Westside Story

The soon to be demolished architectural amenities. See that fascia board? Leaf debris built up behind it and caused the gutters to back up and seep under the eaves. The wood wicked the moisture to the plaster. Oh and that stop sign of a window way up high leaks air like you wouldn't believe. It may actually be sealed with playdoh.

Ok , I'm exaggerating . But this process grinds so slowly and the go-go days of construction are OVER. A monthfor the architect and engineer, a month for the civic league, a month for the permits. Sheesh! Just rip out those bushes, cut a hole in the roof and build me my bedrooms already!

Note to self: check rain gutters periodically. Conifer debris and other random stuff fills the gutters pretty quickly and this has a poor effect on actual drainage. I now have a lovely pink plaster line where the water seeped back under the eaves at the roofline and soaked into the fabulous coved ceiling plasterwork. Sigh.

PPCL requires copies of your remodeling or construction plans along with landscaping plans to be distributed to your surrounding neighbors for comment before a brief hearing for approval. The approval in necessary before the LA building permit is issued- in fact, it is prudent to get PPCL approval before getting engineering and building permits. We passed first time through. Hallelujah! We won't be cutting down any trees, but we will be losing green lawn in the front and gaining some landscape along the side and back. We are estimating at least a month for permits, then demolition and concrete.

Moving is happening just swimmingly- although there are some plumbing issues to correct before we move in for good. Anon- we are very thankful that we can move in- we weighed the costs and it makes sense for us now, not two years from now. As for Westside Story- I'll update everyone when we start the process of negotiating with the PPCL regarding remodeling. I wonder how they feel about gargoyles and a moat?

OK, really, it's 1/3 ours and 2/3 the bank- but hey! we are moving into the new neighborhood like the Beverly Hillbillies. To comment on http://westside-bubble.blogspot.com/ both of the homes noted (Not selling in the Palisades) are severely flawed and just not attractive values.

This holiday season, we are thankful to just be employed.