Originally Posted by ramonajim

Thanks for the kind words folks.

Just to clarify - we have an FHA rehab loan (203k). Initial inspection (pre-close) came up with a list of 60 or so items that had to be cleared. Initial deadline was 6 months, but we were able to get an extension (original contractor passed away, Ma got cancer & we are her full time care, Ed had strokes, had to get a house bought and ready for them in town, etc).

Many of the items were simple (replace missing switch plates, broken windows, etc) some of them more involved (rotted soffits, moldy basement, restore power to the barn, build doors for the barn, etc).

The biggest bucket of work was dealing with the peeling paint. Even though every surface tested negative for lead, FHA says it all must die. So every wall, (interior and exterior), every ceiling, all the trim, and the porch - had to be dealt with. If you've not seen the before and after shots, there are some in this post: Hump day thread.