Hello folks
I am considering closing on a 2/1 bungalow in an historical neighborhood that has been neglected pretty much since it was built in 1935. It has serious termite issues the likes of which I have never seen before; the casing is falling off in most rooms, the wood floors literally have some areas where the tunneling was so bad the wood caved in, in the shape of footprints. I have not busted through any walls but it is my assumption that the framing is toast and will bid based on that. I am assuming that all I will have to work with is the foundation and brick shell. Remember, this is an historic neighborhood with high prices going for an updated home. So this is not a tear down, it is worth salvaging. I’ve done a couple of remodeling projects, but nothing this extensive or this old.
My questions are: Is it possible to re-tie the brick to the new framing in some manner? Heck, did they even use ties in 1935? What kind of stability issues will need to be considered during the time the framing is missing? How do I maintain stability? Any other advice out there?
Replies
Am I correct that you are going to basically tear the house down but leave the brick veneer standing ?
carpenter in transition
I'm curious how you plan to frame a sheathed wall, with a vapor bariier while leaving the brick veneer in place. Froget how to TIE the brick back- how do even think the wall will be built inside in the first place? And unless you take the entire roof structure down, what's going to support it while you rebuild the exterior walls? As far as the stability of the brick veneer, I'm assuming the walls are at least 8' tall, and they won't stay standing for very long without temporary bracing- THEN you need to figure out how to tie them back to the new framing.
I know you said the house had some historic value, but there's a limit as to what makes sense. Unless it's on the historic register, sounds like a perfect opportunity for some bulldozing practice (and this from a guy who's an advocate of green building...lol).
Bob
You sure its veneer?