| Author | Content |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 14, 2007
04:23 AM Post #3389415
| We bought a 1940 fixer-upper in "as is" condition four years ago. There are serious issues with two very ugly additions. They do not fit the existing style of the house, nor do they blend together with each other. The first one is made with brick, has an awful roofline which has recently begun leaking, and the brick color does not match the existing house. The second addition is made from cedar siding and has a "cathedral" style ceiling with roofline that overshoots Tumor #1's roof. We had an architect come out to discuss the problems and, although he had great ideas, the pricetag to do the work was mindboggling.
I will post a series of photos for your entertainment. So far, we have focused on getting the interior into liveable condition and I also have been focusing on the landscaping as that is less daunting and costly... I figured that I might as well post the pic's here to see if you can suggest a resolution that we have not yet considered.
This first picture is a pre-purchase shot from '03. Tumor #1 is the addition with the front entry. If you look up above the front door, you will make out the roofline of Tumor #2, which is a sunroom off the back of the house.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 14, 2007
04:26 AM Post #3389420
| Here is a different angle of both problem children, as shot from the backyard back in '03. You are jealous of me, aren't you? Admit it!
Yikes...
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 14, 2007
04:29 AM Post #3389427
| More shots. Picture in top left corner is a Before, but the others were taken a week ago. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 14, 2007
04:30 AM Post #3389428
| Same again with the backyard:
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 14, 2007
04:35 AM Post #3389435
| I am going for a relatively formal apparance in front and a relaxing cottage garden affect out back.
I am pleading for suggestions on how to remedy my ugly home.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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plantladyhou
Katy, TX
(Zone 8b)
April 14, 2007
04:53 AM Post #3389489
| That house is lovely! You have done so much w/it! Be thankful you have a "different" looking house and the yard was essentially a blank slate instead of a cookie cutter subdivision look-alike. Maybe you are looking for something that can't be done - I don't know what but it is certainly charming right now.
Ann |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
April 14, 2007
06:01 AM Post #3389772
| You have already taken care of the biggest problem by painting the shutters and door. That white was too stark. I will get my dad on here later and have him take a look and offer suggestions. |
azreno
Mesa, AZ
(Zone 9b)
April 14, 2007
06:14 AM Post #3389817
| Wow, I can't believe what they did with the roofs of the two tumors, that borders on childish. The roofs should really be redesigned and rebuilt, sounds costly, but let's face it, there's a reason why it's leaking and fixing the leak won't get rid of the problem.
Matching the brickss on the tumors with the original...I don't know if this is possible but maybe they can be acid washed?
It really does look like a great house! Love what you're doing with the landscaping, looks beautiful! |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 14, 2007
06:42 AM Post #3389893
| Yes, my original DESIRE was to lift the two rooves and blend them into a new roof design across the entire house. I wanted to add a new Master Bdrm on that new second story, then deal with the ugly entryway and siding materials at that time. I do not have hope of ever matching the brick to the existing. I'm not a huge fan of vinyl. One of my problems is that I've got expensive tastes, but a modest wallet. To accomplish the above plan may take a couple hundred K?
I really hate all three rooflines on this house. The one on the main part of the house only emphasizes that we live in a BOX. The others? Well, they speak (scream) for themselves. The location is great and the neighborhood is fantastic, however.
Pep, what's your dad do for a living?
Edited to add... Psst... we haven't painted that front door yet. We scraped it down, but still have more touching up to do. Then I would like to stain it.
This message was edited Apr 14, 2007 10:51 AM |
Phrago
Coldwater, MI
(Zone 5b)
April 14, 2007
07:32 AM Post #3390053
| Hi Wrightie, A couple of thoughts. Paint all the brick and the additions the same color. Painted brick is really pretty when done well and actually helps seal and protect the brick. It will add continuity to the odd differences that you notice imediatley when you look at the house. For a more modern feel, remove the shutters and the colonial style trim / abomination from around the front door. A simple wood framing around the door with perhaps a simple relief of molding would soften the jarring nature of the addition. Paint the hexigon window next to the door the same color as the house so it disappears. It makes no sense at all and detracts from the rest of the house. All this will emphasize the boxy porportions of the house, and correct the mismatched styles that have been added to this house to jazz it up. That is the fundimental design mistake of the current appointments of your house. The previous owners took a post war modern house and turned it into a 1950's colonial imposter, like a Mr. Potato Head toy with silly parts added. Symplify!!!
Find yourself a carpenter that works on the side and have him build a new roof over the foyer that correlates to the roof of the addition behind. It will be cheaper and a great fix, until you have the cash for the major redo, or decide to sell. Replace the whole roof of the original house and additions with a colored steal roof. You will never have to replace it, it will give continuity to the house, very post war modern. There is a light green color that is very pretty. The verticle lines of the roofing material will add style, much like a copper roof would, at a much lower price tag.
