Between 485 & 705 SQ/FT Modern House - Eastern Shore

[Brian R]

Looking forward to seeing this unfold, both the house and garage!

Also, I just noticed you have a Vincent in your profile pic, hands down my ultimate bike!

Thanks for following and the Vincent is a long story itself. I've always loved motorcycles but had never seen one until I went to an auction in 1990. I decided right then that I was going to start saving and it took me 15 years for the world to align properly (combination of enough money and finding a reasonably priced example).

It's a bitsa Toruing Rapide (1948 engine with the frame cobbled together using 1950 and 1951 pieces). It took some work, some money, and some help from Lone Star section of Vincent Owners club but it is now on the road and I'm having a blast with it.

BTW - I've checked out your shop and I'd love either the '67 Porsche or the Ducati.

 

[Brian R]

Demolition

Phase 1 – Ground Floor

This floor will see the most changes in room layout and design since the original layout was dark and had tiny rooms and a lot of wasted space.

They had built two bunkrooms that had two sets of bunkbeds (so 8 people could sleep in these two rooms). However, the rooms also had gigantic closets which are not necessary for a vacation home and worse yet was that they were built on the water side and actually built on the wall with windows which further restricted the view.

Another bedroom contained a queen size bed and hidden behind a trellis was the furnace.

There were also two closets and a workroom plus a bathroom that also contained a washer and dryer.

None of the wiring, plumbing or furnace and duct work was worth salvaging. We ripped out literally everything from this floor.

We plan on taking advantage of the high ceilings (10’ 8”) and the fact that we can create a fantastic view of the water as soon as you walk in the entrance door by shifting the bedrooms on this ground floor to the other side.

 

[Irongrave]

I spend my days designing kitchens for new houses. I wish I was local to you as I would love to design the kitchen in that house. lots of cool and different challenges to have a kitchen fit modern needs but keep some of the sole of the house. This is a thread I plan on keeping an eye on.

 

[Brian R]

I spend my days designing kitchens for new houses. I wish I was local to you as I would love to design the kitchen in that house. lots of cool and different challenges to have a kitchen fit modern needs but keep some of the sole of the house. This is a thread I plan on keeping an eye on.

Irongrave, I've seen your work - I wish you were local too!

 

[Brian_WK]

Umm this house is too cool! Awesome find Congratz! Definitely looking forward to see what is to come.

Brian

 

[TomcoPDR]

Cool looking crib

 

[Playwme]

Love it!

What kind of person would suggest you knock that down and start again?

 

[Ajustable]

This is such an interesting home, built in a style that I have not seen here in the area I live. Im glad you chose to document the reno on GJ. Thankyou, for allowing us to follow your progress.

 

[Mpower5266]

This is interesting, Im in.

 

[Brian R]

Umm this house is too cool! Awesome find Congratz! Definitely looking forward to see what is to come.

Brian

Thanks for following along.

 

[Brian R]

Cool looking crib

Thanks. You've got a pretty cool project going too - good luck.
Brian

 

[Brian R]

Love it!

What kind of person would suggest you knock that down and start again?

Don't know. It is weird since its almost an insult since they see we are working on it. However, I just had the electrician back who installed power panel 1 year ago and now sees it with all new windows and siding.

He remarked that when he saw it a year ago he could not figure out why we would save it but now says it looks fantastic so I think the final product will convert any and all naysayers.

 

[Brian R]

This is such an interesting home, built in a style that I have not seen here in the area I live. Im glad you chose to document the reno on GJ. Thankyou, for allowing us to follow your progress.

I appreciate that, thanks.

 

[Brian R]

This is interesting, Im in.

Thanks. I follow along with your garage also. One, its cool and two, I like BMWs also. However, I prefer the two-wheeled kind.

 

[timbitca]

This should be a great thread. Can't wait to see the outcome... also can't wait to be able to afford a waterfront cottage of my own. Already have my eye set on one, just need for the current owner to hang on to it for another 5-6 years until I can (hopefully) afford to carry two mortgages.

