The Tree Removal
The project that seemed to most intimidate people with the house was the removal of a large Pawlonia tree that had elevated a corner of the porch a good foot or so. It took a bit of doing, but gradually we sawed away at the stump and roots that had surrounded the brick pier. Then we had only to jack up the porch, cut away about 8 inches of the brick, and lower it back down again. It's mostly level now.
The project that seemed to most intimidate people with the house was the removal of a large Pawlonia tree that had elevated a corner of the porch a good foot or so. It took a bit of doing, but gradually we sawed away at the stump and roots that had surrounded the brick pier. Then we had only to jack up the porch, cut away about 8 inches of the brick, and lower it back down again. It's mostly level now.
The Trailers
One of the more persistent challenges! Despite attempts to give them away via Craigslist, the logistics were just too difficult.
Even if someone had the means to tow them away, they were just too long to make the turn out onto Roland. Eventually I decided just to 'deconstruct' them. Gutting the inside , tearing ther metal off for scrap (thanks Paul). By the way, whoever left a safe under the trailer, you can come get it. We did have a little party at the end ;). The other was used as a woodshop until its time was up. Chris Herbert was an excellent tenant and an inventive wodworker.
One of the more persistent challenges! Despite attempts to give them away via Craigslist, the logistics were just too difficult.
Even if someone had the means to tow them away, they were just too long to make the turn out onto Roland. Eventually I decided just to 'deconstruct' them. Gutting the inside , tearing ther metal off for scrap (thanks Paul). By the way, whoever left a safe under the trailer, you can come get it. We did have a little party at the end ;). The other was used as a woodshop until its time was up. Chris Herbert was an excellent tenant and an inventive wodworker.
The Shingles
The single most admired improvement of course has been the shingles. First the old ones were removed.Peter Allen single highhandedly did almost all of the installation. Painstaking is the word that comes to mind.
All new cedar which should last about a lifetime.
The single most admired improvement of course has been the shingles. First the old ones were removed.Peter Allen single highhandedly did almost all of the installation. Painstaking is the word that comes to mind.
All new cedar which should last about a lifetime.
How to shingle
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#2 Then it was time for a bold step, a new bathroom on the second floor. I used the smallest room, all the way at the front of the house, which was almost a large closet. On advice of my realtor, I opted for a large walk-in shower with a seat in the corner. Otherwise, I went for a victorian, house appropriate style with wainscoating. Brian O'Neil did a fabulous job with the subway tile. |
The Drywall
Oscar, the painter, and his cohort did some real drywall magic in the front room, including insulation and finish.