Here we go!

Just a small test patch uncovered ...

Demolition 

The original siding on the house was cedar shake, which must be restored according to the Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission. Luckly, most of it was in good shape. The worst case scenario was replacing it all (at $22,000). Final estimate: $2,700. Woo-hoo!

Then there's the color ... bottom layer - bad, bad, green (not visible here). Next layer - depressing tone of mustard yellow. Test patch by front door (not chosen by old owners) - bilious green. Luckily we had planned to paint it from the beginning!

 

 Then came the demolition in the back. And not a moment too soon for the deck, as you can see in the closeup of the structure below it.

 

Below: Who knew there was really insulation in the back room?

 

Above:  Carolyn watching, Carole photographing, both wondering why the toilet is still there and how the wood stove will come down. Anybody want to buy a wood stove??
Next post:  Framing

The adventure begins

Well, the adventure has begun. We'll post pictures (not much narrative) to show the changes as we go from "falling apart" to wonderful new addition.


We signed the contract on December 13, one week before leaving for New Zealand and Australia. Demolition started before we left with removal of the old siding and most of the deck. With 20" of snow on the ground, we didn't expect much change when we returned -- and that's what we got.


Finally, the last week in January, we've seen big changes. The old addition was gutted last week and the framing began and moved quickly. We now have a floor and walls - complete with a carpet of 6" of snow!