Restoring A $7,000 Mansion: INCREDIBLE Dream Attic Rebuild (pt. 3/3)

I am rebuilding the incredible, massive, dream attic in my Great-Great Grandfather's $7,000 mansion. I am removing old, rotten wood, taking delivery of new materials, building a secret attic entrance, putting up new walls, and laying new flooring.
► MERCH: farmfocused.com/cole-the-corn...
► Disclosure: I receive a commission on items ordered through the links. Thank you for helping support the channel.
► Fan Mail:
PO Box 383
Waterloo, IA 50704
► Business inquiries only: [e-mail]

[@jbwhittaker4645]

vote for roman/ mayor chicken saver🐔🐔🐔🐔🤣🤣🤣

[@loganarnold5889]

Hilarious 😂

[@jbwhittaker4645]

thanks🤣🤣🤣

[@DrMJJr]

Roman for Chicken Mayor!!!! YESSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@shirleybishop4882]

Roman is such a cutie, he gets my vote 😊

[@hollyjobitner3285]

Laying hens yes! Roosters no thanks! 🐓💙

[@carologren9932]

Roman for Mayor! Yes!! And a secret entrance. This is better than ANYthing on television!

[@mosconi0359]

If only Roman knew a farmer with hundreds of acres that could let him put in a henhouse for his chickens "out of town". Then he could raise them "free-range" and sell the eggs to those folks in town that hate chickens. Anyone? Anyone? Cole?

[@tdavis4278]

lets help Roman free his chickens!!

[@Big_Josh]

I just want to thank you guys for sharing your lives with us. From running big equipment to working on projects and just including us in your everyday routine. I am grateful that you are willing to bring us along. The house, the farm, the family, and even how you interact with each other. I’m blessed to have found your channels and for the window into your home. Big hugs 🫂 ♥️👏🏼🙏🏻😃

[@usa-girl911]

I second this x 100!, 🙏🏼❤️

[@michellerizzoandersen]

Next series is Roman’s chicken coop build…in your yard. 😂

[@AmyHill1]

Since Roman will be working on the farm all the time, Cole should let him keep a few chickens out there. You could both use the eggs.

[@janehickenbottom4558]

Roman wants to build a chicken house so there is plenty of land all around there.

[@Youngone-mb1yc]

I just want to give Justin a hand for keeping this crew moving in the right direction.

[@nancylorenz5082]

Roman can build a beautiful playhouse for the kids.

[@cherylsmith-bell6509]

Yeah, but it is outrageous that any community will not allow chickens. Do an online campaine lobying for chicken keeping!

[@gungadinn]

His kids are a bit smaller than most "kids" and they have wings instead of arms, but they're his "kids". Roman should call his winged kids, as moveable lawn fertilizers. I live in an unincorporated area. My property is listed as residential, not farm. I can't legally leave my 35hp tractor out, even covered up with a trap, or car type cover. I grow peppers, tomatoes and lettuce, about 150 of each plant, Chicken manure would be nice to use, for fertilizer. The neighbors across the street, have a dual use on their property and can have chickens, and leave a tractor uncovered.

[@nancylorenz5082]

@@gungadinn Can you try to rezone the property?

[@nancylorenz5082]

@@cherylsmith-bell6509 The chickens identify as human children, like humans identify as furries. 😂😂😂

[@gungadinn]

@@nancylorenz5082 I'm not politically connected. The property behind me was a small dentists office. Someone with connections purchased the property and applied to change the zoning to allow for a large metal building to house his equipment repair shop. Myself and two other neighbors fought the change. He won, so I have a building 125 foot wide and 20 foot tall to stare at.

[@amandab.recondwith8006]

I love the music and the time lapse. There are so many building videos out there where the work is slow and tedious and there's no music or bantering amongst the guys. This is a great video concept that your audience can really lean into. If Cole is choosing the music, you're doing a fantastic job. Optimistic, techno, good work music! You have great taste!

