Fixing a Historic Bungalow

[@andy4717]

Genius. It looks a thousand times better. Those columns round the back really transformed it. Would love to see more average joe type houses in this feature.

[@BrentHull]

Noted. Thanks.

[@LauraEvrard-td4to]

Wow! I am very impressed by the level of care and detail to take this clunky old house back to its original charm. What an excellent video.

[@BrentHull]

Thank you very much!

[@Print229]

Really great improvements! I like the small, cottage improvements most. I'd rather live in a smaller, older home with thoughtful architecture than a cheaply built mcmansion.

[@BrentHull]

AMEN!!

[@justbeachy4666]

Love, love, love the smaller historic homes, especially Craftsman and Tudor Revival. I wouldn't have thought that such simple changes would make duch a big impact. You're right -- the home is much more charming! I look forward to seeing additional small houses on your channel, including interior millwork.

[@BrentHull]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thetubekid]

Great transformation! It's really fun and educational hearing your thought process. Everyone building and designing needs to listen and learn! I have two questions though: 1. How would you handle water on an open eave home like this? Perhaps not as big a deal if the area doesn't get significant rainfall but what if they do? Is it not as big of a concern because it's over a porch and further from the foundation/basement? Do you have a purposeful French drain at the base of the porch deck? 2. How do you get around code for the deck railing? Are you raising the entabalture up past the deck flooring so that it makes up height for the railing? Is the railing itself actually that low? For safety and code, would you recommend some sort of glass railing atop the lower one? As always, great stuff. Favorite content on KZbin! Everyone, join passion for craft!!

[@BrentHull]

Thanks. 1. I may still use a gutter but it would be a half-round gutter that hangs so you still see the rafter tails. 2. By code if the porch isn't more than 18" off the ground no handrail is needed. Thus, using a porch railing that low is ok.

[@MichaelHandymanMaker]

Thanks for drawing the house changes ahead of time. This is a great method of showing us how you would change it instead of drawing on the fly. Appreciate the effort !!

[@BrentHull]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Fr0stbyte89]

Fantastic work! In modern subdivisions (with homes costing $500k+), I notice so many houses with blank walls and "lonely" windows. Definitely a sign of inside-out design with little to no thought given to making sure all facades of the house look beautiful and balanced. Curious how you would approach a design where a client really wants a large, mostly windowless section of exterior wall for a certain purpose like a theater room screen, a place for a large sofa, TV wall, etc. Thanks!

[@BrentHull]

You can still add rhythm and symmetry into a blank facade with brick work; adding pilasters, even false windows, with shutters closed over them. Many ideas.

[@michaelbissen1946]

Nice changes, hipped roof dormer is a nice touch.

[@BrentHull]

Thanks!!

[@who2u333]

Great to see a more modest home get the treatment although I do like the fancy houses.

[@BrentHull]

ok, good to know.

[@pcatful]

That will be a great upgrade to the look of the house and neighborhood! The rear now can have "character" instead of just being weird.

[@BrentHull]

agreed. Thanks.

[@Oldhouseguy]

This is a wonderful example that can really teach people how boxed-in eaves can really destroy a house. I advised one of my clients of the same and her carpenter said he has worked on houses for 25 years and no-one ever asked to looked at or wanted to open the eaves. This just shows that carpenters can be a homes worst enemy.

[@BrentHull]

Or that habits in building are not always right. I've seen the same problem with stairs.

[@brendatroendle4604]

I’m speechless! The back turned out just as beautiful as the front. You’re a magician ❤

[@BrentHull]

Ha. Thanks.

[@peggyhemenger8983]

I absolutely love bungalows; partly, I'm sure, because my grandparents' house was a very modest bungalow in a Detroit suberb, (it even had asbestos siding, yikes!) I'm so glad you were able to retrieve those original details essential to the bungalow style. When I saw the back, I said to myself, no way can this be fixed to conform to the original bungalow design. But you did it, especially with the tapered columns and casement windows. I think the windows in this example relate really well to your recent video on how historic windows make such a huge difference. In my modest opinion, great job!

