Floorplans and remodeling by DNB Homes
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
It takes a village
Remodeling will be somewhat of a bureaucratic/democratic process, between me, the city, neighborhood association and the city's archaeological & historical commison. Pretty much anything I do to anything outside of the house requires approval and/or a permit from all three, each of which meet only once a month.
On top of the historic designation, the house is deed restricted. I initially had plans to build a two-car garage with a garage apartment on the second floor. These are fairly common in the area. But I quickly learned that won't be possible. The existing ones are grandfathered in, but as of this year, they are not allowing new garage apartments. To prevent creating a second dwelling within the property lines and to discourage taking on renters , the deed allows the "apartment" a bathroom or a kitchen but not both.
I also can't use glass blocks for the bathroom window for privacy. Almost every house in the area has them for the bathroom window. But when I asked, I was told it's not allowed and existing ones are either grandfathered in or bootlegged. If the latter, they may face fines.
On top of the historic designation, the house is deed restricted. I initially had plans to build a two-car garage with a garage apartment on the second floor. These are fairly common in the area. But I quickly learned that won't be possible. The existing ones are grandfathered in, but as of this year, they are not allowing new garage apartments. To prevent creating a second dwelling within the property lines and to discourage taking on renters , the deed allows the "apartment" a bathroom or a kitchen but not both.
I also can't use glass blocks for the bathroom window for privacy. Almost every house in the area has them for the bathroom window. But when I asked, I was told it's not allowed and existing ones are either grandfathered in or bootlegged. If the latter, they may face fines.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Home sweet home
Welcome to my very first blog entry! On April 1, I moved into this 1920 bungalow located in a designated historical district on the edge of a major metropolitan downtown. This blog is about my new old house and all that comes with owning and remodeling a historic home.
An old house was written in the cards for me. I love finding the scars of time on old things and imagining the lives of the people who used them. In high school and college, I shopped at places like Flashback, where they sold platform shoes and bell-bottoms. Old things are rich with history! And, as a bonus, they are guilt-free. A distressed piece of furniture, vintage clothing--I can't mess them up; they're already worn! It's a free pass for the perfectionist in me. And, finally, much like a headstand, they are good for seeing life from another perspective---a reminder that things weren't always the way they are.
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