Demolition and Permits

Yes, the house renovation project is underway, to a certain extent. I cleared the backyard and took out some chainlink fence so that we can get the big dumpster in. We have done some basic demolition, removing all the door and window trim and baseboards, interior doors and transoms, and a couple of makeshift closets. I dismantled the two marble fireplace fronts and labeled the pieces for re-construction later. Will (our contractor) and his "guys" took down the two interior chimneys to below the roofline and temporarily patched the holes in the roof. M and I will dismantle the chimneys the rest of the way from the inside. I have worked with our engineer to design the foundation support in the basement so that we can excavate it to regular height. He is to drop off the certified drawings at the house tonight, and Will will combine them with all the other drawings and get the building permit application submitted (this week I hope).

The house looks very disgusting now, probably at its worst. Even further demolition will improve it. I hope the dumpster comes next week, then Will and the guys can begin the heavy demolition work of cutting the big cast iron waste pipes, moving the old furnace and bathtub, etc.

We have not found anything truly interesting yet. A couple of old law firm business cards, an ace of hearts, a piece of door casing where the lead carpenter signed his work on the back. Lots of stuff in the house can be saved and sold or at least hauled for free. A neighbor has offered to buy our old interior door rimlock sets and knobs. One lock has patents from 1869 and 1878. The radiators might be sellable too or at least someone will take them for free.