So you will recall that we purchased this home “as is.” There were a lot of things we knew we’d have to redo, update or replace. But one thing that was done was that the electric service had been upgraded from the overhead lines to underground. However, we knew we would need a new panel because there were a bunch of little boxes all over the house. We has several electricians come look (several never heard from again) who told us we only had a 100 amp service. For a house this size with 3 electric kitchens we thought they were crazy. Finally we had an OPPD consultant come out to look at it and he confirmed!! He didn’t think it was a fire hazard (how could it not be??), but he did say the wires were likely glowing. So we had to have a whole new underground service ran– unexpected cost. We then had to add new panels.
The plumbing was another cost we knew we’d have to bear. All plumbing lines had to be updated to copper and old iron main lines had to be switched to PVC. With the updated bath and main floor laundry– lots of new lines. 
While we were at it, Todd installed a new tankless water heater! I love these things! The initial cost is more than a traditional water heater but they are way more efficient and you will never run out of hot water!!
The basement in this house is huge and a wee bit scary. More on that later but our nephew lived with us over the summer so we were inspired to work on the basement! The basement got cleaned and organized but we really needed a proper bathroom. There were two toilet rooms in the basement… one with a shower… neither with a sink!! How can u have a toilet and no sink?? Yuck!! Now there is a sink in the basement kitchen but still… here are some befores and afters. Unfortunately I can’t seem to add photos in the appropriate order, so let me tell you about it. The flimsy wood paneling came down (to be repurposed elsewhere). The whole thing had to be reframed and drywalled. Nephew Trevor was here to help and he loved saying “fire in the hole” when they were using the nailer into the concrete! It was like a shotgun blast! We used an electric sander to get all the old paint off the shower walls. That was a major dust bomb! We purchased a special water resistant paint and repainted the whole thing. We put in a new light and vent. The shower floor was so uneven and slanted that tile wouldn’t work. In the shower we used teak tiles (found online). On the bathroom floor we used a rubber type industrial flooring. It’s cool but glued down and the boys had a little trouble with air bubbles. For small basement space it is fine. Plumber was here running new copper lines so he put in necessary water line for the sink! Now you can actually wash your hands!! We tried to reuse the former door, but it wouldn’t work , so a new door also had to be installed — cut down to fit and stained. New toilet, new vanity, new mirror and fixture and it came together! We are pleased with the outcome and Trevor was thrilled to have his own bathroom!!
