OT: Renovating a 174-year-old house.

[GloryDawg]

We are spending 100K to do it. We thought about selling it and the 80-year-old barn for the lumber and building from scratch. Talking to my stepdad who is going to live there I told him once the house was gone that is a piece of history that is gone. Union officers sleep there during Shermans Meridian Campaign. I have a history degree from Miss State, and I told him I don't feel comfortable tearing it down, so, we are going to bring it back to life. We have already got one quote of 85K. That included everything for the house from top to bottom except one room which we can do later. We will probably have that room done as well.

What would you do to renovate it

Would you hire someone to do it all knowing it will cost more but no headache for you or would you subcontract it out yourself, more headache but cost less. We don't want to spend 100K if possible, we have that much budgeted.

 

[Motodawg]

If I can help with plumbing, please let know. I’m probably one the only idiots left that is still willing to pour lead joints for cast-iron

 

[GloryDawg]

If I can help with plumbing, please let know. I’m probably one the only idiots left that is still willing to pour lead joints for cast-iron

I will keep you in mind. We really don't know what to do or who to call. The one person who came out and looked was a name given to us. The bathroom and kitchen will be totally updated with plumbing and everything.

 

[LimaoCabeca]

Could see if there are any contractors nearby with experience in working with historic homes. I used to live in an area with a high density of ~130 year old homes, and several companies around specialized in working on them.

 

[GloryDawg]

Could see if there are any contractors nearby with experience in working with historic homes. I used to live in an area with a high density of ~130 year old homes, and several companies around specialized in working on them.

The house is in rural Madison County up close to Camden.

 

[Dawgbite]

In the past I would’ve said contract it yourself but it’s changed. 1. It’s almost impossible to find someone to perform a specific task. 2. It’s impossible to coordinate multiple workers or contractors to be there and be finished when they’re supposed to. I’d pay one person And just deal with one person.

 

[Motodawg]

I will keep you in mind. We really don't know what to do or who to call. The one person who came out and looked was a name given to us. The bathroom and kitchen will be totally updated with plumbing and everything.

Even better!

 

[Bobby Ricigliano]

We are spending 100K to do it. We thought about selling it and the 80-year-old barn for the lumber and building from scratch. Talking to my stepdad who is going to live there I told him once the house was gone that is a piece of history that is gone. Union officers sleep there during Shermans Meridian Campaign. I have a history degree from Miss State, and I told him I don't feel comfortable tearing it down, so, we are going to bring it back to life. We have already got one quote of 85K. That included everything for the house from top to bottom except one room which we can do later. We will probably have that room done as well.

What would you do to renovate it

Would you hire someone to do it all knowing it will cost more but no headache for you or would you subcontract it out yourself, more headache but cost less. We don't want to spend 100K if possible, we have that much budgeted.

Can you share some photos of the house?

 

[Lettucexxxx]

I’d be happy to share a metal detector with you and we could stock you a museum, amongst a lot of original nails, fasteners, keys, locks and other antiques. I love finding the old ornate homestead items. DM if interested. You keep everything we find

 

[GloryDawg]

Can you share some photos of the house?

I live in Brandon and if I get up there I will. It's a dog trot house that the trout has been closed in. The upper floor was removed in the 1940's. My stepdads father feared a storm would take it out. It is located on a hill.

This is what it would have looked like when it was built.

 

[HotMop]

We are spending 100K to do it. We thought about selling it and the 80-year-old barn for the lumber and building from scratch. Talking to my stepdad who is going to live there I told him once the house was gone that is a piece of history that is gone. Union officers sleep there during Shermans Meridian Campaign. I have a history degree from Miss State, and I told him I don't feel comfortable tearing it down, so, we are going to bring it back to life. We have already got one quote of 85K. That included everything for the house from top to bottom except one room which we can do later. We will probably have that room done as well.

What would you do to renovate it

Would you hire someone to do it all knowing it will cost more but no headache for you or would you subcontract it out yourself, more headache but cost less. We don't want to spend 100K if possible, we have that much budgeted.

Do it yourself and post updates on social media. Monetize the rebuild so that you get paid.

 

[GloryDawg]

Do it yourself and post updates on social media. Monetize the rebuild so that you get paid.

Thats a great idea. My problem is I don't know what to do and work full time and my Stepdad is too old.

 

[SwampDawg]

We are spending 100K to do it. We thought about selling it and the 80-year-old barn for the lumber and building from scratch. Talking to my stepdad who is going to live there I told him once the house was gone that is a piece of history that is gone. Union officers sleep there during Shermans Meridian Campaign. I have a history degree from Miss State, and I told him I don't feel comfortable tearing it down, so, we are going to bring it back to life. We have already got one quote of 85K. That included everything for the house from top to bottom except one room which we can do later. We will probably have that room done as well.