 

[Brian R]

This should be a great thread. Can't wait to see the outcome... also can't wait to be able to afford a waterfront cottage of my own. Already have my eye set on one, just need for the current owner to hang on to it for another 5-6 years until I can (hopefully) afford to carry two mortgages.

Thanks for following and it is true what they say-

"If you're lucky enough to have a place on the water, you're lucky enough"

Brian

 

[Brian R]

Demolition

Phase 2 – Middle Level

This floor will see the least changes in room layout and design. The kitchen, dining room and family room will occupy the same spots.

We removed all of the kitchen since the layout does not work and it completely obstructs the water view. The only way to see the water was from a narrow doorway toward the family room.

There was a pantry in the center of the house. Plus, there was a chase that contained chimney and heating duct that went right thru the floor toward the middle of the room. A better idea (which we will use) is to run the duct and wiring against the walls.

In addition, we removed the old linoleum flooring from the kitchen.

 

[mtm_motors]

I've always wanted to do the same thing with a Vincent, I'm always looking at parts however not ready to pull the trigger on anything yet. The '67 Porsche and the Ducati MH900 are pretty long term projects, but I enjoy working on them and collecting parts for them.

I'm hoping to build a lake cabin sometime in the next couple years and your place is certainly an inspiration! Really looking forward to the renovation, and to see what you do for a garage. It is quite hilly where we are and my plans are for a hillside cabin over a half basement garage area, hopefully with lake views from the cabin.

 

[Ford52PU]

Great House and location. We spend a lot of time in Chincoteague. Just love the area. Good luck with the rebuild.

 

[1949 caddyman]

Subsctibed, are you moving there or is it a vacation home?

 

[Brian R]

Great House and location. We spend a lot of time in Chincoteague. Just love the area. Good luck with the rebuild.

Thanks. We used to camp fairly often in the Chincoteague area - great memories.

 

[Brian R]

Subsctibed, are you moving there or is it a vacation home?

Vacation for now but the plan is to retire there. Thanks for looking in.

 

[Brian R]

Demolition

Phase 3 – Top Floor


The layout of this floor will see minor modifications. It will feature a similar layout for the master bedroom and bath. However, we will remove all the walls from the den so that the water view will be visible without having to open any doors to the den.

We will also increase the size of the bathroom so that there will be a separate shower and bath instead of a combined bath/shower unit.

The bidet gets more comments then just about anything else in the house. I'd love to know what they were thinking in 1966 when they selected that piece for the bathroom.

 

[Brian R]

Demolition

Phase 4 – Siding Removal

It’s post and beam construction and mostly the post are 4x4s. Granted, there were some areas where they used 4x6s (stairway corner) and clusters of 4x4s (center of the house and some corners) but mostly the outside walls were built using 4x4s.

I believe they selected a very odd way of completing the walls between the 4x4s. What they did was used panels that were approximately 1 ½ inch thick and cut these to fit within the 4x4s. I’m not certain of what they were made of but I assume that since it was the middle ‘60s they are some sort of asbestos type product (and were disposed of accordingly).

This method had to be very time consuming. One, each piece is cut to fit and then they created nailers to keep it fixed in place. The nailers on the interior (1x2s) were cut so they were flush with the 4x4. The nailers (1x2s) on the outside were mounted so they were proud of the 4x4s. Although it gave the exterior some architectural detail it also became a trap for water.

There were other problems with this method. The panels were not cut to a very tight fit and let the elements in. There is no space for insulation in the interior walls. There is no cavity to run wiring or ducts.

 

[s2kattracks]

Very interesting, but very cool place! One day, I too would love to have a lake house project!

Looking forward to the progress!

 

[Brian R]

Very interesting, but very cool place! One day, I too would love to have a lake house project!

Looking forward to the progress!

Thanks for looking in and we took a decade of saving and searching to find our place on the water.
Brian

 

[1/2 Cup]

Brian, I have just read through your thread, simply amazing is all I can say.

All the best with your renovation, I will be following on.

Regards

 

[Brian R]

Brian, I have just read through your thread, simply amazing is all I can say.

All the best with your renovation, I will be following on.

