I started this build thinking I was going to be able to go shop around and find all of the neat salvaged items I wanted, lights, stairs, woodwork, windows (leaded glass, stained glass etc...) And while I "CAN" the cost in labor for these is unbelievably high. For example, our window deal is only for the windows from that company. Any other windows would have to have a different specialized contractor come in and they won't guarantee the product, so if they damage it when installing it, tough. This has all been kind of tough for me because there is a Habitate for Humanity store here where they sell new and used building items. I thought I could save a ton of money, do the world some good, and have a more unique finished product. I am providing all lighting and may use some salvaged lights (I haven't picked them out yet) all vanities, and all mirrors. Maybe flooring. If we get our flooring we have to get our own installers, theirs won't do salvaged products (or even products I get online)

It was so much fun to read about everyone's paths to a "new old house." We are finishing our build in the next month, and I was very inspired by the concept of the new old house. For me, it was about capturing the classic proportions of old houses, rather than attempting to replicate them. For us, budget was a major concern, so I could not afford all of the materials that a true Versace-approved new old house would require. Instead, we focused on not making the mistakes that poorly done "new old houses" seem to really suffer from, like wrong roofing, wrong windows, etc. In some ways, it is just as important to focus on what NOT to do as it is to think about what TO do. I used two books, in addition to Versace's and lots of books of historic homes from our area, that gave detailed information about construction patterns. One is "Traditional Construction Patterns" but I can't recall the other right now. They are both on Amazon. (And I probably reviewed them there.) What they did was teach me what the obvious markers are of a poorly-done traditional construction...they are the things that - once you can recognize them - make the house obviously "wrong." By adhering to traditional construction practices and using new materials, we were able to avoid some of the mistakes that we would have inevitably made attempting to build a "new old house" on a budget. The homes in Versace's book and portfolio are gorgeous, but totally out of our reach. And, as other have suggested, really studying the home in the area helped me immensely. I paid attention to the size and placement of windows and doors, shape of window lights and number, trim details, porch raining profiles, etc. I was really obsessed! Good luck on your design and build. This is such an exciting process.

I just found your blog while doing my initial research on pool builder (found it in your Yelp review). I loved reading about your experience and seeing the pics along the way! Thank you so much for the wonderful insight. I have to say that your pool installation has made me so excited to pull the trigger on our own, and now when I need a break at work, I go to your blog -- my new "Happy Place".

Is it Saturday already? What an interesting week, first record rain fall, and for us that is a lot of rain! Then came the earthquake, only a 3.9, then the wind or that really was before and after the quake and now we are gearing up for an artic blast. The forcast is for several inches of snow between now and Monday, depending on how fast the storms come together. Our DGS flies to Forida tomorrow so I hope it holds off that long as it is about a hundred mile drive, one way. Posted the pix of the pilgrims, silly me did or didn't do something right the first time,, sorry! Anj.....sorry about your back and neck pain!Get well soon! Thank Goodness you can still paint :) :) :) We have an Osteopathe instead of an MD., same training only an OD can also do more of the soft tissue, muscles and bones stuff. Really nice thing is, they are covered by all insurances just like an MD. Saves you money and gets you back adjusted, but alas no PT. PJ....so very nice to have you with us! I recently spent some down time and went back and looked at A LOT of posts, clear back to '06 or '07. Some of the pictures are gone, (PS if you remove them from the site you used to post here, you also remove them here,) anyway several of the group have been here a long time and contributed so much! Now I am back to feeling like a newbee..newbie...newsomething! Anyway...glad you are here! Punk...I know what you mean about painting, the motivation isn't there, think that is why I had such a hard time with the pilgrims + they weren't really what I was looking for, which should have given me a clue as to how unhappy I am with them. I do have a couple of Christmas project I really want to jump right in and do, but first comes the order for the annual ornaments. DH is busy cutting them out, so it won't be long. Luvs....I did find two trays I want to paint along with a really nice vine and berry, cone shaped, tree at the TS. It still had the price tag on it and the best part I got it for nothing, well almost. I am also on the look out for a small Christmas tree, ours didn't float very well! I have so many special ornies I just want them out where I can enjoy them and it takes to much brain power to figure out cleaver ways to display the them, so I need a tree. Silly me lives in a forest of trees and can't have a live one in the house. Did bring in some cedar boughs last year without any problems, maybe I will try some yew boughs this year. FM...still want you to come up and do my house! I was looking through a puzzle catalog and found some PBN kits, Wow! the are not cheap and a lot more detailed than when I was a kid and got them as gifts. I can see why you like them. Kitty is drinking my dirty paint water yet again, better change it! Ya' All Take Care! Belle