Your house is a perfect example of why people should consult a designer before they build. With a few changes, however, you could turn your house into a stunning simple beauty that will command a better price if you ever decide to sell... |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 14, 2007
07:37 AM Post #3390081
| LOL, well-written, Phrago!
Now, when are you coming to DC? |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
April 14, 2007
07:50 AM Post #3390130
| LOL. Well said Phrago!! Wrightie, my dad is a remodeler. He can do just about everything including building a house from scratch mostly on his own. Just did that about 2 yrs ago. Will get him on here eventually. lol |
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
 April 14, 2007
12:07 PM Post #3390994
| Back porch: How about one roof covering the back deck from the left side of the house to the "sunroom" wall ? A nice covered south facing back deck might be nice. Some things are just too expensive to properly redesign and construct so we gotta live with them or bite the bullet. Nice house and yard anyway. |
PrairieGirlZ5
Thornton, IL
April 14, 2007
01:24 PM Post #3391223
| ARGH! Please DON'T paint the brick, not on the original house anyway. The addition is fair game. I actually don't mind the hexagonal window, it probably adds necessary light, and I love the shutters, but the colonial trim has got to go! I do really like the trim color, and the gardens are spectacular. Are those boxwoods or inkberries in the curves? Love the lipstick pink tulips, not everyone can do tulips well, LOL. I agree with the overall assessments here, you are going to have to pay someone to conjoin the tumors, in some cohesive fashion, with a whole new roofline and a whole new siding (or stone) material. I wish we lived closer, my BF's husband is a carpenter, my husband is a bricklayer, they could whip it into shape in no time. In fact, my BF just replaced a portion of the siding on their house with brick. It looks really good if I may say so, but I know her bricklayer personally, LOL. They are the only ones with stone AND brick on the house in her neighborhood. I am extremely jealous BTW, of both of you. I live in a wood frame house with two lovely *cough* outdated *cough, cough* colors of aluminum siding on it, very hip. |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 14, 2007
01:51 PM Post #3391322
| Oh, PG, isn't it a fun process?
Here's a better picture of the curves that you mentioned. Those are dwarf Korean boxwoods. To the left of them in this picture are 3 Abelia, and around the front of the Oak tree are tom thumb Cotoneaster. Along the path near the road is Liriope, and there are dollups of St. John's Wort sprinkled throughout. I am trying to encourage bignonea capreolata vines to grow up the big brick box to help create some texture and draw the eye away from Big Box. I was talked into keeping the hideous yews along the foundation, so I've been trying to bribe them into growing vertically and at least approach the lower windows. I also want to hang iron hay rack style window boxes under the four front windows, again to add texture and draw the eye down, away from the scary roofline.
Yes, we'll certainly be paying someone to perform surgery on the tumors, but the question that remains is whether we'll go with the safe, financially-doable option, or the VaVaVoom break-the-bank option.
Edited to say: I wish your BF and bricklayer were here. The combination with the stone sounds intriguing. Do you have any photos that you would be able to post of the two materials married together?
This message was edited Apr 14, 2007 5:56 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
April 14, 2007
02:19 PM Post #3391429
| Wrightie, my dad wants better pictures of the sides of the additions and better pics of the roofs themselves if possible. He said one thing to do is get rid of the skylights. They always leak. When you have more pics he will have a better idea of what to suggest.
Oh and an idea I just had was for now just paint that back addition a red that will blend in with the brick. It doesn't have to match just blend in.
This message was edited Apr 14, 2007 5:21 PM |
PrairieGirlZ5
Thornton, IL
April 14, 2007
02:25 PM Post #3391457
| No pics, but the stone is just along the top of the brick garage doors, straight-ish rectangles with a central "keystone," they were pretty tickled with how it turned out. It would cost much more to do much more than that LOL. I personally think you will never disguise the fact that the brick addition was put on in a different era, and since apparently the pediment and wood siding are historically accurate, maybe you could match the covering on the two additions when/if you incorporate the two separate stuctures into one? Looks like your ideas about using the columns are dead on.
Thanks for posting the pic of your boxwoods, I really like the yews too. I guess there's no accounting for taste. LOL I could really use a book on historical gardens.
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wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 14, 2007
02:30 PM Post #3391480
| No, I don't mind yews as a general rule, but if you look at the pre-purchase photo, they were soooo low that they p'd me off. I want to fast-forward and put another foot or so of height on them. All I see when I look at the house is big ugly box, so I'm trying to break things up a bit. It's not as bad now that I've got more plants in the ground, but that first year was pretty depresssing... lol |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
April 14, 2007
02:33 PM Post #3391491
| It does look better with the green shutters and better landscaping. |
Pagancat
(Sheryl) Gainesboro, TN
(Zone 6b)
April 14, 2007
06:16 PM Post #3392262
| I think you've definitely made wonderful changes - I bet your neighbors are very happy having you there!
