The Home Ownership Thread

[Gibonius]

We had rain last two days, and January post rain is a great time for yardwork in LA.

Been coaxing this guy for 2.5 years and finally have some nice blooms. View attachment 1542381

Camellia? What variety is that?

 

[ValidusLA]

Camellia? What variety is that?

Indeed a camellia. This is a locally developed varietal called Variegated Bella Rosa, which is a cross between Nuccios Gem and Nuccios Bella Rosa.

Its a picky variety. Bought it at Nuccios in Altadena CA. They ship. This guy does not like very much sunlight at all.

This is the Bella Rosa which it was developed off. Also blooming atm.

 

[Gibonius]

Indeed a camellia. This is a locally developed varietal called Variegated Bella Rosa, which is a cross between Nuccios Gem and Nuccios Bella Rosa.

Its a picky variety. Bought it at Nuccios in Altadena CA. They ship. This guy does not like very much sunlight at all.

Neat.

I planted "Morning Glow," one of the cold hardy varieties, last year. It's in almost full shade and has some nice buds on it. Hoping it'll flower soon. Supposed to be formal double white flowers, should brighten up a dark corner of the yard.

 

[ValidusLA]

Morning Glow is nice, big white blooms. Very similar to Nuccios Gem, possible they share a background.

 

[UnFacconable]

Obvious question, but is there any chance to buy a house that you can do work on before moving in?

There is certainly a chance. There are some challenges around timing - I’ve been told that the permitting process is extremely backed up due to COVID, for a variety of reasons. Any meaningful remodel is going to be a longish haul. We looked briefly at a tear down but fortunately it sold before we could get our act together. A new build is a multi year process - if everything goes well - which makes it pretty much untenable for us.

Redoing a bathroom wouldn’t be a problem from a timing standpoint because we could wait until it’s safe and be just fine operating down a bathroom during construction but a significant kitchen remodel could easily take 6+ months right now start to finish. We are looking at a few different cities so some may depend on the specific city.

I should also point out, in case it’s not obvious, that we are not experienced in home building or remodeling. I can do relatively simple tasks but I’m not like knowledgeable or skilled in any trades so we don’t exactly have a competitive advantage in any home renovation scenario.

Basically we would have to build a strong business case to remodel in order to beat out a home we are relatively happy with as is.

 

[double00]

we planted a 1 gal camellia japonica last spring (nuccios pearl) it is budding now

 

[ValidusLA]

we planted a 1 gal camellia japonica last spring (nuccios pearl) it is budding now

Nuccios Pearl is beautiful! Very geometric, I have 2 and love them.

 

[Omega Male]

There is certainly a chance. There are some challenges around timing - I’ve been told that the permitting process is extremely backed up due to COVID, for a variety of reasons. Any meaningful remodel is going to be a longish haul. We looked briefly at a tear down but fortunately it sold before we could get our act together. A new build is a multi year process - if everything goes well - which makes it pretty much untenable for us.

Redoing a bathroom wouldn’t be a problem from a timing standpoint because we could wait until it’s safe and be just fine operating down a bathroom during construction but a significant kitchen remodel could easily take 6+ months right now start to finish. We are looking at a few different cities so some may depend on the specific city.

I should also point out, in case it’s not obvious, that we are not experienced in home building or remodeling. I can do relatively simple tasks but I’m not like knowledgeable or skilled in any trades so we don’t exactly have a competitive advantage in any home renovation scenario.

Basically we would have to build a strong business case to remodel in order to beat out a home we are relatively happy with as is.

My advice is don't even think about a remodel at your stage of life with young kids.

 

[ValidusLA]

My advice is don't even think about a remodel at your stage of life with young kids.

**looks nervously between 4.5 month old daughter and estimates for redoing dining room and adding new closet once vaccines are widespread**

 

[jcman311]

**looks nervously between 4.5 month old daughter and estimates for redoing dining room and adding new closet once vaccines are widespread**

Just remember, child care (0-Kindergarten) is now more expensive then college.

 

[Fueco]

My advice is don't even think about a remodel at your stage of life with young kids.

As someone with walls covered in crayon marks, plus one million...

 

[ValidusLA]

Just remember, child care (0-Kindergarten) is now more expensive then college.

Only state college. Annual child care average is like 9.5k. Total billed out the door cost of Top 25 universities now is 70k / year.

But the point is valid. Her PPO is freaking $3,300 per year. For an infant!

 

[Fueco]

Only state college. Annual child care average is like 9.5k. Total billed out the door cost of Top 25 universities now is 70k / year.

But the point is valid. Her PPO is freaking $3,300 per year. For an infant!

Where can I find childcare that cheap?

 

[imatlas]

One simply raises one’s offspring not to crayon the walls.

:foo:

 

[ValidusLA]

Where can I find childcare that cheap?

Thats just the national average. Certainly not on the coasts. However, I'm certain you aren't spending 70k. (I mean, maybe you are and you're employee a live in or something. In which case, you're awesome.)