OK, I am beginning to re-do an old Farm house, age of the house is about 103 years old, located in central Virginia. Long story short, we plan to gut, repair and re-use as much original material as possible while adding and repairing/replacing structural and electrial/plumbing. We are doing this slowly and have gotten the first room completely gutted. I know in todays construction, once the studs are up, on the exterior, they are covered with foamboard/plywood/partical board and then wrapped with Tyvek; the siding is then installed over these. This forms a moisture barrier and seals the house. With this room gutted, I have studs and the exterior wood board siding, no moisture barrier of any kind. I can see years of moisture seeping through the siding, and am wondering if I install insulation, over time won’t any moisture leaking through just be absorbed by the insulation? I plan on repairing the exterior, but that is the last thing on the list and perhaps a year down the road. I know once I caulk and repair any damaged wood siding it will be better, but still a risk for moisture to leak/seep through. Should I consider installing some type of moisture barrior between the exterior siding and the insulation? What should it be? I would think this could cause problems if not done correctly.
Edited 10/29/2007 11:23 pm ET by FunGolfer
Replies
There goes your golfing score...
Backprime the exposed siding with a sealer/primer
Kilz or Bin is fine
Then cut foam to fit the stud space for insulation behind the siding.
Or use spray foam, but doing one room at a time makes this impractical
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Piffin,
You must have a differant (read better) technique for installing cut foam into spaces than I have..
The time spent fitting that foam in makes it worth my time and money (I'm really extremely cheap) to have the next time done by a spray foam company next time .. I compared the countless hours I spent on a ladder cutting and fitting foam between timbers. If I paid myself 50 cents an hour once I added the coat of the foam and the spray foam together it still would have been cheaper to have it done by a professional. My brother-in-law had it done on his stick built house and it took them two days.. It took me two weeks to do the job on the bottom of 104 sq.ft. portico. The timbers were 8 inches thick and the spacing between timbers varied (rough sawn) enough that each bent was measured and cut accordingly.
I started with the tower and there I knew I would be spending endless hours fitting foam in between those timbers but the source of my foam was free, I simply took window cut offs and panels ends etc. cut out the foam and then cut and fit them each between timbers. I spent the better part of a winter doing that. Free foam or not in retrospect a pro wouldn't have spent a half a day doing that. So I wasted months of my time..
Even though the source of the foam was free the spray foam wasn't So I spent nearly $500.00 buying cans of Great stuff whenever it came on sale anyplace..
I looked at and at times even bought alternatives but the best value turned out to be those cans of Great Stuff.. I often pulled the nossle from each can and moved it to the next.. that gave me over 100 spare nossles which came in handy because it allowed me to drain all the foam from each can. When ever I stopped I simply threw away the nozzle and started up the next day with a new one.. So Might use one nossle all day.
I can see years of moisture seeping through the siding, and am wondering if I install insulation, over time won't any moisture leaking through just be absorbed by the insulation?
Yes
Should I consider installing some type of moisture barrior between the exterior siding and the insulation?
Yes
There is a chance that some of the moisture you're seeing is coming from inside the house and condensing on the cold inside face of the sheathing, but if you can see that the siding needs repair then that's a more likely source. The only insulation that can stand up to water is foam. It's an excellent insulator but expensive.
I would think that first priority would be to stop leaks. Second priority is to redo inside, and finally redo outside with a housewrap (Tarpaper, typar, tyvek, etc.) and new siding. The house should ultimately be water tight before siding goes on.
Thank you for your reply, and yes, I completely understand about fixing the leaks first. Prior to starting on the inside, roof work and leak repair was done and the roof recoated with several coats. I know some repair would be needed on the siding, but was hoping to do that last as it is not in too terrible shape in looking at it from the outside. I discovered the stains on the inside of the wall when the interior walls were removed. While this work on the first room was being done, we had 3-4 days of heavy rain, with none coming through the walls, most of the stains I am seeing are probably from years past.
