The Newton Initiative: September 2014

Saturday, September 27, 2014

We Can't see Through the Walls Anymore

One of the most fun parts of any construction project is when the sheetrock goes up. The rooms are suddenly defined and you really get an idea of how the end product will feel.

That's a lot of sheetrock!

They put it in through the window?!

These guys were amazing! They could balance a 12 foot piece of sheetrock on their heads, climb a ladder, and load their screw gun at the same time. I promise that is not easy!

I guess that room is going to be pretty darn cool!

I love that you can really see the angles now!

Next up: Paint and More!

What, Who, How, Why???

This blog is intended to chronicle our journey through the process of renovating and adding onto a beautiful [potentially] brick Victorian home.

The home is in a peaceful rural community, and was built by my great grandparents in 1899. The home, which sits on over an acre was grand in its day with 10 foot ceilings and intricate moldings. The home was lived in by various relatives until 30 years ago; no one has lived in it since then. The condition of the home put its fate in question; it could be repaired and restored, or pushed over and forgotten. We chose the first.

We had planned to build a home this year, but as we talked about the old home we knew we needed to save it. Quickly, that became the plan, and our passion for it grew.

We have lived in and fixed up old homes before, what we didn't want with this home was an old home with an addition that was "scabbed on", with no flow or continuity. We also did not want a "drafty old house". The goal was to make the home feel seamless, and to enjoy the charm and character of an old home, and its setting, while living in a space with all modern systems and a very low draft.

The plan is for the work to be done by us, along with the help of several contractors.

We intend to let the pictures tell the story. Please enjoy, and if you do, we'd love to see your comments.