[@Barbaralee1205]

I’m an old lady. Love the build and the boys. Hate the music. 🎶

[@angelalopez4843]

If 43 is old then I Guess I'm old too 😆 it would be kinda cool to add music from his great grandfather's Era and as they're building it turns into Coles music style

[@vmdyer6743]

43 is a spring chicken.try 80in a couple of months .lol

[@lauracebula3222]

I think he has a guy who helps on the video production.

[@toddmarshall7573]

@@vmdyer6743 1944

[@vdwalt4464]

One good thing I love about Michigan it is a 'RIGHT TO FARM' state. Local governments have over the years tried to prevent city dwellers from keeping chickens and have failed miserably. We should push for a federal law giving all citizens the RIGHT TO FARM. If everybody had 3 layers the grocery stores could not sell those overpriced factory eggs. I'm casting my vote for Roman for mayor!!!

[@Peter-jo3wt]

Provided your farm animals are at least 250 feet from your house...

[@jacobwatson3781]

Yeah, it's always interesting how people always want the right to do what they want without never considering how their want could affect others.

[@hawks2252]

@@jacobwatson3781 Exactly, where I am at, I can legally shoot guns on my property at 2am if I want. Do I or anyone else do it - no.

[@davidshumway9639]

I live in a village in Van Buren county and there is a ordinance specifically against chickens (or maybe all farm animals). A neighbor set up a coop and got a rooster etc and got shut down. Notably, his house was put in by a farmer who owned the land for 60 years and wanted to retire there. He split off two acres and annexed it into the village so he could get city sewer. So originally the land was township farmland. They had cows there when I was a kid. Then asparagus and corn. Now it's village and he can't even have chickens.

[@craiglejeune3397]

I think Roman should build the coop on the farm so he can still have his chickens

[@andrewlarsen9700]

Just say your chickens are therapy animals.

[@TonyRule]

Genius! Use the BS against them.

[@narellemacpherson9759]

This is the success in this remodel is that Cole has a teachable spirit and has been guided by Justin in the remodelling the house

[@barbarajarrett3185]

Roman for Mayor! This is an example of being the change you want to see. ❤

[@kevins.3573]

Roman! Become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and only take in wild chickens.

[@Sparkey53]

I need to see some 'Vote for Pedro' inspired Roman for Mayor shirts. I'm so keen on the final look, I'm so invested!

[@moriahjurgonski3934]

Love seeing the Daddy Cornstar cameo appearance 😍 But the smile Cole has shows how happy and proud he is of all their accomplishments and progression. Missing a Nave cameo 😊

[@goodson77784]

"have them visited" lol lol lol

[@samtrosper7224]

Keep saving that wood Roman even if you can’t have chickens. Someone needs to. It hurts to see it being dumped or burned.

[@hollyporter1193]

But at least he knows how to do things the old way, when the new tech is unusable. Always good to have the old along with the new!

[@janettekarling-bl4qs]

I love the idea of a secret room. You may want to consider using a part of the secret room as a museum to honor your grandfather and to build a genealogy for your boys and future children regarding your father's ancestry, your mother s ancestry as well as making an ancestry for your wife's family Add old pictures and/or clothing that you might have. It would be the most interesting room for your family now and in the future.

[@greghamann2099]

As I see it You wouldn't need a museum if you didn't completely destroy the floor plan of the house and the remnants of the interior. Just you wait and see how little remains when it is all over. In this episode alone there goes another original window. When will it end? Let's build a balcony and screw up the exterior some more. There is nothing left to preserve. It is too late.

[@johnunsicker7440]

@@greghamann2099 Are you paying the bills? Are you living there? NO it is his house he can do with it what he wishes.

[@greghamann2099]

@@johnunsicker7440 I know that. I do know a lot more about restoring old homes like this because i have helped the completion of a few. We have done this work and can back it up. I have personal experience. My family home stands as an example of how to do it correctly. I can give you a personal tour. I can show you what a real Restoration done with respect to the original design looks like.

