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I just had a thought at the 49 minute and 45 second time of the video. You already have an awesome place to run all your required wiring in the house. That laundry tube that runs up through most of the house would be a great place to run all your wiring without having to drill holes up through the floors or bottoms of the walls. You could simply put in a modern breaker panel in the basement, and run your wiring up through that. That would probably save you a lot of time and installation issues. Just a thought. Whatever you do, salvage as much of the original woodwork as you can. That is impossible to find these days and trust me when I tell you, it is worth a lot of money to someone that is doing a full restoration on an old house.
Move the hutch to the office doorway you're closing off!! It would look beautiful over there! Reuse as much of the original woodwork, trim,, doors, pillars,, etc in the new plans around the house as possible and for the love, don't paint that beautiful wood, please lol😁❤. I could see that big mirror staying in a new main entry. The fireplace surround and mirror would be awesome in the new master suite to surround a gorgeous new faux electric fireplace. Just throwing out some ideas lol. Wait to see what happens when you relevel the house when it comes to the stairs. It may quiet alot of it and any extra squeaking and popping can possibly be simply fixed with strategically placed shims n such. Definitely relevel the house before you get to far on the attic.
In case you don't read comments. Please do not get rid of your wood frames and doors. and other wood. Please give it to someone who would not destroy it please
Also keep the old mirrors - they add ambiance to and old house, and value, and historical value.. And I imagine they are plate glass mirrors which are very expensive. I believe you can have mirrors re-silvered.
There are only certain times of the year mirrors can be resilvered. The temp and humidity has to be perfect. There was a place in Chicago that did it. I don't know if there still is. For the squeaky stairs, try dumping talcum powder on them, especially the cracks, then walk up and down them for a few weeks. I really think tearing out the unique built ins is a huge mistake. I understand upgrading the electricity and insulation, etc. but I hate to see all of what you want to get rid of torn out. Save it all and put it elsewhere in the house or addition.
I think he lost total sight of what he is doing he's going to modern without holding on to the character of what the house was originally he could have opened it up and then added more wood beams ,instead of ripping it down he could have milled ceilings to fit in with the existing ceiling , he's got too many modern bathrooms going on too much worldly taste is going into the house he just threw out the whole point of having an old home, I do understand some things are rotted and had to be taken care of he should have did it in the taste of the era of that period of time and then put a twist of that period of time back into the house not his modern ripping everything out wow,idk I think he did it on purpose to give everyone anxiety , lol. I'm the type of person make it like it was but put a twist on it as if I was the builder back then with a new direction of just opening it up with same character, by the time he's done we're just going to look into a modern large Mansion the whole era of that day was gone in his house he should have just sold it and bought a mansion to .save time what a waste of History this guy destroyed the history of his own house even the outside looks terrible I would have just sanded all of it down added more boards, to put vinyl up it looks terrible
Cole PLEASE keep all that beautiful woodwork!! Label each piece of wood you take off as to what door and number of pieces for each room. Be meticulous and you will have a much easier time to reframe doors, windows, ceilings, etc. Keep the doors and don't replace them. Those old doors are far better made than the modern ones.
@prettyroadsl8628 That is easy to think but have you think about the cost of doing so ? i will enjoy seeing him do it the way he decide and be hapy for him !
My suggestion is to stay in a trailer while you do the work in the house. Little bodies such as your sons, can’t handle, mold, asbestos and lead as well as adult bodies can.
I watched his wife's video about the plans. It made me sick. He has a beautiful Victorian that's (mostly) still original. The kitchen you can go to town on because it's already gone. Please preserve the rest.
You need to also preserve the beveled mirrors. The back can be refinished, making them new again. Save as much of the old trim as possible or have some milled to match. Good Luck. It's a long road, but it will be worth it.
The rail and wheels should be replaced on top though. ball bearing wheels that match with a new rail. To access the old rail and replacement you have to cut a hole in the wall into the pocket. It's worth it
OMG those pocket doors!❤ Please don’t lose. Take the papers to the historical society, please! The house would be worth so much more if most of the woodwork was kept. But go ahead and modernize the kitchen.
Cole, you can have mirrors resilvered and retain the very expensive beveled glass that they are made of and not have to replace any of the doors the glass belonged.
Lots of plans but I think you should reconsider the upstairs layout as you’re turning a 5 bedroom house into a two bedroom house. There’s more than enough space to keep at least 3 with 2 full bathrooms. Also I hope you kept all the trim from up there when you ripped it out so it can be repurposed to keep the house authentic looking and matching on both levels
Cole is going NUTZ with knocking out walls..... I don't think he's thinking it through but I just remined myself it's his house. 'Open concept' floor plans are NOT as great these days IMO. Especially in a 1930's house IMO.
Not only with kids, but for future resale value. In fact, if you're planning on having more kids, I wouldn't reduce those five bedrooms down to anything less than four bedrooms. But make sure you have at least two full bathrooms upstairs.
A Collapse is not the worse, wall/floor settling over the years that cracks floors, ceramics or in wall, door that cannot close/open, windows frames bending or breaking, etc. All expensive repairs that could be avoided
When you start to open up an old house like that it's a pandora box. You have to be prepared to walk away from an old building like that if it's not practical to restore it
I love what you are doing, not many farms can boast 6 generations. My advice, Hire an architect and an engineer, even if think walls are not load bearing, they are there for a reason, my mother in law tore out a wall in their old house, it almost collapsed the house. I wouldn't combine all those bedrooms, give your kids their own rooms, and have a playroom, that can mature into a tv / games room. And definately hire a licensed electrician.
Totally agree, seems like there will just be a two bedroom house. If he ever wanted to sell it people don't want two bedroom house. Yes it has been in the family for over 100 years but you never know what can happen.
As a mother of 3 boys, you would be happier if they had their own rooms. At least you could give them the option as they grow. Not to mention their may be some girls coming along in the future.
Actually most farms can boast 6 generations. That’s is one of the few industries that you can have multiple generations. Everyone around here has had their farms since the late 1800s
@@matthewbridges1438our family farm is 30min North east of Cole's and has been in the family for 146 years currently with the house build in 1893 and we are also 6th generation on the farm which is getting harder to say these days.
Cole - an architect AND a designer - one for the structural integrity of the house and the other for the stability, livability, serenity and fun for your growing family!
Why not sell the house and buy a gymnasium? It’s obvious to me as an antique dealer that you have no appreciation for the architectural and antique value of this unique beauty of a house. I don’t think your grandfather would appreciate your tearing out all the beauty that HE loved. Please take a course on Victorian design before you treat this house as a pile of junk and DONT tear out those pocket doors and paneled walls. Get with it!
Please do not move that built in China cabinet. It belongs in your dining room near the kitchen. Please do not make your kitchen open to other rooms. It needs to be kept in its own space. Totally open room designs are going out of style. Nobody wants to see a big pile of dirty dishes when they come to visit.
I'm more than a little curious Cole, about where you plan to provide bedrooms for your children? As an Interior Designer I ask my clients to first list their needs, then think about the design. Know how you will use each space, how it will flow. Work around all the existing custom cabinetry, leaving it in place or you will regret it later! It's what gives that beautiful old house it's personality. Take too much away and it will just be a box. I also agree with those who recommend engineering and a designer. It will be money well spent. Professional advice will keep you from making expensive mistakes.
Thats what i was wondering as well. a giant master bed+ bathroom, two rooms joined into one large room + bathroom again, and one open common area. One large room for the kids while they're small is okay, but once they hit puberty they'll want privacy and then they have to remodel part of that house again. And i agree with the custom cabinetry (or even some of the other features like mirror doors). he's fallen in love with the house and its certain look, but seems to want to remodel it into a contemporary "open room concept" house. He really should consult some designer to maybe get new ideas that'll manage to merge these two styles together.
good idea, as close chutes have been pretty much outlawed. in the event of a fire, they act as a chimney and spread fire floor to floor. blame the insurance companies for that one.
@@cannon3267 OUTLAWED? haha no they havent. They have put in codes about the location where they dump out and fire blocking in them as well some locking features but they arent outlawed or illegal.
Code calls for fire blocks between floors (in the walls), otherwise you have a flue and any fire will race through the house, talk to a contractor or architect before you leap
Cole, this may not fit in your worldview, but get some professional help for designing the house. First, get plans for the house as it stands today, then what you want out of the house. The two floors seem to total 3,500sqf, which is huge. You did the right things; get the roof and the walls fixed. Now, you need to figure out what you need from the rest of the house. Sometimes professionals can help. You almost have too much space already. Take a deep breath and plan well. It will pay off in the long run. One thing for sure is you need accurate plans for the house so that you know all the load-bearing walls, and the impact (on the ground floor) of removing said wall,. good luck and God bless you
My brother in law who is an architect says that you will pay for an architect whether you hire one or not. After my huge remodel I had to agree with him.