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wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 15, 2007
04:31 AM Post #3393253
| lol - Well, some of them have cursed me for "raising the bar" for landscaping on the block. No problem, I am having a blast.
Now... if I can just fix that house. |
zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)
April 15, 2007
06:14 AM Post #3393559
| Please don't paint the brick.
A photo of the whole front from farther out would be helpful.
Putting a slanted roof on the 1st tumor to tie it into the main house and paint on the second one could be a temporary fix until you could afford to bring someone in to do it right.
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wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 15, 2007
06:24 AM Post #3393603
| I like the look of painted brick when it is done well, however, I will not paint this brick. Painting it will not resolve the fundamental issues related to poor design, plus it would add another maintenance item. Also, since I am growing vines on the brick, painting would only complicate matters further.
Whatever we end up doing, even if it's a temporary fix, it will have to be done tastefully. Therein lies the rub. The portico idea is perhaps the least expensive temporary fix, but I do not know how to blend that portico with the stupid cedar-sided Tumor #2 with the ridiculous roofline. lol I'm awaiting the contact details of an excellent carpenter and designer who has done beautiful work in the neighborhood.
I'll try to snap another picture or two for you later today, Zenpotter. I'm heading out shortly for a rainy run. |
zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)
April 15, 2007
08:06 AM Post #3394052
| Sorry about the rain. It is finally beautiful here and I am cleaning off the gardens. Yes the winter mulch is just coming off today. |
Phrago
Coldwater, MI
(Zone 5b)
April 15, 2007
08:56 AM Post #3394195
| Another thought would be to side over both additions to make them into one addition. There was a house down the road that had the same problem and when they sided over part of the house that was brick, I thought it was a bad idea. But, the finished job added continuity to the various additions and the main house, something that was sadly lacking before. And they sold the house a year later for a lot more than they were asking.
To recap: rework the roof over both additions so they function together as one roof, and then reside both additions to match. I would still dump the colonial trim at the door. You could loose the round window next to the door when you side the additions.
To revisit painting your house: you could white wash it (even with a color) so it would look aged. Growing vines on it would not effect the white wash. Consider Climbing Hydrangea... |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 15, 2007
12:01 PM Post #3394709
| Here are a couple pic's for you, Zen. Phrago, I do also have climbing hydrangea. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 15, 2007
12:04 PM Post #3394716
| and again... 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)
April 16, 2007
04:25 AM Post #3396905
| The first one gives a better view of the two tumors side by side. The various roofs really do look awful together. The small view of the house next door to you with the white addition doesn't look great either. Have you seen any houses in your area with additions that you like? If not do some driving or walking around to see if you can find any, then ask if you can take some photos. Maybe you can even find out who did the work.
I still don't see painting the brick. One of the reasons for brick is that it is relatively maintenance free. I don't know about there, but here painting brick drops the value of the house.
|
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 16, 2007
04:49 AM Post #3396957
| lol - Yep, I've been looking at other homes and collecting ideas for four years now. I must say, my house is "very unique" so the cosmetic fixes are more complicated compared to other houses. That's why I, ultimately, would like to do a complete overhaul on the architecture. Unfortunately, it doesn't make sense to me to drop the $200K that we were quoted a year ago to do that overhaul (add a second floor above the additions while also resurfacing those exteriors and revamping the entryway).
PS Zen, I think that the white addition that you mentioned is actually the original house! :~)
This message was edited Apr 16, 2007 8:55 AM |
zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)
April 17, 2007
01:45 PM Post #3402284
| Woops, I was assuming it was the addition and the bricks were old. I thought it looked like the white siding was a second floor and the bricks the 1st floor. |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 17, 2007
01:50 PM Post #3402301
| It certainly does have that appearance, doesn't it? Well, if nothing else... this neighborhood does not have cookie-cutter style houses. :~) |
plantladyhou
Katy, TX
(Zone 8b)
April 17, 2007
03:11 PM Post #3402512
| I STILL think the house is lovely and they have done an outstanding job landscaping it. I know that they see flaws and things they don't like about the house but others probably don't think it's anywhere as bad as they do.
