The Re-Making of a Side Entry

This is the side entry as it was when we purchased our house, an enclosure built most likely in the 1950s or 1960s. This space was actually built out from the exterior wall of the original el. To the left is the exterior wall of a cape that was brought to the site and added to the original el. The different widths of the original el and the relocated cape created an alcove that was enclosed as shown above. We decided to open the space back up to create a more inviting, focal side entry.

Here is the entry after peeling away the exterior wall and windows.

We replaced the peeling boards on the entry ceiling with a more classic wainscot pattern than was there previously.

We also replaced the flooring as there was water damage along the front wall of the former enclosure. Here are Nate and Darryn installing tongue and groove fir floor boards (color is Benjamin Moore, Platinum Gray).

Here Nate works on the beam that supports the porch roof. Also notice that the double-hung window has an 8 light sash over a 12 light sash.

Installing the 12-inch wide tongue and groove wall boards. We opted to 'weather board' the porch instead of clapboard, which is a customary treatment for exterior spaces such as this on historic homes.

Here are Nate and Darryn sizing up finishing the support beam. Of course, none of the walls nor roof framing were plumb, level or square, so as with many of our retrofits there were judgements to be made on how to best align the restored elements.

As an aside, we decided to flip the 8 over 12 windows in the house so that the larger sash is on top to realign with the more elegant configuration that prevails in our region. This happened to be the first window we reconfigured, and here the 12 light sash is reinstalled on top. In doing so, we actually found a paint line on the jamb that confirmed this was a 12 over 8 window previously.

We will have to do some touch up painting on the flipped window sash. I will post on the process of flipping the windows next.

The short early December days mean finishing up after dusk.

Here Nate is finishing the fascia at the front of the floor framing.

And here is the porch as of this weekend.

Left to do:

Replace single-paned french interior door with solid six-panel Federal door
Install porch light
Finish touch-up painting
Come spring, create new path that leads from driveway to porch

And as the photos may convey, we are not going to be moving into the house before Christmas.
This realization came about a month ago.

But as of last week, the main house has heat! The new boiler was installed and propane line (dug by Mike) run. That was a big step to set up the last finishing steps on the interior (turning water on, painting, floors, etc.)

I have been having spacing issues with Blogger for some time now - apologizes for any issues on your end!