Our first project was to repair the exterior of the house. This house had been neglected for years. We’ve heard that it sat empty for five to ten years and nothing had been done to it for many years before that. The house was built in 1910 in the Shingle Style along with architectural details you would find in Colonial Revival and early Arts and Crafts styles. The exterior has the original shingles on the second and third floors and brick on the first. When we bought it, the trim was full of mildew, some of the shingles needed to be replaced, and there were leaks and holes that needed to be closed.

Mildew on the Eaves

Rotting Shingles

There was also a family of squirrels living in the attic. And a nest in the awning. And something dead in the chimney. And these are just the critters we know about.

This squirrel called the attic “home”

It’s amazing what a little white paint will do for a house. With the mildew removed, the loose lead paint scraped off, and new white paint added, the house began its transformation.

The rotting shingles were replaced and painted to match the remaining old shingles.

This project came with it’s challenges. It required rising up three stories high to repair and paint the top eaves. The weather turned rainy and the grounds turned into mud. It is also likely that the existing paint contained lead, so extra care needed to be taken. Darrin Myers rose to the challenge using protective gear and a lift.

With a flag out front to celebrate Memorial Day, the house looks almost festive!

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