Cash for Caulkers

I was just reading about President Obama's push for home energy efficiency tax incentives, so I decided to send the following letter to all 3 of my representatives:

As an Oregon resident, I would like to encourage you to support incentives pertaining to home energy efficiency improvements (aka "Cash for Caulkers").

Specifically, I urge you to ensure that incentives are put into place that will benefit owners of older homes who increase the energy efficiency of their original windows by installing wooden storm windows and weatherstripping. Please push for legislation that is not exclusively aimed at replacing old windows with new windows. The windows in my home are over 90 years old and will last another 90 before they need to be replaced. Adding weatherstripping and custom-made storm windows will increase their energy efficiency without adding to the local landfill. It will also create local jobs since wooden storm windows are often custom made by local craftsmen.

Thank you for your time.

If you also think it is important to incentivize old-fashioned wooden storm windows and weatherstripping, please feel free to send the same message to your congressmen. You can find your representatives here: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

Update: Check out Window Wednesday for more info on saving old windows.

My Weekend Project

My daughter's preschool has a log cabin playhouse in the yard that had never been completely finished on the inside. I decided to pull together some parent and teacher volunteers and get the inside finished properly. I thought I'd share some before and after pics here on the blog.

BEFORE:
The walls were all plywood with an old layer of paint.

None of the windows or doors had any trim; they were just roughed-in openings.

AFTER:
We added some inexpensive pine trim around the windows.

We put cedar wainscotting around the entire perimeter and a sheet of vinyl flooring.

Then a fresh coat of paint and called it done! It was really nice to work on a project that went from start to finish in less than two days and made such a big difference. Instant gratification is kinda nice sometimes. ;-)

Exterior Colors Progress

Here's what the Sherwin Williams sample colors look like on some actual trim and a window sash. The trim is Roycroft Vellum, the window sash is Rookwood Red (NOT the Rookwood Dark Red that was mentioned in the previous post on this subject), and the piece of siding is Grizzle Grey. I wasn't sure at first, but as I continue to look at them at different times of day I think we may be very close to having the right colors.

These are the DOG DAYS! Did I mention it's hot?

Hot in the Shade

My trusty Honeywell digital thermostat never lies, and as you can see here, it's saying "Damn, it's HOT!"

Out Back

I dug up some photos of the backyard that I took last summer before I ripped out the deck and before the back stretch of fence was replaced

Here's what it looks like now. Not much of an improvement, but a blank slate at least.

This was taken from the corner of the yard looking back at where the old deck used to be on the back of the addition to the house. The garage is on the right. My short term plan is to level the yard, throw down some topsoil and grass seed, and build some simple steps for the back door. Eventually the addition will be transformed into a 3-season porch with divided-light casement windows all the way around. That project, however, is at the bottom of the list.

The Life of Riley

I'll have some pics posted soon of my window progress, but I just HAD to share this today. Our living room window has no shades and the morning sun beams directly into the eyes of whoever may be sitting on the loveseat. Riley has found a way of dealing with it.

Looking at Exterior Colors, Part 3

We managed to get a first cut at a color palette done this evening. We are thinking of going with the following Sherwin Williams colors:

Body: Grizzle Grey (7068)
Trim: Roycroft Vellum (2833)
Accent: Rockwood Dark Red (2801) - This would only be on the window sashes and knee braces
Foundation: Tricorn Black (6258)



Here's a home from the Sherwin Williams color viewer done in this scheme:



I'll run down to the Sherwin Williams store sometime soon and get some swatches and maybe a sample or two. Of course, I'm still interested in feedback, so if anyone has any suggestions keep 'em coming.

Looking at Exterior Colors, Part 2

Since I'm painting the window sashes I figured it would be a good time to finalize our exterior colors so I can go ahead and paint the sashes while I have them on the workbench. We have a general idea of the palette we want to use on the exterior, but would like some input and suggestions. Stephanie, are you listening? :-)

We are thinking of a medium to dark grey body, with off-white trim and brick-red (or brown or black??) accents, mainly the window sashes. Any color names, manufacturer suggestions, or photos on the web would be appreciated.

Thanks!!!

I saw the Google Street View car

I walked out my front door the other day just in time to see the Google Street View car drive by. I made sure to wave hello. He was going kinda fast, so I don't know if he was actually taking pictures or not. I'll keep checking Google Maps and see if I show up.

Window Update

I've only made a little progress on the dining room windows. Most of the trim from the first window is stripped (not shown), and both sashes are free to move up and down. Next step is to finish stripping the upper sash and then install new sash cord and spring bronze weatherstrip.

In other news, I finally got around to replacing the broken pane of glass in the front of the living room that got a mysterious hole in it a while back.

See, I Told You I Would do Some Work

I got out the tools and started into the dining room windows. I've got four 9-over-1 windows to completely restore and reglaze. For now I'll settle for just getting the bottom sash unstuck from the first window. Yipee!

Baby Steps

In order to get going again I had to remind myself of my remodeling philosophy: "10 minutes at at time". Last night I took some baby steps to get back into the swing of things. I removed all of the knick-knacks from the two shelving units in the dining room that need to be moved out so I can restore the windows and finish the wainscotting. No pictures today since empty shelves aren't that exciting, but I should have something picture worthy soon.

Just Where Have You Been, Mister?!

I know it's been a long time since I posted anything, and even longer since I posted anything relevant, but I promise you haven't missed anything. I have not done one single thing to the house this year.

I've been swamped at work learning all about the benefits of RESTful Application Design. It's really cool stuff, if you're into that sort of thing.

Anyway, now that spring has sprung I should be dusting off the tools and getting something done soon. I'll let you know...