[@BrentHull]

Nice. Thanks so much.

[@dwoodbury]

Such an improvement. I love what you've done.

[@BrentHull]

Nice. Thanks!

[@ronmack1767]

Enjoyed the video Brent. You definitely made a dramatic change, especially to the back. It really looks inviting. Take care and God bless.

[@BrentHull]

Thanks, you too!

[@josephwofford5090]

Excellent transformation. Even improved upon the original bungalow.

[@BrentHull]

Thanks!

[@michaelbissen1946]

Big improvement to the back!!

[@BrentHull]

Nice. Thanks.

[@mab49696]

What about gutters? With the tails of the rafters showing how do you have gutters? If you spend anytime on a porch in a rainstorm without gutters you understand everyone is gonna get wet. One of my favorite places to be at our cabin in the mountains is on the porch while its raining

[@613kc]

"everyone is gonna get wet.", maybe? I don't remember it that way. 🤔

[@pcatful]

I think it's possible to have gutters without a deep fascia. The trick is if the rafters are not deep enough to show. You can't easily add new tails, though some craftsman might add "to" the tails. You can use a half round gutter and if just a little rafter tail shows it adds interest.

[@misscourtnie23]

I'm also curious about this. I moved into a ranch house with exposed rafters and no gutters for the past 40 years. It was one of the first projects we did because we had walls with water damage as a result. I miss the look of the rafters but I'd rather not have water damage. I'm sure there's a way to do it so that it doesn't happen but we didn't know how.

[@shellyn177]

I had this very issue on a similar bungalow I restored. After removing vinyl siding, and exposing the rafter tails the rain fall in the winter created a rather treacherous ice issue on the stairs of the front porch.

[@BrentHull]

It is solved with half-round gutters. These can even be cut into the tails to conform architecturally. The nice thing about round gutters is that you still see the tails. You get both.

[@eddyarseneau4822]

It always amazes me how going forward, we are worse in the style and character. So much craftsmanship has been lost. Very nice modifications. I wish I could do the same to mine! Great video.

[@BrentHull]

Thanks and I agree.

[@DrMJJr]

Loved the switch to the hipped roof dormer!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 If that was ALL that you did, it would’ve been a significant improvement. The back elevation is a mess and all over the place. You were more conservative than I would’ve been with changes to the read elevation lol!!!!

[@BrentHull]

Haha, it didn't need that much. THx

[@tc9148]

Charming, simple and inviting says it all. So much fun to watch you make these amazing transformations.

[@BrentHull]

Thank you so much!

[@Landon-Ellis]

Love this one! Especially appreciate seeing your skill at work on a smaller/simpler home that feels within financial reach. Amazing insight, as usual.

[@BrentHull]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@dylankmorgan]

I enjoyed seeing you bring the charm of the house back to life and to see your skill applied to a modest home. I watched your New House Old Soul series, which was incredible, but also impressive to see it applied at this level of house. I think that there are great opportunities out there for contractors to differentiate based on crafting skill rather than prices. Some guys around here can't even build a code-compliant deck.

[@BrentHull]

Nice, and I agree. Thx.

[@renuing]

Love it, the additional windows definitely make a difference and changing that dormer. Not a comment specific to this video but I've been wanting to share an idea I hope you'll be able to do a video on at some point about windows. You've shared your opinion about the false marketing when it comes to windows and I really respect it. I also really respect your colleagues on the Build Show like Steve and Jake and they seem to believe that triple glaze windows are one of the most important parts of a new build and are far more durable than double glaze, especially European made ones. From a consumers standpoint, I would love to hear a discussion from 3 honest professionals cutting through the false marketing and sharing the pros and cons of high end single and triple glaze windows. Thanks for everything!

