Happy Spring! Before we get too far along into warmer weather, we want to give an update of what the Fagans have been up to all winter and what is coming up next.
Earlier in the winter, essential work was conducted by Kronenberger & Sons Restoration to button up the house. Three floors of stabilizing framed support walls were added in the lean-to, continuous from the basement to the roof, taking the weight off the rotting lean-to plates. Extensive repair work will be focused in this area. For now, they have a safe and sturdy area to work and document. A new tarp was added to cover the north side of the roof. And windows/vents were opened to create a thermal stack. This allowed air to go out through the attic which prevents mold from trapped moisture in the north section of roof and is more reliable than a dehumidifier.
Framed support walls in the basement and on the first floor.
A new tarp covers the roof to button up for winter.
Excavating a test pit to determine soil quality.
During the winter, the Fagans continued with site work. In January, they excavated test pits around the house to get information on soil bearing and drainage which will help them design a sustainable water capture system to handle stormwater and flooding on the property. Their civil engineer (Indigo Land Design), structural engineers (GNCB Consulting Engineers) and Giglio Landscaping all took part and ultimately the report results were very positive, and they know one more important reason this house remained standing so long- Grade A soil, perfect for drainage! Plus, some driveway excavation uncovered remains of another foundation, laid stone without mortar, which means there is a new mystery to solve about an additional building on the property.
A few weeks later, they had a final in-depth structural inspection of the house with GNCB and are awaiting results from the chimney stack and fireplace inspections. Meanwhile, they are continuing with landscaping the overgrowth and trimming the pear, apple, and quince trees on the site to revitalize their growth.
So, what’s next? They are looking forward to a busy rest of the year. First, they are scheduling restoration and getting permits in order for the next phase of work. They anticipate that work to begin by July 1st with the exterior envelope complete by the end of December. Overall, their timeline is to do the structural, exterior finishes, and mechanical/plumbing systems (geothermal heat pump is likely as well!) this first year and finish up in the second year with interior work and landscaping. Next time, we’ll catch up on how the research is going into the history of the property.
Photos credit: Ellen Fagan.