Welcome to our home! We're Alex and Wendy, owners and official DIYers of an 1880s row house in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Having bought the house in early 2003 just months after getting married, we purchased the home in a "bachelor pad" state, having no idea what we were in for. After years of blood, sweat, and tears, not to mention most of our free time and savings, we've decided to share our story of do-it-yourself adventures, in hopes that others can learn from our successes and failures, and be entertained along the way.
Even though we begun our renovation in 2003, we're somewhat new to the blog scene having started Old Town Home in April of 2011. In this short time, we consider ourselves fortunate to have met so many fellow DIY and design enthusiasts, and have even been lucky enough to have been featured on Apartment Therapy , and in Old House Journal , Northern Virginia Magazine and The Washington Post Express . We were even a winner of eCollegeFinder's Top DIY Blog Award and a finalist in Apartment Therapy's 2013 Homies for Best Home Projects & DIY Blog .
Is it your first time here? Check out our Welcome Page or learn more as we answer FAQs and talk about why we DIY .
Our Crew
Alex
"General Contractor, House Nerd" alex@oldtownhome.com From his keen woodworking skills to mad plastering abilities, Alex can do it all. Well, everything except deliver on time and under budget. He's also a huge Nerd, so he's sure to go way overkill on the technology aspect of any project.
Wendy
"Principle Designer, Project Manager" wendy@oldtownhome.com Responsible for the major decorating decisions as well as keeping projects forging ahead, Wendy has an eye for detail like no other. She also has been known to possess diva-like traits when projects take unexpected turns.
Mel
"The Home Inspector" mel@oldtownhome.com When not slinking away to sleep on the job, Mel, our 11 year old Scottish Fold, serves as our home’s chief inspector, anxious to examine every ongoing project, tool, dust pile and demolition zone.
Lulu
"The Apprentice" lulu@oldtownhome.com The newest member of the crew , Lulu, our three year old Ori Pei (Shar Pei Pug mix), is quickly learning the tricks of the trade and has been eager to help paint and observe whenever possible -- with or without a permit.
When the kids aren't working, they're usually fighting:
VIDEO
In Memory - 2008-2010
Oliver
"Director of Safety and Security" In his all too brief time as a member of our renovation crew , our Daug (Dachshund Pug mix) Oliver ensured that the proper safety gear was worn at all times, as well as provided perimeter security of the property. His side hobby was redecorating replastered walls and refinished baseboards...with his teeth.