Regards

Thanks. I appreciate that and This is easy-peasy stuff compared to the documentation of your compound and stunning engine builds.
Brian

 

[runt262]

Demolition

Phase 4 – Siding Removal

It’s post and beam construction and mostly the post are 4x4s. Granted, there were some areas where they used 4x6s (stairway corner) and clusters of 4x4s (center of the house and some corners) but mostly the outside walls were built using 4x4s.

I believe they selected a very odd way of completing the walls between the 4x4s. What they did was used panels that were approximately 1 ½ inch thick and cut these to fit within the 4x4s. I’m not certain of what they were made of but I assume that since it was the middle ‘60s they are some sort of asbestos type product (and were disposed of accordingly).

This method had to be very time consuming. One, each piece is cut to fit and then they created nailers to keep it fixed in place. The nailers on the interior (1x2s) were cut so they were flush with the 4x4. The nailers (1x2s) on the outside were mounted so they were proud of the 4x4s. Although it gave the exterior some architectural detail it also became a trap for water.

There were other problems with this method. The panels were not cut to a very tight fit and let the elements in. There is no space for insulation in the interior walls. There is no cavity to run wiring or ducts.

Are all of the exterior walls like this?? I know it doesn't get THAT cold down there, but that must be one drafty house in the fall and winter.

What are you plans for the exterior siding/walls? Are you going to be framing a wall on the inside, or creating an entirely new facade on the outside of the home?
Love the design by the way. Looks like it was someones crazy labour of love.

 

[Brian R]

Are all of the exterior walls like this?? I know it doesn't get THAT cold down there, but that must be one drafty house in the fall and winter.

What are you plans for the exterior siding/walls? Are you going to be framing a wall on the inside, or creating an entirely new facade on the outside of the home?
Love the design by the way. Looks like it was someones crazy labour of love.

Thanks for the compliments and I like your thread. With old motorcycles and boats along with renovating a cool single it is right up my alley. Good work.

Sometimes I wonder what they were thinking because we get snow and it is often below freezing. I think it was built as a vacation home but I know it was often rented to hunters. It had a oil fired furnace and a nice wood burning stove but without insulation and no attention to sealing siding it must have been uncomfortable in the fall and winter.

We are not planning on duplicating what they did. Our plans for outside: new exterior wall on outside of 4x4s (OSB), wrap in Tyvek and add siding.

Interior will be expanded foam with drywall on top. However, we will do something different in stairway tower to leave some of old, cool 6x4 details.

Without giving too much away or getting to far ahead here is a picture that reveals exterior wall work.

 

[j p smith]

Subscribed, what a great project! Thanks for including us in you endeavors to make this your future home. (Oh, also the garage part)

 

[Brian R]

Subscribed, what a great project! Thanks for including us in you endeavors to make this your future home. (Oh, also the garage part)

Thanks. I'm looking forward to finishing the house so that I can concentrate all efforts on the garage part of this property.

Regards,
Brian

 

[Brian R]

This is the top (3rd) floor looking at the corner that will house the bathroom.
Here is a series of pictures that represents what we did to the house.

1. Gut interior and remove siding an windows
2. Build exterior walls
3. Install new siding and windows

The middle picture in this series is my favorite shot of the project (so far).

For the most part all of the windows were replaced with the same style and format (more on that later). However, in this area we did change the window layout (took out casement window and added a transom style on left side of 3rd picture).

 

[Brian R]

A little more about the property -

It sits on 5 acres that have been neglected for a long time. The original owner who build this place in 1966 moved to Hawaii sometime ago and had been renting the property for the last 25 years or more.

There was no sign of any work being done on the house or the property and I'm guessing that landscaping will be a project almost as great as renovating the house. We have lots of plans to make the place look better but not much money to invest in landscaping until the house and garage are complete.

However, we have completed a few jobs just to try and stay a little in front of mother nature.

1. Added stone to driveway in order to make it easier for work trucks to get in and out.
2. Hired state to spray phragmites. This is a non-native grass that is very invasive. MD has a program that you can use to spray on an annual basis to rid your property. They spray and then you can either leave it or have someone cut it. You sign up on a 5 year basis.
3. We removed some tree limbs to improve the view.