Edited 10/30/2007 9:57 am ET by FunGolfer
That's a common construction around these parts. I've cut and fit polyisocyanurate foil-faced foam to fit between studs and foamed it in, with a little bit of a twist... I build in a little bit of a space between the foam and the siding by fastening some strips of 1x2 stock in the corners of the bays the length of the studs. Then I cut in some 1.5 or 2 inch foam, seal the perimeter with some spray foam, and if there is still enough room in the bay to make it worthwhile, I blow the rest of the space with cellulose.I think the space helps the siding and framing dry faster after exposure to wetting.Steve
I would first go with a spray in foam ( installed by an insulation pro), but as Piffin said, this could be costly doing it one room at a time. I also like the idea of creating a drain plane like mmoogie suggested ( 96414.5), but not quite sure how you would do that with the spray foam.
Where in central VA are you? If your anywhere near the Charlottesville/ Albemarle greater area I could give you the names of a few insulation contractors that might be able to work something out.
Actually the Farmhouse is in Rice, which is just outside of Farmville. Thanks for your help!
As luck has it, I am involved in a similar project as we speak. Fortunately, many f the crew are former Navy men, so we have not run out of descriptive terms .... though some days, the supply gets dangerously low!
The one word that will cause you by far the most grief, delay, and added expense is the word "re-use." IMO, you'd be both better off, and happier, if you asked an architect to design a new structure that resembles the outside appearance of the old house, then bulldozed the old one. Period.
There are various reasons for this. The biggest is that, as the project progresses, you will have to make major efforts to fix, or modify, EVERYthing. Starting with the rubble foundation.
Mixing old methods with new ... as in your wall example ... is also a good example of the extra effort caused by 'preserving.' And that's the easy part. Running modern HVAC, plumbing, and electric in such structures is a nightmare.
Finally, even when brilliantly restored, you'll have an inadequate floor plan - unless you are living a circa-1900 farmers' lifestyle. Stairs will be too steep, halls too narrow, rooms either too small or too large, etc.
The last time I made these points, a few parties responded with "do you realize how much money I'd lose if folks followed your advice?" Well, there you have it - there ARE folks out there whose business plan is based on your making poor choices.
Others made mention of "historic preservation." Again, a clear example of someone elses' sentimentality costing YOU money ... and 'rules' getting in the way of common sense.
As I said at the opening, I am currently involved in such a project. Nearly destroyed by fire, this restoration / rebuild will cost nearly a million dollars (construction cost), and the job is taking at least three times as long as it should. It is simply amazing just how expensive re-using materials can be.
I think I like your way of thinking. "Other people's sentimentality. . ."
Edited 11/4/2007 5:01 pm ET by Biff_Loman
To be safe, I won't show your e-mail to my wife. I made the same comment, and have paid for it dearly. My wife "believes" "anything" can be fixed, so off we go, and probably will throw some good money after bad, so to speak. The lucky thing here is that this is a one story home, so no stairs that are too steep. There has been some enclosures of porches making some very small rooms, but those will have to be almost dis-mantled and rebuilt.
Once down to the studs, I don't think electrical will be too difficult, but that bridge is still a ways in the future. Same with plumbing, the bath will have to be relocated, enlarged and perhaps one added, so once to the studs we may be "OK."
I do agree, it would be better IMO, to completely build from the ground up, but I'm sure when finished, it will hold many, perhaps a lifetime, of stories.
FunGolfer,
Hold the faith, I am in the finishing stages of a very similar project that was started about 2 years ago by my very motivated wife so I know it can be done and I believe you will do just fine. I was lucky and have a very intellegent and wife that was willing to help with whatever. Her dream is to have everything complete by spring 2008 for sons graduation from HS. We are down to finish type work, trim, interior doors to install ....she just needs to finish putting polyeurathane and that will be complete, trim out windows and agree on wall paint colors!!! The final task being the hardest as we tend to differ on paint techniques, style, etc.... good luck!!
I hired the roofing done as it was a steep pitch and didn't have the time to do it myself and for $ 800 dollars labor it was well worth it and done in 2 days. I also hired the plumbing and electrical (both friends of the family- BIG BONUS) so were willing to work reasonable price wise and were both very accomodating working late and around my ability to get enough framed at night to ensure them a full days work the next day. Wife decided to move our stairway and every wall in the house except for the 4 exterior walls and one 3 interior walls. We shopped the big box stores for sales and saved some significant money that way. I was fortunate that I have many connections from previous jobs at the local lumber yard and working for my brother in laws carpenter crew that I was able to borrow tools and get materials for cost often times.