Great advice. It’s one thing to build smaller, more utilitarian spaces, but it’s another thing to change the structural integrity of a huge home like this one. An engineer should definitely be brought in to do an assessment of what walls can or can’t successfully and safely be moved or eliminated.
@@scottholbert2742 Nave has a video that shows more of this. They are full on construction mode to get it done so they gotta get out to stream line the work.
@@scottholbert2742 they are about to do a complete 100% renovation of their house. There is no way they can live there at the same time. Much easier to move somewhere else until the house is done.
the fireplace/mantel is so BEAUTIFUL, DEFINITELY WORTH SAVING AND RESUING SOMEWERE!!! PEOPLE PAY GOOD MONEY FOR ALL THAT GOOD WOOD, POCKET DOORS, BEAMS, TRIM.....stunning
That mansion you own could be an historical landmark now. All that gorgeous woodwork and those really cool pocket doors are so neat. Wow wow!!!!all the years of history. Knowing your family’s history that goes that far back is amazing!!!do you realize how fortunate you are!!!so many of us don’t know our family history that much. You were blessed to be born in that family. Don’t destroy the family legacy you now own but preserve it for your children. Modernize yes but preserve it!!!
@@reallydarlings-se2xf What's your problem? The OP was simply expressing feelings and opinions (the same as you do in TH-cam comments) and they don't seem too "out there" to me.
Wow a little unfortunate representation of your self or what. The man is doing a wonderful thing for him and his family. It's obvious he has put a lot of time and effort into this project. I would vote it will be one of the most beautiful restored homes from that time. He will have something to show for all his time.
I am living in a four square 1910 house similar to Cole's but not as ornate. I removed all the woodwork labeling it as I went, I removed the plaster and rewired, insulated and then used thick drywall and then replaced the original wood work. I made an addition to the house at the same time and made sure to scrounge up matching woodwork from torn down houses garages, etc so that the whole house looks original. I am very very happy with the result. a lot of work and a lot of expense but so worth it. Please save the woodwork and floor plan.
perhaps a small tip you won't regret. Hire an architect discuss your plans and let him make some drawings. I am sure he will have some changes hearing what you are planning to do.
Yes. And I would respectfully suggest, specifically, an architect who specializes in historic buildings and houses. It will get you the most insight and experience "bang for your buck" with relevance to your project in particular.
I’ve missed a lot on this restoration. I’ve watched the first 2 years and missed the next years.Even surprise you’ve got 2 boys already. Congratulations!
Cole, this remodel would have been great for This Old House. I don’t know your budget or timetable for completion but if it’s possible you might reach out to the This Old House team and see if this is a project they would like to film and get involved with. You being involved with social media and them having both traditional television shows and social media channels nigh be a really good fit for both parties.
Cole, the existing mirrors in the doors can be re-silvered. It is alot cheaper than buying new especially beveled glass mirrors. Your big problem will be getting them out of frame without mutilating the trim around them.
@@comeandtravel1 I was thinking the opposite, i was saying the old glass will be heavy as heck and it might be easier to get new mirrors that will hold up better and be much lighter. Im not sure what the mirror world is like these days.
@@warrenmichael918 not in my experience with redoing antique furniture and re-silvering mirrors. The glass was very thin and fragile but the results from re-silvering were amazing.
I agree. Antique mirrors are very expensive and made of quality, heavy glass. The cost of resilvering is not that terrible and the mirrors will be wonderful. Also, thinner mirrors on closet doors can easily break when the door is closed with a bit of energy. Believe me, I have been there.
Those mirrors in the doors are beveled glass, pretty sure that replacement beveled glass mirrors are hard to come by. If it was my house, I would find a business that resilvers mirrors and have the existing ones refurbished. Also, that passthrough hutch between your kitchen and dining room is where whomever was cooking would have set food out to be served buffet style for the family or dining guests. Keep up the good work!
I was touched to hear what a man of integrity your g-grandad was, by offering to return the home for just the cost he had in it. People don't do business that way anymore. You're doing a great job!
Be careful! Just because the walls you want to remove are not perpendicular to the joists, does not mean they are not load bearing. I had an old farm house that by modern definition of "load bearing", had no support from the attic floor straight to the foundation except the exterior walls. Its confusing to think about, but trust me, some of those non load bearing walls may be doing more than you think in conjuction with another wall that does not appear to bearing as well.
Your grandpa and your dad look alike. What a great legacy. Hope your children keep up with it when they get older. I started watching your videos because of the house renovations so glad to see you are getting back into it. Can't wait to see it come together. I hope you keep as much of the original style as possible though. So beautiful.
Beautiful home. Please get professionals involved - it will save issues in the future. Also, set plans will show weight bearing walls. Love watching your progress.
Those original mirrors are amazing and should be saved. If you pull them out you can easily have the original silver on the back replaced :) Awesome video as always!
That laundry chute is excellent access from the basement to the upper floors for utilities. Our modern home built in Atlanta had one of these chases for electric and heating/AC.
Really hope you are saving all of the moulding and pocket doors. Also the penny tiles people are always looking for antique tiles to replace old broken ones. New ones aren’t the same size.
I recently watched your video,where you were explaining your desire to remodel your grandfather’s house. You stated you were looking to tear down walls to create an open floor plan. I feel you should sit back and rethink those plans, you currently have a master piece don’t destroy the history of the house please preserve it. The wood work alone is a master piece. Yes remodel to current standards put preserve the past you will not be sorry if you do.
i agree. Although I might have taken a few doors out to leave the beauty of the structure but maybe the doors from the kitchen to the dining room. I'd make the bathroom off of the kitchen a pantry again instead. I'm curious as to how much of what he is saying now would be done or plans change.
Don't seal the well. If you have enough funds, get a water filtration system. You won't regret it. You can keep the city water, but have the well for backup!!
Treated water contains chemicals no one would choose to build into their bones and bodies. Long term use is just dangerous. You're own water is totally superior. Will pay off in health alone. Filters today are great. Much superior water. Basic
You need to hire an architect/engineer to map your house for the structural design and what's possible to remove. Some of the walls upstairs you want to remove are load bearing and have walls directly below them that you want to remove... also, just because a wall doesn't run adjacent to studs on one level doesn't mean it's not supporting load above it or distributing load below it. Changing the location of a wall a few feet over or removing what appears to be non load bearing can massively effect structural stability. Get several opinions, dont trust, just one joe blow general contractor. A house with that much history and architectural design absolutely deserves professional craftsman and engineer/architects guiding the project. Well worth the money.
I've removed/relocated "non-load bearing walls" that had varying effects from jammed doors in other rooms to partial roof collapse. Houses this old didn't have structural codes to follow, the did whatever worked. Have it inspected and engineer plans.
If you don't like the 🏠 move into a modern one your wife likes. MOVE and make her happy. Keep the gem you have and its integrity. Don't destroy it. MOVE and live off the farm.
Keep the stairs! Keep the main hall. Keep keep keep. You can refinish. If it’s shellac that is failing all you do is thin it out with denatured alcohol. I think you should follow restoration channels… there is some amazing advice. There are builders actually trying to immediate what you already have in new builds. And ways to do all this affordably and allowing so much to remain and still safe and useable for todays family
Cole, I've been watching your videos for a couple of years. You're a great young man. Due to the age and style of the house, I'd like to suggest you bring in an architecture conservator and an architect to preserve the history of the house and meet your requirements for modern life. We're looking forward to your progress. Keep going.
Opening up that entire stairwell and then all the way up the floors is like removing every bit of privacy in the bldg. Great for small children, not so much for a complex family with differing needs. Just noisy and cold. Think again. that first floor hallway provides for quiet,.. a much needed thing for young developing minds and tired adults too. Privacy and storage is a serious lack in your plan. That closed hallway is a valuable asset.. adds grace to every space it connects. Plus warmth and cooling.
I know you see it as a bunch of problems that need fixing, Cole, but that is a damn fine house for being over 100 years old. The houses they build today won't look near that good after 100 years. Best of luck making it like you want it. Glad you had such a loving grandfather.
Please, please, please hire a very experienced interior architect to redesign the home to keep as much historical goodness and adapt to modern needs in a quality/efficient way. You don't want to open up the entire floor - as your family grows/gets older, you'll need some rooms that can be closed/muffled - whether it's to watch a movie, have friends over, or just to have a private conversation while others are inside other areas of the home.
A designer / architect will save you money by avoiding costly mistakes and ensure you have a home that is livable for a growing family. Many folks regret tearing out walls; fine for the kitchen but the whole house?
Cole, one more note: we lived in New England ( small rooms to help keep rooms warm etc.) Now we live in the southeast and HIGH ceilings and open rooms.......cooler but cold in these winters.... you might think about that. You will do great! Thank you for taking us on the journey with you.
Put ceilings fan on reverse in low speed during cold snaps to move hot air downward. If you’ve got a drafty or cold room try a portable (oil) radiator and the ceiling fan to keep hot air circulating, it will do wonders for the high ceilings. I’ve got 11ft ceilings!
