Update to "If You Build It, They Will Come"

Update to IYBITWC....

We saw a dumpster in the driveway of the craftsman house below. When I poked around and looked in, I noticed some original plaster and tile but nothing that could be saved (including some rough sawn boards). When I asked the contractor what was happening, he said they were knocking a wall or two down but the house was staying. I asked about the wood trim and he said, "They are refinishing." As someone who is 5 weeks into rewinding the poor decision to paint over woodwork, I hope they simply mean they are going to dust the woodwork as it is in amazing shape. Sigh.

Termite Update...And a Discovery.

As I wrote about here, the previous owner (the only owner, actually) had termites. While they were treated and seem (hope? pray?) to be gone, we found more carnage behind the kitchen in the hallway leading to the basement. This area is directly above the previously identified damage in the crawl space. I am not afraid to admit, I hate crawlspaces. Add to it that it is a dirt floor crawl space and I am even less enthused. Given the fact that my dolphin skinned hands are likely to suffer damage, I'm now a bit worried. However, the old lady garments (not the "make me randy" kind mind you), mouse carcasses, and broken ceramic pots make it all better.

As we ripped out the back closet, we found a few things. One, we uncovered a window. Who puts sheet rock over a window?  For a broom closet? It is unclear whether the window ever opened, but hey, natural light is nice! Two, the termite damage traveled up the beams under a window. Although it does not look to be too bad or contain any structural damage we cannot fix, it definitely needs to be addressed. I am taking out some hand hewn beams in the kitchen and may replace the rotten wood with those beams, or save them for something nicer and simply put in some PT instead (more likely and reasonable). Our plan for this space is to insulate since it is an exterior wall (and will hold pipes) and make this the laundry space. It will just fit the machines that I am stealing from my parents my parents are getting rid of from their house. They are front loaders and save us a ton of cash. They just don't know it yet.

Yes, the window will be half covered, but it will allow some light and be way more functional. Plus, do you think Jess will really do laundry -or even step foot- in the bathroom that time forgot?

Stairs FTW

We all make tough decisions. Beef or chicken? Blonde or brunette? Match.com or eHarmony? Some of those decisions lead us down a path of no return. Some of those decisions will last a lifetime, just ask Jess.

The tough part about buying an old home is the delicate balancing act between form and function. Over the last three weeks I have become a purist snob. "Restoration above all else!" is my rallying cry. Jess is way more level headed and practical. As we embark on this major renovation, we are forced to make decisions about the kitchen relatively quickly. When you walk into a house and the kitchen looks like the next picture, you realize, something must give. One of those lucky doors (all original, all in a row) leads to the butler's (or in our case, maid's) stairs. In the, "I-don't-give-a-crap-tear-it-down-or-replace-it world," the stairs are an easy way to create space for a better, more modern kitchen. Of course it makes sense to tear them out. This house isn't a mansion, I can easily walk to the stairs 20 feet away and be no worse for the wear. Jess wanted them gone. I'd of rather lived with the mouse filled poop ceiling kitchen than lose those stairs.

A few things happened on the way to my victory. One, everyone that's ever been in this house remembers the stairs. We went to a neighbor's estate sale (more on that in a future post) and she remarked, "Oh my god, those stairs! We searched every nook and cranny and wall in our own house hoping to find a set!" Another wise soul said, "Those stairs are a hallmark of a great, old house." Comment by comment, Jess saw the light. Two, the removal of the drop ceiling to reveal nearly 10 feet of height made a huge different in the space. Whereas in the past we worried about cabinet space, that was no longer a problem. Although it is clear that we will have to spend more on bringing the cabinets to the ceiling (don't forget the crown moldings!), it will solve that problem. Three, never underestimate the ability to wear someone down with a combination of bullshit and whining. Mixed evenly, of course. After a few weeks, she said, "Keep the stairs. They'll be great."

It's not that she didn't want to keep them, it's just that she's right - the house is more functional without a second set of stairs. No matter, though. Victory is mine.

Beef, brunette, and Match.com for those of you keeping score at home.

If You Sell It, Builders Will Come

There is a reason we bought into this neighborhood. The charm, schools, location, and access to the city for Jess' work were all contributing factors. There is a certain pride that comes with being the oldest house on the block.

We know this house, owned by one family, was built when the family moved out from a Harlem brownstone for more land and a different type of life. As the neighborhood began to expand quickly thereafter, the houses were built with similar care, love, and craftsmanship. As the area matured and houses turned over, many of the houses remained well into the 20th century. As with any well-educated area near NYC, the lots themselves become very valuable and even moreso as owners let their homes fall into disrepair. When houses need more than the typical work, we have a recipe for "knock downs."

Sadly, the house two lots down fell into this category. When we spoke to the neighbors across the street, they remarked how happy they were that we bought and that our house was so beautiful, yadda yadda yadda. When we asked about the house two lots down from us, they said, "It was nice but not of the same ilk of yours or some of the others." Well, that got us thinking, what did the house look like? Was it that badly neglected? Below is the house, as of 2012, via Google Maps.

Our hearts sank when we did this search. It's as nice as ours, moreso in some respects, and deserved saving. When we dug further, the house was purchased and then demolished by an architect! Interestingly, the former owner (her granddaughter) of house we purchased, used this same architect to draw up plans to blow out the back of our house. When the plans proved too costly, the owners sold and bidders came forward. While I rolled my eyes at the idea of writing a letter, it proved important as one of the owners (the estate was owned by a son and daughter after their 106 year old mother passed away in March) did not want to see the house razed.

As soon as we moved into the house we noticed that the fatigued yet beautiful craftsman, stucco exterior house next to us was having an estate sale. My brother and wife and I were excited that we would have a chance to see the interior, talk to the owner, and maybe collect some period appropriate/local ephemera. While we found those things, we also found out some potentially disturbing news. They were selling their house. While we were excited that the house would be rehabbed/restored, we quickly realized it could be disastrous in that the house was bought before it could go to market for all cash. In this neighborhood my gut tells me it is a knock down, despite other owners saying otherwise. While the houses that replace them are nice, I guess, the danger of losing this old, established neighborhood one house at a time is really sad. The house in question is below.