I have a couple of things to say here....one is remodel in haste, repent at leisure. Do only those things that are easily un-doable at first....or that there is no decisions to be made about.
First of all, I would make sure there is hardwood under the carpet....and if there is, tear the carpet out....but first paint the walls....a color as different from what you have as you can think of. Remember, that old carpet can act as a giant drop cloth. Than move your stuff in and re do the basement this winter and build your patio out on that level.
Then consideer all the things you might do to that fireplace, and paneling....perhaps paint...bricks and paneling, maybe a faux finish....maybe remove the panelling...
If the kitchen works, live in it for a while...watch the light and how it changes through the months, will you want granite/ or tile...or a composite? maybe you want to do new fronts on the cabinets....perhaps there are some you want to replace?
How lucky you are. I am sure that whether it was a legacy or you are buying it, that it's a very good deal. financially.

I agree with Linda. Only do things where you have no decision about, like painting and ripping up the carpet.

The basement should come last on your list unless you plan on spending as lot of time down there immediately. Money can go elsewhere for now.

I know you said you didn't need help in making the decision whether or not you'll move in, but it sounds like you're not all that keen on the house. Do you like this house better than the one you're in now?

If you should move in, live there for awhile before you make any drastic decorating decisions other than paint and flooring.

Before you do anything, get a thorough inspection so that you know if there are any structural issues that need to be addressed. A 25-year-old house is getting to the age where the roof, windows, insulation, HVAC, water heaters, and plumbing may need to be repaired or replaced. Also, before you start painting, you may want to update the electrical and lighting. I know a lot of things are wireless these days, but that technology isn't perfect and you may prefer wired surround sound, cable access in multiple rooms, etc. Are there enough outlets in the bathroom for your toothbrush, hair dryer, curling iron, etc.?

Does the house have textured ceilings that you would want to smooth? Also, changing out a window isn't a huge task so you might want to consider replacing your bedroom window with a larger one before you move in. Basically, I guess I'm saying make sure the structure is sound and ready to go before attacking the more decorative aspects.

Congratulations, BTW, what a nice opportunity.

Hi Linda.. thanks for the quick and thoughtful reply! I very much appreciate your warning about remodeling in haste and repent at leisure. Been there, done that! The reminder is well placed.

I am heading over to look at the house through MY glasses this afternoon. I know the house well-- but I know it as their house. I am indeed lucky to have this opportunity despite the fact that it isnt really the type of house I'd have chosen. I am more a funky urban or country farmhouse girl.. but a number of things are changing in my life (including my tastes and priorities) and there is a potential that this will be a great long-term solution for me-- if not a comfortable home.

I really don't know that I can handle the kitchen for very long. Cooking is a passion and while I've cooked in it for her, I feel it would be claustrophobic to use daily. I could be wrong. Here are photos of the remodel I saw-- and honestly, I should call it a facelift. There weren't any structural changes.

This -before- kitchen is similar but not *my* kitchen:

Here's the after. Granite tiles (not sure what i think of these), stainless steel trim, painted cabs, tile floor.

I really love the transformation.. but after living in the kitchen, perhaps I'd want structural changes-- ones that would undo any facelifts I put into place. Yeah, "repent at leisure" time? Maybe. I am just really pumped for this quick fix.

I am going to take photos today.. so I can look at each project on it's own, budget it and prioritize.

Oakley - I do have some reservations but they are mostly around the fact that I am not yet seeing the space as mine-- but as my grandparents'. They were 80s/90s so had tastes very different than mine. I rented when I moved back to this area and am currently unemployed (though not financially desperate) so it is a great opportunity in many ways-- and honestly, I feel the need to do this now to help out my parents who have been burdened with my grandmother's care, the loss of my grandfather, and now the maintenance of the property.

Fun - EXCELLENT suggestion. I didnt think of this at all. I do know the roof was recently replaced and some other maintenance type things (the house is actually 50 yr old). What I didnt think of at all were my electrical/sound system needs, outlets, wiring, etc. I am so glad you mentioned this before I went over!

Thank you all.. this request/offer was sort of dropped in my lap. We'd talked about it very briefly months ago but I didnt take it all that seriously. I am in the midst of interviews and just returned from a 3 week trip so I am a bit overwhelmed.

