But first, a survey of our purchase

The ink had just dried on the settlement documents. The downpayment check was turned over. The real estate agents gleefully shook our hands one last time. It was now time to get down to work to measure, design, detail, permit and ultimately construct this project. But first, let's measure!

With my trusty laser measurer, camera, lap board and camera (along with my trusty side kick husband), it was time to draw up the existing house.

It was the chandelier... we just had to have it.

The 1926 plan offered a lot of great things:

A Porch! It's the ultimate in the public, yet private outdoor room. Porches add a gracious way to enter one's home. They let the occupant enjoy the outdoors from a semi-private covered room. A bonus for sure. Where else are you going to see what your neighbors are up to?

A Fireplace! A beautiful (yet painted) rough boulder granite fireplace in the generously sized living room. Beautifully centered in the room, the fireplace truly is the heart of the home. Our "heart" has a lovely arch.

A Dining Room fit for a king-sized family! The dining room is 12' x 15' which is large enough for a table for 8-10. We see a family Thanksgiving in our future soon.

A Large Bedroom! The front bedroom (no. 2) is the largest... a must to keep in the renovation.

The lot! So wonderfully deep! It slopes away from the house! It faces south! I can see the patio and landscaping right now... gorgeously lush with a puggle frolicking and eating grass in the warm sun. The cat will watch from the window.

Existing First Floor Plan (North is down)

There were a few drawbacks:

Centered front door! Who doesn't love running into their sofa as soon as they get home from a long day drawing, designing and coordinating construction details? Ill placed doors create ill placed circulation which can take away from precious functional space. Must move!

1926 Kitchen! Closed off from the rest of the house. Not a 21st century, entertaining-friendly, open kitchen. Must renovate!

Closed stair! The stair to the second floor, while placed appropriately in the house, is narrow: not in actual width, but in proportion. No need to feel like a rat in a maze...

A basement! How can this be bad? 6'-10" finished ceiling... what do we put down here?

The lot! Wait?! I thought it was great. Indeed it was wonderfully deep, but unfortunately woefully narrow. Zoning-required side yards may be an issue...

Existing Second Floor Plan (North is down).

All-in-all, the house is generous in space, ceiling height and in its characteristic, Earthy, bungalow-style. We're thrilled to call it ours and I'm itching to draw. More to come...

#16thHeightsBungalow #architectsownhouse #worldsworstclient