Restoring My 1946 House
When I moved into my house in 2015, it seemed almost perfect, and then after the first spring rain, the entire living room smelled like mold, so I tore out the maple hardwood floors, and found that mold and mildew had built up in between the tongue and groove of the flooring from a leak or something. So I replaced the flooring with wide plank oak floor from the company Bruce. I was able to get enough 6 inch base molding to re-trim the entire house. (My second job out of college, I worked for a finish carpentry company where I learned how to do all this stuff, and the second time I worked for the same company, I managed their 10,000 ft.² custom cabinet shop) I added in this period corner built-in with prairie style windowless doors with inset hinges. I painted the inside of it black so as to not feature the items in the cabinet. Would you date someone that is handy? #emergingcreator
Restoring a vintage home like mine, built in 1946, offers both challenges and rewarding experiences. One critical lesson I learned was the importance of identifying hidden water damage early. The mold and mildew found between the tongue and groove of the original maple floors were a clear sign to act fast to prevent structural issues. Choosing wide plank oak flooring from Bruce was not only a durable solution but also brought a warm, authentic touch to the home that suited its era. When installing new hardwood floors, it’s crucial to acclimate the wood properly to your home’s humidity to prevent future warping or gaps. A special part of my restoration was designing and building a period-appropriate corner built-in cabinet. Featuring prairie-style windowless doors with inset hinges, this piece adds charm without drawing attention to the cabinet’s contents—painting the inside black was a simple yet effective way to achieve that. For anyone considering a home restoration project, my advice is to start with thorough inspections for moisture, invest in quality materials, and don’t shy away from learning carpentry skills or hiring skilled help. Trust me, having handyman abilities not only saves costs but also makes the restoration process more fulfilling. Would you date someone handy? In my experience, being able to fix and create bespoke features in your home is an attractive and empowering skill.