One thing i should note is that I have been given full license to do as i wish. I do want to stay aware of the style of the home and the value. I.E. I dont want to overdo for the value of the house or neighborhood. My budget is somewhat limited-- but just as important is to not overspend for the return.

FUNKY!!!! I am so glad to see you here! I have missed you. I am just heading back out - so will take some time later to answer your post here - but had to say to glad to "see" you!

tina

hahah ((Tinam)) GREAT to see you too! I have lurked here off and on.. lots of changes in my life over the past few years.. dogs died, company merged, took over a division, division shutdown, job search, new bf... you know, the normal ups and downs of life ;)I am ready to focus again and this house gives me the opportunity for some truly fun projects! Can't wait to hear your suggestions and to hear how you are doing!

Enjoy your day and I look forward to hearing from you!

I agree with what has been said so far.

My suggestion would be to do the bedrooms first and if you can afford the space have one of them set up as a comfortable den - nice couch, colour, tv, whatever. Have the master bedroom set up for your tastes. Reason being that when you start on the big renovations you will want a nice comfortable sanctuary to retreat to at the end of the day away from the dust and upheaval.

While you are working on those rooms it will give you time to look at the space through your eyes as the homeowner and not as a visitor.

Analyze the light from morning to night (is where you are planning to put the patio the best place or is the light flow suggesting a better place), walk through the pathways of the house and see if they work for you or would moving/tearing down a wall work better, pay attention to drafts, heating issues, airconditioning issues (do windows need to be replaced, is a new furnace required). If you can, live in it for a year because then you have lived in it for all 4 seasons.

Get an inspection for sure. Look at it as living in the house and not as a visitor. If the bones of the home are good and if it doesn't already have a "style" to it you can put your own stamp on it. I realize that you are in a rush to do the kitchen - "the glamour" room - but I would do the other rooms first because you may find your tastes changing or perhaps the home "speaking" to you and guiding you down a different path than you anticipated.

You have been given a great opportunity and are sure lucky.
I look forward to seeing the your home evolve.

I have a neighbor who took out the low bedroom windows and put in high windows. She did it for more flexibility in arranging the bedroom furniture. But it also works for more privacy.

"The bedrooms are small compared to what I am used to-- worse, they have small, high windows. I dont think I'll undertake structural changes to the windows at this time. I'll have to "trick the eye" with window treatments. "

I know this situation all too well. I bought my great uncles home that is next door to my parents. We are taking it somewhat slow. It was built in 1974, evidently the prime time for paneling! I plan on tearing out the paneling one day but for now have used it as a background for funky art in bold colors along with a great modern rug and simple solid ( including leather) seating pieces. I have great memories here and it is a labor of love to keep it in the family and update it for us.

Structurally it is in better shape than new construction, style wise, we will just say it is not mine! I have updated one bathroom, gone is the flesh color toilet. The kitchen has an avocado stove and trash compactor but we had to replace the dishwasher so it is now stainless. I plan on a gut remodel of the kitchen one day but for now I prefer to think of it as "retro".
We have painted several rooms and that made a huge difference. We could have bought something new but this has been and always will be home. Good luck.

Since you hate the kitchen, paint the cabinets immediately. You can hold off on the flooring and countertop for now, or use the Rustoleum countertop paints kit if you cannot live with it the way it is. This are quick and cheap fixes, and if you decide to make radical changes later, you won't be weeping over throwing expensive changes into the dumpster.

Then paint the rest of the house and strip out the carpet. This will make it your home, rather than your grandparents'.

Then relax a bit before you spend any big bucks. Live in the house awhile to get a feel for what is going to work best for you and it. Get to know each other. Over the winter, play with ideas in your head or on paper. Get lots of opinions from friends. Also, ask your grandmother what she might have changed about the house and what she loved best about it. When you've done all this, develop a master plan ... but don't be locked into it.

One of the best changes we made to a previous home actually came from a friend who dreamed it up -- truly, it came to her in a dream! Inspiration comes from the most surprising places.

Great advice from all! Thank you. I went to look at the house with fresh eyes today. WHEW is all I can say. Every room is smaller than I remember and I will have to make some big concessions on the bedrooms. On the plus side, the basement is very workable and there's an ideal place for a deck. I may just make a spring deck the first big project-- it will be nice to extend the living space outdoors and relax. It wasnt even close to my original plan but it feels practical and manageable. I'll do the basement a bit at a time.. just rugs and paint to start but that will make a big difference (and I am going to look into flooring options). The kitchen is likely going to require some rework/carpentry so I'll do only minor changes now and get some experience with it before setting out for anything big.

