Another job checked off the to-do list

Owning a house is a commitment to never-ending maintenance and repairs. Any homeowners knows there is always something that needs to be done to a house, from the weekly chores such as grass mowing and leaf raking to larger projects — painting, repairing (balky locks or worn flooring), replacing (appliances, carpet, rotted wood trim).

I have, with some expert help, finished a renovation that had been on my to-do lists for a dozen years — since we moved into this house. The house came with an expansive deck and, above it, a small balcony, off the master bathroom. We thought it odd that the balcony had, instead of a railing, a board fence composed of 1x4 boards nailed on both sides of 2x4 rails and capped by a 2x6 top plate. The result was a balcony with limited views and no breeze. Sitting there became stifling hot whenever the sun moved into view.

After years of good intentions, I finally tore off the fence with a plan to replace the old wood with a vinyl railing that would use the existing 4x4 posts. I also began in earnest looking for a means of waterproofing the floor of the balcony, which consisted of 2x6 decking boards that allowed water to flow through to a sitting area underneath the balcony. I found a roofer who guarantees the rubber membrane he cut to fit the balcony floor.

It took hours of work and some expert assistance to cut the vinyl rails and sleeves for the 4x4 posts and tie them all together with vinyl pickets that fit into the rails. Now that the work is done, we are hopeful of finding a reasonably priced bistro set that will allow us to sit comfortably on our lofty perch, drink a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and enjoy the breeze. Finding outdoor furniture is the next item on my to-do list.