We purchased our home three years ago from the estate of the original owners, who built the home in the 1950's. In order to be closer to our family and be in the location we wanted, we needed to overlook its need for some cosmetic improvement. We could easily see the potential in this large cape cod style home. It has enough space for our growing family, unique features like a double-sided fireplace, custom changes to the original blueprint (from the March 1957 edition of The American Home Magazine), and solid construction that is standard in this era. Beyond that, we could easily feel the love that previously filled this home. Over the last three years we have chipped away at the interior, upgrading much of the original style and finishes. We have stripped wallpaper, removed carpet to add hardwood and tile flooring, painted, and added a fresh feel to most of the spaces. All this work has left the exterior neglected. Our cedar siding has just about reached its limit. Many years of paint, a well-treed lot, and harsh Buffalo winters has left it chipping, rotting, and growing green stuff. Our shutters are deteriorating and the original trim work is rotting away too. We want to bring the character back to the exterior of this home and have it reflect the charm of our hometown.

by: Erica G