I really hope you keep some of the original craftsmanship of the house! Every board has so many family stories! It's breaking my heart hearing of all of that charm and history being removed. The ceiling in the living room I ❤️. And the family story too!
Cole, I also kept my grandpas farm and house from the 1910s and fully gutted and remodeled every single bit of the house it is now essentially a brand new house and I also was taught everything from my grandpa so I did the whole project myself and with the help of my best friend . My grandpa knew everything about construction and knew how to do everything, I was amazed by how much I learned just from watching him when I didn’t even know I was. He taught me how to be the man that I am now and I miss him every day he was my best friend, he passed away before I started working on the house but I know he would be so proud of what I’ve done. And I’m so happy that I will get to raise my sons in the house I grew up in. Good luck man you’re doing awesome things love your videos.
Please keep all the wood work you take off. You will never regret keeping it. Noises in the floors add character to old homes. Also tell you where the kids are also when they come home late at night 😊
Cole, i was born and raised in Michigan. We had what is called centennial farms, farms that have been in the same family for at least 3 generations. Your farm would definitely qualify and should be recognized in some way. My great grandparents moved to Michigan from Germany and built a large farmhouse and barn and outbuildings. My grandfather got the farm when they passed and lived the rest of his life there, farming the land and milking cows. When he passed my grandmother, instead of passing the farm to my father, her only son, she had a huge sale and sold family heirlooms eithout giving the kids a chance at them and sold the farm. It made all of us sick as it should have remained in our family. The farm still survives, the new owners are good stewards and the house has been beautifully remodeled, they are happy to let our family visit.
That is heartbreaking to hear that your family went through that, she must have been really pissed or needed funds. It’s good to hear that the other family offers to let them visit.😊
All the small rooms with lath and plaster probably adds a huge amount of strength. Construction today focuses on load bearing walls, which may lead to issues opening up the floor plan. Engineers def need to look at the big picture.
I’ve been watching you since you began this project. I saw all the outside stuff (junk). By restoring the house I hope you mean to take it back to its former glory. You’ve got beautiful woodwork all over your home. Please don’t destroy the woodwork. 😢 The basement is definitely needing some work. I love your beautiful family and I love your work ethic. Hugs for all of you.
It occurred to me, reading the comments that maybe he plans to sell the original woodwork- pocket doors, doors, etc to help finance the renovation? None of our business of course, but whew, that stuff is irreplaceable in quality etc.
Hopefully one day his grandson will talk about 'grandpa' Cole with just as much of love and respect. But....this house project will cost a LOT! Even with all the skills and help.
Hopefully they won’t say “grandpa updated the house and ruined it by not hiring professionals and now I have to fix it” if it doesn’t burn down before then. Hire a designer, hire and electrician and a plumber, and an engineer! And don’t lose too many bedrooms!
I started watching you in 2020 because of this house. Since that time through your videos, I have learned more about farming then I ever thought I would know. I have also watched you grow into who you are today. Thank you! Congratulations on your growing family and more than ever I'm excited to see how the house changes over the next couple years!
Its amazing to me to realize I've been following you for so long. When i first found your channel you had not started working on your house AND now you're the father if two children!! Wow! Time flies when you're having fun!!!
i don't know what you're planning for the extension. But I would recommend keeping the last two rooms as separate rooms instead of making them one big room. I'd also recommend putting a bathroom in the middle of the hallway for those extra rooms and common area. from what I'm thinking, you're planning on having the only upstairs bathroom be a private one for master bedroom. I'm curious why you're planning on making the office into a pantry/bathroom. the kitchen bathroom used to be the pantry, so you could make that into a pantry again. plus, you're opening the entry/main rooms anyways so the kitchen can still span the whole way with a pantry to the side. then the office could be a full bathroom OR cut in half with a play area/storage area. (and the bathroom going under the stairs) that way you can keep the door in the main hall stairway into that smaller room. you could also make that room the laundry room since you want to take it out of the basement.
I've done this to a brick 1880's house in Boulder, CO. What was a god-send was advertising for an architect student from the U of Colorado to come and draw up plans. He did it for free. He wanted to have a project for his portfolio when he graduated. Look into it. Although your open plans will make for "modern living" I'd suggest you get those plans or blueprints and have a heating/air conditioning guy out to look at it all. That is, air flows and you need an expert to tell if some of your open-space ideas will work well. How about a dumb-waiter in place of the clothes chute? You would be very surprised at how handy it will be..
Been following you for a while (several years) and have seen the transformation of the farm and your own transformation into a young man. I love the idea that you plan to "restore" your grandpa's family home however RESTORATION means to bring back to it's original floor plan and look. What you are planning and have started so far is a complete RENOVATION, which means that you are completely changing the floor plan and overall look of the house, not necessarily on the exterior (thank goodness). I watched Neva's video about the current state of the house and future plans. This is your house and you are free to do with it whatever you see fit to function as a family home. But please consider hiring a contractor and more importantly a designer to help with preserving the historical aspect of the home's first floor. Unfortunately, the damage has been done to the 2nd floor. In any case, looking forward to seeing how this project will continue to progress!
Yup. This. I inherited the 1950's Cape Cod I grew up in. I'm restoring it to its former glory. The majority of it is still original, but needs to be extensively deep cleaned. Unfortunately, my ex-step mother changed things the full bath. My half bath still has the wall hung sink, so I at least know what I am looking for. Full bath still has the original black and white tiles. It has a replacement modern medicine cabinet, but in my brilliance (lol) I took the original med cabinet out of my 1942 house before I sold it. Yay me! God bless my Dad. I did find what appears to be ALL the original switch covers in the basement. Step mom had changed them all to shiny gold (that's back in style, but I h@te!) I lucked into a curb find, right up the street. I got an original 50's chrome and yellow 'cracked ice' linoleum table, and 2 chairs. It fits perfectly in my poorly laid out kitchen. Lol. Kitchen is original (with modern appliances).
I love hearing you say that your grandfather was your dad's best friend and your dad is your best friend. My son and husband are the same. To the point that my husband was my son's best man at his wedding. They love each other so much and look up to each other.
It's funny, my wife commented it would be almost sacrilegious to change the original look of your home's interior, Cole I told her you gutted the upper floors to suit your own aesthetic but that you were (I thought) going to keep the first floor as original and historically accurate as possible. I can see the kitchen is NOT accurate, being remodeled in the 80s, but if you could do the modern version of a turn-of-the-last century kitchen it would do the place justice. SAVE ALL OF THAT ORIGINAL WOOD TRIM! And yeah, that bathroom directly off the kitchen has to go! LoL
Wow! Just found your channel. I loved old homes and the very unique twists and turns of hallways and rooms. Some seem to be hidden. The natural stained wood. What a project you have taken on. I hope as I watch you keep as much original as possible. It is so beautiful. I wish you luck in your quest Sir! Happy I found your channel.
The outside clean-up was a massive project and the inside work appears just as massive. As others have pointed out you should keep all the existing woodwork and trinm for re-use in existing house and your planned addition. Same with the pocket doors - while all the open space souunds great in theory - you will find the ability to close off areas with pocket doors to be a blessing. I also hope you keep all the wall lights by the closets and such as the can be refinished, rewired and put back on either side of the closets, windows, fireplaces, etc. I woulkd have thought the attic woould make a great master suite and the floor below bedrooms with en suites. Whichever way it turns out - I have no doubt you and your family will make many new memories together as you bring the house and its character back to life and ready for modern living. Best of luck!!!
Highly recommend a detailed plan for Electrical upgrade and Mechanical upgrade before you start anything. This will ensure you do not run into problems after the fact. Basically no electrical will be saved, New service, New panel and subpanels. Basically no Mechanicals will be saved. New technology, probably several different systems will be best. Maybe one from above and one from below. This will minimize the loss of square footage for chases and allows you to keep all that nice architectural details. I highly recommend employing an architect for the integration of old and new.
Cole I would be careful with removing walls. I wouldn’t remove the fireplace and don’t paint the ceilings. Also keep the original trim. I don’t think having an open floor plan is a great idea because it would ruin the original character of the house. But it’s your house. I know it will be awesome when it’s finished!
Seriously... are you going to live in this house or buy it someday? NO - lol so why tell them to just live with it, its not like they’re demolishing the entire house and building a modern texas home.
@@saintamerican6105Seriously... are you harmed in any way by him having an opinion on this? NO - lol so why get butthurt about it even if neither of you will ever live here?
I’ve been following you since you started clearing out your grandpa’s house and cleaning up the property. This is the first time I’ve seem an overall view of it. It looks absolutely amazing! You’re a very impressive young man! Your work ethic, vision, and determination are so impressive. Please give Summer my love. Miss her channel. Hope she’s doing well.