I was able to do everything else myself with some help from brother in law carpenter on teh week-ends from installing new windows, put on cement board siding, insulate, all the demolition work, fixed sagging floors, framing, tiling, flooring except for carpet, drywall ended up being a group effort as we had a sheet rock party the 2 days after Thanksgiving with family members hung our 200 sheets in that time and only cost me food and 5 cases of beer. Hired the taping for the whole house for $1200 + ham sandwiches and more beer in the fridge. Otherwise I would have had to try and do it myself but was able to squeeze this in the budget.
So there is no doubt in my mind you can do this and have many memories in doing so if you are able to surround yourself with great friends and family like I did. I swore I would never do this again but now that all is about complete I find myself wondering what I will do when it is all done.....probably landscaping and taking the boys fishing.
Good luck, keep us posted here. I wish I would have found this website when I started the project.
Boy, yours sounds like a true success story, congratulations! My wife also wants to be a part of this project, which is good, but does slow it down a bit at times. She is not as motivated to move walls, yet, but is coming along.
I do have some friends in electrical and a plumber I can trust, so those areas, right now, I am not too concerned about, but like I said, they are still down the road a bit.
When we really first started looking at the house to replace, I was the one that said "tear it down," because everytime I tried to make a simple repair, it just kept going deeper and deeper, which is why I was able to convince her to take it to the studs. I don't know that I will do "everything" myself, but do plan on doing a lot of it.
Everyone here has made some very valid points, if time and money were no object then I too would have scrapped everything and started anew or just moved....but we loved the location and neighborhood just plain couldn't afford to do it much different so keep that in perspective with your project. I would have found a new house much easier and just as rewarding to build however that wasn't the situation I was in financially or timewise.
The greatest things I learned in the remodel was to look at different perspectives, spouses, neighbors, professionals etc and make it your own. By doing this I was able to find a new friend in my wife although many times I wished to shake her due to her "what if" questions but learned to cope and ultimately if she hadn't asked some of those questions then we may have ended up with some drastic decisions moving ahead quickly and maybe not end up with the house we wanted and now have. Enjoy the build whether old or new...there isn't a wrong answer.
Oh man, am I in trouble. I absolutely love this forum and am kinda glad I didn't hit upon it earlier as I wouldn't have accomplished as much in my everyday hectic life. Right now, I am delighted and intend to keep up with it, in fact may become one of those people who look forward to getting back it, just to see what's happened in the interim.
I am a writer working as a personal chef in Florida and my home and heart is in Maine, particularly a 185 year old cape that I rescued from complete demo and which has served me well, actually makes me smile now that she's done-up in her new cedar shingle gown. I am so lucky my new builder appreciates all that is wonderful about the old place. The construction of this modest abode was so sound, post and beam that moving entire structure to new foundation put her off only 3/4 inch. I love the old way lathe was made and I love the old pink paint found behind the plaster. The new addition has come out better than my original design but it's the old gal that gives character to the overall. In fact, I have asked my carpenter to keep the 2 inch thick walls with old paint visible in certain areas while sheetrocking the remaining area. I love the hand hewn beams and "plugs" that attach to now nonexistant posts, the square cut nails. Romantic, sentimental, OK. But Americans are mostly spoiled and aid and abet a throw away, lest I be incovenienced way of life. Not me. I assisted Mom Nature in making a glorious garden out of rubble and feel proud whenever I make a good meal out of simple ingredients. Yankees believe in making do or doing without. The Green way should not mean asisine thinking that all cotton fiber and Prius autos are the best ways to join the worldwide efforts, but to learn to get along with what's available, to reuse and reduce. One must know when to scrap something but not until careful thought has been given to all that is valuable in what is and has been in existence. I have been a recycler, reuser nearly all my life and it wasn't a waste of time, it was my humble way of not contributing to the outlandish waste stream too many of us continue to ignore. Please excuse any typos, etc. but hurray for anyone who has the foresight to save that which is worth saving.Oh, I was turned on to FineHomebuilding by spying some recycled old issues at our local recycling center. It and This Old House have been tremendous help, as is reading messages in this forum.
