I continue drywall work on the kitchen column.
I found a new job
I’m thankful that I’ve found a new job, and a permanent one at that. Soon, we’ll be able to start paying off debts again, but we’re focusing on small projects that can be done ourselves.
Predatory remodeling reported to city council
We report all of our findings on predatory remodeling to our local government at the Columbia Heights City Council meeting.
Kitchen column finished
I finish priming and painting the kitchen vent stack column.
Raccoons trying to get into attic
Overnight, raccoons attempt to get back into the attic. They tear off siding, insulation, and an outdoor electrical outlet. The white metal siding was new from the roofing repairs in 2014. Could they be attracted to the odor of the previous infestation?
We have to trap the raccoon
I repair the damaged electrical outlet and metal siding near the previous attic entrance. I also purchase a pair of raccoon body traps and the proper related safety tools ($38.92). After attaching them to the roof in the the two most-vulnerable locations, I set the traps using marshmallows for bait.
Flipper dumped old shingles in the back yard!
Every time we do yard cleanup, we discover dozens more roofing shingles buried in the lawn, thanks to the flipper’s roofing project that was done without a permit. Rather than dispose of the old shingles properly, the flipper just tossed them in the back yard, threw some yard waste and compost on top, and let weeds overtake them. We’ll probably be finding them for years to come.
I’ve started therapy for my mental health.
I can’t take it anymore. The nightmares are continuing and I’m starting to have very dark thoughts about the flipper. I also know a lot about him, including where he lives, only 2 miles from my house. I take my mental health very seriously, so I have started seeing a therapist. The medical insurance from my new job doesn’t cover all of it, so I’m paying the remainder out of pocket. In a way, these costs are just more damages caused by the flipper.
Closet organizer installed to help maximize storage
With no financing available, we can’t fix the lower level anytime soon. Since we’re short on storage space, we’re forced to find low-cost efficiencies on the main level.
Installing this closet organizer was a cheap solution for one of the bedrooms.
2 years since the flipper swindled us
It has been 2 years since the flipper sold us our house.
Repairs have STOPPED because we reached our credit limit months ago.
Apart from dealing with the house problems, we’ve also endured some unforeseen life events, including major medical bills, employment changes, and the loss of a vehicle we cannot afford to replace.
Our current strategy is to:
- Continue paying-down the remaining -$11,285.14 in credit card debt used for previous repairs.
- Make small improvements to maximize our limited space on the main level.
- Actively pursue legal changes to prevent predatory remodeling and offer recourse for victims.
At present, the house still needs the following major repairs and recovery work, in order of priority:
- Yard grading and drainage systems (to prevent more flooding). Estimated $8,000
- Drain tile and sump pump installation (to prevent more flooding). Estimated $6,000
- Concrete excavation and repairs to basement floor and front entryway stoop (to prevent more flooding and erosion). Estimated $5,000
- Lower-level bathroom reconstruction. Estimated $8,000
- Lower-level finishing (drywall, carpeting, paint, trim, fixtures, etc.) Estimated $4,000
Our ongoing thanks to our thousands of followers who continue to support our fight to end predatory remodeling by sharing our story.