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Sarah Lavender Smith's avatar

I really enjoyed the YouTube tour pointing out all the quirks & flaws along with the potential. One idea for rebuilding your entranceway steps (the “ice steps”)--design a rustic iron handrail to go up one side of the steps. When elderly family members who are unsteady on their feet visit, they’ll appreciate it. Have a great break!

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Gray Giordan's avatar

Dear Kelton and Ben. Thank you for the video. As a retired carpenter and building inspector I really enjoy brainstorming building issues. You have some great ideas and your home is a diamond (in the rough)! It's a good thing that you plan on being there forever! I’m including my email because I struggle with being specific while trying to be succinct.

giordan[at]comcast.net

Feel free to send me pictures, puzzling facts and the pesky mysteries that hand built homes provide. Till then I want to stress something that you have already figured out. Priority. Water leaks are #1. They will not fix themselves and always continue to degrade the structure. Do not expect caulking to last for more than a year. Even chinking has a expected lifespan.

Wind intrusion/heat loss is #2. Some of these can be postponed with bandaids. An example of this might be a tight fitting custom made interior storm window at the kitchen sink until you can purchase good quality windows.

I had been successful in the trades for 20 years before I understood the concept of the THERMAL ENVELOPE. Think of a zip lock baggie holding in your expensive warmth. Yours is not well zipped imho.

If I was emperor of the world I might suggest you completely removing the deck and handrail. This would allow sealing the envelope and stopping the leaks. But I understand the need to balance perfection with progress.

On the topic of office walls, for the time being, what about shoji panels, perhaps on a multi track like by-pass doors? Good luck. I would enjoy hearing from you.

Sincerely

Gray Giordan

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