What were they thinking?

Fixing A Prior Home Repair Gone Wrong- Instead of fixing the wall correctly they choose to cobble it together.

 I want to point out the 2nd Floor Area.  Note: There are 2 Floors.  Why would the prior no-good carpenter build the double floor this way?  The Answer goes back to the prior photos and a hint in the History of the Building.

• See Photo Above
• Hint: I mentioned a water collection system called a Cistern in the History of the Building.  
• My Definition: Small Water Collection Tank, that is generally attached to a home kitchen area via a "Old Time Hand Pump" which brought the water into the home.
• Though the original plumbing was long gone.  We did find a 200 Gallon Cast Iron Cistern located just off the Corner of the Building.  Directly under the Corner of the Building in the spot where the Pier Footing should be.

We determined that:

1. The Original build of the Structure had started to sink in this area.

2. the prior carpenter had built (flim-flamed) a 2nd Floor above the Sinking Floor.

3. Eventually the corner still continued to sink and when it sank enough for Water to work its way into the building. The Damage escalated.  Once that happens-as you can tell;it is a major renovation project, to fix the water damage.

See More of the  

Benton Gut Rehab Green Blog Series

Part 1: History

Part 2: Stone Foundation Repair

Part 3: Tuckpointing the Brick Walls pt 1

Part 4: Tuckpointing the Brick Walls pt 2

 

Part 5: What were they thinking?

Part 6: Paint Pro Tip #35

 

Part 7: Repairing Water Damage-Exterior Wall

Part 8: 1st Floor Weatherization

Part 9: See the Difference a Little White Paint Makes

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotty for any Home Improvement Projects or Energy Reducing Needs and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will respond ASAP. Company Web Address: http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com

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Basement Stairway Ideas Part 2

Scotts Contracting Offers Basement Remodels for every budget

Scotts Contracting supplies free Green Estimates for every Project

Click Here to email Scotty for a Project Proposal

Create Understair Display Space

Turn the space under the stairs into a display cabinet for collections. Wire the cabinet for lighting so you can spotlight special objects.

Add Style with the Balustrade

Golden oak balusters, stair rail, and a support column match the trimwork and cabinetry in the basement, creating continuity with the upstairs spaces. Adding style to the staircase can be as simple as affixing solid rectangles of stained wood to every other pair of balusters, creating pattern and interest.

Choose a Distinctive Railing Design

White beaded-board wainscoting, wood-tone trim and stair treads, and colorful walls lead the way down these winder stairs. The railing features a gridlike design for safety and style. (The spaces between balusters, whether posts or a grid design, should be smaller than a toddler's head.)

Break Up the Descent with a U Shape

U-shape stairs lined with a Craftsman-style wooden balustrade lead to this basement. This stair design requires more floor space than a straight run of stairs, but it's a good choice when a straight run would be too steep.

Emphasize the Diagonal

Instead of a stair rail and balusters, this straight-run staircase features the design equivalent of three parallel handrails. The design emphasizes the strong diagonal of the staircase and maintains an open feeling for the descent into the basement. It also requires fewer materials than traditional posts or balusters would.

Suit the Staircase Style to Your Decor

A dramatic open-tread staircase built of industrial materials ushers visitors into a clean-lined, contemporary space designed for entertaining.

Stretch the Spiral for a Relaxed Descent

This sleek, open-tread staircase spirals down gracefully from the first floor, delivering visitors to the lower-level quarters with a flourish. More relaxed than the typical space-saving spiral, the staircase feels open and easy to climb as a result.

Scotts Contracting Offers Basement Remodels for every budget

Scotts Contracting supplies free Green Estimates for every Project

Click Here to email Scotty for a Project Proposal

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Scott's Contracting scottscontracting@gmail.com http://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com 

Scott's Contracting, Green Builder St Louis 'RENEWABLE ENERGY' Missouri

Scotts Contracting St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri

On this site you will find resources for an: Affordable, Punctual and Experienced General Contracting Services for your Home or Business. 

Scotts Contracting offers the following "Green Building Services": Upgrades, Construction, Remodels, and Rehabs.

Browse the Green Information for Your Home and Business Needs:

Weatherization, Solar Power, Wind Power, Energy Star Products, Energy Saving Devices,Renewable Energy Blog: Tips, Resources, Government Grants, more... "Build Green" and Reduce Climate Change - Global Warming and decrease USA's Oil Dependency!

Scott's Contracting GREEN BUILDER, St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri.

Here are some additional Resources via Amazon.com
 Insulate & Weatherize ( Build Like a Pro)

The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency: A Guide to Big and Small Improvements

Lowe's How-To Series on DVD - Weatherize Your Home

 Power from the Sun: A Practical Guide to Solar Electricity

Solar Electricity Handbook - 2011 Edition

12 Volt Solar Power: A Do it Yourself Guide (Simple Living)

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Solar Power for Your Home, 3rd Edition