Thanks for the walk through and hope you can get some pro help moving forward! I trust that you will do a safe, thoughtful job of it to respect your grandpa but do what you need to provide for your family! My vote is to truly restore over just remodel!!! Best of luck. Sending love from Ohio! Take care🎉❤😊
I started watching you when the house was full of all kinds of things and the outside was piles of scrap and dead trees. You've worked so hard to get to where things are now. I'm looking forward to seeing how you restore the house. All of the beautiful woodwork in there- just amazing.
Something to consider , before taking out the clothes chute put some conduit in between the floors. Pull some cat6 through the conduits for network jacks and access points. That's a big house could easily need 3 access points throughout the house.
I like how you did another video to explain the house renovation more. While I agree with others’ comments to keep as much of the original wood as possible and the beautiful doors ( I love those pocket doors), at least you are working on the entire house at one time so there will be consistency. You have accomplished so much.
I hope you keep more of the doors and frames to seperate the office , pantry, the bathroom, a guest coat closet, a utility closet--vacuum, brooms, ect.--- and the back/ servant stair case. I just love back and front staircases. My grandparents had one. The other grandparents had a door to the upstairs bedrooms. Perfectly kept the noise level out of the stair well. The front stairwell is perfect for kids to come down on holidays. Oh, my, I love old houses as beautiful as yours and my grandparents. All those nooks and cranies, and pocket doors. Love it, Cole. Save as much as you can. Thank you.
You need window benches in the attic. Make it a play room hang out loft for your kids. Mom can read books on the bench’s etc. so cool!!! Love old house characteristics!!❤
Those mirrors are valuable because they are bevel glass. The ceiling lights are probably valuable as art deco. You need to have an antique appraisal. 😊
I started watching you originally from your home remodeling. You were putting up the outdoor siding. I have stayed watching all your videos learning all about farming. I have enjoyed learning so many things from your videos. I also following Summer and your Dad. Keep up the good work! Blessings to your beautiful family.
Cole, regarding the windows. There are plastic sheets that you can use to add a second barrier around the interior window frames to seal out the cold air.
Cole thank you for sharing your house. It’s fascinating to see all the different rooms of the house. I do agree with the rest of the people I we get an engineer to look over what you’re gonna do to make sure it’s safe . It’ll cost you a lot less money maybe in the long run . You have a lot of work to do
Reading all the comments I wholeheartedly agree you need an engineer or architect to give you advice. My grandparents house was an old Victorian house built by a Great Lakes ship captain. There was not one wall being supported as a load bearing wall. Rooms on the second floor did not match to any on the first floor. The house was supported by TREE STUMPS! So they obviously started by saying, put a room here, put a room there, with no conception of proper building methods of today. So again, be safe, talk to the right people. Congratulations on the new little one and God bless you, Nave on your sons.
Congrats on the new son Cole. May he give you and Neva many enjoyable hours of pleasure. I am now extremely excited by your proposed renovation/restoration of your home. Yes, it is a very big job and will task time, but you will do it! I must admit I am having trouble visualising your dimensions so will have to wait till complete to actually see it in place!
Your positive attitude is, I'm sure tested by the multitude of frustrations faced with all the different obstacles to handle ordinary things. So glad that these will eventually be fixed.
Don't remove the radiators, you'll regret it. Best way for heating is radiators, it gives you basically a zone to control in every location you have one which you can't get with any other type of heating. You can still add AC to your house if you want to not a problem but keep the radiators. Get them all fixed up, add some radiant floor heating to like the bathrooms and such or wherever you have tile and you'll love it.
The tank is the original water pressure tank. Believe it or not that was the pressure tank. The water pump was a piston pump that did not have quick recovery pressure. The large tank took care of that problem. Our 1870’s home had a large water pump tank in the attic. Probably around 800 plus gallon tank. The windmill pump would pump water up to fill the tank then you had running water throughout the house. It also had gas lighting in the home. Beautiful Woodwork also.
Those mirrors are as special as the wood paneling. They are beveled. Have them resilvered if needed and be careful who you deal with. They are special and do not let someone "take" them from you. Good luck!
So cool listening to the history of your grandpa’s house as well as your generation of upgrading and maintaining! RIP to grandpa Ray and congrats to y’all for keeping it in the family!
Cole, Keep the laundry shoot. I live in a 1910 4 square and it is one of my favorite things. Even if you put the laundry on the first floor, put it near the shoot.
Cole, the woodwork in the house is beautiful. I am so glad you are going to save as much as you can. The wiring scares me. I knew someone who's entire mansion burned down killing 4 people. Please make putting in proper electricity a priority even if it is a short term solution. Plugging power strips into power strips which then go into knob and tube wiring is a disaster waiting to happen. All of those power strips and plugs can potentially heat up and start a hidden fire. Everyone who watches your videos and sees all of your hard work care very much for the safety of you and your family. Please be careful!
A good carpenter and trim guy will make it all look great. I only know that because my husband is both. He did a great job on our early 1900s house. Also don't be afraid to ask for help. I know i was greatful for it. It will be a fun adventure!
Moving into a house with a boiler solved the horrible allergies for my husband and son. And my heating costs in this house are so cheap compared to my neighbors. Should definitely reconsider all these overly modern improvements.
I gasped and scrolled down to the comments as soon as I heard him say they were _taking out the radiant heating_. I haven't finished the video to see how far they've gotten but I agree with you and hope they reconsidered on that one!
@@thecasualcyborg6297Exactly. The hot and cold zones are due to no insulation and the system isn't tuned. Boiler radiant heat is much better than forced air You can still add AC and keep the radiators.
Wow! This house and your family history is phenomenal!! Is this your first video for the beginning of construction. I HOPE I have got in on the beginning. I AM SO EXCITED to watch your adventure. 😊
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I just had a thought at the 49 minute and 45 second time of the video. You already have an awesome place to run all your required wiring in the house. That laundry tube that runs up through most of the house would be a great place to run all your wiring without having to drill holes up through the floors or bottoms of the walls. You could simply put in a modern breaker panel in the basement, and run your wiring up through that. That would probably save you a lot of time and installation issues. Just a thought. Whatever you do, salvage as much of the original woodwork as you can. That is impossible to find these days and trust me when I tell you, it is worth a lot of money to someone that is doing a full restoration on an old house.
Move the hutch to the office doorway you're closing off!! It would look beautiful over there! Reuse as much of the original woodwork, trim,, doors, pillars,, etc in the new plans around the house as possible and for the love, don't paint that beautiful wood, please lol😁❤. I could see that big mirror staying in a new main entry. The fireplace surround and mirror would be awesome in the new master suite to surround a gorgeous new faux electric fireplace. Just throwing out some ideas lol. Wait to see what happens when you relevel the house when it comes to the stairs. It may quiet alot of it and any extra squeaking and popping can possibly be simply fixed with strategically placed shims n such. Definitely relevel the house before you get to far on the attic.
In case you don't read comments. Please do not get rid of your wood frames and doors. and other wood. Please give it to someone who would not destroy it please
That kitchen ceiling just needs a new color staining, it is AWESOME
Please don't take out those fabulous hutch and pocket doors from the dining room. :(
KEEP ALL OF THOSE WOOD CASINGS, TRIMS AND DOORS!
You will be glad you did when it comes to changing/adding entries, etc.
Also keep the old mirrors - they add ambiance to and old house, and value, and historical value.. And I imagine they are plate glass mirrors which are very expensive. I believe you can have mirrors re-silvered.
There are only certain times of the year mirrors can be resilvered. The temp and humidity has to be perfect. There was a place in Chicago that did it. I don't know if there still is. For the squeaky stairs, try dumping talcum powder on them, especially the cracks, then walk up and down them for a few weeks. I really think tearing out the unique built ins is a huge mistake. I understand upgrading the electricity and insulation, etc. but I hate to see all of what you want to get rid of torn out. Save it all and put it elsewhere in the house or addition.
Yup, I fear for this house, I'd probably leave most of it as is even though I like open living spaces
Dealers will pay cash for the old millwork. Ideally, it should be reused and matching trim custom made
I think he lost total sight of what he is doing he's going to modern without holding on to the character of what the house was originally he could have opened it up and then added more wood beams ,instead of ripping it down he could have milled ceilings to fit in with the existing ceiling , he's got too many modern bathrooms going on too much worldly taste is going into the house he just threw out the whole point of having an old home, I do understand some things are rotted and had to be taken care of he should have did it in the taste of the era of that period of time and then put a twist of that period of time back into the house not his modern ripping everything out wow,idk I think he did it on purpose to give everyone anxiety , lol. I'm the type of person make it like it was but put a twist on it as if I was the builder back then with a new direction of just opening it up with same character, by the time he's done we're just going to look into a modern large Mansion the whole era of that day was gone in his house he should have just sold it and bought a mansion to .save time what a waste of History this guy destroyed the history of his own house even the outside looks terrible I would have just sanded all of it down added more boards, to put vinyl up it looks terrible
Cole PLEASE keep all that beautiful woodwork!! Label each piece of wood you take off as to what door and number of pieces for each room. Be meticulous and you will have a much easier time to reframe doors, windows, ceilings, etc. Keep the doors and don't replace them. Those old doors are far better made than the modern ones.
