Selecting and Renovating an Old House (eBook)

Introduction Purposes of this handbook Units of Measure Basic considerations Special considerations Health aspects Fire safety Energy efficiency Planning Establishing objective and priorities Budgeting for rehabilitation "Regulations, codes, and planned development"Condition Assessment Initial considerations Professional assistance Choosing and working with professional contractors Complying with codes and regulations Financing projects Liens Arbitration Health and safety assessment Radon Lead Asbestos Fire safety Security Thermal assessment and moisture control Climatic and site considerations Heat transfer Types of insulation Vapor retarders Assessment of insulation Airtight house and foundation Symptoms of excess moisture The site Grading Landscaping "Walkways, driveways, and patios" Fencing Interior layout Preservation and restoration Accessibility for special groups Entryway "Living rooms, family rooms, and dining areas" Bedrooms Kitchens and bathrooms Expansion of available space Layout change of more recent homes Foundation Normal settlement Soil moisture and foundation settlement Checking foundations Exterior walls Siding Windows Doors Exterior finishes Roofing Wood shingles Asphalt shingles Built up roofing Other types of roofs Flashing Roof overhang Soffit and fascia Chimneys and fireplaces Exterior utilities Porches and decks Basement Moisture Other problems Living areas Wood floors Tile and sheet flooring Walls and ceilings Interior coatings Stairs Attic Kitchen Layouts Appliances Floors Bathrooms Fixtures Floors Utility assessment Heating Air-conditioning Water system Electrical system Recognition of damage Decay Insects RodentsRehabilitation Introduction Hazard control Radon Lead Asbestos Fire safety Thermal protection and moisture control Installment of insulation Vapor retarders Indoor humidity control Site improvements Major structural features Foundations and basements Floor systems Wall systems Wall openings Roof systems Repair of structural decay and insect and rodent damage Siding Replacement techniques Panel siding Horizontal wood siding Vertical wood siding Wood shingle and shake siding Aluminum and vinyl siding Stucco finish Masonry veneer Material transition Exterior finishes Types of exterior wood finishes Application Refinishing Basement conversion Interior structural changes Floor plan Basement conversion Interior finishing Types of finishes Wood floors Removal of existing finishes Safety considerations Vertical expansion Attic space Shed dormer Gable dormer Other considerations Horizontal expansion Kitchen remodeling "Heating, air-conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems" Cutting floor joints Utility walls "Fireplaces, woodstoves, and chimneys" Conventional masonry fireplaces Air-circulative fireplace forms Prefabricated fireplace units Woodstoves Masonry chimneys Insulated steel chimneys Garages and carports Addition of garages or carports Garage doors Carports Conversion of garage to living space "Deck, patio, and porch additions" Planning and design Material selection Structural considerations Fasteners FinishesMaintenance General considerations Exterior wood finishing Walls Decks and porches Maintenance of wood roofsCautionAppendixBibliographyGlossary