Idaho Rock House: Homeowner Sally McMurray had admired this sandstone home since her childhood, but she and husband Norman didn't buy it until after she retired. It was anything but a typical retirement project, as the couple had their work cut out for them in restoring this 1892 Idaho home. They were fighting more than the ravages of time, as the renovations made over the years had actually caused the home to depreciate. Contractor Neil Strauss was enlisted to restore the home as well as modernize some of the amenities. The McMurrays achieved the results they wanted and still had plenty of time to enjoy their retirement.
Stone Stucco: Doug Myers had to convince his wife Linda to see the potential in restoring this 1791 stucco-covered stone house. Linda's hesitation was understandable since the fire-damaged home had sat vacant for years, protected only by surrounding vegetation. But the Myers were able to tackle the many projects they faced restoring their Pennsylvania home with the help of contractor Jack Schmauch. They were pleasantly surprised to find some old pieces of the home intact, such as the original front door with its German lock and the stone under the stucco. The Myers also replicated elements that had been during the surprisingly brief three-month restoration.
Tips, Terms and Tradesmen
In The Details: Bracket Maker
Carpenter's lace refers to the decorative wood trim that adorns Victorian-era brackets. Jim Facinelli, a master builder and cabinetmaker, is skilled in reproducing ornate brackets for restored Victorian homes. Facinelli uses a template to rebuild these intricately designed brackets. His Pennsylvania shop is stocked with vintage tools to achieve an authentic reproduction.
Problem Solver: Glazing Windows
There's a trick to glazing windows correctly the first time, according to professional restorer Hugh Veal. Instead of rolling the putty between your hands to make a rope, use a caulking gun to apply a smooth, even bead. The glazing will look nicer and last longer.
How-To: Sanding a Floor
Many times a restoration requires the assistance of a professional, but some budgets put homeowners in a position of playing professional. Sanding hardwood floors is one job that can be done by homeowners, but it can be tricky. Start in an out-of -the way room where early mistakes will not be as noticed. Make sure the floor is level, pull up any loose nails and sink exposed nails heads using a hammer and nail set or screwdriver.
Rent a high-quality sander and buy sanding belts appropriate for the particular type of varnish you'll be stripping. Cover the furniture, make sure the room is well ventilated and wear proper safety glasses, ear plugs and a dust mask. Allow plenty of time to learn and get the feel of the sander. Set a shallow cut to avoid sanding too deep. Handle the machine with a smooth, consistent touch and do not stop in one spot as this will gouge the floor.
Use an edger and scraper to get areas in corners and near baseboards. After sanding, fill in cracks with putty that matches the color of the non-varnished wood. Allow the putty to dry for about 10 minutes and sand again.
Terms:
- Battered column: A tapered column with slanting sides making it thinner at the top than it is on the bottom.
- Dovetail joint: A joint where the ends of logs are cut in a fan shape, like the tail of a bird, and locked together to hold in place.
- Knee wall: A low wall between a floor and a sloped roof, commonly found in attics that have been converted into living space.
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