Ann |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
April 17, 2007
04:20 PM Post #3402750
| Thank you, Plantlady! I am a one-woman landscaping crew... wish I was a carpenter, too. :~) |
daltri_z5
Lincoln, NE
(Zone 5b)
April 18, 2007
08:28 AM Post #3404855
| I think you've done a great job working with what you have. The landscaping has made a huge difference along with adding the paint to the shutters and trim. One thought I had was to plant something tall on both sides of the door that would maybe hide the fact that the brick color is different on the addition. I like the idea of painting the second addition to blend in with the brick. Keep up the good work. |
sugarfoot
Granbury, TX
(Zone 7b)
May 05, 2007
06:32 AM Post #3465246
| Wrightie,
My last house had a really poor entrance design. I tore it off and had a real front porch built. It really enhanced the house and our enjoyment of it. I played with your pic on paint and came up with a couple of possibilities. Understand that I'm not an artist and not very good with paint, but maybe you can get the idea. This first one is trying to reflect your existing roof on the porch roof...
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
sugarfoot
Granbury, TX
(Zone 7b)
May 05, 2007
06:34 AM Post #3465250
| The second I like better but it may not be correct to use a different roof line... In either case, I'd put a couple of big pots with big plants on the roof if I could get to them to care for them. Would add a little drama and fun. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
July 21, 2007
01:38 PM Post #3762574
| Update: We've had another architect come out to discuss some options. Our decisions will be contingent upon whether the existing foundation under the two additions will support two stories, but the architect is going to draft two general concept designs for us:
1) Building upwards on the additions to add a second story and reconfigure the existing bedrooms to add a master bdrm and bath. This would also entail redesigning the roof on the original home to improve the curb appeal and functionality of the roof and attic space (e.g. attic currently has no ventilation, only an attic fan; no soffits). He would tie the two additions together, put in a tasteful roofline and entryway. Obviously, we're talking big $$$ for this.
2) Band Aid approach to simply remedy the two unsightly rooflines on the additions and add a graceful and functional entryway.
Both designs would include re-cladding the exterior of the additions using some sort of siding material though, more than likely, it will not be brick.
A builder will be coming by tomorrow to take a look at the foundation. We have concerns about it because my husband just dug down to find that the top of the footing is only about 14" below ground, though it goes down to a depth of about 30" below ground; we're under the impression that the top of the footing needs to be 36" below the ground line.
Will continue to provide updates as they arise.
This message was edited Jul 21, 2007 2:01 PM |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
July 21, 2007
09:26 PM Post #3763907
| Wow!! I personally like option number one better. Costs alot but in the long run will pay off big time. Can't wait to hear new updates! |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
July 22, 2007
10:00 PM Post #3767389
| It's not looking good for the existing foundation. Waiting for final word from the city, but we may be in the market for a few sticks of dynamite to drop the additions ... contingent on cost estimates, of course... |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
July 23, 2007
06:58 AM Post #3768127
| Always has to be something. |
Bubba_MoCity
Missouri City, TX
July 23, 2007
04:39 PM Post #3770021
| Maybe you could raise some money by advertising the demolition and selling tickets to watch the explosions. LOL.
Best of wishes and fortune on your decision. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
July 23, 2007
07:59 PM Post #3770882
| I love that idea!!! If you weren't so far away wrightie I would be there to watch! LOL |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
July 23, 2007
09:00 PM Post #3771125
| LOL - Bubba, I intend to sell the first ticket to *you*. At a special price, of course! |
Bubba_MoCity
Missouri City, TX
July 24, 2007
10:36 AM Post #3773082
| Name your price - we have never been to that part of the USA - would be a fun trip.
Maybe I should rent a truck, load up my tools, and perhaps some laborers to help with the cleanup.
LOL. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
July 24, 2007
08:18 PM Post #3775466
| Wrightie, you better take him up on that offer!! LOL |
drivenbonkers
Perth,, ON
(Zone 5a)
July 24, 2007
08:29 PM Post #3775508
| wrightie, I have two sons who like to make things go 'boom'...
good luck with your renovations! |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
July 24, 2007
09:00 PM Post #3775663
| DB! This is a potato-gun-free zone ... but I'll let *you* come down for free provided that you teach me how to drive a cart. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
July 24, 2007
09:05 PM Post #3775702
| I need a potato gun. Need to use them on some friends and my dad. heheehehe |
drivenbonkers
Perth,, ON
(Zone 5a)
July 25, 2007
08:29 AM Post #3777000
| Neuman's a DRIVING HORSE? or should I bring my own?
(I still want a pony...) or 4... =)
|
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
July 25, 2007
08:46 AM Post #3777041
| I don't know... I've never tried. Let's experiment. Pack your carriage/cart/buggy whatever it's called. This could be exciting. |
critterologist
Frederick, MD
(Zone 6b)
September 15, 2007
12:37 PM Post #3978164
| You linked to this thread while talking about roses... and of course once I saw more photos, I had a couple of comments... :-)
I actually like the boxy style of the house... it reminds me of some of the old colonials in Winston-Salem (where my in-laws live) or of some of the older New England homes.
