I have great in-laws. I really consider them a blessing. These are the kind of people that will get their hands dirty to help you. They’ll sweat with you and never utter a peep of complaint. I’ve thanked my lucky stars for them many a day.

One example is the mechanic work. When it comes to cars and such, my knowledge isn’t quite as extensive as it is with houses. I can hold my own, but when things get serious, I need help. Kim’s dad is always there, ready to bail me out!

Many times, that help has come on a car he knows very well. Kim’s 1965 Mustang was her first car and lucky for us, we still have it. She’s had that car longer than she’s had me! After getting it all fixed up and pretty for his baby girl, her dad drove it down from Tampa on Saturday.

We haven’t driven it for awhile so we jumped behind the wheel the second he drove up! I never fail to be shocked by the admiring looks and stares we get when we drive that car. It makes me reluctant to let my bride take off in it un-accompanied! There’s just something about that car.

The car has character. The car has class. It’s a keeper.

Is Your House A Classic?

If a forty year old car can be more appealing at a stop-light than a brand new (insert fancy car of preference here), then your house can do the same thing. The exact same principles can be applied to a house to help set it apart and, if you do it right, it will last for a long time.

If you live in an older home then you may already have a classic on your hands. For you it might be as simple as a paint job and some maintenance and you’re living in classy character personified.

If you live in a newer subdivision home, the story could feel quite differently. But I encourage you to try hard to make your house unique. Try to find ways to make it stand out from the other homes on the street that are similar.

There are small architectural elements that you can add both inside and out that will begin to give your house a character and class all it’s own. You might:

• Consider adding trim details around the exterior of your windows. Stucco bands, shutters, window boxes, and wood trim are all ways to set your house apart.
• Use some solid “hard-scape” structure in your landscape to create some interest and maybe draw some attention away from a “plain” section of the house.
• Pull out the big-guns and actually alter your architecture. If you have three houses on your street that are the same, maybe a small addition on the front of your home could kill two birds with one stone by giving you space and character at the same time.
• Add some really unique woodwork inside. The elements of interior trim are often the same, but the use of unique shapes and “profiles” can make a world of difference.
• Use fixtures that have real character. Builders often build a whole street of houses with the same light fixtures. (why do they do that?) Changing yours out to something that really says something about your style can begin the transformation.

The list of possibilities is long and after the long weekend is over, I’ll see if I can dig up some great pictures to show you what I mean.

Have a great Memorial Day! My dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, and father-in-law all served in wars for our country and all knew men who gave their lives. Even today, this minute as I write, our armed forces are protecting and serving our country. Even though we are one small voice…my family thanks you all.

~RG