The Master Plan
We had quite the task list at the start of this project. During our home inspection we identified a plethora of issues that really needed to be fixed immediately, and we asked for and got some money from the seller at closing paid to a contractor to tackle most of it, with us picking up the tab for the extra tasks. (Unfortunately, we didn’t get enough to cover the new roof this place desperately needs as well.) There were also things that we wanted or needed to do before moving in, most of which focused on putting in a new kitchen.
The Kitchen
We’re totally changing the layout of the room, moving the sink to the middle and shifting the fridge across the room. (Photos: Before layout, After Layout)
The Rest of the House
For the rest of the house, most of the work focused on the sleeping porch on the back of the house. The 7 windows on the second floor were completely falling out, and the 3 windows on the 1st floor were terrible vinyl and not very efficient or workable. In addition to the old back door which was a giant draft machine, the outside of the house was metal siding that was warped and ugly looking. And as it turned out, when we peeled off the metal siding, there was no proper framing underneath — just the old wainscotting of the old porch back when it was a true porch with open spaces and screens instead of windows. So that had to come out entirely and be framed out from scratch for the new doors and windows.
Other task list
- All new rear porch stairs including small landing at the top (required by DC code.)
- New rear entry door.
- Replace 3 1st floor windows with 2 new wood windows.
- Replace all third floor sleeping porch windows with 6 new wood windows
- All new HardiePlank siding and trim for the rear of the house.
- Reframe and rehang existing basement doors. (We didn’t do this, but hopefully will in 2011.)
Hi, How did you decide to insulate your attic? I live in an 85 year old house with same type of old stuff that you had described. I am looking into removing the old stuff, but I cannot decide what type of insulation I should use to replace it? Will eventually renvovate the space into a living area.
Looking forward to your answer, and congrats on baby!
Hey Susan, if you're going to turn it into a living area, you might not want the loose stuff, even if it will be buried underneath floorboards and such — I'd recommend talking to an expert. Are you in DC? I can recommend a few good insulation folks to talk to, and they're happy to talk things through and give advice. We're going to use cellulose, which is basically newspaper and other non-fiberglass materials that get soaked in boric acid (non toxic, no voc, etc.) which help ward off bugs and varmints and help it be flame retardant. Fiberglass is about the same price and you'll get a different answer as to which is best depending on who you ask. Let me know if you need a DC referral.
Hello, we are looking for a DC referral for insulation, who do you recommend?
I used Discount Energy Services to vacuum up old rock wool insulation in our attic and blow in new cellulose. Very good on the pricing, and good service. I'd recommend. Call Kevin there who runs the business
Discount Energy Services
(703) 550-0035
(301) 565-9350
Thanks for the recommendation! I just called them.
What kind of roofing do you recommend and which company?
Roshani, we used Springfield Roofing, which we had used during our home inspection to inspect the roof. They were fantastic and did a great job at a fair price, even coming back to help fix a mistake made by my carpenter when installing a skylight at the same time. We got a TPO membrane roof over polyisocyanurate sheathing. It's a flexible white membrane that's kind of soft — a big departure from the old tar paper used for a long time. And the white helps keep the house cool. Call Kevin Somers at Springfield Roofing in VA. Highly recommend.
Thanks so much! I appreciate the advice!
By the way, did you ever look into putting solar on your roof? Is it worth it? I have heard solar hot water heater is less expensive, and pays off quicker?
As far as I know, solar is great but the program run by DC is either expired or full to put panels on your roof at a seriously reduced cost. Some of our neighbors did it and I think they might have had to wait awhile or were some of the last ones eligible. There are still the tax credits, of course.