|
|
| This Federal-style house, circa 1850, has not found a buyer despite a rock-bottom price. It requires major structural and systems work. (Photos: Deb Holmes) |
| |
|
|
| Another architectural treasure, the Governor Bodwell House in Hallowell, Maine, has been on Maine Preservation's "Most Endangered Historic Properties" list for two years. Restoration of the 2nd Empire style mansion would require a large budget. |
| |
|
|
|
| |
This little bit of humor brought to you by Donnie in the "Where do I start?" thread on the Old House Web Bulletin Boards, General Discussions Room.
First steps to starting work on an old house:
1) Buy bottle of aspirin (economy size).
2) Treat yourself to a nice weekend at a four-star hotel (soon there will be disasters and messes everywhere).
3) Throw away your calendar (you won't need it since you will not have any free time anyway).
4) Capture on film the "looks" when you proudly show your friends and family the "investment" you've made.
5) Keep your head up and learn to enjoy the work you're doing and forget about the end date. It will drive you crazy.
Rehabilitation: A hot topic
The OHW bulletin boards have hundreds of messages on old-house topics, from rescuing old homes; rehabbing vs. restoring; loving old houses; financing old houses, and much more. You read a thread, join a conversation, research topics, or start a new topic.
You will also find stories on a broad range of topics in our How-To section. Be sure to check the Features section for many first-person accounts of restoring old houses.