I'd like to add, those mirrors can be re-silvered, but they can't be replaced.
@prettyroadsl8628
That is easy to think
but have you think about the cost of doing so ?
i will enjoy seeing him do it the way he decide and be hapy for him !
My suggestion is to stay in a trailer while you do the work in the house. Little bodies such as your sons, can’t handle, mold, asbestos and lead as well as adult bodies can.
I watched his wife's video about the plans. It made me sick. He has a beautiful Victorian that's (mostly) still original. The kitchen you can go to town on because it's already gone. Please preserve the rest.
@@randyhome1544did you miss the part where he said they are moving? Cuz they are while they rebuild
Keep those pocket doors in place so you can choose to open them for an open concept or close them other times for heat preservation.
You need to also preserve the beveled mirrors. The back can be refinished, making them new again.
Save as much of the old trim as possible or have some milled to match.
Good Luck. It's a long road, but it will be worth it.
The rail and wheels should be replaced on top though. ball bearing wheels that match with a new rail. To access the old rail and replacement you have to cut a hole in the wall into the pocket. It's worth it
Yes keep at least one. We use ours to separate adults and kids when visiting
I hope he at least saves anything they don’t end up reusing. I know many would love to reuse some of the stuff he plans to rip out.
OMG those pocket doors!❤ Please don’t lose. Take the papers to the historical society, please! The house would be worth so much more if most of the woodwork was kept. But go ahead and modernize the kitchen.
Cole, you can have mirrors resilvered and retain the very expensive beveled glass that they are made of and not have to replace any of the doors the glass belonged.
Lots of plans but I think you should reconsider the upstairs layout as you’re turning a 5 bedroom house into a two bedroom house. There’s more than enough space to keep at least 3 with 2 full bathrooms.
Also I hope you kept all the trim from up there when you ripped it out so it can be repurposed to keep the house authentic looking and matching on both levels
i agree especially with kids.
Cole is going NUTZ with knocking out walls..... I don't think he's thinking it through but I just remined myself it's his house.
'Open concept' floor plans are NOT as great these days IMO. Especially in a 1930's house IMO.
Yes I think he should kep the north bedrooms as is.
Not only with kids, but for future resale value. In fact, if you're planning on having more kids, I wouldn't reduce those five bedrooms down to anything less than four bedrooms. But make sure you have at least two full bathrooms upstairs.
I don't think he is worried about resale value considering 6 generations of his family has lived in that house.@@TakenTook
Cole you are a pretty sharp guy, hiring an structural engineer to ensure the safety of the work is a lot cheaper than having a collapse in the future.
A Collapse is not the worse, wall/floor settling over the years that cracks floors, ceramics or in wall, door that cannot close/open, windows frames bending or breaking, etc. All expensive repairs that could be avoided
@@poatjoler Yes you are right, I meant collapse as in the integrity of the structure. Not the fall of the house into it's footprint.
@@mjsimm a full on catastrophic structural failure is what I'm thinking.
When you start to open up an old house like that it's a pandora box. You have to be prepared to walk away from an old building like that if it's not practical to restore it
@@carlfalt174 or better respect how it was built so many years ago. It is not a modern concrete building and also non load bearing is structural
I love what you are doing, not many farms can boast 6 generations. My advice, Hire an architect and an engineer, even if think walls are not load bearing, they are there for a reason, my mother in law tore out a wall in their old house, it almost collapsed the house. I wouldn't combine all those bedrooms, give your kids their own rooms, and have a playroom, that can mature into a tv / games room. And definately hire a licensed electrician.
Totally agree, seems like there will just be a two bedroom house. If he ever wanted to sell it people don't want two bedroom house. Yes it has been in the family for over 100 years but you never know what can happen.
Yes. That house is a treasure and it needs to be done properly. Experts are in order here.
As a mother of 3 boys, you would be happier if they had their own rooms. At least you could give them the option as they grow. Not to mention their may be some girls coming along in the future.
Actually most farms can boast 6 generations. That’s is one of the few industries that you can have multiple generations. Everyone around here has had their farms since the late 1800s
@@matthewbridges1438our family farm is 30min North east of Cole's and has been in the family for 146 years currently with the house build in 1893 and we are also 6th generation on the farm which is getting harder to say these days.
Cole - an architect AND a designer - one for the structural integrity of the house and the other for the stability, livability, serenity and fun for your growing family!
They will also save you money. They can help with planning and strategizing, and also have ideas you didn’t think of.
Why not sell the house and buy a gymnasium? It’s obvious to me as an antique dealer that you have no appreciation for the architectural and antique value of this unique beauty of a house. I don’t think your grandfather would appreciate your tearing out all the beauty that HE loved. Please take a course on Victorian design before you treat this house as a pile of junk and DONT tear out those pocket doors and paneled walls. Get with it!
I’m thinking, where are the children’s room? He’s turning 4 bedrooms into only 2?
But he did say he was going to have an addition.
Please do not move that built in China cabinet. It belongs in your dining room near the kitchen. Please do not make your kitchen open to other rooms. It needs to be kept in its own space. Totally open room designs are going out of style. Nobody wants to see a big pile of dirty dishes when they come to visit.
I'm more than a little curious Cole, about where you plan to provide bedrooms for your children? As an Interior Designer I ask my clients to first list their needs, then think about the design. Know how you will use each space, how it will flow. Work around all the existing custom cabinetry, leaving it in place or you will regret it later! It's what gives that beautiful old house it's personality. Take too much away and it will just be a box. I also agree with those who recommend engineering and a designer. It will be money well spent. Professional advice will keep you from making expensive mistakes.
By the way, when will you introduce your new baby?
Thats what i was wondering as well. a giant master bed+ bathroom, two rooms joined into one large room + bathroom again, and one open common area. One large room for the kids while they're small is okay, but once they hit puberty they'll want privacy and then they have to remodel part of that house again.
And i agree with the custom cabinetry (or even some of the other features like mirror doors). he's fallen in love with the house and its certain look, but seems to want to remodel it into a contemporary "open room concept" house.
He really should consult some designer to maybe get new ideas that'll manage to merge these two styles together.
I’m hoping you’ll reconsider some of your demolition plans and consider some preservation of such a beautiful old home.
Your clothes chute could be utilized as a utility chase to branch off to each floor. I believe that would save a chunk of money in running wire.
good idea, as close chutes have been pretty much outlawed. in the event of a fire, they act as a chimney and spread fire floor to floor. blame the insurance companies for that one.
This should be starred or pinned or whatever! Hope he see's your comment and can see the value in it.
@@cannon3267 OUTLAWED? haha no they havent. They have put in codes about the location where they dump out and fire blocking in them as well some locking features but they arent outlawed or illegal.
Code calls for fire blocks between floors (in the walls), otherwise you have a flue and any fire will race through the house, talk to a contractor or architect before you leap
From thr sounds of it they’re gutting the whole house and wont need to fish any wiring
Cole, this may not fit in your worldview, but get some professional help for designing the house. First, get plans for the house as it stands today, then what you want out of the house. The two floors seem to total 3,500sqf, which is huge. You did the right things; get the roof and the walls fixed. Now, you need to figure out what you need from the rest of the house. Sometimes professionals can help.
You almost have too much space already. Take a deep breath and plan well. It will pay off in the long run. One thing for sure is you need accurate plans for the house so that you know all the load-bearing walls, and the impact (on the ground floor) of removing said wall,. good luck and God bless you
He mentioned in a video they have a structural engineer and a architect there working with if I’m not mistaken
True Cole... if you fail to plan, you're planning to fail.
My brother in law who is an architect says that you will pay for an architect whether you hire one or not. After my huge remodel I had to agree with him.
Great advice. It’s one thing to build smaller, more utilitarian spaces, but it’s another thing to change the structural integrity of a huge home like this one. An engineer should definitely be brought in to do an assessment of what walls can or can’t successfully and safely be moved or eliminated.
Don't get rid of the cistern well! In times of power outages you have back up water
Love the way you snuck in the new baby. No more guessing, you're a proud father of two boys. Congratulations.
Did you notice that he said they are in the middle of moving also ?
Makes sense. That house is not safe for babies to live in.
@@scottholbert2742 Nave has a video that shows more of this. They are full on construction mode to get it done so they gotta get out to stream line the work.
@@scottholbert2742 they are about to do a complete 100% renovation of their house. There is no way they can live there at the same time. Much easier to move somewhere else until the house is done.
@niklaseriksson3343 no shit, been living in it all winter
the fireplace/mantel is so BEAUTIFUL, DEFINITELY WORTH SAVING AND RESUING SOMEWERE!!! PEOPLE PAY GOOD MONEY FOR ALL THAT GOOD WOOD, POCKET DOORS, BEAMS, TRIM.....stunning
That woodwork is glorious! I hope you are planning on keeping it intact.
