'm grateful. Thank you. If you care to know more about our renovation situation, as it stands today, here's the latest news.
      This month our bank increased our construction loan (our original contractor did a world of harm including underbidding the job by, er, alot, which almost made it impossible for us to move forward). So I am happy to report that we'll now be able to build.
      We discovered last year that we couldn't afford a General Contractor, so we're doing that ourselves. Although we'll get help from our trusted carpenter Josiah Aitchison of Aitchison Construction. (Weather permitting he'll start immediately.)
      I took the leap and withdrew a majority of my retirement account in order to make up the difference that the bank was *not* willing to loan us. It's this cash that will jump start Josiah's work.
      Legally speaking, we're still trying to recover the money our original contractor didn't spend on our job but didn't return to us. (The corruption staggers.)
      We do remain hopeful though and are working our way through the expensive legal system to get back the money that is ours. We don't want to destroy the guy, but we do fear that he will continue to hurt others if he is not stopped. It's sad.
      Our fingers are crossed that our fundraiser will launch some time early this year. Instead of reaching out to our network of friends and friends-we-haven't-met-yet to donate to our construction budget (as we thought we'd have to do) we're going to reach out for help with what the contractor has not returned to us, and our legal fees (if we're feeling bold).
      It's funny, when my Aunt suggested a year and a half ago to write a blog about the renovation, I never thought I'd be writing this tale of woe. But I have gratitude in my heart, and a whole lot of hope that this is going to turn around for the better. Let the snow fall. Spring is coming!

Why the long face?

This blog is dedicated to 406 and 408 Foreland Street. The little duplex my husband Dominick and I (Sarah) bought in May of 2013.

You might remember us from a hopeful newspaper article, or two, about how excited we were to move to the city of Pittsburgh and join the proud Deutschtown community on the North Side. You might remember how we planned to start a new life here, closer to my family, in a new home, which was to be renovated by a contractor friend.

But the plan totally fell apart.

The contractor had to be fired, and then didn't return the unspent construction money. But worse, the most terrifying thing, he underbid the job by half. And as a result the duplex can't be completed unless we raise money from outside sources.

So we throw pride aside. We publicly surrender. And ask for help.

We ask that you care. We ask you to consider the silver lining we've found as a result of this personal disaster; that to ask for help is step one in building a community. And we want nothing more than to connect to a caring community of people. And get on with the business of being good neighbors.

In the coming days we will be launching a crowd-funding campaign so that we can bring back this historic house. And we ask you in advance for your support and grace.