One of our favorite jobs this past summer (2014) was the rebuilding of a front porch in downtown Prattville, at 129 East Main Street. The house was built in the late 1880s for the current owner's maternal grandparents, and since it is within the Prattville Historical District, the owner wanted to keep all of the repairs in line with historical guidelines. The owner had a photograph taken in either 1913 or 1914, and it was this old photo that we were to use as our model.
Here is the photo of the house (above) that we were to use as our model.
And here are photos (below) of the house before we started.
It's a mess, isn't it? Actually, it was the most fun job we've had in a while. Wesley was the supervisor, and his helpers were Chris, Ray, and Jason. As you scroll through the pictures, you'll see they did an outstanding job.
When we got the roof and porch deck removed, we talked with the owner and decided the porch needed some footings. There were none. When the house was built, concrete footings under the porch must not have been considered necessary, but we felt they were. The next group of photos shows the process of getting to the footings.
After we put in the concrete and steel footings and had them inspected, Wes and crew began re-building the porch.
Next we added the porch decking, and then we began building the overhang and the railings.
Now--is that a dramatic restoration, or what? It's a real joy to be able to work on projects like this one and see the dramatic results. So, if you're driving down Main Street in Prattville and you see the Water Works on one side of the street, glance across to the other side of the road and gaze upon our little transformation. Can there be anything better than a job that's so much fun? Not much, I think. Not much at all.
As of January, 2015, the house above is still not quite finished. The owner is having a new door hand made, and we're to install it when it's finished. I'll show you the end result when it's done. Until then, check out our next project when I put it online--which I promise, will be soon.
Have a great week,
Earl.
Hallelujah! You're back to blogging! I was wondering if you're all right.
ReplyDeleteOur little duplex in Frederick MD is half the size of our old house. Yet we've had to replace the kitchen appliances and going to do (drum roll) a partial kitchen remodel. I guess it's in our blood, or something.
We've had to improve the insulation and replace four windows and two storm doors. Something's funny with the heating system so that's the immediate concern.
Despite high taxes (but not on groceries) and a Republican becoming governor in a few days, we're very happy Up Nawth. We're always grateful for the work you did on our house in Montgomery.
--Jay Croft