That mansion you own could be an historical landmark now. All that gorgeous woodwork and those really cool pocket doors are so neat. Wow wow!!!!all the years of history. Knowing your family’s history that goes that far back is amazing!!!do you realize how fortunate you are!!!so many of us don’t know our family history that much. You were blessed to be born in that family. Don’t destroy the family legacy you now own but preserve it for your children. Modernize yes but preserve it!!!
Calm down, Mary
@@reallydarlings-se2xf What's your problem? The OP was simply expressing feelings and opinions (the same as you do in TH-cam comments) and they don't seem too "out there" to me.
Agree he isn’t restoring it he is updating it, and gonna do it himself.
And he is going to destroy it all.
Wow a little unfortunate representation of your self or what. The man is doing a wonderful thing for him and his family. It's obvious he has put a lot of time and effort into this project. I would vote it will be one of the most beautiful restored homes from that time. He will have something to show for all his time.
I am living in a four square 1910 house similar to Cole's but not as ornate. I removed all the woodwork labeling it as I went, I removed the plaster and rewired, insulated and then used thick drywall and then replaced the original wood work. I made an addition to the house at the same time and made sure to scrounge up matching woodwork from torn down houses garages, etc so that the whole house looks original. I am very very happy with the result. a lot of work and a lot of expense but so worth it. Please save the woodwork and floor plan.
You did it right preserving history
perhaps a small tip you won't regret. Hire an architect discuss your plans and let him make some drawings. I am sure he will have some changes hearing what you are planning to do.
Yes, yes, yes! Please don't miss this step.. They will offer great insight and details that will save you time and money.
@@lisalister8002 i doubt he will but i am more anxious about the integrity of the house
Yes, yes, yes!!! I hv done many houses. Hire the architect!!!!
Yes. And I would respectfully suggest, specifically, an architect who specializes in historic buildings and houses. It will get you the most insight and experience "bang for your buck" with relevance to your project in particular.
Amazing history! Please don't destroy the architectural history of this beautiful old house.Such beautiful wood work.
I’ve missed a lot on this restoration. I’ve watched the first 2 years and missed the next years.Even surprise you’ve got 2 boys already. Congratulations!
Same here!
Cole, this remodel would have been great for This Old House. I don’t know your budget or timetable for completion but if it’s possible you might reach out to the This Old House team and see if this is a project they would like to film and get involved with. You being involved with social media and them having both traditional television shows and social media channels nigh be a really good fit for both parties.
I was thinking the same thing!
I had them redo my chicken coop , what a mess
I immediately thought about ToH Tommy and how he’d love all that original wood work!! It would be an amazing collab!
Cole, the existing mirrors in the doors can be re-silvered. It is alot cheaper than buying new especially beveled glass mirrors. Your big problem will be getting them out of frame without mutilating the trim around them.
Yes, re-silver them. I'm thinkiing they are going to be pretty thin glass as well from some remodels I've done to mirrors of that age .
@@comeandtravel1 I was thinking the opposite, i was saying the old glass will be heavy as heck and it might be easier to get new mirrors that will hold up better and be much lighter. Im not sure what the mirror world is like these days.
@@warrenmichael918 not in my experience with redoing antique furniture and re-silvering mirrors. The glass was very thin and fragile but the results from re-silvering were amazing.
@@comeandtravel1 ok i believe you since im not into working with old furniture. I honestly figured that old mirror glass was heavy as heck.
I agree. Antique mirrors are very expensive and made of quality, heavy glass. The cost of resilvering is not that terrible and the mirrors will be wonderful. Also, thinner mirrors on closet doors can easily break when the door is closed with a bit of energy. Believe me, I have been there.
Those mirrors in the doors are beveled glass, pretty sure that replacement beveled glass mirrors are hard to come by. If it was my house, I would find a business that resilvers mirrors and have the existing ones refurbished. Also, that passthrough hutch between your kitchen and dining room is where whomever was cooking would have set food out to be served buffet style for the family or dining guests. Keep up the good work!
I was touched to hear what a man of integrity your g-grandad was, by offering to return the home for just the cost he had in it. People don't do business that way anymore. You're doing a great job!
Be careful! Just because the walls you want to remove are not perpendicular to the joists, does not mean they are not load bearing. I had an old farm house that by modern definition of "load bearing", had no support from the attic floor straight to the foundation except the exterior walls. Its confusing to think about, but trust me, some of those non load bearing walls may be doing more than you think in conjuction with another wall that does not appear to bearing as well.
Your grandpa and your dad look alike. What a great legacy. Hope your children keep up with it when they get older. I started watching your videos because of the house renovations so glad to see you are getting back into it. Can't wait to see it come together. I hope you keep as much of the original style as possible though. So beautiful.
I thought that same thing when I saw the picture of his Grandfather.
Congratulations cole and family, you have done a great job, you grandfather would be proud. ❤🇺🇲👍
Beautiful home. Please get professionals involved - it will save issues in the future. Also, set plans will show weight bearing walls. Love watching your progress.
I think Edward looks like Daddy Cornstar too.
Those original mirrors are amazing and should be saved. If you pull them out you can easily have the original silver on the back replaced :) Awesome video as always!
they still make that style of mirror he can just install. Lighter, longer lasting and quicker than redoing the old ones.
That laundry chute is excellent access from the basement to the upper floors for utilities. Our modern home built in Atlanta had one of these chases for electric and heating/AC.
Probably work for wiring as well!
Really hope you are saving all of the moulding and pocket doors. Also the penny tiles people are always looking for antique tiles to replace old broken ones. New ones aren’t the same size.
I recently watched your video,where you were explaining your desire to remodel your grandfather’s house. You stated you were looking to tear down walls to create an open floor plan. I feel you should sit back and rethink those plans, you currently have a master piece don’t destroy the history of the house please preserve it. The wood work alone is a master piece. Yes remodel to current standards put preserve the past you will not be sorry if you do.
i agree. Although I might have taken a few doors out to leave the beauty of the structure but maybe the doors from the kitchen to the dining room. I'd make the bathroom off of the kitchen a pantry again instead. I'm curious as to how much of what he is saying now would be done or plans change.
Don't seal the well. If you have enough funds, get a water filtration system. You won't regret it. You can keep the city water, but have the well for backup!!
Treated water contains chemicals no one would choose to build into their bones and bodies. Long term use is just dangerous.
You're own water is totally superior. Will pay off in health alone. Filters today are great. Much superior water. Basic
You need to hire an architect/engineer to map your house for the structural design and what's possible to remove. Some of the walls upstairs you want to remove are load bearing and have walls directly below them that you want to remove... also, just because a wall doesn't run adjacent to studs on one level doesn't mean it's not supporting load above it or distributing load below it. Changing the location of a wall a few feet over or removing what appears to be non load bearing can massively effect structural stability. Get several opinions, dont trust, just one joe blow general contractor. A house with that much history and architectural design absolutely deserves professional craftsman and engineer/architects guiding the project. Well worth the money.
I was thinking the same.
I've removed/relocated "non-load bearing walls" that had varying effects from jammed doors in other rooms to partial roof collapse. Houses this old didn't have structural codes to follow, the did whatever worked.
Have it inspected and engineer plans.
Please hire an architect and a designer. Worth every penny!
If you don't like the 🏠 move into a modern one your wife likes. MOVE and make her happy. Keep the gem you have and its integrity. Don't destroy it. MOVE and live off the farm.
Keep the stairs! Keep the main hall. Keep keep keep. You can refinish. If it’s shellac that is failing all you do is thin it out with denatured alcohol. I think you should follow restoration channels… there is some amazing advice. There are builders actually trying to immediate what you already have in new builds. And ways to do all this affordably and allowing so much to remain and still safe and useable for todays family
Cole, I've been watching your videos for a couple of years. You're a great young man. Due to the age and style of the house, I'd like to suggest you bring in an architecture conservator and an architect to preserve the history of the house and meet your requirements for modern life. We're looking forward to your progress. Keep going.
Opening up that entire stairwell and then all the way up the floors is like removing every bit of privacy in the bldg.
Great for small children, not so much for a complex family with differing needs. Just noisy and cold. Think again. that first floor hallway provides for quiet,.. a much needed thing for young developing minds and tired adults too. Privacy and storage is a serious lack in your plan. That closed hallway is a valuable asset.. adds grace to every space it connects. Plus warmth and cooling.
I know you see it as a bunch of problems that need fixing, Cole, but that is a damn fine house for being over 100 years old. The houses they build today won't look near that good after 100 years. Best of luck making it like you want it. Glad you had such a loving grandfather.
Please, please, please hire a very experienced interior architect to redesign the home to keep as much historical goodness and adapt to modern needs in a quality/efficient way. You don't want to open up the entire floor - as your family grows/gets older, you'll need some rooms that can be closed/muffled - whether it's to watch a movie, have friends over, or just to have a private conversation while others are inside other areas of the home.
