No Home For The Holidays

You might remember this project from a recent posting.

Well, our brave clients have moved out of their home (just in time for the holidays!), and the demolition and reconstruction got underway a couple of weeks ago. This part is never pretty, but there's got to be something rewarding about swinging the wrecking bar, and firing up the jack-hammer!

Lots of loads to carry away, and recycle whenever possible.

As we've discussed in the past, you can almost always count on surprises when you start opening up walls in an older home. I guess if you expect surprises, then they're not really surprises, right? So, let's just agree to call them "gifts". There were some special gifts at this project when demolition got underway, like a completely unsupported 2nd story corner hanging over the 1st floor room below, and about 3" of concrete under the kitchen floor. But, a side benefit of renovation is that a competent contractor now has the opportunity to correct mistakes made in the past. And that's exactly what will happen here.

In this photograph, you can see how the floor has been opened to allow a footer to be poured for a new pier for support under the home.

This should give the homeowners an added sense of assurance!

New windows and doors were preordered (another sign of an on-the-ball contractor!) and are already being installed. These are vinyl clad windows with wood interiors...great looking, sturdy, and very appropriate to the design, and neighborhood.

So far, all things considered, the project is going smoothly, and everyone involved is happy...just the way it should be around the holidays. Hey, if you see the homeowners staring forlornly at their home under construction, invite them in for some holiday cheer! More to come.