Edited 11/7/2007 12:57 pm ET by DawterNature
Welcome! I have a circa 1690 gambrel-roofed saltbox in CT - Piffin does beautiful work on old houses in Maine, WNYguy has a great Greek Revival...
There are quite a few of us here, and we all argue a lot. A great spot for all points of view.
Edited to add: P. S. Please break up your posts to make them more easily readable by aging eyeballs squinting at the screen...8>)
Edited 11/7/2007 1:38 pm ET by kate
I imagine you might find "Old House Journal" a lot more useful than "This Old House"
"Others made mention of "historic preservation." Again, a clear example of someone elses' sentimentality costing YOU money ... and 'rules' getting in the way of common sense."
This attitude is a good example of how we throw our culture away in America instead of taking care of our buildings. As a result, to a large extent we have become a 'throw-away' society. Fortunately, due to the increasing scarcity of places to throw things away (landfill) this is changing.
Historic Preservation isn't sentimentality - maybe this is what they teach in the Navy but fortunately we do have higher education available to many.
Jeff
Edited 11/5/2007 9:32 pm ET by Jeff_Clarke
At the risk of having this thread get hijacked, I categorically reject all three of your precepts. Preserve? Silly on two counts. First, it's easy to say 'preserve' when it's someone else who is paying the tab. If a man wishes to 'preserve at all costs,' I say: let him. Let him buy it, repair it, restore it, and use it. Don't come to me, telling me I 'must,' or asking for a break on your taxes, or me to function in your inadequate structure. Second, everything has a finite life expectancy. Everything. Period. That is the nature of things. The more closely the item was designed in the first place, the more limited its' lifespan. When you are mending, patching, and rebuilding every component, you no longer have an 'old' or 'preserved' structure. You have a new structure, that you built in the least efficient, most expensive manner possible. The landfill argument is a red herring; in the course of a piece-by-piece remodel, you generate at least as much trash as a complete demolition. It's just taken away in more, and smaller, loads.
We also have to ask: where did the materials come from? Most likely, they came from a hole in the ground; everything we own is either mined or grown. If it came out of a hole, it can go back into a hole. Finally, our lives have changed - and will continue to change. It is absurd to preserve the coal chute when you've put in gas heat. It's absurd to maintain a stable when you need a garage. This is "fine homebuilding," and not 'modern museum quarterly.'
Well there you have it - black and white.
Good thing real life isn't like that.
Jeff
renosteinke,
Have you had some bad experiences with doing preservations/ renovations? I think that some of your statements have merit, but you seem to be on the extreme end of there being no place for preservations/ renovations.
Kind of laughing to myself, becuase I am more on the other end (always seeing potential in that leaning structure). But Im getting better!! :)Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.
A fair question .... Sure, I've been presented with my challenges when working on older buildings. Often, I get called when the mess created by repair / remodel / DIY / patch finally reaches critical mass. More common, I'm watching from the sidelines, as I see the dreamer - and the other trades - try to find some silver lining in what's become a very dark cloud. I've watched far too many 'simple projects' mushroom into monsters. As mentioned earlier, the project I'm currently working has become a $1M job .... were it an 'ordinary' project, it would probably be completed for a quarter of that. One of the reasons for the expense has been the insistence by the 'historical' folks that every possible board and rock be salvaged, and re-used, in the new building.
Renosteike, you are obviously strong in your opinion on preservation or reconstruction of "older" homes vs new historic appearing homes. As an Architect I very much appreciate your sending me more work.
I can truly say I see both sides of this discussion. This started with an inquiry about wall systems and we seem to have gotten the dander raised a bit.
I have been retained by a couple who own a circa 1810 home and want to "do something" with it. Fine. They do want to move it back from the road. Hmmm. Can we lift it and set it back down on a new foundation? Yes, for a significant sum of money and time. Oh, we want a basement. OK. Oh, and here's a list of other stuff we want.
Here's what I have given them as the possible scenarios, after a thorough every nook and cranny review of the existing structure. (It is listed on the local historic register which places some restrictions on the project, but not many). One, lift and move. After removing the "additions" that are collapsing. And re-structuring and re-leveling and removing all utility connections and the massive chimney. Two, strip the house to its structural framing, disassemble and salvage all the historical trim and such for re-use and rebuild with all new utilities and other stuff. And of course, a new foundation/basement. Three, allow me to "design/re-create" the original home on the new site but with the long list of amenities that have been requested. It's been three years but we are almost at a decision.