[@BrentHull]

I love it. I think I'll do a video with Jake or Steve on the topic. Thanks.

[@renuing]

@@BrentHull Thank YOU! I'm preparing for a new build and really look forward to the discussion 👍

[@marvinhaines9297]

Hi, Mr. Hull! I like the transformation! I'd give this one a 10/10. I was never a personal fan of craftsman bungalows, but I recognize their architectural genius - Personally, I'm much more of a late Victorian freak. (Mostly Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Eastlake.) This house has a lot of potential, though - I'm not gonna lie. One thing I have to say is that the perspective of the first drawing is a little bit off. An easy fix. I convinced my dad to build wider architraves around our garage doors and remove the 45-degree, "picture-frame" corners. It's been a lot of work, but we're going to have a much more attractive facade. Next, we've got to do away with the SDLs in our front windows. I'll send you a photo, and, if you have time, it would be wonderful to see your interpretation.

[@BrentHull]

ok.

[@st6457]

Beautiful

[@BrentHull]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@crossroadschronicles4647]

Nice job

[@BrentHull]

Thank you.

[@felippek5446]

Hi Brent! Your "simple" fixes transformed a worker's home into a charming and all well put together home. Amazing what you have proposed. Where can I write to you and send you a request for a video like this? Thank you in advance and amazing work. I have been watching all your videos non-stop!

[@BrentHull]

Thanks, [e-mail] My team can share info.

[@laszlodesimon4768]

You are so creative and everything you come up with only makes it that much more beautiful! Thank you for such inspiration and ideas based on balance and symmetry!

[@BrentHull]

Thanks!!

[@CrankyHermit]

Looks really good - reminds me of my grandma's old house. Another option you could try for the front dormer is a partially clipped gable (just a small hip at the top). I think this would be true to the style of the time, and might add a bit more character and interest.

[@BrentHull]

Agreed. Thanks.

[@valkyrie568]

Very impressive improvements! I'm amazed at the differences all-around, but especially the back. I didn't think you could make it look charming without removing the addition(s?) and starting over, but you succeeded!

[@BrentHull]

Thanks! It was a challenge.

[@jacobtracy7847]

❤❤❤

[@BrentHull]

Thx.

[@getrational9195]

Amazing! That looked like a really difficult one to fix, but you did it!

[@BrentHull]

Thanks for watching.

[@CharlesKruger1942]

Maybe another column on the front elevation for that span. Perhaps bracketing the front door. I’d also consider getting a vertical proportion in the first floor window, maybe adding a mullion pattern. The dormer is a real challenge. Not sure that hip works.

[@BrentHull]

Thanks.

[@christopherstreet2214]

Gorgeous 🎉

[@BrentHull]

Thank you! 😊

[@robertbamford8266]

Interesting. Built on a slope (exposed basement)? Before your changes that back elevation reminded me of a tenement/row house.

[@BrentHull]

Haha, yep, it was bad.

[@zee25570]

I like the exposed rafter tails. But I always go to the thought of gutters. A gutter (while necessary) would hide much of that detail, wouldn't it?

[@BrentHull]

Round gutters would only hide the upper part, from the ground they would still be visible.

[@Tony-InLosAngeles]

So much better! Will that cost of remodeling bring a return of investment for that property in that neighborhood? Or would some of that money be better spent elsewhere?

[@BrentHull]

My understanding is that it is money well spent. THx.

[@rennisvideos]

In your experience what would be an approximate cost for a remodel like this @@BrentHull

[@KentuckyGirl]

New subscriber, just found your channel. Bing watching. My question is, what about the gutters on this house? Did you remove them? Don't Craftsman style have them?

[@BrentHull]

Good point. I'll review. Gutters are needed.

[@seanh3563]

What are your thoughts on using gutters for water management? Are gutters overused?

[@BrentHull]

Gutters are a great tool, in this case I would use round gutters and not the molded gutters that would look terrible. Thanks.

