2 Questions! Architectural Style & Light Replacement Suggestions?
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Replacement window style for Dutch Colonial?
Comments (5)Yes, that's part of our dilemma... people seem to do just about everything (leading me to think it probably doesn't matter if we change from what's here!) and there are very few original Dutch Colonials in our 300+ year old town (plenty of old saltboxes and traditional colonials, but no "old" Dutch colonials and only a smattering of 20th century ones, those mostly builder models that have a gambrel roof and dormers but that's as far as the similarity goes. Someone told me the other day, when I asked the same question about architectural "integrity" of the window style, "well, if yours was built in 1959, it's pretty much a fraud already, isn't it?" :) Which is true, of course, so perhaps I just shouldn't sweat it. The increased light (from going to lower sashes with no divided lites) would be welcome, and we don't DISLIKE the look from the street -- we just weren't sure if others would find it an odd look. Most people (including realtors and the town assessor) refer to it as a "Cape" but I think that's primarily because from the street, it resembles one, with its dormers and low roof line. But from the end of the house, where you see the curved flare of the very deep eaves, the gambrel roofline, the chimney centered on the end of the house, it is clearly a Dutch colonial. So mostly, I just wondered if there was any sort of standard for the window style, or if the pragmatic Dutch did whatever was (a) cost effective and (b) practical for a given site (and I should do the same!)...See MoreNew Construction / Lutron RadioRa2 / Lighting suggestions needed
Comments (5)I'm about 6 months ahead of you and on a similar path, so hopefully I can be of help. 1st of all, Radio Ra2 is NOT homekit compatible. The Caseta family is, but much to the consternation of Radio Ra2 users, the recently released hub has no Homekit (nor Alexa) integration. They do have pretty good apps, though, so if that's all you are looking for then you are good, but you won't be able to use voice controls. Lutron has yet to give a definitive answer as to when/if they will have Homekit integration for RadioRa2. The coursework is great - whether you go with RadioRa2 or not it is pretty informative for understanding smart lighting systems. No, you don't need any data wiring (aside from connecting the main repeater to a router). All of the keypads/switches/dimmers are connected on your normal lighting circuits, and communicate through radio waves. No, there is no different wiring for dimmers vs. switches. However different lighting loads require different types of switches/dimmers - you'll learn the difference during the course. After taking the course you'll be armed with the knowledge to map out your system. Think carefully about where you'd like keypads, and make sure the electrician wires a gang box for those as he does the house. I worked with my electrician to just have him install the dimmers/switches/keypads when he does the house so I don't have to go around replacing everything, plus he knocked a little off the price as the initial contract stated he would provide regular, non-smart switches. I laid everything out and will do the programming (house not finished yet). Feel free to fire away with more questions - happy to help if I can....See MoreSlate vs Cedar Roof - architectural style question!
Comments (22)Beautiful home. It will look good regardless of the roofing you choose. If your budget doesn't allow actual wood/cedar shakes/shingles, rather than using the fake stuff -- and local building codes permitting, of course -- you might consider some of the new metal roofing that is durable and comes in a lot of colors. Properly done, it finishes well: http://www.anchorroofingnj.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/new-jersey-metal-roofing2.jpg and even comes in bright beachy blue: https://i.pinimg.com/564x/83/1a/82/831a82661a2bd468d68cf2074c2eccb6--cape-cod-homes-metal-roof.jpg...See MoreName that architectural style
Comments (17)Heh. I currently live in an Aladdin kit home (we suspect), although it appears to have been modified from the original. You could do that with kit homes, just as online plan factories will make changes to their plans to suit you. Although I would argue that the winder (AKA murder) stairs were probably not a huge improvement, even if it allowed the attic space to be come a second story. The cross-gable house you picture is indeed very common in the Upper Midwest. The online plan you reference afterward is a nod toward it, though I'm not sure how strong a nod without see more of it. In terms of finishes, think about: How were things made during the time these houses were constructed? (ca 1890-1930, or so, I think?) What materials would have been available locally for building? My advice - pin down when you want your home to be "from", so to speak. And then try to pick things like light fixtures and hardware that are similar to those used in that era. Suggest a plank wall construction (rather than drywall), if you can, by using at least a little tongue and groove - it doesn't have to be horizontal shiplap - here and there on walls. Floors were likely to have been things like hardwood, natural stone, etc. Using a reclaimed wood flooring, often made from old barns in the midwest, can be a fun way to go if you don't "overdo" the character with excessive saw marks, etc. Use real moldings, rather than the modern fad for 1x4's. Older homes had higher mop boards, because they served the purpose of keeping the plaster from getting wet when the floors were mopped. Get the windows right. There should be divided lights, appropriate to the style of the house. And substantial trim, inside and out. Look at lots and lots of pictures of real houses from that era. Study both real homes and advertisements for homes/home goods from the era. Get the colors right. Again, look at lots of pictures. Understand wood species, grain, and saw patterns. Historic homes often used a lot of quartersawn oak. Consider using actual restored light fixtures and hardware, at least in a few places. Etsy is a good source....See MoreRelated Professionals
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