CT: Would you hope the seller fixes, would you walk, or would you run from the deal? (coop, check)

[WouldLoveTo]

Originally Posted by JimG2

they bought the washer/dryer used off of craigslist. they have to live with it

Many people buy things used that end up being the wrong choice. They can resell it and buy another one that will work better. It's not as hard as you're making it out to be.

[Diana Holbrook]

Originally Posted by WouldLoveTo

Many people buy things used that end up being the wrong choice. They can resell it and buy another one that will work better. It's not as hard as you're making it out to be.

Yes.

[AtkinsonDan]

Originally Posted by WouldLoveTo

Many people buy things used that end up being the wrong choice. They can resell it and buy another one that will work better. It's not as hard as you're making it out to be.

Positively doable, but also a pain in the ass and hopefully a learning experience.

[CGab]

I would get rid of the toilet in the laundry room and possibly the sink as well or put in a utility sink and just make it a laundry room! It will be too cramped in there otherwise. I'm assuming they have another bathroom they can use, correct?

[JimG2]

Originally Posted by CGab

I would get rid of the toilet in the laundry room and possibly the sink as well or put in a utility sink and just make it a laundry room! It will be too cramped in there otherwise. I'm assuming they have another bathroom they can use, correct?

Two full bathrooms on the second floor.

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by Diana Holbrook

I swear Jim you are the second biggest control freak I have ever 'met'.

It would be humorous to listen to you rant and fret about every decision these kids have made, except I actually feel for these poor kids trying to find some joy in their new home.

This and what others expressed, in spades.

Originally Posted by JimG2

they bought the washer/dryer used off of craigslist. they have to live with it

They can SELL the washer or washer/dryer on craiglist and buy another set (or just washer). THINK, man, and try to think of positive, easy solutions rather than trying desperately to criticize everything they do. It's almost pathological the way you consistently do that.

Having had chickens, I saw several places that a chicken coop could go with some imagination.

[Ron61]

I just read this entire thread and I’m at a loss for words. Let me say up front that I believe these kids have made a huge mistake in purchasing this particular home. I think they should have started in something more manageable from a repair standpoint.

Now that being said, they did buy it and therefore are going to be needing all the support their family can give them. And I’m pretty sure that the step son will take his lumps, eat a bit of crow, and generally feel like he’s in way over his head on several of these projects.

OP, I suggest you find a way to offer your ss some solid,practical advice in a way that he will want to receive it. I’ve been a step dad, and there is room for both of you to share some common ground here and build a solid relationship. You have a lot of years of knowledge and experience that you could share with him if you would just find the right approach. For sure, your step son is feeling his oats and is likely pretty full of himself for managing to buy this property. But he doesn’t know what he doesn’t know, while you do. I guess what I’m trying to say is he needs you. Your job is to be there for him. You might be surprised at what the end result may be!

[JimG2]

Unless my dad's hospital discharge gets in the way Sunday (hoping my sister takes care of it and gets him to the rehab facility), plan is to take the pickup and visit my granddaughter Sunday. I keep asking my wife, "what is the plan? what do I need to bring for tools?" I get non answers.... grrrr. frustrating. I'm thinking a run to Lowes, lawnmower, grill, yard tools....MOSS KILLER..... I don't think the moss is attractive at all, especially for the main backyard entertaining space. Tractor Supply for enough permethrin to kill every tick on the property 5 times over, and at either place at least a 2 gallon sprayer. But I have a plethora of tools I can bring down if I know what the plan is for the day. I can't get an answer. Oma, my wife, can only sit on the couch and play with Princess Claire (Oma (German for grandmother) had a triple bypass surgery in November and back surgery in December last year). Fine with that, she wants to help but physically can't, but we drive an hour to get there and I want to hit the ground running and get stuff done. Kids have me and my PU for 6-8 hours.... they need to maximize that. She is going to visit, I am going to get stuff done to help the kids out..... Hope the DIL doesn't blow up on stepson almost in front of us like our last visit.... But I don't want to show up Sunday at 9am and he says "can we fix this?" and I have the tools to do that 60 miles away back here.... Opening scene from Dirty Harry.... "I gots to know"

I will ask again in the morning what the to do list is.....

[Diana Holbrook]

Make sure you ask "the kids" what THEY WANT you to do. Not what your wife wants .... or what YOU want. What they want. It's their house.

Sounds like a good time, can't wait to hear how it goes

[RamenAddict]

Originally Posted by JimG2

Washer door can't open but for 6 inches. Hits the toilet. You have to climb over the toilet to load/unload the washer. Wife thinks maybe a raised platform. Might work. Machine hinges on the left and is not convertible. Not an ergonomic setup at all. Me, I think I'd rip open the walls and move the washer hookup to the left wall, so the hinges aren't in the center but on the outside, AND build the platform. Washer on the left, dryer on the right. Doors open away from each other. Ergonomic. I have tools....So many tools that I think I can set him up with a spare circular saw, hammer, rakes, etc.

Are they sure the machines weren’t designed to stack with the same orientation as the toilet? Or switching the washer with the dryer and getting longer hoses/vents? I see no reason that the washer needs to have the door face the toilet. I had a similar issue with having a set that seemed too big for a space and was able to get a stacking kit to make it work.