How to think about remodels on an historic house.

[@roberttaylor9259]

I'd like to see a video regarding air sealing historical homes such that they do not cause water and mold retention. Risinger did a video a few years back and I'd like to see more of that.

[@BrentHull]

I'm working on this for some videos soon. We are working on 2 historic houses and discussing solutions. Stay tuned

[@beverlyboys73]

I kinda like my natural air conditioning. Lol

[@StayPositive050]

Same. The article “How to Kill an Old House” makes it pretty clear that unless I’m replacing siding and resetting or replacing windows, it’s just not possible to add insulation. I’ve used Rockwool in some spots where I just had to have no drafts (next to tub/shower) but everywhere the pink stuff was adding during previous work, it’s edges are turning black 20 years later. Just don’t is kind of the answer; looking forward to what Brent says.

[@benborsa8266]

Love your philosophy of building, I see doing remodels and renovations the same way!

[@BrentHull]

Cool, thanks! Glad I'm not alone.

[@piggly-wiggly]

Thanks for helping raise awareness. The average homeowner may want the remodel or the addition to "fit" the character of the original, but has no way to understand what that means. It doesn't mean replicating the limitations of a 100 year old home and it doesn't mean throwing a "Tuscan" kitchen in an Ohio farm house. But some things, like steam showers or hvac, have no antecedant in an old house, so the homeowner is usually left with the recommendations of "designers" who are really intentional or unintentional salespeople for the latest products to hit the big box stores or the house flipping shows on TV.

[@BrentHull]

Agreed. Thanks so much.

[@heartwormskillcats8357]

Brent Hull looking jacked, tan, and wearing a dapper shirt as usual. Brent Hull carpentry school or riot!

[@BrentHull]

Haha

[@spilleradam]

Love watching your videos Brent, you really know your stuff, I think you’re a neat guy,👍

[@BrentHull]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching.

[@gregschoolland5551]

Good stuff. Love it. Thanks!

[@BrentHull]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@duanes1060]

Great explanation of how and why you do what you do. Thanks

[@BrentHull]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@edwardscissorhands4007]

great points made

[@BrentHull]

Thank you!

[@troyqueen9503]

Loved that shot of the hand rail , thanks for the video.👍📐🇨🇦

[@BrentHull]

Your welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@beverlyboys73]

On a historic home I agree, a good remodel is one that you cannot see. Timeless with function...

[@BrentHull]

Agreed! Thx for watching.

[@joeyjones5664]

Since you can't steal big red, I like the use of little sharpy!

[@BrentHull]

Haha. True.

[@majilynregueira8342]

I absolutely LOVE your channel! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, enthusiasm...simply fascinating! I'm currently trying my best to restore my 1935 fourplex(where I grew up) in Miami, FL, but it has been sooo challenging. One of the things I'm most curious about is the exterior texture. I haven't been able to find any information on it and no one seems to know how that finish was achieved. Every time I have to do a repair I cringe because no one ever gets it right. Would it be possible to send you a pic?!

[@BrentHull]

Thanks and of course. [e-mail]. Would love to see it.

[@SupaFly10579]

How could I find out who built my Upstate New York Victorian? Is it possible? Old homes leave me in awe. So many stories to tell.

[@BrentHull]

Its hard because most builders are anonymous historically and most houses were not designed by famous architects. I would start with your local historical society, see if they have information or a survey of historic properties. Also past owners are a great source of old photos as well as information. Good luck.

[@pcatful]

Great one! Thanks!

[@BrentHull]

Glad you liked it!

[@crowznest438]

I've seen so many remuddles on old houses where the historic charm and individuality are just gone in the new construction. Also, lots of folks fix up their old house to look like a New England house (because of a popular magazine, I think) when southern houses looked much different. Is all very interesting to see what is the dream of people when they buy an old house.

[@BrentHull]

True, I appreciate your comments.

[@jla3772]

Brent, who refinishes your salvaged bathroom and kitchen fixtures? Do you know someone who can reglaze enameled cast-iron fixtures? I really love your remodeling philosophy and the way you think on everything else,

[@BrentHull]

Thank you! It all depends on what is needed. Most of the time no refinishing is needed, just cleaning. In some cases we'll replate a fixture. Bath refinishers will epoxy glaze old fixtures, it's an ok solution by is not as durable as the original. Good luck.

[@jla3772]

@@BrentHull Thanks!

[@slickmcCool]

The difference between European and American approaches to renovation surprises me. Many planning councils don't want additions and room renovations to mimic the already existing structure fearing that it confuses the historical narrative of the building. During my time in Europe and Great Britain I saw many renovations or extensions denied because the builders submitted plans that mimicked the older portions of the house. They tend to go for more modern renos and extensions so that the history of the building can be read at a glance. Maybe it's because of the age of their buildings compared to ours in the US.

[@pcatful]

Same in many places in the US. The difference is that often the city has no right to tell you what to do with your house unless it is designated of historical importance or in an historic district. I think the tendency is to keep to the nature of the house and keep it subordinate--and maintain the feel of the neighborhood. But public or landmark buildings are different and the addition is not wanted to be an imitation of the old style. We are only dealing with a a couple hundred years here, whereas Europe can be 1,000 years.

[@slickmcCool]

@@pcatful I do think that age has a lot to do with it. Even architects I've talked to are largely reluctant to imitate the old portion of the building. But that could be just because they have experience with planning commissions

[@BrentHull]

Good stuff. Peter is right. That is an approach found on historic properties. The real point of this video is to fight the BAD additions that stick out like sore thumbs. Warts and appendages that are out of scale and poorly executed. Appreciate your feedback. Cheers

[@bighands69]

There is a reason why most Europeans and Brits live in small houses and dingly little apartments. Europe has regulated it self to the point that only the wealthy can now live and expand. This has now meant that raising a family is not realistic for most people in Europe hence why every major European country is about to face a population collapse. People in American do criticize the suburbs which might be a genuine thing to do but those post WW2 US suburbs allowed people to have a modern house and start a family.

[@slickmcCool]

@@bighands69 or regulation has nothing to do with it and its just population density and age

[@stevemiller7949]

I would try to keep a high quality old house as pure as possible, I guess because I am a contrarian and because interiors tend to be so vulnerable to change. I would insist on most of the upholstory being totally comfortable. It's a question of when and why a person wants to preserve history.

[@BrentHull]

Thanks.

[@stevemiller7949]

Ouch! I enjoyed your comments on "flippers". I doubt they endeared you to certain high profile "experts". Haha 😁

[@BrentHull]

Ha. I suspect.

[@anthonypalacios4556]

Do you help with modifying stock house plans?

[@BrentHull]

Yes. DM me on insta.

[@jimmyd7071]

Just think how many houses in old Westover Hills or Rivercrest have screwed up!

[@BrentHull]

No doubt. It's hard to watch. Thx!

[@mbryan4964]

...ur thang is so yummy. 😍

[@BrentHull]

Haha. Thx