Minor Improvements

As we have been moving into the house, we've noticed a couple minor things that needed fixing. We've noticed many large things that need fixing also, but those will be the subject of other posts.

First thing we did when we moved in was move the fridge out of the pantry/old stair landing so we could get access to the pantry. Luckily the fridge water line was not connected and the electrical line was long enough. All in all, a very easy fix that opened up a lot more room for food storage. (FINALLY!!!!!!!)

The fridge next to its original home

It doesn't stick out that much..........

The next thing we noticed was a small leak in the hot supply pipe of the guest bathroom tub.

The leaky junction

The leak

The home inspector had already alerted us to the likely presence of a small leak so all that remained was finding the exact cause. After examining the leak for a short while, Matt was able to figure out that the water was coming from the top of the valve. Unfortunately, the previous owners had tried to "fix" the leak by wrapping it with string and spraying it with a foam like substance (no surprise there). After chipping away at the foam, Matt was able to fix the leak simply by tightening the seal cap on the top of the valve. We fear simple fixes made harder by "fixes" is going to be the theme of this house.

Currently in the basement is a decent laundry area. It's in the wrong spot and takes up space in what could be a much larger, nicer room, but it has shelves, a table, and a couple other things. However, the table had never been finished and was a bit splintery. We found some cheap contact paper on sale for a couple dollars a roll. Danielle had Matt put it on the table so now it is a dust and splinter free area for folding and storing washed clothes.

It was cheap and didn't stick the best, but it gets the job done

Finally, we were thrilled when we moved into the house that a lot of the lights in the house had dimmers. It's a great and easy way to adjust the lighting. Unfortunately, the previous owners had gone a little overboard with the dimmers and installed one on the only fan in the house. When Matt first turned on the fan he thought it was broken or damaged due to the noise it emitted and the slow speed it moved at no matter the dimmer setting. However, on further research, we found the dimmer itself was to blame.

Note the writing that says "For permanent installed incand. fixtures"

Most dimmers can only be put on incandescent bulbs, not fans, and this one was no different. Since we have gotten a new switch and installed it, the fan now works amazingly.

Managed to install the switch upside down the first time. Have to remember to read the instructions.