Sir, from where I sit these fine people will get what they want which is an older but more liveable house. How we get there? I don't know yet. My invoices will be sent no matter the means to the end. (Scenario 2 is the direction they are leaning).
My home was built in 1837 and I, repeat I, do all the work on it so I understand the complexities of the effort.
ciao. ted
I appreciate your kind words .... and I'd like, just for a moment, to go off on a short tangent. Reno is home to the "National Auto Museum." Every year, we host numerous festivals that celebrate the art and wonder of the automobile. While the premier event is "Hot August Nights," we have many other such gatherings. Now, I truly admire some of these amazing machines, and the loving care with which some folks have spent enormous sums restoring, modifying, painting, etc. Yet, I also recognize that the vat majority of old cars will never be 'classics.' Some were humdrum vehicles even when new, and others have deteriorated to the point that 'junk heap' is far too nice a name for them. There's one place for these (sometimes) rolling rustbuckets: the scrap heap. If some soul wishes to invest the time and money in a 'trailer queen,' more power to him! Yet, I would be furious if some law, public interest group, or government agency were to try to interfere when the time comes to replace my 1990 truck. Imagine if someone said "you can't get a new car- you have to preserve the old one." That's a good analogy for my view of preserving buildings. I tried to express my views in fairly simple, direct terms, as a counter to those who are at work, right now, to require saving old buildings - no matter the merit, condition, utility, or expense - and work to impose their view on us, using such things as 'zoning' or 'historical preservation' or any other excuse they can think up. An ideal has to do more than 'sound good' to pass muster.
Sounds more of a comparison like a decision to save the old Bently or fix up the old Pinto.
renosteinke, I fully understand your car analogy as I am a certifiable car guy...and I have one, for the time being, of those Northern Ohio rustbuckets. OK, a couple, well, a few. They have little value to anyone but myself and a fellow enthusiast of the marque.
I also see the point you've made as to being required/forced/intimidated into preserving an older home. I have sat on the local landmark commission and have, years ago, made some regrettable decisions. And I have several ugly stories that go to your point that "We MUST save this Building!!!" That's also why I am no longer on that Bored. It would seem that because a building is old it must be saved is a mantra for those who don't have to pay for the maintenance or repair but have their own agenda for others' homes or properties.
I don't think that the question at the start of this discussion was in responce to a governmental demand. The gentleman just wanted to do it right and I believe that to be admirable.
I think that when a person choses to own an older home, whether historically significant or not, that person, I hope, understands the repair and upgrade requirements. (This goes to the original inquiry of this string). As a homeowner with an older house I have affected many repairs while trying to maintain the original integrity of the construction.
One of the reasons I subscribe to FHB is that I find many ideas and solutions and products that are easily adaptable to older homes. I don't jump in on a lot of discussions just because I am not the craftsman that many are. But if I need a technique or a solution which can help me with a client I usually find something on this board or in a back issue.
Let's face it, we are all building something new whether from the ground up or using an existing building. Some chose the latter. They will certainly get an education as to the effort required.
You wouldn't be interested in a slightly worn 1959 Morris Minor "Shooting Brake" now would you?
Ciao, ted. (Architect of several 'Garage-ma-hal' s; 8 car minimum) ;)
That's a good analogy for my view of preserving buildings. I tried to express my views in fairly simple, direct terms, as a counter to those who are at work, right now, to require saving old buildings - no matter the merit, condition, utility, or expense - and work to impose their view on us, using such things as 'zoning' or 'historical preservation' or any other excuse they can think up.
An ideal has to do more than 'sound good' to pass muster.
This comment doesn't merit much, since neither the National Trust, SHPOs nor any other groups advocate such an extreme view as characterized.
As a direct example, the Secretary of the Interior Guidelines for Historic Structures (which are near-universally used as a basis for local HP ordinances) states (quoting):"The Standards are to be applied to specific rehabilitation projects in a reasonable manner, taking into consideration economic and technical feasibility."Does this sound like "... no matter the merit, condition, utility or expense" - nope.