I agree that the front door doesn't suit the style of the house... maybe you could just take off the archetectural element at the top and leave it with a square frame, or maybe you could find a top piece (is that called a pediment?) with simpler, square lines. The one you have now reminds me of Queen Anne style furniture (those crowning pieces on armoires and dressers) and just seems too fussy for your house.
The leak in the roof on the entrance addition is another matter, but I was looking at the rooflines of the additions... One problem I see with putting a different roof over both additions is that you'd lose the windows that face the front of the house, high up in the sunroom addition. An alternative: Keep the flat roof line on the entrance addition, but add a "widow's walk" railing to it. I see those a lot in Winston-Salem, in fact my in-laws house has those railings on the flat roofs over a side porch on one side and a portico on the other side of the house -- and it's a great look with their boxy Colonial.
Better yet -- if there's a way to access that part of the roof from inside the house -- build a roof deck so you can use that space. (I liked the big plant pot idea!)
|
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
September 15, 2007
01:27 PM Post #3978284
| Hi Critter, thanks for your ideas. We are now working with an architect to get these problems sorted out, but before we can decide which approach to take, we need to have a full blown report done by a good structural engineer. So far, it appears that the foundation under the brick addition might not even be good enough to support a minor change to the existing roofline, so that is not good. The engineer will call us back next week to schedule an appointment as he's been too busy to come out. We will not do anything that will cause us to lose windows, that's for sure.
Even our architect (he's *good*) has been stumped by this project. lol However, once we determine which approach to take on this mess, you can bet that the entire entryway will be completely revamped and will include a covered area so that we no longer have to stand in the rain fumbling with our keys. We'll also lose that ridiculous roofline on the cedar addition. There's simply no reason for that thing to overshoot the flat roof the way it does. Yikes.
So as things stand now, we are awaiting an assessment from a structural engineer, then we will put our heads together with the architect and some builders to get a ballpark cost of the two or three different concepts, then the architect will come up with his concept drawings and present them to us. At that point we'll decide which path we'll take. I'm looking forward to getting on with this project, at which time I'll definitely post updates here. |
critterologist
Frederick, MD
(Zone 6b)
September 15, 2007
02:11 PM Post #3978398
| Oy! *crossing fingers* that the foundation won't end up being an expensive problem...
I hear you on wanting a covered entrance... that was my main issue with the front of our townhouse! We just have a small front porch here (because we opted for the elevation that gave us a few more square feet inside the study and upstairs), but nobody has to stand in the rain! |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
September 15, 2007
05:54 PM Post #3979004
| Thanks for the update wrightie. I was thinking about your house earlier this week and wondering if you had made progress. |
Photographer
Moxee, WA
(Zone 4a)
September 17, 2007
06:30 PM Post #3986346
| wrightie, The additions one on top of the other have made yours a rather complex dilemma. I'd be inclined to add onto the 2 additions as a means of integrating the 3 into the original. It would be best to use matching brick. If there was a way of hiding the 2nd without having to add more ... it would be less costly but the 2nd is there and there really is only one solution ... a 3rd something else in front and on top of additions 2 & 1 respectively. You might be able to just extend the original roof line and swallow up the 2 additions. Whoever thought up the 1st and the 2nd were not thinking about anything but cheap new square footage. This is all too often what happens over and over so don't feel at all alone. I'm in a similar catastrophe with dissimilar additions onto a small Dutch Barn. It is hideous to be accurate ... and many time worse than what you're enjoying. The foundation might be significant work ... far more than the average person might consider or have the time to do. Best wishes for sure. |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
September 17, 2007
06:42 PM Post #3986372
| :~) Thanks, Photographer. It truly is a catastrophe, alright. Reminds me, I haven't heard from the engineer yet. His report will certainly determine whether we can follow your good recommendations or not.
