We Were Not Cut Out To Be Renters...Projects

So I think Matt and I both already knew we were not cut out to be renters but now that we are renters we are just being reminded of that. When we saw the listing for this condo it was listed as a 4 bedroom 2.5 bath which we thought would be perfect with adding a baby to our family come this spring. But when we came to look at it the "4th bedroom" was a large room in the basement with linoleum and paneling. It was less than inviting and slightly creepy since it smelled like old basement as well. We asked when we initially moved in if we could paint and put in carpet to which the landlord replied, "No!" I was bugged but didn't have much of a choice since Matt wouldn't let me paint without approval but this last week the owner decided to sell the property and the property management company gave us permission to update as we would like we just had to get each project approved. I knew the basement would be the first project the only down fall is that we would have to pay for it out of our pocket. They wouldn't pay for it or take it from our rent so we wont be getting to crazy with projects much to Matt's dismay. So I set to work getting paint and lining up carpet. Saturday morning we got right to work. We chose the same neutral grey as the upstairs to paint. Here are the before pictures. Hallie has wanted to move downstairs when we have the baby and now that we are finishing the basement Im at least considering it. She is so funny she tells me all the time how she misses the basement and doesn't want to share with Gracie since she will keep her awake since she will talk to her which probably really is true!

And the after

It was a lot like putting paint on a pig but it makes it more comfortable for us now so it was worth it. It turned out so good and really didn't cost very much. A carpet friend of ours gave us several matching remnants for free to help complete the space. We have decided we will put Hallie downstairs with her video monitor just like we did in the Maple house. We are going to find some sort of a divider for the room so it can remain half play room. Im so glad we chose a larger space to move into with all the lots falling through I would be so frustrated living in a 2 bedroom with 3 kids I think that was a really smart move on our part even if it is costing us a little more. Sanity iss priceless.