What would you do to renovate it

Would you hire someone to do it all knowing it will cost more but no headache for you or would you subcontract it out yourself, more headache but cost less. We don't want to spend 100K if possible, we have that much budgeted.

Please try to be there when they are tearing out the walls. Might not be anything in there but roaches, but you never know. Even an old letter or book would be great/

 

[BIGDAWG44]

I would try to do everything except the finish work. Finish work is not my favorite. Everything else is relatively easy to figure out.

 

[RocketDawg]

We are spending 100K to do it. We thought about selling it and the 80-year-old barn for the lumber and building from scratch. Talking to my stepdad who is going to live there I told him once the house was gone that is a piece of history that is gone. Union officers sleep there during Shermans Meridian Campaign. I have a history degree from Miss State, and I told him I don't feel comfortable tearing it down, so, we are going to bring it back to life. We have already got one quote of 85K. That included everything for the house from top to bottom except one room which we can do later. We will probably have that room done as well.

What would you do to renovate it

Would you hire someone to do it all knowing it will cost more but no headache for you or would you subcontract it out yourself, more headache but cost less. We don't want to spend 100K if possible, we have that much budgeted.

Give "This Old House" a call. Seriously. They did a house in Mobile not all that long ago (I think).

 

[TaleofTwoDogs]

Ever see the movie "The Money Pitt"? Had a cousin in Canton that fell in love with a 19th Century home near downtown that they bought and started renovation. Three years later, it was still only about 2/3 complete. Budget was basically out the window due to many complications from the original design and subsequent remodels. They ended up selling their "dream home" shortly after and now live in a nice modern home in Madison. Of course, every renovation is different but make sure you start your project with your eyes wide open for cost overruns.

 

[msstatelp1]

Give "This Old House" a call. Seriously. They did a house in Mobile not all that long ago (I think).

This might be a good idea. Here's the link.

Submit Your House to Appear on This Old House

This Old House is seeking homeowners with old houses needing renovation for upcoming seasons of the show. Submit your house to be considered.

www.thisoldhouse.com

Says they like homes that can be worked on in the winter.

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

You have all of this great advice, I'll suggest other,
SELL IT AND RUN LIKE A MF!

 

[Digging dog]

I would suggest finding a local “ghost remover”.

just in case****

 

[BrunswickDawg]

I've been working in Historic Preservation since the mid 1990s (also with a history degree from State) - most of it in project planning and management for historic sites and national landmarks, but with a good bit of hands on carpentry and finish work (mainly on my own home).

Doing the work yourself is fun - if you have time and don't have deadlines. Ive restored original front doors, repaired and reglazed all my windows, stripped painted woodwork, sanded floors etc. But, I know my limitations and call in pros when I need them and make sure they know historic houses.

My main advice is pretty simple. First - when you think you have a good idea of your budget, add 20%. You will find unexpected rot, damage, or just things that are really expense to deal with. Second, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. You have original windows, or really old ones fix them don't replace them (it will take you 30 years to get ROI on replacement windows). Don't spend huge $ making structural changes that aren't necessary (like open floor plans). Salvage every bit of solid wood you take out. It is gold, and you will want to use it.

And, reach out to the state of MS historic preservation office - you may qualify for a 25% tax credit if you are really wanting to preserve the home and not make an HGTV project - http://www.mdah.ms.gov/historic-preservation/preservation-planning-development

 

[Shmuley]

Thats a great idea. My problem is I don't know what to do and work full time and my Stepdad is too old.

You could monetize it as a “what not to do” series, then.

 

[GloryDawg]

You have all of this great advice, I'll suggest other,
SELL IT AND RUN LIKE A MF!

You don't sell something that's been in family for 90 years.

 

[GloryDawg]

I've been working in Historic Preservation since the mid 1990s (also with a history degree from State) - most of it in project planning and management for historic sites and national landmarks, but with a good bit of hands on carpentry and finish work (mainly on my own home).

Doing the work yourself is fun - if you have time and don't have deadlines. Ive restored original front doors, repaired and reglazed all my windows, stripped painted woodwork, sanded floors etc. But, I know my limitations and call in pros when I need them and make sure they know historic houses.

My main advice is pretty simple. First - when you think you have a good idea of your budget, add 20%. You will find unexpected rot, damage, or just things that are really expense to deal with. Second, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. You have original windows, or really old ones fix them don't replace them (it will take you 30 years to get ROI on replacement windows). Don't spend huge $ making structural changes that aren't necessary (like open floor plans). Salvage every bit of solid wood you take out. It is gold, and you will want to use it.

And, reach out to the state of MS historic preservation office - you may qualify for a 25% tax credit if you are really wanting to preserve the home and not make an HGTV project - http://www.mdah.ms.gov/historic-preservation/preservation-planning-development

Thanks

 

[theoriginalSALTYdog]

Union officers sleep there during Shermans Meridian Campaign.

So, the house harbored Union officers and benefited the northern aggressors. That in itself should justify that you burn it to the ground.