Kaitlyn Carty is Choral Director for Krum Independent School District and is also responsible for sponsoring extra-curricular activities. But just about every moment she is not directing her students she is directing the complete upgrade of her 1940s-era first home.
Carty purchased the fixer-upper in July 2011 and has nearly gutted the house and put it back together again.
“I began by tearing out the old tile ceilings, the 1960’s paneling, linoleum, kitchen cabinets and bathroom fixtures with the exception of the tub,” she said. “I redesigned the floor plan by widening the opening from the living room to the dining room, closing off the door from the kitchen to the hallway, removing the wall between the kitchen and the mud room, and adding a laundry room. I then began putting the pieces back together.”
While Carty does much of the work herself, she has expert help, too.
“My dad, brother, uncle, occasional other family and friends, and I have done all of the work,” she said. “We have built rooms, rewired electrical, replaced plumbing and gas lines, hung drywall, replaced windows, tiled floors, made built-in cabinets, trimmed windows and doors and baseboards, and more.”
Carty said she owes a great deal to her father, James Carty.
“My dad is my main go-to man. He is all knowledgeable of household construction, electrical, plumbing, gas lines, tiling, etc. You name it he can do it. Without his teaching and instruction as a young girl I would never have thought this project possible. I learn something new every time we are together and cherish our special bonding time during our home improvement projects. My dad spends most every weekend he has free to work with me. My brother, Bart Carty, and uncle, Steve Yount, have lent much aid in the accomplishing of tasks and then of course the occasional brave friend helps, too.”
Carty had an interest in home repair at an early age.
“My dad taught me all I know. Instead of playing princess, I helped Dad with home improvement projects in the house where I grew up. I would watch home improvement shos like “This Old House” or “Bob Villa” instead of watching cartoons, she said.
Carty has some advice for anyone thinking of tackling a major home repair project.
• It always takes longer than you think it will.
• It always costs more money than you think it will.
• Be confident in what you’re doing or find someone who is.
• Have fun and be creative – you never know until you try.
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