In February of 2006 we purchased a small 1946 house in Ladd's Addition (our realtor was Michael McBarron, who did a splendid job and introduced us to east side neighborhoods we never knew existed) with plans to restore much of the interior and exterior to colors and details appropriate to the period in which it was built, but with a few modern improvements such as double paned windows and insulation in the walls. The lower level had already been converted to living space, which is where we live while the work is underway.

Floor Plans (not to scale):

Main Floor	Lower Floor

We contacted Brad Preston of Building Integrity, who was the general contractor we used on our Hoyt Street house remodel (and who we highly recommend), and gave him the list of work to be done, which included

• Add off-street parking with permeable pavers,
• Remove aluminum siding and replace damaged cedar siding,
• Insulate the exterior walls,
• Replace windows with double glazed wood windows,
• Replace the ugly blue front door and damaged side door,
• Repair the chimney,
• Replace the back roof (previous owners did the front),
• Add french doors to connect living room with dining room,
• Add Art Deco and Streamline details to stairs, porch and house front,
• Paint inside and out to an Art Deco colour palette,
• Replace concrete front porch and steps with wood.

We had not originally planned to replace the front porch or door for this project to keep within our budget, but the concrete had been improperly cast such that the top of the porch tilted back towards the house, which meant all rain flowed back into the wood wall, which was now damaged and needed to be repaired. We decided to spend a little extra and have Brad rebuild much of the entrance to give more space on the porch, and add a little more character to the front facade. It's only money.

The unexpected front porch work nearly bumped the French doors off the list because of budget constraints, but Brad had an old pair of French doors in his storage building which he gave us, and so the project was put back in.

Alas, but the kitchen must wait for another day.