Renovating Old Houses: Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes

by George Nash

Overview

This essential resource is perfect for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and professional renovators who are passionate about preserving the charm and character of old houses while making them functional for modern living.

Whether you’re already living in an older home or considering purchasing one, Renovating Old Houses offers the detailed, practical information you need to bring new life to vintage homes.

Embrace the beauty and history of your home with this indispensable guide.

Key Features:

• Expert Guidance: Benefit from George Nash’s extensive experience as a renovation contractor, providing you with professional-level advice and techniques.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Learn everything from replacing foundation walls to repairing old windows, ensuring you can tackle any renovation project with confidence.
• Preservation Tips: Discover how to save irreplaceable features and use the best materials to maintain the historical integrity of your home.
• Modern Updates: Understand when and how to update your home to meet contemporary needs without compromising its original spirit.
• Preventive Maintenance: A new chapter dedicated to preventive maintenance helps you keep your renovated home in top condition for years to come.
• Visual Inspiration: Enjoy color photography that showcases stunning before-and-after transformations and provides inspiration for your own projects.
• Resource Guide: Access a comprehensive resource guide to find the best tools, materials, and services for your renovation needs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781561585359
Publisher:	Taunton Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	12/01/2003
Series:	For Pros By Pros
Edition description:	Subsequent
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	9.25(w) x 10.88(h) x 0.87(d)

About the Author

Nash is a renovation contractor and fencebuilding enthusiast.

Table of Contents

	Introduction	2
	Why Buy an Old House?	3
	Conscious Renovation: Philosophies Defined	5
	A Manufacturer's Warning and Limited Warranty	11
1	Evaluating a House Before You Buy	16
	Where to Begin	17
	Inspecting the Exterior	18
	Inspecting the Interior Structure	36
	The Mechanical Systems	46
	The Heating System	53
	The Electrical System	56
	Checking for Pollutants	62
	Real-Estate Matters	67
2	Organizing Priorities	70
	Structural or Cosmetic?	71
	Developing the Design	72
	Approaches to Renovation	78
	Hiring a Contractor	82
	Architects and Designers	86
3	Foundations	87
	The Forces of Earth and Water	88
	Solving Water-Infiltration Problems	92
	Creating a Dry Cellar Floor	98
	Exterior Drainage	103
	Repairing Foundation Walls	106
	Replacing Foundation Walls	109
	Raising or Holding a House	111
	Jacking the House	122
	The New Foundation	125
4	The House Frame	134
	The Evolution of American House Frames	135
	Repairing or Replacing Rotted Sills	138
	Replacing or Repairing Rotted Posts	148
	Repairing Sagging Floors	150
	Repairing Other Structural Elements	155
	Epoxy Beam Repairs	161
	Truing Up the House Frame	165
5	The Roof and Gutters	172
	Wood Shingles	173
	Slate	174
	Cement-Asbestos Shingles	181
	Metal Roofing	182
	Asphalt Roofing	187
	Valley Problems	194
	Gutters	195
6	Siding, Trim, Windows, and Doors	203
	Wood Siding	204
	Getting under Your House's Skin	207
	Repairing and Replacing Exterior Trim	216
	Nonstructural Epoxy Wood Repairs	219
	Windows	220
	Doors	232
7	Porches, Verandas, and Additions	236
	Repairing Porches and Verandas	237
	Shed and Garage Additions	246
8	Insulation and Ventilation	248
	Ventilation Fact and Fancy	249
	Energy Audits, Caulking, and Weatherstripping	251
	The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Infiltration, Condensation, and Insulation	256
	Vapor Barriers and Air Barriers	260
	Insulation Theory and Practice	266
	Poured and Blown-in Insulation	274
9	Walls, Ceilings, and Floors	278
	What to Do about Plaster?	279
	Alternatives to Plaster	294
	Drywall	296
	Repairing Stairs	299
	Wood Paneling	301
	Ceiling Treatments	303
	Stripping Trim	309
	Finished at Last: The Floors	310
10	The Electrical System	317
	Basic Electrical Theory	318
	A Short History of Home Wiring	320
	How It All Works	322
	The Perils and Pitfalls of Old Wiring	326
	Rewiring an Old House	334
	Lightning Protection	343
11	Household Plumbing	346
	How Plumbing Works	348
	The Old-House Plumbing System	350
	The Drainage System	356
	Plumbing and Structural Changes	366
	A Water-Pump Primer	368
12	Home Heating Systems	373
	Hot-Air Systems	374
	Steam Heating Systems	375
	Hot-Water Heating Systems	383
	Replacing Boilers and Furnaces	388
	Cast-Iron Radiators	390
	Cooling Old House	394
	Repairing and Restoring Chimneys	394
	Afterword	402
	Readings	403
	Index	406

Editorial Reviews

"Plain talk for restorers, from soup to nuts (and bolts). Here's thorough, practical advice that's sensitive to both history and budget."

From the Publisher

"Plain talk for restorers, from soup to nuts (and bolts). Here's thorough, practical advice that's sensitive to both history and budget."

Old House Journal