Workin' on the House (as usual)

by Dan

We rented a house in Nosara that has a cool modern design, designed by an architect to maximize natural cooling.  There was the understanding that I'd do a bit of work in exchange for a lower monthly rent.  But given that the house doesn't appear to built in the, uh, most robust way for the Costa Rican climate, and that no one has ever lived here full time, I didn't realize the amount of work that would need to be done!  And the house was only about 75% furnished when we arrived.  In our first month, here's a few things I did:


- Flat roof over leaks pretty badly; unclog drain and apply waterproof coating
- Properly install under-cabinet kitchen lighting with new transformer
- Install kitchen microwave shelf and cutlery drawer; get compost and recycling bins
- No hot water at kitchen sink; install replacement hot water piping (old iron pipe rusted closed)
- Build cover for unguarded hole in kitchen floor with 10-foot drop
- Install guard wires on all staircase railings

- Reverse the swing on 3rd floor floor-level windows to eliminate risk of someone falling out
- Replace inoperable drain on outdoor bathtub
- Mount towel bars in both upstairs and downstairs bathrooms
- Service air conditioner to unclog drain and prevent condensate dripping into room
- Repair rotted stair treads and stair landing leading to downstairs bedroom
- Clean out, remove large poisonous snake from, and set up shelving in storage area under parking
- Remove broken wood bars from exterior door in downstairs bedroom, repair and trim bottom of door so it will close

- Purchase television, toaster, reclining deck chairs, office chair

Fortunately, I am familiar with this pace of house maintenance work, from doing a year's worth of maintenance in a month or two in New Brunswick!  The pace should slow down considerably from now on...

DURING...

DONE!