Category: Uncategorized

Chronicling my adventures restoring and updating a quirky old Philadelphia rowhouse

The Final Look for the Front

That’s right, everything is picked out now! A few weeks ago when I was getting neurotic deciding whether or not the windows should have muntins like I originally planned, or not like the house was originally, Tito looked confused about why this even mattered because he didn’t think it would look that different. Blog readers…
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An Update On the Brick Mold

A quick review – I found the original brick mold in place and mostly in good shape under the aluminum capping around all 4 of my front windows. It has an unusual shape, very narrow when viewed head on, but deep and with an interesting profile. Also, look how badly the first floor windows slant…
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Mulling Over Historically Accurate Transoms

Do you get the pun? Anyways, it wasn’t too long ago that I was doing mental backflips to be satisfied with an obviously inauthentic door because it’s mahogany and it’s there and I can’t get a 30 year mortgage on a replacement. Then I bought a period door, but the jambs started bothering me. So…
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In September, All The Little Things

On Monday Tito and I were leaving for a day trip down the shore and the front door wouldn’t lock. Usually before the door jambs would swell in and the door wouldn’t close (until you shoulder checked it with all your might) and I’ve had to grind it back with a belt sander 3 times.…
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You Win Some, You Lose… Wood Consolidation

Sorry, I’ve had some technical difficulties trying to write this post. But anyways, I’ve had some good and bad news. The good? I’m officially done cleaning the brick! The bad? I’m done because further tests haven’t shown any noticeable improvement. My house looks a little dirty next to the house next door… and next to…
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Did You Think I Was Done Being a Stripper?

The brick may be the biggest stripping job. Way bigger than I thought it was. But don’t forget the wood. I was super excited about how restorable it was… But it still needed restoration. And how to restore it? I decided from other paint removal projects went that heat was better than chemicals. Best would…
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To Muntin Or Not To Muntin

This is an important question and I want lots of advice. I’m… ordering windows! Very exciting! And I want the windows I can to be at least somewhat respectful of the architecture of the house. To review, really cheap vinyl windows. Cheap vinyl windows that are showing their age because they are 20 years old…
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The Brick is Stripped! For Real!

We can breathe a big sigh! It’s been 4 months of early mornings and tedious work. But the brick probably hasn’t looked this good in 50 years. It looks extra good from a distance, but the cleaning didn’t get it completely perfect. I’d call this satisfactory, but if it’s feasible to do even better I’m…
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Big Changes in the Crooked House

I went MIA for a bit, but now there’s a lot to tell you about. We’ll start with the stripping progress. It got to be a slog. As I got higher up on the facade, the paint got more and more stubborn. Plus, I had more rungs to climb in between dipping the roller in…
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Here’s what I have to fix under that stupid red paint

Quick progress update. I’m still plugging away at the paint removal. We’re getting there. Now let’s look at the condition of the facade. This weekend I used the scary caustic stripper again and got MOST of the caked in white paint out of the marble. Some small dots remain. I could do it again to…
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