Crossing my fingers for both my catastrophe & yours! |
Photographer
Moxee, WA
(Zone 4a)
September 18, 2007
12:06 AM Post #3987710
| wrightie, After looking at #2 addition ... it is clear that it is not so substantial. It could be removed or replaced rather easily. There doesn't seem to be any garage in sight? Do you have a basement ? Sometimes going down is a better choice. The foundation for # 1 & 2 additions is what is critical. A complete tear-down ... to a clean slate might be the most cost effective choice. I don't know how much value a garage adds to a place on the Washington beltway. Where was the original front door situated before addition #1 ? The #1 addition appears to have eliminated your having a garage unless there is an alley behind your yard with access. |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
September 18, 2007
12:13 AM Post #3987733
| There is a separate garage on the other side of the property. There is a basement under the original bldg., a crawl space under the brick addition. Assuming that the foundation issue could be resolved without a complete demolition, we'd rather work with the existing footprint. We'd probably sell the place or keep it as a rental property before going to the trouble and expense of the demolition though. |
Photographer
Moxee, WA
(Zone 4a)
September 18, 2007
09:15 AM Post #3988470
| wrightie, Having a detached garage on the property is a huge plus. Having a basement under the original home is also a plus. Is the basement deep enough to allow for living space? Not that I'm an expert or anything but your decisions seem to be the most prudent. In an ideal situation you might bump out the front of the foundations to each addition to be perfectly aligned with the original home. I'd be tempted to look at drawings where #1 addition goes up and you create a new roof set back but at equal pitch to the front face of the original. The old roof would have to change by way of new trusses to eliminate the side pitch facing the additions and maybe you'd be compelled to do the same to the other side of the roof on the original home and eliminate the only mismatch in the roof line. Redoing the roof with new trusses would be simple on the original. Mostly this dilemma rests on the foundation of the additions being able to hold a second floor or at least walls & roof going up to a second level. Something tells me the new foundation to the #2 addition may not be adequate to hold brick. Everything looks doable provided you have the time for most of the labor with a spouse. Sugarfoot's suggestion gets you out ... quick but the roof line in back is still dreadful. Sometimes too it is best to just leave it to someone else (new owner) to solve. |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 19, 2008
09:41 AM Post #4423997
| Update: The structural engineer determined that the foundation under the brick addition has been sinking as whomever prepared it, likely did not prepare the area correctly.
Long story short, we have decided against adding a second story over that left side of the house. An architect has prepared an initial drawing. Wish I could post it here, but I wouldn't feel comfortable making his work public. Suffice to say that the front door will be relocated to where the existing window is to the right of the front door. That would put the front door in the center of the house rather than off to the side. There will be a covered porch with a roofline that ties into the left-side additions. The porch/entry will have three columns and a sitting area off to the left side.
Around the back of the house, we are toying with adding a covered porch over the back deck, with a pergola attached.
If I can, I will dink around with the original photo to draw the basic design so that you can see what I mean ...
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 19, 2008
01:29 PM Post #4424949
| An update!! Finally!! lol. I like your current plans for the house now. Those porches will really look good on the house I think. |
Bubba_MoCity
Missouri City, TX
January 19, 2008
07:28 PM Post #4426422
| Glad to see progress again. |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
United States
(Zone 9b)
January 28, 2008
10:48 AM Post #4464399
| This is all exciting stuff! I love to see how people improve and change their homes. I wish you the best! |
Ewald
Limerick, PA
(Zone 6b)
June 10, 2008
03:45 PM Post #5083572
| I hesitate to mention stucco, since so many contractors create eyesores by doing it badly. However, look around your area to see if you can find an attractive example, and find out who did it. The stucco could be applied to either the whole house or to cover the mismatched brick and wood siding of the additions, with an integral coloring to reduce maintenance. You could alter the underlying structure before applying the stucco. |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
United States
(Zone 9b)
January 11, 2009
10:34 PM Post #5994656
| My goodness, I honestly cannot believe it was a YEAR ago that I last posted! I'm wondering how the updates went?! |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 11, 2009
10:46 PM Post #5994704
| HAH!!! Past Tense would be NICE. Thanks for asking.
Unfortunately, we are *still* struggling with tweaks to the architectural drawings. We thought that construction would have started by early Fall, but alas ... we'll be lucky to start in the Spring. We don't even have the permits yet.
We've decided to go with a pretty significant remodeling project which would improve all rooflines, add a covered porch and covered area over the deck as well as add siding to the additions and then paint (yes, they talked me into painting!!!) the entire exterior. Once completed, it should be a very tasteful and understated design. IF(!!!) We Ever Get There, That Is! |
drivenbonkers
Perth,, ON
(Zone 5a)
January 12, 2009
10:04 AM Post #5995697
| well, at least with delays, you're avoiding the whole 'since we've torn it up, we may as well do...'
I feel your renovation pain...
we're in the middle of what should be a simple putting down a new floor in the kitchen and front hallway... and since the baseboards and door trims have to come off... may as well paint the kitchen... what's behind the ugly tired wainscotting he asks... yank... oops... have to repair the drywall under the wainscotting, since the adhesive that was used WILL NOT COME OFF, except with a large chisel and larger hammer...
since the wall is opened up, and the existing electrical outlet is in a really awkward place, let's put one where it will be handy...
thank goodness for textured paintable wallpaper...there's not a straight wall or corner in this house...
and since you should take down the light fixture in the kitchen to properly paint the ceiling... new fixture... now that does not 'go with' the existing hallway fixtures... ...and since the doors for the cupboards have to come off to properly paint the cabinets... I'm looking at new door hardware...
and since there's a bit of ceiling paint left in the paint tray, I may as well paint the side door landing ceiling... and because there is leftover paint in the can, there's the bathroom off the family room that needs paint...
so the new floor installation has involved: deconstruction, wiring, drywall repair, and paint and we haven't even taken the flooring out of the box!
thank goodness gardening season is coming up!
