Quantifiable Befores and Afters

It's starting to get cold upstate. Very cold.  At this point in the renovation it's time to keep motivated and celebrate how far we have come even if we still have a long way to go.
Here's a progression of the church facade on the day I bought it through this past weekend where she sits proudly on her new foundation.

Here's the exterior outside the south wall. A lot of time, effort and money have been spent on keeping water from seeping into this side of the church. The top photo was taken from the east wall deck and the bottom photo was taken from the front "yard." The removal of the clusters of maple trees and the new retaining wall with curtain drains will make a big difference.

And here's the basement which transformed from a set out of The Silence of the Lambs to something clean and dry.

I was also really happy that I was able to deal with the woodstove by making it more minimal. Now, I find it a goofy, welcoming kind of hearth. I'm looking into some kind of stainless steel plate to put under the stove. I can also see what a beautiful wash of white will do to the light in the church and finally, I did a little dance when that wall behind it came down!

Behind that wall is the greatest achievement to date: the installation of the doors and windows and all new siding on the east elevation.

The Interior East elevation:

I've had to learn patience and have faith. These are both valuable skills that I sometimes lack. I just try and remember that it has to get ugly before it gets beautiful.