The title may say, “how to cut antique glass,” but it’s really the same process for any kind of glass you would find in windows or doors. The easy way is to bring your measurements to the local glass shop or hardware store and ask them to do it. They’ll do it perfectly and it [...] Read on →
Personality types are a fantastic way to learn a bit about yourself. There are countless tests like the DISC or Myers/Briggs. And there is one test you’ve probably not heard of. The reason you may have missed it is because . . . well . . . I just invented it. The “SPA” test is [...] Read on →
Defining Characteristics 1890 – 1940 Steeply pitched roof with prominent front gable Half-timbering present on about half of examples Massive chimneys typical with decorative chimney pots Tall, narrow, multi-pane windows The Tudor style is one of the American Eclectic architectural styles that, like other American house styles, borrows heavily from the original Tudor style of [...] Read on →
Roofing can be one of the most challenging elements of your historic house. Especially here in Florida the roof bears the brunt of the sun’s wrath. Hitting temps well over 140° in the summer and suffering through hurricane seasons one after the other can wear on even the highest quality materials. And if they were [...] Read on →
Living here in the Sunshine State it seems that folks have an unusual penchant for $0.69 sq. ft. 20″ tiles. The most popular colors are blah, boring, and blech. People love to toss these tiles down over red oak, irreplaceable heart pine, and any number of historic floors. And these tile are spreading like a [...] Read on →
History So far we’ve talked about the Orlando neighborhoods that have been officially designated historical districts, but there are plenty of neighborhoods in the metro area that are historic in nature, but not officially designated as such. This week we’re taking a look at the Lake Formosa Neighborhood on the north side of downtown. The [...] Read on →
Whether your historic home is still in its infancy or whether your historic structure is hundreds of years old, preserving the original architecture and design elements are crucial to keeping your historic home historic. Keeping the siding, roofing materials and other architectural features in their original state can be tough, but well worth the effort. [...] Read on →
Maintaining your historic home calls for some unique tasks as well as the common ones associated with any normal home. Understanding the differences between historic building materials and current ones is the first step in rejuvenating and maintaining historic structures without affecting their integrity, durability and architectural appeal. When problems arise in a historic structure, [...] Read on →
One of the easiest mistakes to make when renovating a historic home is to tear down the old plaster walls and replace them with modern drywall and joint compound. This not only destroys the historic architecture and features that make a historic home great, but it also adds to the overall costs of the project [...] Read on →
Common architectural design features Steeply pitched roof of irregular shape Usually with a dominate front-facing gable Patterned shingles Cutaway bay windows and other devices to avoid a smooth-walled look Asymmetrical facade with partial or full-width porch Ornate detailing and spindle work Usually 2 1/2 stories tall 1880-1910 This was the dominate style of domestic building [...] Read on →