Wrightie, your finished project will be fabulous! |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
United States
(Zone 9b)
January 12, 2009
10:36 AM Post #5995796
| driven!!!!!!!!!! oh I feel so sorry for you! do baseboards always come off when laying new flooring? I was afraid of this... |
HollyAnnS
Dover, PA
(Zone 6b)
January 12, 2009
11:53 AM Post #5996089
| LOL, Washing machine went out a month or two ago and since we had to move pretty much everything out of the laundry room (I use the word room) it's really more like two walk in closets. We might as well redo the laundry room while it's empty. I also use the word (redo) when this area was never really completely done in the first place. Ric removed part of one wall and did a whole lot of electrical work to move the electric box on that wall. There was some new drywall work and today I'm going to tape and Spackle. I've been doing most of my washing at Josh's house and some at Jen's took a little up to my Mom's. It's pretty much been when I go and visit I bring a load of laundry with me. Ric did fix up the dryer so I can use that. Ric scourged up some nice used oak cabinets that will replace the open shelf that I had above the washer & dryer. He is going to build me some nice wood shelves to replace the old rusty metal shelf I had in there. Gotta go he is just about ready for me to start my part. |
Bubba_MoCity
Missouri City, TX
January 12, 2009
12:09 PM Post #5996181
| wrightie,
Sorry it has taken so long, but you will have a coordinated plan.
Personally, I dislike painted brick. Seems like adding a perpetual maintenance project to the house. Probably that German heritage of mine - functionality and efficiency first. I've seen some that looked nice, tho.
drivenbonkers,
I laughed at your stories - still working on an 80 yo farmhouse - like you discovering additional problems with every (simple) project. We had replaced several T&G floorboards due to termite damage, but when we sanded te
floor to refinish - we discovered a bunch more near-surface termite trails. Too much work to replace, so filled and sanded. But it sure added a lot of time and effort to the project.
|
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 12, 2009
12:20 PM Post #5996245
| Bubba, I argued the painted brick issues with DH and our architect, but architect made a valuable point that the finished house will look cohesive and as if it were meant to be. The additions will be re-clad in a clapboard style (high tech material) siding and painted. I have seen many painted brick homes in England that are very tasteful and elegant looking and that's the look we're going for. I hate the maintenance aspect of it, but I hate our current exterior a whole lot more. =)
DB, I feel your pain, baby! We're going through it with our kitchen right now.
Okay, back to work I go ... |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
United States
(Zone 9b)
January 12, 2009
12:49 PM Post #5996376
| Painted brick does look bad BUT I saw a show where they just "washed" the brick with very diluted paint and so it still had variations of color, similar to brick and THAT looked nice. |
drivenbonkers
Perth,, ON
(Zone 5a)
January 12, 2009
12:54 PM Post #5996401
| Tir-Na-Nog, yes, this time the floor is being replaced the baseboards are coming off.
About 10 years ago we did a peel&stick vinyl tile, replacing the sheet vinyl floor. the tiles were pushed under the baseboards or cut to fit around the door trim, so it was not necessary to remove the baseboards.
This time the floor will be a 12mm laminate, much too thick to slide under baseboards and trim.
If the truth be told, I'm enjoying this re-do... celebrating our empty nest!
|
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 12, 2009
01:06 PM Post #5996461
| Weeeeeel, if I thought that the painted brick would look bad, I wouldn't do it. And washing the brick wouldn't work in our case because of the different siding (and color) that will be on a portion of the house.
|
HollyAnnS
Dover, PA
(Zone 6b)
January 12, 2009
01:20 PM Post #5996543
| Wrightie, I like painted brick. I also like the washed brick look as well. I will agree that it does give you additional maintenance. It is a good way to tie in your additions and give a nice new look.
My daughters house is all white the brick is painted white and the siding is also white. I tried to talk her into letting me sand blast the brick and see how it would look, but I couldn't she likes the painted brick. |
drivenbonkers
Perth,, ON
(Zone 5a)
January 12, 2009
03:38 PM Post #5997019
| added bonus to painted brick is that is will protect the brick from the elements...
another bonus to painted brick, is that it could be any colour you want, nice texture too! |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 12, 2009
04:46 PM Post #5997307
| Sometimes painted brick looks good and sometimes it doesn't. But I can can why in wrightie's case it would look better painted.