The issue of municipalities 'imposing their view upon us' has already been before the Supreme Court on several occasions and have been upheld.
Jeff
Edited 11/7/2007 9:47 pm ET by Jeff_Clarke
I've tried ... hard as it may be to believe ... to keep SOME relevance to the OP. Feel free to start a new thread if you wish to pursue this further.
Fungolfer,
I'd like to point out somethings.. and maybe a differant approach..
First anyone who builds for a living knows that it's cheaper to build than to make the past acceptable..
Ask your wife what things she really likes about the old house and what things she'd like changed.. Trust me she won't see the plumbing or electrical stuff or the bones of the structure.. she'll point out the quaint or `pretty stuff and she''l like the kictchen except want it bigger..
That's your approach.. ask her if you built a new kitchen to get the size and openess she'll like in the style the house is in would she like that? then you could use the old kitchen as a pantry and maybe a breakfast nook etc..
Then build that with modern technology and using currant construction techniques.. Only use old style trim and quaint fixtures right from the antique catalogs. She will be impressed with the end result The original house will remain in place and your budget won't be hurt. What you do from that point is clear to me but you might get there before you decide to do what..
Welcome to the club.
We just finished restoring a 1880's farm house. We lived in it while we worked on it. Quite the adventure. The only plumbing was in the 1920's addition. The original ship lap siding was under the yellow aluminum siding, and the interior walls were 1x8 lap board w/ several layers of wall paper. (no insulation)
We removed the interior walls down to the studs rewired and insulated and re-installed the original lap board (to ensure structural integrity). We redid the second floor first, while sleeping in the front room. We made modifications as we went, adding two bathrooms upstairs and moving the kitchen to the main body of the house. We replaced all of the windows and custom made all new trim.
For pics look here http://web.mac.com/lovetotweet/iWeb/Simon%20Ott%20Carpentry/Country%20Farmhouse%20Restoration.html
We did tons of research and learned lots along the way, and restoration is what have done for a living for the last 11 years. I tried different things and even re-did a few of them.
From this experience, I would try the following next time.
0. Foundation work if necessary
1. Open the walls from the exterior, one side at a time,
2. Modify framing,
3. Rewire/plumb,
4. Insulate,
5. Sheath w/ plywood or OSB, !!!!!!!!!
6. Housewrap,
7. Install windows
8. Reside w/ salvaged original siding, patch w/ newer matching siding (I made my own)
9. Open and move/rework interior walls where needed.
10. Patch and repair interior walls
11. Install interior trim
12. Paint etc.
I would also recommend creating a "temporary" workable kitchen as soon as possible. We did this when we moved into the new kitchen. I built shelves w/ 2x4's and plywood, painted and even laid some tile for the counter top. I simply used mastic and 12" 78 cent tiles from Lowes. It worked great until we were ready for the real deal and allowed us to determine if we really liked the set up or wanted to modify it. As well as saving tons of money on fast food.
When you have opened a wall of a hundred year old house and seen the clear "2x4" old growth wood and the rough sawn 1x's you can feel the history. You know that the house you are in has survived through storms, earthquakes, floods, and drought. And that the trees that it was made from grew for hundreds of years to become that strong.
By restoring that house with integrity, you are ensuring that it can live on for generations to come. I personally don't see how building can be much greener than that.
For all of the dirt, sweat, blood, tears, and yes, money, there is an immense sense of satisfaction, accomplishment, and joy in finishing a project such as you have embarked upon.
Ott
The only difference between us is that we are not living in it as we do it. The farm is a short drive from our home and we have bought a 32 foot camper to stay on site, tying that into the well and septic system.
Your photos look great and mine is only one story so it may/should be a little easier. Most of what you listed I will be in to, at some degree or other. Good idea about the temp kitchen to test the layout, that may work for us as well.
Thanks for your reply, and encouragement!
Ott,
Great job on renewing life to a great house, your pictures are great and brought back flashbacks of our project....we too lived in the house through it all except a 1 week + stint with the mother in law while plumbing and major electrical was completed. Your advise for a temp kitchen is very accurate as we too did this except ours had to be a little bit mobile and was limited to a microwave and a grill at times and numerous trips to the laundrymat.