Thank you all again.. and a special thanks to you, Lebwhite. Your story and perspective are lovely. I hope you continue to enjoy the progress!

I was up much of the night scouring this site and the internet for ideas and inspirations for dealing with what i consider the biggest challenges in this house. I then slept on it.. and talked to my sister. I think there's no question that it is an opportunity I must take-- not just for me (even though it IS all about me *grin*) but also for my parents and grandmother. It makes NO sense to try to sell this house now... and there's no need. Anything I will do should increase the value of the house and help *me* to decide if I want to make it mine (which would please all).

I having growing confidence that with the help of this board and the wonderful world of decorating and DIY bloggers that I will have the inspiration and guidance to find solutions and get the guidance I need. I already have a growing list of projects and ideas that are exciting.

I am going to paint, remove carpet, refinish hardwood floors and go from there. I'll start, as one poster suggested, with the master bedroom. Oh what a misnomer THAT is. It is so so small.. but this inspiration photo has calmed my panic. Two ikea wardrobes hidden beneath calming and beautiful layers of curtains should address both my space and storage issues. I'll use the small closet for shoes and such. I'll determine the next project based on my experience living there.. but it will likely switch to the basement.. or painting the kitchen counters. In the winter months, I'll begin planning my outdoor living space.

Again, thank you for helping me with vision, perspective, priorities.. and reality. I'll be around for awhile.. I have a few years of projects ahead.

That is really clever to conceal those, and make use of the window.

I am so glad you are going to be the steward of the house. Sounds like a worthy project.

I have a friend with a restaurant called the Funky Art Cafe!!

Nancy

First of all I wish you all the best on this wonderful project. I know you are very excited and will make good choices.

I wonder tho since there will be substantial financial outlay involved if you might think about the legalities of this project. If the property is still legally owned by your Grandparents and you are using your own money for renovations there could be problems in the future.

I suggest you might want to do a 'lease to purchase' or an outright purchase agreement with them so your financial investment is protected 'just in case'. Even in the best of families sometimes things change and people may not always have your best interests at heart. It would be tragic if you invested a lot of time, work, and money and in the future another relative felt they deserved a share of the upgraded house value.

very clever, indeed! This photo/blog is responsible for turning my thinking around. She's done amazing transformations in two different ranch homes. I am in awe .. and so very thankful she's shared her projects!

What kind of floor is currently in the basement ? I ask because I went to someone's home yesterday to see their floors. They had a company come and take up the carpet . Have a cement slab in their 1968 home. The company etched and stained the cement then waxed. it is gorgeous and wow the cost is so low...2 rooms and a long hallway done in 2 colors..a border/central color and it was $1500 includes all the labor for the carpet removal and prep etc.

My BIL had a very neat coating put on his garage floor when he turned it into a rec room. There again it turned out beautifully and way less expensive than new flooring...more than staining though. So there are some options.

I really like that builtin look with the wardrobes. That is a great idea and very cozy too. You are smart to get the outdoors /deck area right at the start...you will love going out there and taking a deep breath as you work on the rest. Good Luck and looking forward to seeing pics of the house...before/after.c

Luckygal.. Thanks for the insight-- you make an excellent point. I chose not to share much of the arrangement here but these are all things we are considering. I am not yet in a place to commit to a purchase but I'd think I'd be sure one way or another within a year. There are no other family members who want or are in a position to move into the house. My family has been very generous-- more generous than I will accept-- grandmother has offered to pay utilities and share in the cost of updates. It's not something I'd like to share. I consider my expense the cost of living (since I will pay no rent) and an investment in our family assets. The house value will only go up if I do things wisely.

We do intend to draw up papers for the arrangement. We have talked about a purchase or a lease-to-purchase but that's a bigger commitment than I am willing to make now--but clearly, I'll be renovating with that potential in mind.

This is not something any of us have done before so if you do have thoughts, feel free to share them.