You paying for one ? 🤷🏻♂️😉
@@kevink4914 he can afford it. He doesn't have a mortgage.
A designer / architect will save you money by avoiding costly mistakes and ensure you have a home that is livable for a growing family. Many folks regret tearing out walls; fine for the kitchen but the whole house?
Cole, one more note: we lived in New England ( small rooms to help keep rooms warm etc.) Now we live in the southeast and HIGH ceilings and open rooms.......cooler but cold in these winters.... you might think about that. You will do great! Thank you for taking us on the journey with you.
Put ceilings fan on reverse in low speed during cold snaps to move hot air downward. If you’ve got a drafty or cold room try a portable (oil) radiator and the ceiling fan to keep hot air circulating, it will do wonders for the high ceilings. I’ve got 11ft ceilings!
I really hope you keep some of the original craftsmanship of the house! Every board has so many family stories! It's breaking my heart hearing of all of that charm and history being removed. The ceiling in the living room I ❤️. And the family story too!
Cole, I also kept my grandpas farm and house from the 1910s and fully gutted and remodeled every single bit of the house it is now essentially a brand new house and I also was taught everything from my grandpa so I did the whole project myself and with the help of my best friend . My grandpa knew everything about construction and knew how to do everything, I was amazed by how much I learned just from watching him when I didn’t even know I was. He taught me how to be the man that I am now and I miss him every day he was my best friend, he passed away before I started working on the house but I know he would be so proud of what I’ve done. And I’m so happy that I will get to raise my sons in the house I grew up in. Good luck man you’re doing awesome things love your videos.
Those doors are gorgeous. I love the architecture. That tile is amazing. Not something you would really want to get rid of.
I bet there is beautiful wood under them.
Hugs to Nave and the babies wishing them a quick recovery. Looking forward to seeing them soon. ❤
Please keep all the wood work you take off. You will never regret keeping it. Noises in the floors add character to old homes. Also tell you where the kids are also when they come home late at night 😊
Cole, i was born and raised in Michigan. We had what is called centennial farms, farms that have been in the same family for at least 3 generations. Your farm would definitely qualify and should be recognized in some way. My great grandparents moved to Michigan from Germany and built a large farmhouse and barn and outbuildings. My grandfather got the farm when they passed and lived the rest of his life there, farming the land and milking cows. When he passed my grandmother, instead of passing the farm to my father, her only son, she had a huge sale and sold family heirlooms eithout giving the kids a chance at them and sold the farm. It made all of us sick as it should have remained in our family. The farm still survives, the new owners are good stewards and the house has been beautifully remodeled, they are happy to let our family visit.
That is heartbreaking to hear that your family went through that, she must have been really pissed or needed funds. It’s good to hear that the other family offers to let them visit.😊
All the small rooms with lath and plaster probably adds a huge amount of strength. Construction today focuses on load bearing walls, which may lead to issues opening up the floor plan. Engineers def need to look at the big picture.
I’ve been watching you since you began this project. I saw all the outside stuff (junk).
By restoring the house I hope you mean to take it back to its former glory. You’ve got beautiful woodwork all over your home. Please don’t destroy the woodwork. 😢
The basement is definitely needing some work.
I love your beautiful family and I love your work ethic.
Hugs for all of you.
He probably should have said he was remodeling/updating the house. Certainly not a restoration.
Restore is opposite of what you are doing.
It occurred to me, reading the comments that maybe he plans to sell the original woodwork- pocket doors, doors, etc to help finance the renovation? None of our business of course, but whew, that stuff is irreplaceable in quality etc.
Hopefully one day his grandson will talk about 'grandpa' Cole with just as much of love and respect.
But....this house project will cost a LOT! Even with all the skills and help.
I wonder if TH-cam will still exist by then.
Hopefully they won’t say “grandpa updated the house and ruined it by not hiring professionals and now I have to fix it” if it doesn’t burn down before then. Hire a designer, hire and electrician and a plumber, and an engineer! And don’t lose too many bedrooms!
@@jesusisGod1434 I'm actually thinking the same thing.
I started watching you in 2020 because of this house. Since that time through your videos, I have learned more about farming then I ever thought I would know. I have also watched you grow into who you are today. Thank you! Congratulations on your growing family and more than ever I'm excited to see how the house changes over the next couple years!
I started watching because of this magnificent house too.
Its amazing to me to realize I've been following you for so long. When i first found your channel you had not started working on your house AND now you're the father if two children!! Wow! Time flies when you're having fun!!!
i don't know what you're planning for the extension. But I would recommend keeping the last two rooms as separate rooms instead of making them one big room. I'd also recommend putting a bathroom in the middle of the hallway for those extra rooms and common area. from what I'm thinking, you're planning on having the only upstairs bathroom be a private one for master bedroom.
I'm curious why you're planning on making the office into a pantry/bathroom. the kitchen bathroom used to be the pantry, so you could make that into a pantry again. plus, you're opening the entry/main rooms anyways so the kitchen can still span the whole way with a pantry to the side. then the office could be a full bathroom OR cut in half with a play area/storage area. (and the bathroom going under the stairs) that way you can keep the door in the main hall stairway into that smaller room. you could also make that room the laundry room since you want to take it out of the basement.
This rehab is so much bigger than I believe you actually understand. The woodwork is amazing. Good luck with the project.
I've done this to a brick 1880's house in Boulder, CO. What was a god-send was advertising for an architect student from the U of Colorado to come and draw up plans. He did it for free. He wanted to have a project for his portfolio when he graduated. Look into it. Although your open plans will make for "modern living" I'd suggest you get those plans or blueprints and have a heating/air conditioning guy out to look at it all. That is, air flows and you need an expert to tell if some of your open-space ideas will work well. How about a dumb-waiter in place of the clothes chute? You would be very surprised at how handy it will be..
Been following you for a while (several years) and have seen the transformation of the farm and your own transformation into a young man. I love the idea that you plan to "restore" your grandpa's family home however RESTORATION means to bring back to it's original floor plan and look. What you are planning and have started so far is a complete RENOVATION, which means that you are completely changing the floor plan and overall look of the house, not necessarily on the exterior (thank goodness). I watched Neva's video about the current state of the house and future plans. This is your house and you are free to do with it whatever you see fit to function as a family home. But please consider hiring a contractor and more importantly a designer to help with preserving the historical aspect of the home's first floor. Unfortunately, the damage has been done to the 2nd floor. In any case, looking forward to seeing how this project will continue to progress!
Yup. This.
I inherited the 1950's Cape Cod I grew up in. I'm restoring it to its former glory.
The majority of it is still original, but needs to be extensively deep cleaned. Unfortunately, my ex-step mother changed things the full bath. My half bath still has the wall hung sink, so I at least know what I am looking for. Full bath still has the original black and white tiles. It has a replacement modern medicine cabinet, but in my brilliance (lol) I took the original med cabinet out of my 1942 house before I sold it. Yay me!
God bless my Dad. I did find what appears to be ALL the original switch covers in the basement. Step mom had changed them all to shiny gold (that's back in style, but I h@te!)
I lucked into a curb find, right up the street. I got an original 50's chrome and yellow 'cracked ice' linoleum table, and 2 chairs. It fits perfectly in my poorly laid out kitchen. Lol. Kitchen is original (with modern appliances).
Save those gorgeous tiles! I adore the character of this house! I had a house with amazing woodwork and columns.
I love hearing you say that your grandfather was your dad's best friend and your dad is your best friend. My son and husband are the same. To the point that my husband was my son's best man at his wedding. They love each other so much and look up to each other.
Please keep your pocket doors trim work and that amazing mosaic tile. As well as the original light fixtures.
I have never seen anyone work as hard as you do Cole. What an amazing transformation you have made of the yard!
It's funny, my wife commented it would be almost sacrilegious to change the original look of your home's interior, Cole I told her you gutted the upper floors to suit your own aesthetic but that you were (I thought) going to keep the first floor as original and historically accurate as possible. I can see the kitchen is NOT accurate, being remodeled in the 80s, but if you could do the modern version of a turn-of-the-last century kitchen it would do the place justice. SAVE ALL OF THAT ORIGINAL WOOD TRIM! And yeah, that bathroom directly off the kitchen has to go! LoL
He didn't save the trim upstairs. 😢
@@HighSierraDawn😢😢😢😢😢 I guess he doesnt know or appreciate everything.
Wow! Just found your channel. I loved old homes and the very unique twists and turns of hallways and rooms. Some seem to be hidden. The natural stained wood. What a project you have taken on. I hope as I watch you keep as much original as possible. It is so beautiful. I wish you luck in your quest Sir! Happy I found your channel.
