Both AJM and I are designers by trade; however, we prefer to design from the ground up rather than try to patch enhancements onto a shaky foundation. As we begin analyzing a project, we invariable pick and scratch at the existing work trying to develop a sound strategy. Often in our desire to just do things right, we end up tearing out major portions of what existed before.
We’ve learned to be flexible in our expectations. So it came as no surprise to either of us that given our decision to put in new drywall, we should go ahead a replace the tiny kitchen window. When the existing windows are open, anyone walking along the narrow sidewalk is apt to smack their head. We agreed on a 7 foot wide, sliding window over the counter. Reframing for the new window meant tackling part of the project that we had hoped to put off until phase 2: new siding.
All that exists between us and the outside world is a layer of reflective paper beneath the shingles. There is no OSB or plywood sheathing and zero insulation.
We removed the old siding and beneath it found leaky pipes and the attendant rot. The back wall of the house is below ground level. Drainage problems cause water to collect along the wall during heavy rains. The sill of this supporting wall is rotted out for about six feet. We also discovered the conduit to the washer/dryer and rusted through, luckily before the electrician began rewiring this week. Now he can remove all the added on wiring and wire the connections through the inside.
- New window: $255
- Replace wall: $2500 and counting.
We are not unhappy with the scope creep. Both of us would rather tear everything apart and fixed the problems now, than make cosmetic changes that we’d have to tear down to get to the root of the problem later.
Yeah, that reminds me of a woman I spoke to once. She’d found out she had a thyroid problem. “Not a good thing to find out you have, but much better than not knowing you have it.”
Big points for finding and fixing the creeping awfuls.