[@m9ovich785]

He should remove the Word 'Restoration" This project is a total gut and remodel... He may have saved $$$ just building a New House

[@greghamann2099]

@@m9ovich785 I totally agree.

[@markitathomas4146]

Engineers are so helpful in situations like this

[@Masonthegoat]

Any other iowans like having atleast 1 famous youtuber here

[@warrenmichael918]

you Iowans have a few good ones. Junkyard digs and Cole and i know there are a few more that im blanking out on.

[@Masonthegoat]

@warrenmichael918 maybe Grant Hilbert aswell. He is also a farming youtuber

[@janeysiegrist5061]

I don't live there anymore, but I'm jazzed for it.

[@albert4599]

Hmm look up junkyard digs he won't disappoint you on car revivals. But Cole is my favorite Iowa corn farmer but I do love house restoration content he has been putting out.

[@xj5840]

Ryan Knorr Lawn care is an Iowan KZbinr, he’s great

[@Ancients1]

Such a good wholesome group of men working down to the bone on this project. Also excellent entertainment. 🎉

[@jeffreynelson6795]

Your journey. To get to this point. So much has been done. So much has changed. The enormous junk pile you started with. That now beautiful yard. The house will be incredible. What a legacy for the boys. Thank you for the relentless energy. Thank you for the positivity you always exude.

[@reboot_2.00]

It’s not a bad thing that Justin can still use old technology to make things happen! Great work guys!

[@Nordorf]

Roman going on youtube and saying he's gonna find the address of the city council's members and "have them visited" miiiight not be the smartest thing to do. :D

[@laurakay709]

Whomever is editing all the hours of video - awesome! pleasurable to watch.

[@cherylmartin1740]

We had the same rule but it really wasn't the chickens they were against. It was the roosters, so they voted on it and lifted the chicken ban but no roosters were allowed. Forgot to mention I live in a small town in Mississippi. Whoever is editing your videos is doing a fantastic job and I love the background music. Matches the energy of the video.

[@sllaffoon]

Cole, I’ve been watching you for years now. The farming stuff was interesting, but the remodeling content is my fave. Thank you for sharing! And where did u find Roman? We all need a friend like Roman!

[@noamparness1690]

Instead of placing the laser level in the center of a span that can flex, place it directly above one of the support points that tie directly down to the basement. Alternatively, mount it to an outside corner wall - which is less likely to flex up and down and you are walking around the middle of the floor.

[@thomasperez4412]

Hey Young Cole , I have recently started to watch your channel "Cole the Cornstar." I like your enthusiasm and energy you display every time I see your hard work. Count me in as a regular follower. If I had money to spare I would send a ton your way. With that said, be careful and get your rest at night. To in Minneapolis.

[@russb7]

That montage of putting down the OSB at the end of the video was really good!

[@Onandagus]

The whiteboard was the greatest addition to this series!

[@marthabartel604]

I really wish we had the white board earlier, this works for Cole to focus.

[@Hugho59]

Roman easy solution to the chicken coop is just build it at Cole’s and make sure you get enough Chickens to keep the Cornstar family and Justins family and your family in eggs. Oh and I think a few peacocks would look great on the farm.

[@mavisgillard653]

I hope Justin finds his notebook!! And I hope that Roman will be able to have his chickens somehow!! Good job ❤❤

[@AffectionateDriftwood-vr2sf]

Romans finally got his big bin haha! Happy to see that! Work smarter not harder guys!

[@jeremy1350]

Hey Papa Cole, Roman, and Justin. Wow, you got a lot done there !! It must be very gratifying, I thought to myself. Does Roman live within the city limits or out in the middle of the fields?? And the city is worried about a few chicken?? Is it a health thing, or just a poultry thing ?? ROMANFORMAYOR !!! Nice to have a video before dinner today, thanks for that. See ya tomorrow. We call those little pieces of wood between the joists "NOGGINS!!!"

[@heatherroberson8981]

If Roman can’t have chickens, then make a massive playhouse for his kids!

