I’ve never owned a home with plaster before; I’m a drywall gal. Sure, there was a short stint in a rent house in the country that had plaster walls, but I didn’t own it or maintain it. And, it’s been twenty-five years – how did I hang stuff without command strips? It’s a bit of a blur. After watching many episodes of various home renovators, I just assumed we would “have to” tear out the plaster and replace with drywall. Man, did the internet educate me – quickly. Seems that plaster, if in good condition, is actually of a higher insulation value than drywall, better at noise deadening, and resistant to mold. It is, also, less damaging to the environment to repair plaster as long as it isn’t overly damaged. Hmm…good to know. Do you specialize in plaster repair? Call me.
We are proposing to remove several walls in the center of the house — not yet approved by the engineer – so those will obviously be new construction with drywall but there are multiple areas on the first floor that look to only need some clean up and love. Fortunately, the basement gives electricians and plumbers access to the first floor with minimal tear out needed to update the areas where we are planning to keep the plaster. Yeah – score one for the reno team! Don’t get me started on the upstairs. As previously stated, it’s a gut job. So, we’ll probably take more liberties there to modernize – there really isn’t much to be preserved – and set things up to allow easy conversion to a small apartment in the future. Can you say “residual income” in retirement? Second score for the reno team!
Another pre-reno key learning has been concerning the value of “old” windows. Constructed with old-growth wood, they are more rot and insect resistant than today’s version. Additionally, the craftsmanship is generally superior to replacements. They were built to be repaired in order to extend their usable life. And, let’s be honest, it’s part of what we loved about the house; not just the trim but the wavy, leaded glass. Some of the glass will need replacement due to damage but most remains intact. So, now is the time to bring forth the name of your glazer friends — I know a lot of people and count none within my circle! “Looking for someone to a get these 100 year old beauties freshened up!” Luckily, it is just that — repair the mechanicals and the panes. Most of the windows have never been painted so no stripping or sanding is required. We only need some strong cleaners and elbow grease to remove the smoke residue and grime. I’m hoping this is another win.
I guess that takes us to rip out and replace portion of our soliloquy. I was a little surprised to see a centuries old boiler in the basement and water lines to radiators running the length of the house. Perhaps it’s efficient — I don’t know. This isn’t an area for compromise. I want high efficiency HVAC — let’s get cracking. And, the knob and tube? Uhm…nope…. it’s gone too — along with the very leaky plumbing and the poorly installed roof. And don’t get me started on the ohh so boring, white vinyl siding that was installed over the original clapboard. Yes – yes – yes—replace – replace – replace. Both the front and the back porch also need love but no bandwidth to think about it today for it is time to sleep, perchance to dream – what dreams may come of the bungalow’s future.