I would do the Exterior first. The neighbors will be supportive.

as you progress, you may change your mind about interior finishes, etc. it will give you an opportunity to make the best decisions once you do the mandatory work. GOOD LUCK!

Thank you Lyn Nielson! That's what I was thinking, too.

Do you think it will be difficult to transform this sad house into the modern Spanish bungalow of my dreams?

Your question: "I believe that I should start with the issues listed above, but after those are addressed, should I continue with the exterior or move to the interior?"

After your 5-year list of very expensive repairs is completed, look at your budget and collection of inspiration photos, then decide what your priorities are.

Is this your first house?

Yes, but I'm on the backside of 50 with no kids and no other debt so I'm willing to spend more than I would if I were in my 30's. Plus, I'm very lucky to know construction pros that have been cutting me deals since we've known each other all our lives and I'm keeping that $$$ within a very small, rural community. :)

Wait you're not placing red roof tiles on an orange brick house correct?????

I suppose you could either stain the brick or the tiles.

Beverly I thought the same but her plan is to put white stucco on the house with the red roof. Just make sure the roof can support the weightier tiles but otherwise your plan sounds good:)

Hi Beverly!

Oh no! I'm going to stucco the house white or slightly off white, much like my inspiration photos.

The bricks are one of my least favorite features of this house. It's brown and dusty enough here without building homes that blend into the surroundings. :)

On a more serious note, however, wildfires are a concern. Stucco is not only a great insulation material that can be applied over brick, it's also fire retardant. Roof tiles, too.

Thanks for asking me to clarify! I'm recovering from what my doc describes as "major surgery" and your concerned comment (again thank you, I can imagine some folks trying that) made me smile, which I haven't done in a couple weeks.

Cheers, Natasha

Hi Maria,

Yes, I'll need to add roof supports according to my architect, but my contractor already told me that shouldn't be too terribly expensive because they're concrete rather than clay, which means they're about half as heavy.

Cheers, Natasha

Its a cute house. Please do all structural, and get the plumbing fixed and the new roof. Electrical too, if it needs it. Safety, and things necessary to even live there, are what should be done first. Pretty is always done last. The interior looks very livable. You have plenty of time, to work on it, room by room. The most important is always structural. Dont get yourself thinking about anything pretty, until all the main issues are completely done.

Congrats on the house! sounds like you’re working with an architect, which is great -

If it were me, I would want the entire design figured out before any construction started as exterior decisions (windows, arches, ceiling heights etc) will impact the interior and vice-versa. My bet is once the design is done, the order of projects will become more clear - would love to see pics as you progress ✨

Thanks Cat! I totally agree that safety comes first. I'm working with an architect to make sure I'm not missing anything and making sure that all systems are up to code because I've had a few scary surprises. :(

For example, my dad replaced the electrical panels before he would even let me move in and I had the electric company trim tree branches that were intertwined with the electrical lines. Since then I've removed an enormous (30 ft tall) dead cottonwood tree in the front yard as well as a pine tree in the back that an out of control tulip vine killed. I've rid my property of 98% of the tulip vine, but I know how hard they are to eliminate so this is going to be a project. I suspect the tulip vine compromised the main sewer line. Finally, I'm removing the giant bush in front that's compromising my foundation and having all the trees trimmed this week.

But ticking off these items on my to do list is so satisfying. I'm ensuring that me and the hounds (I have 2 dogs) are safe and my investment is protected while I put together idea books.