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Sunday, December 02, 2012

Simpsonesque

I've had it with this old Victorian crap. I decided to go with a pop-culture motif with the downstairs heat registers. I was amazed that I was able to find Lisa Simpson heat registers that had a patent date of 1894. Perhaps that's a typo. Maybe these are really 1994 heat registers.

I installed five registers and the cold air return. I also had five register boots fabricated and so those are installed, as well.

The worst by far was the one in the bathroom. I had to cut through the encaustic tile, cement board, and the subfloor. The encaustic tile is incredibly hard and dense. Even with a diamond blade it did not cut easily.

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What made matters worse was that all of the registers are installed close to exterior walls, so you are working in the crawl space near the skirting. This area is kind of like the estuary of the underside of the house. For the most part, the crawl space is a barren, lifeless wasteland of fine, powdery dirt. Near the edges there is filtered light and some moisture, so life encroaches in the form of stringy vines barely clinging to life and spiders. Lots and lots of spiders. Not the most pleasant place to work while lying on your back.

Finding a good spot for the cold air return was a real challenge. I didn't want it to be in a spot where people would have to walk over or around it. I also didn't want it to be someplace where it would occupy floor space that was a logical place for a piece of furniture.

This spot met both of those criteria, but from a functional standpoint, it is not in the best spot. It is too far to the front of the house. When discussing the location with the heating contractor it was decided that if this causes problems, a secondary, smaller return can be put towards the back of the house.

As far as I'm concerned, the worst is over. Cutting holes in floors is always nerve wracking. You only get one shot. I'm not sure when the furnace will get installed.

PS: For some reason I'm not getting email notifications about comments, so there were a few recent ones that just got posted today. That is, all of them with the exception of the one from AHMD who is begging me to seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan O mankind. I'll spare you the rest of his diatribe against non-believers.

22 comments:

Amanda said...

I like your registers. We have a cold air return right in front of our staircase to the second floor...not the most pleasant of spots.

Chelle said...

I like your registers too! We are hoping to put some in between our first and second floors at some point, after we get a wood cookstove, so that the rising heat can help heat the upstairs too. Absolutely stunning!

Karen Anne said...

On my old house, there was a floor gas heater directly in front of the door to a bedroom. How they managed when the heater was on, I do not know.

Karen Anne said...

No decorated for Christmas photos?

St. Blogwen said...

If it's any comfort, that cold air return location by the stairs seems perfectly natural. I was surprised to read it hadn't been there all along.

In my house there are additional returns in every major room, but I suppose they were added later. Just what you want to look forward to, right?

Add me to the complimentary chorus re: your registers. Very handsome.

Kate H.
www.sowsearhouse.blogspot.com

mickmaguire said...

Missing your updates, and missing vicariously doing such a wonderful loving restoration. Hope something wonderful is keeping you away from the blog, but also hoping to see you back soon Greg.

Anonymous said...

It's mid April now. At least post something to let us know you are doing OK.

You were my inspiration to blog (somewhat), and to get a tired house and bang on it. Built during the era of Nixon, not Grant, but it will do.

If the Petch House isn't part of your life anymore, that's fine with me. I really enjoyed the posts you had of Philadelphia some time ago. Also the Carson Mansion too.

Cheers.

Jenny Watson Blogs said...

All of these images are looking fantastic thanks for the sharing.

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Mo said...

Where are youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu??

Mo said...

Where are youuuuuuuuuu?

Marilyn said...

Interestingly, this just showed up in my Google feed (5 Sept 2013!) I miss restoring along with you, Greg. You're on the home stretch, now!

Marilyn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kathy said...

Really have missed seeing your meticulous work and progress. Hope things are great out there in CA.

Mo said...

It has been a year since you posted. I hope you are healthy and happy. Your blog fans miss your posts!

Mo said...

It has been a year since you've posted. Your blog fans miss you, an hope you are healthy and happy.

priscilla said...

One year!

Unknown said...

I just wanted to let you know that I, too, miss you and your wonderful updates!
-Shelley(ness)

A2Wheeler said...

Hope you feel the urge to continue posting some day! I've always loved following your remodel.

Unknown said...

Did you seel the house?

Debra said...

I love the registers.
I read my saved blogs every Sunday while I drink my coffee. Every Sunday, I hope to see an update from the Petch House. Please come back soon!

Lara Jane said...

Greg's home is posted for sale, it just showed up on Old House Dreams. I am so shocked and hope all is well with Greg. Has anyone heard from him via email?

Ragnar said...

I guess it's over... forum users have spotted the house for sale!

I'm sad to see it go, I really loved to read the progress reports and watch the pictures of this incredible transformation!