Our house is very similar to yours in size (just guessing by pictures) and shape except the porch on ours was enclosed by previous owners and we kept it that way as we needed the interior square footage. Kudos on the exterior trim it looks great, we kept the original trim in tacked but will look at taking it down and refinishing it next summer when I get final coat of paint on.....hopefully by graduation time @ memorial day.
I think one of the greatest rewards of doing this was finding things in the walls whether it was playing cards, baseball/football cards, tin cans.....attempts of minor patches and layers of hideous wallpaper. we made a collage of all the different patterns but got tired of moving it and finally found its way to the landfill. Kept some of the original vertical grain fir trim and some of the interior doors and will make some picture frames from the trim as homage to the old house and end tables out of the old 6 panel doors.... saw a neat pattern in a magazine and thought it might be fun to try and see how they turn out. If I don't like them I will just sell them or give to one of my nephew/neices or my college bound son to use.
What are some of the treasures you found in your projects?
You're right on the fun of finding things within the walls. It is always amazing and makes you feel like a bit of a detective catching a glimpse into the past. One of the coolest of this house was the TeePee drawings on one of the walls. It was done in a downstairs room right on the lap board. I put a pic of it on the web site but it was real difficult to catch on camera. We made sure to leave it as untouched as we could before covering it up. We also found a cache in another wall in the same room. It looked like a little brother used a knot hole in the wall to hide his sisters stuff. Doll parts, scraps of metal and fabric, and other odds and ends. It makes you wonder how long they lived with the raw wood walls before they put up wall paper.The only other thing of large interest was the two wall cavities full of wax honey comb from an abandoned nest upstairs. There's always the fun of discovering the original layout of the house, where doors and windows used to be etc. Of course, everyone is hoping to find that jar of silver dollars, or old bills worth a fortune. How many times are those treasures lost to oblivion when they just bulldoze a house and cart it off to the dump?Ott
I hear you on finding old windows/door openings.....I was truly amazed by how our house was originally framed from the stand point that where the entrance doors were, which rooms were added on and there were some real head scratching times trying to figure out what the original carpenters were thinking at the time. Found some of the original wiring buried in the walls ....not in use thank goodness but was interesting to see. I really learned alot while doing this project not only about construction but trying to understand why some people cut corners and where....example. why were my walls originally the exact color of masking tape, or why was that hole patched with a piece of sheet metal...I later found out why my walls were the color they were ....because that is how they patched nail holes .....by just placing masking tape over it. Previous owners were not weathly by any means but were very creative and were limited to using what they had. I also found out what I was made of...everything looks simple on TV and just falls into place but when you need to have the foresight of when and where to install something so that you don't end up moving it a half dozen times before it is right or will the technology that I am putting in today be acceptible for years to come? Am I using the best products that I can afford? All very taxing on ones mind but has kept me very entertained for 1-2 years. Building new would have been way to easy......
Will you go through this again for yourself, as your own home? Would you do anything different?
Well....I'm afraid the answer to that question is already upon me. As we restored that house we didn't plan on moving again. (never say never) My wife got a $50,000.00 scholarship to the grad school that she choose out of nearly every program in the country. So... We sold that one and moved to Oklahoma. We have been in this 1920's gem for about 5 weeks and have already replaced two ceilings upstairs, modified some wiring, and began preparations for converting one of the closets into a second upstairs bath. Now that we are in bedrooms, starting today we are working in the basement to adjust for the inadequacy of the original support. AKA jacking up the house and placing supports directly under the bearing walls. In fact, I'll be posting a question or two here on BT shortly to check my theories.The house has been remodeled and rewired over the last 5 years, however, we will be making more significant changes over the next few months.So, I guess I took the long way of saying...YES! I'd do it again. ;-)Ott
Ott,
looks like you are well on your way to another beautiful home, keep us posted on your progress. Would love to help you in any way...actually would love to take a detour and hit Oklahoma and check out your digs but am not headed that direction in the near future....hopefully this winter some time if I can convince the boss man.
Ebe.
You said it well - my experience is similar, &, while slow, is most satisfying.If I didn't have this house, I would have to get some expensive, demanding hobby...that probably would not be this much fun! 8>)