The Springhouse Renovation #4: Rebuilding begins, Plus a few floor plan changes

After so much demolition, it is finally time for restoration and rebuilding to begin. Before demolition, The Springhouse was about 3100 square feet with a compilation of additions that had been constructed over the years. There was a four-foot difference in floor height between the log portion of the house and the other part that was removed. When this section is rebuilt, The Springhouse will be about 2200 square feet with about a 2-foot difference in elevation between the two sides, making the new and the old sections feel more cohesive.

The contractor and his men have started working on the stone walls of the remaining structure.  The walls are covered in paint and a concrete-like material on the inside. Pressure washing the outside did a great job of removing the paint. The concrete on the inside was a different story. It needed to be painstakingly chiseled away.

Once the stone was all cleaned up, it was ready for repointing. I am so excited to see all this gorgeous stone! Look at the size of some of those stones.

I’m not sure how the new owner will use the stone room, but it has many interesting possibilities. The only access to this room is from the outside, staying true to the original design before one of the additions closed in the entrance. This room will be kept in its natural state for the most part with some upgrades like lights, outlets, and heat to make it more usable. The floor will also be leveled and this portion of the running spring will be covered over. This room could end up being a man cave, potting shed, or an indoor/outdoor entertaining area.

Here are a few of “Before” and “During” Pictures

Although the project is still a long way from “after” photos, I think these during pictures are encouraging!

Before

During

Before

During

Before

During

Restoring the logs

We have been doing some research on how to restore the logs. We will be using Perma-Chink products, including treatment for wood insects, cleaner, sealer, filler for between the logs and chinking. This work will have to wait until the temperatures warm up a bit, though.

For now, the new foundation has been laid and construction of the new addition has begun.

A few floorplan changes

One change we decided to make was the addition of a shed dormer on the back of the old side of the house. I thought this space would make an excellent primary bedroom suite except for the low, sloped ceilings. The addition of this dormer not only adds about 100 square feet to the room, it also takes away the slope in the ceiling toward the back making the room much more usable.

Now this area make a lovely primary suite that is naturally separated from the other rooms by the two steps going into it. It is made more secluded by the location of the two walk-in closets and the primary bath.

I am really excited about this space. Here is my 3D rendering of what it will look like.

Thank you all for following along on The Springhouse renovation. Until next time!