[@MarkR874]

Ya the hip dormer looks better for sure. The shed dormer would look good too, but I understand that if the house next door has that exact look, it would be a little too cookie cutter to have that same look again. And the vinyl siding, yuck. I can’t stand that stuff. The back would look great with a deck that wraps around the front of the section that pops out so it’s actually usable and livable and would probably look really good too. Love the stone wall down below and adding the windows is a smart touch. Tapered columns are fitting and look much better. Good move to bring them to the back as well. Overall I’d say it’s a win. But the deck that wraps around the pop out in back., that’s the way to go I think (if they can afford it).

[@BrentHull]

Noted. Thx.

[@MrBComish]

Looks great. Front porch though, why not add a tapered column to the left of the stairs where there is just a post?

[@MrBComish]

@weekendwarrior3420but it would center and frame the door. Also, would add and look right for providing some structure to the porch. With just the 2 columns on either end the center looks weak and unsupported.

[@bestbuilder1st]

I think you missed the "two" newel posts on each side of the stairs. The main pillars hold up the entire front beam and frame the entire front of the house. Adding an additional post will "actually" throw the symmetry off. Pause the video at 3:24 and you will get a good look at what you might be missing.

[@Tony-InLosAngeles]

@@bestbuilder1st 👍🏻

[@MrBComish]

@@bestbuilder1stgot it, I see it now 👍

[@BrentHull]

Not necessary and not common on bungalow porches.

[@taiwanshirley]

Hi Brent. As you make changes to window sizes and placement, how does the sun orientation come to play? I am into solar passive which puts heavy emphasis on how to use large windows on the sunny side and avoid any openings on the east and the west. If the historical house is not oriented ideally, how would both solar design for comfort/energy saving and restoring both be fulfilled ? Thanks. I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@BrentHull]

Thanks, and that's a great question. It's also important here in Texas as the South and West sun can be brutal. I'll find out more.

[@EAVESINTERIORS]

Where you opened the eaves and removed the fascia are you going to add back in the eaves trough? I assume this would hide the rafter tails somewhat?

[@BrentHull]

Round gutter, and yes it might, but only a little.

[@jennafarrell4755]

Everyone needs a grilling thing. How do you know how tall to make those brick pedestals? I am assuming since the bottom of my window sill is about 30” the railing won’t exceed that and will have to attach right under the cap of the pedestals.

[@BrentHull]

You got it. I think between 28 and 32" is a good height. Generally.

[@DennisMathias]

Isn't that sweet! Regarding the hand rails, codes would be over here in about 5 minutes with the low rails. We have to have them waist high before they would be approved. Rehabs always look like crap with that.

[@BrentHull]

The front porch is less than 18" above grade. Tall handrails are not required.

[@emrsngs]

Do you seal the rafter tails? In Colorado they end up splitting and getting dry rot so I was always taught to seal but maybe you know of a better way.

[@BrentHull]

Yes, it is assumed they will be painted and end grain sealed. Thanks.

[@jelicoe]

Are the front upstairs window bottoms too close to the roof?

[@BrentHull]

not historically.

[@tedkroll9100]

Have you taken a look at Chateau Falcon View? Crazy estate but what on earth is going on with all the columns? Seems very incorrect for a $280m house. They aren’t lawn art as far as I know

[@BrentHull]

Ha, yes, I'll need to think about that one. What an interesting use of columns. . .

[@davidporterrealestate]

Is it possible for someone to develop that design sense? Have you always had it?

[@BrentHull]

hmmm, well I've always been intrigued with houses and house styles. Always curious, it has taken me a long time to learn the subtleties of what makes each style unique, that I think is key

[@nancynewlin]

The back of that house was a MESS, made worse by the vinyl siding. What you did now makes it look like all of that was original, not a bunch of add-ons.

[@BrentHull]

Thanks for watching.