Wrightie, I hope you are finally able to start work this spring! I'm crossing fingers and toes for you! |
happy_macomb
Chevy Chase, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 16, 2009
09:48 PM Post #6014671
| Wrightie: I've been mulling over your comment above: "We've decided to go with a pretty significant remodeling project which would improve all rooflines, add a covered porch and covered area over the deck as well as add siding to the additions and then paint (yes, they talked me into painting!!!) the entire exterior." What changes are you making inside? It sounds fantastic!!! Will you expand out into your garden? |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 18, 2009
10:25 AM Post #6019335
| Happy, unfortunately, the short answer to what changes we are making inside is "Not Enough"! I cannot recall if you've been inside our place or not(?), but the office and sunroom additions will be better insulated and the heating / cooling systems will be improved so that we can enjoy those rooms comfortably all four seasons. We will replace all of the windows in the house. We'll likely re-paint the interior. We've already added a new woodstove insert, and have been enjoying it during these recent frigid temp's.
We also ripped up the ceramic tile in the kitchen and refinished the existing wood sub-floor, replaced the exterior (kitchen) doors with nice glass door and storm door. What a difference those small improvements made! Still need to refinish the cabinets. Sometime down the road we will completely remodel the kitchen and master bath, but not as part of this remodeling job, unfortunately.
We will not change the existing footprint of the house and deck with the exception of the new front porch, so I shouldn't lose too much gardening space. =)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
happy_macomb
Chevy Chase, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 18, 2009
01:07 PM Post #6019932
| I love your woodstove insert! It looks beautiful! And I'm glad you aren't sacrificing any garden space for a silly extra few 1000 square feet of living space -- as always, your values are where they should be! (And the master bedroom and kitchen projects are each discreet projects that you can do when time and money allow. Best to get the big picture addressed now, as you are! Very exciting!) No, I didn't see the inside, but I love your gardens. |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 18, 2009
01:14 PM Post #6019961
| We're actually 'arguing' over removing a portion of the back deck and turning it into a new garden bed ... so far HE is winning. lol
The insert is a VT Castings and we love it, too. We ordered it from a place North of you, not far. |
happy_macomb
Chevy Chase, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 18, 2009
01:31 PM Post #6020027
| Does the wood stove insert circulate the heat better? What are its virtues (beyond aesthetics)? |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 18, 2009
08:07 PM Post #6021425
| Wrightie, I LOVE your fireplace/woodstove. That is gorgeous!! I wish we had one. LOL |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 18, 2009
08:30 PM Post #6021527
| thanks, Pep!
Happy, we bought it for one reason alone and that is to have an alternate source of HEAT. The fireplace alone added some nice ambiance on a cold Winter's night, but it did not put out any heat; it just went straight up the chimney. In fact, we're told that it likely sucked heat from the house.
The insert is a wonderful improvement, generates a LOT of heat and will eventually pay for itself. There is a built in fan (requires electricity) which pushes the heat out very well. We paid extra for this more aesthetically pleasing model as it simply fit the style and layout of our house the best. |
happy_macomb
Chevy Chase, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 18, 2009
08:51 PM Post #6021660
| It is very nice. How did you connect the electricity? Did the electricians have to bore through the brick in the fireplace?
This message was edited Jan 18, 2009 7:51 PM |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 18, 2009
09:18 PM Post #6021792
| Ugh, look closely at that photo, the stupid cord is hanging out the side to the right. We will talk to our contractors about the best way to hide the electrical stuff. |
happy_macomb
Chevy Chase, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 18, 2009
09:43 PM Post #6021918
| The black cord hanging down from the mantelpiece? Why is it up there? |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 18, 2009
09:49 PM Post #6021945
| Nope, *sigh* not that one (Blame DH for that stupid modem sitting on MY MANTLE, lol). The cord is at about mid height on right side of the black surround and is poking out. Kind of hard to spot it because of the firewood bin.
Eye Spy With My Little Eye ... |
happy_macomb
Chevy Chase, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 18, 2009
10:00 PM Post #6021997
| I finally spotted it. It is obvious once you see it -- but it is essentially invisible unless you are directed to it. |
HollyAnnS
Dover, PA
(Zone 6b)
January 19, 2009
09:02 AM Post #6023132
| There is channel you can buy to cover cords. Helps them blend in better. If the cord went straight across into a white Chanel and down to the edge and across the bottom. It would blend in a little better. I know what you mean, sometimes little things like that just scream at you. It's newly installed after a little time it might not bother you quite as much. |
drivenbonkers
Perth,, ON
(Zone 5a)
January 20, 2009
09:49 AM Post #6027768
| yum! fireplace inserts, would not be without one.
If the truth be told, we bought our house because of the fireplace insert in the family room, there's no warm like fireplace warm. I can't count the number of times I've come in from the cold and have stood in front of the fireplace warming my...various body parts...
Ours has the circulating fan too, and will keep the entire house warm enough. The heat from the fireplace is enough to keep the furnace from coming on, so the bedrooms stay cool.
If the furnace is on, the bedrooms upstairs are too hot for good sleeping!
Wrightie VERY NICE INSERT! |
