One of the big question marks was how well the plaster would come off of the brick that was the original exterior and will go back to being the exterior. Surprisingly it came of pretty well, although in tiny pieces. They said cleaning the brick with a special cleaner will remove the rest of the residue.
The crew said the addition was really a well-constructed addition. Unfortunately it fell into terrible disrepair over the years, but at least it was well done. We've never seen such nice wood and so many nails. The walls and ceiling are covered in 8-inch wide planks of solid wood (see photo below). I can't even imagine the cost if this addition were constructed today with the same materials. It would never happen.
Today the rest of the plaster came down and the roof came off. The ceiling joists are still there, but you can see sky from the upstairs room now.
I couldn't believe how much taking out the kitchen and plaster improved the room. It was like a totally different place with all that stuff gone. It made me a little sad to see it go, but I know the decision is a good one.
Tonight Chad is working in the basement to terminate the plumbing to that upstairs kitchen (it'll save us some money) so they can rip out the plumbing tomorrow. I think he may also be installing an outside spigot (the only one we have is in the front of the house - a long way around) while he's at it. I think the crew will start working on the electrical updates tomorrow, as well as continue more demo.
I have to be honest, it's been great being at work all day knowing something at the house is being accomplished. I could really get used to this.
2 comments:
I removed a 2 story addition to my house a few years back. It was similar in that it was very well constructed to begin with, but then not taken care of.
The best part was, I was able to salvage about 80% of the old lumber. It was thousands and thousands of dollars worth of free old-growth wood I have used extensively in the restoration of the house.
See Please Here
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