The pictures below are somewhat deceiving since they were taken in the summer and late fall but you can tell where we have removed limbs and a portion of the phragmites from the right side of the dock (picture from the dock).

 

[Brian R]

Demo finished.

I grossly under estimated the number of dumpsters required. I thought 3 or 4 and ended up needing 7 (3 15 yard and 4 30 yard).

What worked against me was both scheduling and the not realizing exactly how much space all that siding and windows would take up. In addition the work plan ended up not going as planned. We left in the HVAC since we thought we could work during the winter and we didn't.

Another problem was that we worked in stages where we would demo and then stop to button each floor up.

Anyway, now I'm done with dumpsters and working on rebuilding.

 

[Ajustable]

Good luck with defeating the phragmites! They can be persistent, I know that pulling and repeated cutting doesnt work to well, as they have such a massive root system. I'm looking forward to seeing how the spray works to control them.

You have accomplished alott with the demo. Now the fun part, rebuilding. Thumbs up.

 

[Brian R]

Good luck with defeating the phragmites! They can be persistent, I know that pulling and repeated cutting doesnt work to well, as they have such a massive root system. I'm looking forward to seeing how the spray works to control them.

You have accomplished alott with the demo. Now the fun part, rebuilding. Thumbs up.

We originally looked at the property in Feb. and so I didn’t realize exactly how bad the phragmites was. We bought it in April but I didn’t get back to it until May and when I did I was stunned how pervasive and scene blocking the phragmites was. I started to research it and yeah, it’s not easy to get rid of. Fortunately, the state of MD runs a program (and a minimal cost) where they will spray it once a year for 5 years during the Fall that helps eradicate it. We are in the second year of the program and there is progress but it’s not as good as I’d like. It is nice that it is recognized as invasive as so MD is looking to provide homeowners help in getting rid of it.

Phragmites is also the background to a funny story. When I met one of my neighbors for the first time we explained backgrounds and stories for a few minutes and then she kind of shocked me by asking, “What’s you stance on the phragmites?”

It was an odd question and I’m thinking to myself what else could be an answer than, like, “It’s a very invasive grass that has negative effects on the Bay and I want to do everything I can do get rid of it.”

But again, her tone was weird. Come to find out the previous owner loved the stuff so she was really happy to hear we were not going to cultivate it like he did. The neighboring lots have little of it so we remain hopeful we can rid our 'crop'.

Here is what we are trying to rid of it.

 

[Radix2]

Great thread. I have been involved all summer in a build and really thought I would keep up as it went, but that never happened...I guess it is not too late.

With that rather unique building method to deal with, how was it finding contractors to do the work?

It is funny you mentioned that this guy moved to Hawaii, we were there last year and stayed in a treehouse in Volcano that was built similar to this (although more rustic yet) all windows and 4x4s and panels to fill in where they couldn't find a window. Maybe we know where he went...

Anyway thanks for the share and it looks great.

 

[Brian R]

Update
It’s been a busy summer.

We spent the spring and summer preparing our original cottage (Post # 11) for sale. We selected a closing date of 8/1 so that we could have one last summer there and that was fun and appreciated by the kids but I spent a fair amount of time on projects required to sell it and then packing everything in to storage.

In addition, my daughter graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Chemistry and my son graduated from high school. Yesterday we delivered him to Embry Riddle in Prescott, AZ to study Aerospace Engineering.

The renovation of this house was placed in a holding pattern. I’ve made some progress and lined up big things for the fall. I’m working on updating what has happened so look for updates.

Here are some random photos from this summer. This cottage was purchased the same year my son was born. Sad to say goodbye but look forward to making great memories at the new place.

 

[Brian R]

Rebuilding: welding new brackets.

The 4x4 posts are anchored to the slab by steel brackets. Some of them rusted away to nothing. The funny thing about the rusted brackets is that they were only found inside and the lower portions of the ground floor. The areas hardest hit were in deep corners and portions below the grade (like the shower that was indented 3 inches below floor - see upper right corner of welder pic).

Contractor welded in new sections where necessary.