I think they are the luckiest people on the earth!

I agree about the bathroom, I rather like the period look except for the green paint. This is the kind of house you have to live in for a while, I would think, before you know what really needs to be changed.

That is pretty much what I told them. The town is very difficult to buy a house in and every single one that has been remodeled is WAY overpriced and the remodel is done badly. This gem has been spared LOL ! Thank you for looking. Will have to post the kitchen if/when they get the house, over on kitchens. c

Be very careful. Bathroom and kitchen upgrades and renovations are very, very expensive, even when done on the "cheap". If all of the appliances are working, keep them. (Besides, appliances and bath fixtures were made much, much better back then). If the cabinets are in great shape, keep them - maybe paint.

Really the only way to save money on bathrooms and kitchens is to do as much as you can yourself. Retiling the bathroom wall is EASY to do, and they'll save a ton of money.

Add shelving to the walls in the stairway that goes down to the basement for more pantry storage space.

I'd get a nice, what I call "Aktillery rug" for the kitchen floor - large, from eSalerugs.com. something like this, maybe

Heriz, $300, 7x10, eSalerugs.com Easy to clean.

Thank you tibb! Our DIL's dad is very very handy but whether he will want to take on any of this is a big question. As far as the "kids" or DH and I being handy...that isn't going to happen....we paint but that is it. And painting cabs is so much work I don't see us doing that ourselves either. I appreciate you being frank though. We will just have to take it a piece at a time. c

I agree with simply repainting the bathroom. Doesn't have to be white, but that dark green is too much and the two tone makes it worse. I'd probably like the trim white, but that's me.

If the kitchen is is good condition, I would be tempted to keep the vintage cabinets and just update -- counter and sink, appliances as they can be done. Looks like they might be aA retro look fridge could be a charming splurge. Looks like they might be able to add cabinets on the other side to do a built-in buffet or use an armoire or other piece for additional storage, depending on needs for storage vs eat-in space.

My first house was a 1920s home that had been very lightly refreshed. I loved that house and agree -- so many are redone or have additions that really make a mess of things. The ones that retain their character are gems.

The full kitchen space looks bigger in the photo than it is. The long blank wall can't really have anything built on it. I am still hoping we can move the fridge into the pantry area....wish I had measurements so could see what would fit...otherwise DIL wants to take out wall to the DR...would be major construction then. Yes they want new counters/paint and appliances. Will just have to wait and see. Appreciate all the suggestions and will definitely get more pics and measurements if they get the house. Thank you ! c

Well, I had a post and lost it...Was just going to say that yeah, the bathroom is pretty 'Kermit', but better clean than too green. What a darling house, and your kids are very lucky to find it. Some creamy paint will make those jade fixtures look so much better.

I was thinking they might be able to put in some stainless steel shelving on the bare wall, but maybe not. Or just open shelving on the walls. Maybe the measurements will help in that decision. Then maybe if they repaint or reface the cabinets and get new counters and appliances they can figure something out with the layout.

If the refrigerator can't fit into the pantry, could they get a one-piece stove and put a refrigerator where the oven is now? That would open up some space for more counters/cabs on the other end. Might be tight with those floor heaters, but a French door fridge with a bottom drawer might work.

Looks to be a great home! I think it is a good thing to have a small budget because I believe you should wait a year to do any non-reversible changes unless they involve structural or mechanical problems.

I would find a inconspicuous place on the bath tile to scrape and see what color it is. I love the look of most vintage tiles, but some color combinations are just too horrible!

I agree about the one piece stove/oven and that is what they are thinking. DS says they don't have to have a DW...haven't had one anywhere they have lived for years and years but DIL says she really wants one ! But the space where the fridge now is would really benefit the counter space which is at a premium. Will look forward to posting measurements and more pics.

I looked up paint removal from tile and found several non-toxic ways to do it. We can't find a sample of the paint in the basement...all the other colors are represented....darn. I read that a steam machine would take it off also the strips that are saturated in paint remover...can't remember the name but that would really work well if indeed it is the thing to use. I hope that it is a great color cause I love vintage tile. I am going to encourage trying to get some of it off just to see what is underneath.

Thanks for looking and I will definitely post back when we know. The owners have till Monday to respond to the offer...fingers XX . c

Hmmm - was having fun reading post until I hit the words kitchen remodel and talk about yanking out the bathroom.

Pls understand what you have before you start pulling it all apart. The bathroom is a gem - and that type of slab doors of kitchen cabinets are easily sanded/refinished. This is NOT to say you have to live in a time capsule and not change it in any way - just that to retain value (esthetic - and in many markets - financial) you need to be cognizant of its value as a vintage MCM home, keep what you can, and make any changes in a way that works with the house and not against it. Various old house forums - some specializing in MCM style - are out there. Its typically recommended to live in an old house for a year before making major changes - that gives you time to understand how the house works - what doesnt make sense at first - design-wise, or functionally - often does later on.

IMHO, a carefully thought out color scheme throughout the house would do wonders - the floors and wood are beautiful. That's where Id put my $ - just decorate and save $$ for a) the inevitable repairs that always pop up when you move into a new house and b) eventual tweaking and upgrades in a few yrs. I too am curious about what's under that green wall paint in the bathroom. Keep fingers crossed that they didn't sand or mess up the tile and the paint comes off easily with a razor blade - if its latex it may soften with hot water and peel off. If not.... well theres always repainting til you figure out what to do. BTW that shade of green of the fixtures is CLASSIC - some new chrome faucets and hardware are about all those might need.

Thank you current...I know all those things and would do all of them if it were going to be my home. But this is son and DIL. The money constraints are good as far as I am concerned since they won't be able to do much :) They will wait and paint kitchen only and strip the tile I am sure before doing anything else. DIL wants light bright walls and is willing to concede the incredible wood trim in the rooms and not paint it. She loves the floors and FP. And the arched doorways. She despises the bathroom and will very definitely sell the fixtures to the realtor who dearly wants them. I can't stop that but it won't happen for at least a year due to money. I am hoping in that time to convince her to keep them and not ever tear them out but it isn't my call.

There are NO houses for sale in this town that they can buy and believe me we have looked for years. Even if I were to want to buy for myself I could go above 400k and not find anything I would take even if they gave it to me. It is a very strange town and they have a crazy idea of remodeling and building. Enough said...it will be what it will be and I will do my best :) c