This is a "little" project we've been working on since last year-house painting. It's coming along. BUT, the restoring some of the original detail has been Donnie's "little" project that he's been working on this year. It's pretty tedious and involves carefully removing sections of the aluminum siding without denting or kinking it, stripping the old paint off the old trim, cutting down the siding to clear the original wood trim around the windows, doors, etc; then fabricating the aluminum J-channel replacement out of wood and reinstalling the whole thing. It's very time consuming.
I think it's turning out well and giving the old place back some character, do you? He's doing a fantastic job!
Here's the side porch at purchase:
Christie
Posts: 3608 | Location: West TN, Zone 7a | Registered: Jan 05, 2007
This is the only pic I have of the side door and work had already started there, but it still gives a good idea of the plainness of the missing details:
Christie
Posts: 3608 | Location: West TN, Zone 7a | Registered: Jan 05, 2007
Everyone loves how the door came out. We're going to have to get a different storm door so the original door shows up like it does with the old screen door removed. Isn't it great? I'm a lucky girl!
Christie
Posts: 3608 | Location: West TN, Zone 7a | Registered: Jan 05, 2007
That is NO little project! Donnie does incredible work! You got yourself a 'keeper' for sure! I am so glad you two like to work on houses together! Beautiful outcome!
Mary Ruth *****We don't see things as they are, we see things as WE are! ***** (Anaias Nin)***** http://pinterest.com/mary_ruth/
Posts: 8498 | Location: East Space Coast, Florida zone 9B | Registered: Feb 11, 2003
This was my project for the day. Last night, Donnie actually assigned me something to do! He must have gotten tired of watching me shop for fabrics all day.
We finally have the original door back as the front door! We tried putting it on last year and discovered that some floor jacking was needed and some tweaking done in order for it to operate properly. Today, we have a properly operating door! Still some things to do for draft control, but the long anticipated part is done!
The door at purchase-1960s or 70s style with cracked and curling veneer:
Christie
Posts: 3608 | Location: West TN, Zone 7a | Registered: Jan 05, 2007
Don't know whatever possessed them to take that beautiful door down and replace it with the one you took down. The old one is hands down far better looking.
Cathy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Grandchildren are God's gift to you for not killing your own!
We don't stop playing because we grow old...we grow old because we stop playing
Posts: 7534 | Location: Northern California USA | Registered: Oct 10, 2004
It's amazing how such a small detail makes such a huge difference. I love how you guys take care of your homes. This house is very lucky to have you, just like Peacan Place was
Amazing difference! You both are really transforming that house into a showpiece.
I love the "new" old front door. It's SO much better than the other one. Thank goodness they kept it and didn't toss it out when they put the 1960's one on.
~Jean~ in garden zone 6b
Posts: 5663 | Location: WV... no jokes please, I've heard them all, trust me. | Registered: Oct 28, 2004
Gosh, I don't think the changes you two have made to the exterior would have even occurred to me, but what a huge difference the details make. You must feel good that whatever house you choose, you always make it better.
Posts: 2368 | Location: Kansas | Registered: Mar 16, 2006
The beauty lies in all the details! You and Donnie are a fantastic team. I love what you all have done. The front door is outstanding. What a HUGE difference it has made to the curb appeal. Donnie is definitely a keeper.
Wow you two work fast. Seems like you just got the place and now it's looking like the vision you had for the home. You both have talent and aren't afraid of a challenge or hard work. Wish I had a quarter of your talents. Love the door. The exterior trim work looks great. Could Donnie come to Mi for a week?
Posts: 2781 | Location: Michigan and sw Florida | Registered: May 16, 2007