Trailrunner.. the floors are concrete in the basement. We had stained concrete put in on the basement level of my old office (it was in an old tobacco warehouse) and they looked awesome and cool but it did nothing to insulate from the cold in the winter or the dampness in the summer. I have been thinking of flooring options-- cork was the first that came to mind but i think it may be cost prohibitive. I'd also thought about the coatings.. but I dont know much about them. I'll have to look into the options. I think I love the idea of a rubberized, shock absorbing flooring not unlike you'd find in a kindergarten or commercial space. They use something like this on all the walkways at the Mall of America.

Keep the ideas coming. You guys are keeping me excited..

Well, my experience again. I have the first option to purchase my parents house next door to mine with a clause that has a maximum price but no minimum. This is at their death or if they need to move for health reasons. The minimum can't be determined now because we have no idea how much they may or may not do in the future and we expect them to be around for a great number of years. -- we hope! I have 4 children and hope that one will want to live in our current project!

My advice would be to draw up some sort of agreement now, that gives you options that protect you and your grandmother.

Also I love the photo you shared and might borrow that idea for one of my tiny bedrooms. My husband has wondered out loud if my family even wore clothes based on how small the closets are!

Here's some advice from someone who lives in a 100+ years old house. Who has had to spend money on maintenance more than anything, much more than I would have liked. Here's what I would do if I could do it over.
Before you move in, paint and tear out the old carpets. If you can afford to, refinish the hardwood floors if necessary. Sure these are "cosmetic" updates, but it will make living in the house so much more pleasant to have things freshened up. Plus, it's easy to refinish floors in an empty house. Hardwood floors actually add value, so you can feel good about that right away.
Pick no more than three "colors" for the entire house (in this case, ivory, gray, and tan count as colors) and stick to paler shades of these colors for the walls of every room. You can use more than one shade of each color, but stick to three base colors. This will establish a color flow from room to room. You can change it later if you want.
I say, go ahead and paint the cabinets. Paint is the least costly way to change the entire look of the kitchen. Updating the hardware on freshly painted cabinets, changing out the dated light fixtures and adding under cabinet lighting will give the whole space a face-lift. In fact, updating the lighting is where to start a kitchen re-do!
Redoing the counter-tops and flooring is not that hard or expensive. But it is worth getting help to do it correctly from someone who has done it before. We have to re-do our ceramic tile kitchen floor either because the sub-floor wasn't laid correctly or they skimped on the mortar, causing the tiles to crack. Everything is harder to do once you're moved in, but it's not impossible to finish a kitchen floor in a week-end. The way the tile is laid out and/or a mix of tile sizes can update the look of a plain tile floor. Stick with neutral tiles and darker-colored grout (trust me, you don't want light-colored grout) and you can't go wrong!
Personally, I'm not a fan of granite at all. But the tiled counter-tops I've lived with for years are way worse! I think I would look for a solid surface counter-top and call it a day, that's just me. Since you cook, you might want to update the sink and faucet to accommodate large pots or colanders before making any counter-top decision. Expect to have to change the faucet someday. With that in mind, buy a decent, well-known brand.
Can't wait to see how things turn out! Good luck to you on this new adventure.

Thank you, Prairie.. and everyone else who I havent thanked individually! I agree-- I will use help for any project I havent done before. Thankfully, I have a great handyman/carpenter i can bring in.. and family and friends with much more experience. I love the idea of starting with lighting... that will change the vibe instantly!

I am slowing down a bit-- not stopping my mind from going but slowing down. I hit an unexpected emotional reaction from my mother. It's been a whirlwind year for her-- losing her father, supporting my grandmother and then moving her into an assisted living apartment. I need to give her a little time to breath before returning to the legal details. Hopefully it's just a day or two.. if I am going to do this, I want to get going!

In the meantime, siblings and nieces and nephews are coming in to claim what they'd like of the contents of the house.. I don't want or need much of what is there. I already have my great grandmother's recipe book and I greedily claimed an awesome industrial style work/art table that I may let drive the decor in the basement.

We are also bringing in an appraiser and getting feedback on upgrades. I'll keep you posted and start new threads as begin projects.

Well durn,I can't find your email address. Would you drop me a line @ tinam61@yahoo.com? Looking forward to your projects and so happy to have you back here!

tina

Thanks, Tina! I did send you a note.. check your junk mail if you havent received it yet! Looking forward to catching up!