The outside clean-up was a massive project and the inside work appears just as massive. As others have pointed out you should keep all the existing woodwork and trinm for re-use in existing house and your planned addition. Same with the pocket doors - while all the open space souunds great in theory - you will find the ability to close off areas with pocket doors to be a blessing. I also hope you keep all the wall lights by the closets and such as the can be refinished, rewired and put back on either side of the closets, windows, fireplaces, etc. I woulkd have thought the attic woould make a great master suite and the floor below bedrooms with en suites. Whichever way it turns out - I have no doubt you and your family will make many new memories together as you bring the house and its character back to life and ready for modern living. Best of luck!!!
That wrap around porch was a really good idea.
My goodness Cole. I can't get over how much you have change that property. Your grandpa would be so proud.
He did that becouse this is makeing views.
@@Mania26 or because the house had very little practical use (heating/cooling/layout) and barely any electricity.
Im talking about cleaning property and stuff. No about hose. This house should be done before his son came. @@teret6719
Spray foam insulation on the underside of the creaky stairs and floor. Will make the stairs and floor rock solid without any squeaks.
@@Mania26 Wow, can you spell?
Highly recommend a detailed plan for Electrical upgrade and Mechanical upgrade before you start anything. This will ensure you do not run into problems after the fact. Basically no electrical will be saved, New service, New panel and subpanels. Basically no Mechanicals will be saved. New technology, probably several different systems will be best. Maybe one from above and one from below. This will minimize the loss of square footage for chases and allows you to keep all that nice architectural details. I highly recommend employing an architect for the integration of old and new.
Cole I would be careful with removing walls. I wouldn’t remove the fireplace and don’t paint the ceilings. Also keep the original trim. I don’t think having an open floor plan is a great idea because it would ruin the original character of the house. But it’s your house. I know it will be awesome when it’s finished!
Seriously... are you going to live in this house or buy it someday?
NO - lol so why tell them to just live with it, its not like they’re demolishing the entire house and building a modern texas home.
@@saintamerican6105Seriously... are you harmed in any way by him having an opinion on this?
NO - lol so why get butthurt about it even if neither of you will ever live here?
I’ve been following you since you started clearing out your grandpa’s house and cleaning up the property. This is the first time I’ve seem an overall view of it. It looks absolutely amazing! You’re a very impressive young man! Your work ethic, vision, and determination are so impressive. Please give Summer my love. Miss her channel. Hope she’s doing well.
Hope your renovation will incorporate all that beautiful trim through the home. Please please!!
Thanks for the walk through and hope you can get some pro help moving forward! I trust that you will do a safe, thoughtful job of it to respect your grandpa but do what you need to provide for your family! My vote is to truly restore over just remodel!!! Best of luck. Sending love from Ohio! Take care🎉❤😊
I started watching you when the house was full of all kinds of things and the outside was piles of scrap and dead trees. You've worked so hard to get to where things are now. I'm looking forward to seeing how you restore the house. All of the beautiful woodwork in there- just amazing.
Something to consider , before taking out the clothes chute put some conduit in between the floors. Pull some cat6 through the conduits for network jacks and access points. That's a big house could easily need 3 access points throughout the house.
So much original in very good condition for its age is so lucky. What a real treasure you have.
Been following for years--keep up the good work young man. You do your family proud.
I like how you did another video to explain the house renovation more. While I agree with others’ comments to keep as much of the original wood as possible and the beautiful doors ( I love those pocket doors), at least you are working on the entire house at one time so there will be consistency. You have accomplished so much.
I hope you keep more of the doors and frames to seperate the office , pantry, the bathroom, a guest coat closet, a utility closet--vacuum, brooms, ect.--- and the back/ servant stair case. I just love back and front staircases. My grandparents had one. The other grandparents had a door to the upstairs bedrooms. Perfectly kept the noise level out of the stair well.
The front stairwell is perfect for kids to come down on holidays.
Oh, my, I love old houses as beautiful as yours and my grandparents. All those nooks and cranies, and pocket doors.
Love it, Cole.
Save as much as you can.
Thank you.
You need window benches in the attic. Make it a play room hang out loft for your kids. Mom can read books on the bench’s etc. so cool!!! Love old house characteristics!!❤
Those mirrors are valuable because they are bevel glass. The ceiling lights are probably valuable as art deco. You need to have an antique appraisal. 😊
I started watching you originally from your home remodeling. You were putting up the outdoor siding. I have stayed watching all your videos learning all about farming. I have enjoyed learning so many things from your videos. I also following Summer and your Dad. Keep up the good work! Blessings to your beautiful family.
Cant believe how clean and tidy the property is these days Soo impressive
Cole, regarding the windows. There are plastic sheets that you can use to add a second barrier around the interior window frames to seal out the cold air.
Cole thank you for sharing your house. It’s fascinating to see all the different rooms of the house. I do agree with the rest of the people I we get an engineer to look over what you’re gonna do to make sure it’s safe . It’ll cost you a lot less money maybe in the long run . You have a lot of work to do
Reading all the comments I wholeheartedly agree you need an engineer or architect to give you advice. My grandparents house was an old Victorian house built by a Great Lakes ship captain. There was not one wall being supported as a load bearing wall. Rooms on the second floor did not match to any on the first floor. The house was supported by TREE STUMPS! So they obviously started by saying, put a room here, put a room there, with no conception of proper building methods of today. So again, be safe, talk to the right people. Congratulations on the new little one and God bless you, Nave on your sons.
Congrats on the new son Cole. May he give you and Neva many enjoyable hours of pleasure. I am now extremely excited by your proposed renovation/restoration of your home. Yes, it is a very big job and will task time, but you will do it! I must admit I am having trouble visualising your dimensions so will have to wait till complete to actually see it in place!
Your positive attitude is, I'm sure tested by the multitude of frustrations faced with all the different obstacles to handle ordinary things. So glad that these will eventually be fixed.
Don't remove the radiators, you'll regret it. Best way for heating is radiators, it gives you basically a zone to control in every location you have one which you can't get with any other type of heating. You can still add AC to your house if you want to not a problem but keep the radiators. Get them all fixed up, add some radiant floor heating to like the bathrooms and such or wherever you have tile and you'll love it.
The ceiling beams are AMAZING!!!! I hope and pray that you save them...
The tank is the original water pressure tank. Believe it or not that was the pressure tank. The water pump was a piston pump that did not have quick recovery pressure. The large tank took care of that problem.
Our 1870’s home had a large water pump tank in the attic. Probably around 800 plus gallon tank. The windmill pump would pump water up to fill the tank then you had running water throughout the house. It also had gas lighting in the home. Beautiful Woodwork also.
Those mirrors are as special as the wood paneling. They are beveled. Have them resilvered if needed and be careful who you deal with. They are special and do not let someone "take" them from you. Good luck!
So cool listening to the history of your grandpa’s house as well as your generation of upgrading and maintaining! RIP to grandpa Ray and congrats to y’all for keeping it in the family!
What a blessing! Glad to see you restoring the house. Your grandfather would be sooo proud.
I've been following you as time allows for a lot of years. This retrospective and overview is really wonderful. You've already done so much!
Cole, Keep the laundry shoot. I live in a 1910 4 square and it is one of my favorite things. Even if you put the laundry on the first floor, put it near the shoot.
If nothing else it's unique.
Cole, the woodwork in the house is beautiful. I am so glad you are going to save as much as you can. The wiring scares me. I knew someone who's entire mansion burned down killing 4 people. Please make putting in proper electricity a priority even if it is a short term solution. Plugging power strips into power strips which then go into knob and tube wiring is a disaster waiting to happen. All of those power strips and plugs can potentially heat up and start a hidden fire. Everyone who watches your videos and sees all of your hard work care very much for the safety of you and your family. Please be careful!
A good carpenter and trim guy will make it all look great. I only know that because my husband is both. He did a great job on our early 1900s house. Also don't be afraid to ask for help. I know i was greatful for it.
It will be a fun adventure!
Thanks for sharing your vision with us, Cole. Looking forward to watching it become reality.
I LOVE your house! I like that you're going to try & keep the integrity of the original style of house!
You have done a outstanding job with the place
The mirrors can be resilvered. Very difficult to find thick beveled quality glass/mirrors for an acceptable price.
Moving into a house with a boiler solved the horrible allergies for my husband and son. And my heating costs in this house are so cheap compared to my neighbors. Should definitely reconsider all these overly modern improvements.
I gasped and scrolled down to the comments as soon as I heard him say they were _taking out the radiant heating_. I haven't finished the video to see how far they've gotten but I agree with you and hope they reconsidered on that one!
@@thecasualcyborg6297Exactly. The hot and cold zones are due to no insulation and the system isn't tuned. Boiler radiant heat is much better than forced air
You can still add AC and keep the radiators.
Wow! This house and your family history is phenomenal!!
Is this your first video for the beginning of construction. I HOPE I have got in on the beginning. I AM SO EXCITED to watch your adventure. 😊
What a house! Will be really fun to see you renovate this