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!
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.
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.
One thing I would recommend is to build in any grab bars and railings now, whenever you are working on an area that might need them "someday," like a bathroom. Not only does that someday come sooner than we think, but in the meantime older and mobility-challenged visitors will appreciate them, and they could make the third trimester of a pregnancy easier as well.
If I spend the rest of my life following along as you renovate this cabin, it will be a gift to me! Love all your ideas and your vision and your style, and I can't wait to watch it come to life!
That’s a huge undertaking and so cool that you’ve got a vision you’re turning into reality! I just have one question: do you really need to wall off your office? The ceiling is so dramatic and scales so well in the larger space that it seems a shame to cut it off to just your office. I don’t think I caught your plan for that space post wall. What will you do with it?
Oooh this is fantastic! I love how you’ve brought your vision to life. It’s such a skill to be able to look at a space and envision its potential! Thank you for the look inside.
I’m curious about your countertop transformation in the bathroom—would it work on larger counters, or is it ideal for small ones? All our countertops are dark brown and I would love to change at least some of them…
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!
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
One thing I would recommend is to build in any grab bars and railings now, whenever you are working on an area that might need them "someday," like a bathroom. Not only does that someday come sooner than we think, but in the meantime older and mobility-challenged visitors will appreciate them, and they could make the third trimester of a pregnancy easier as well.
So much fun!
shangribackpackers! when you described the wall slot through which you can speak to each other—that was _the moment_ for me <3
👍
If I spend the rest of my life following along as you renovate this cabin, it will be a gift to me! Love all your ideas and your vision and your style, and I can't wait to watch it come to life!
Wow beautiful pictures and even better mock ups
Kelton I love your house, and I love how much you love your house. Have a wonderful vacation!
I’m exhausted just reading this! Good luck.
I LOVE the idea of the multi-window office wall - even with the different colors!
Enjoy your well deserved vacation!!
That’s a huge undertaking and so cool that you’ve got a vision you’re turning into reality! I just have one question: do you really need to wall off your office? The ceiling is so dramatic and scales so well in the larger space that it seems a shame to cut it off to just your office. I don’t think I caught your plan for that space post wall. What will you do with it?
Enjoy your vacation!
Have a great vacation. Love all the projects to come. Nothing so exciting as creating beautiful places in one’s home.
I loved revisiting the cabin via the YouTube vid 😍. Can’t wait for your Architectural Digest home tour 🤞 happy vacationing!!! ❤️
Enjoy your vacation! Looking forward to seeing you in May. I love your weekly blogs. That’s what I most look forward to on cozy Sunday mornings.
Oooh this is fantastic! I love how you’ve brought your vision to life. It’s such a skill to be able to look at a space and envision its potential! Thank you for the look inside.
I’m curious about your countertop transformation in the bathroom—would it work on larger counters, or is it ideal for small ones? All our countertops are dark brown and I would love to change at least some of them…