[@juliequinlan6564]

It’s all coming together, well done 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💙💙💙 Roman for Mayor! 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@ltpinecone]

Great stuff! I would HIGHLY recommend you consider running hard wired CAT6 or better Ethernet cable through your house given how large it is. It will make internet connectivity far less of a pain for you in the future!

[@J4Julz]

I have this in my house and it is great!

[@pati8142]

Nothing beats a water level, it worked for the Egyptian’s….

[@JulieMelberg]

You need to be thinking of a time capsule. You can store it in these plastic tubes for document storage. Then hide it in a wall. I did that and put in the building plans with details of the work done.

[@marthabartel604]

Yes bathroom on every floor, smart.

[@delisaknight8522]

Wow!! It’s taking shape! I’m loving it all. Great content. You guys are such hard workers. 👏👏👏

[@user-vn6hi2bi3g]

When designing your HVAC duct system I would locate at least one air return duct at the peak of the cathedral ceiling (old attic) as this will be the warmest air in your home and you can use the already paid for BTU's used to heat this air by returning air to lower living levels. Ray Stormont.

[@vickimerchlewitz8073]

My builder of my log cabin in Alaska did this but it did not keep the two rooms warm below. I cannot remember why.

[@AlexeiTetenov]

@@vickimerchlewitz8073 It's a huge volume of air to heat or cool!

[@vickimerchlewitz8073]

Yes I had 15 foot ceilings! Nice Alaskan Black Spruce Christmas trees! A one-third loft.

[@kathyusa-iowa5137]

The railings at the top of all stairs better be SUPER strong 💪❗️😊

[@Devina210]

Secret entrance, all over You Tube! Not so secret anymore! Just love this series.

[@juliealbert9222]

Roman has my vote 😜

[@terelhutto8604]

o man, I had to pause the video twice and let my legs rest from all the ladder climbing. Awesome work, great editing and audio. May the Lord watch over and Bless this house and its beautiful family

[@vickimerchlewitz8073]

I thought they made moveable ladders with a locking mechanism? Or was that scaffolding? I Guess you’d still have to go down to get the wood or get a laborer to hand them up to you!

[@connieverbeck1110]

Major progress!!! Thanks for taking me along. So exciting! 👏👏👏👏👏 You stinker Cole!!

[@harleyfiremedic7796]

You guys have the cleanest construction area!!! Keep up the good work

[@maryhudgins9133]

Your grandfather would be so proud of your restoration of his home. From the work on the yard , to the restoration inside, good for you! Just hoping you will use some of that beautiful paneling throughout, so much grace in old fashion wood panels

[@medfordJimmy]

I hope they can put a big swing in the attic or a swinging bed, couch. I learn something new every day here.

[@judithwofford9577]

ROMAN YOU ROCK ENJOY WATCHING YOU

[@maureenbrophy7852]

Chicks not allowed😢 get pigs Roman. Love these videos ❤

[@williamumbach592]

Roman gets my Vote!

[@darlene6670]

Your rocking it guy's!! Tell Roman I'm in the same boat, city won't let us have chickens either! UGH!

[@rowdy5285]

I did the same thing in my attic. Made a balcony and almost impossible to regulate the cool and heat up and down, good luck.

[@colorado1088]

Maybe a big ceiling fan?

[@a.randolph8112]

I have a tiny house with a loft and completely agree.

[@Beandiptheredneck]

Thats the big thing a lot of people don't consider, high ceilings and split levels make it very hard to keep hot and cold where you want it

[@rosalynrn]

Roman for Mayor! The chickens need your help! BLESSED in Pennsylvania................

[@rickdavidson3534]

A circular staircase would be awesome!!

[@DrMJJr]

Cole, LOVE the progress. And yes, I support Roman as Chicken Mayor!!

[@danielshackleton2027]

That’s funny about the secret entrance. We did the exact same thing for our basement . Secret entrance from our closet down to the basement. Which also doubles as a second fire escape! And super fun for the kids haha!

[@thomastimas]

8:44 Nave turns up looking to be seeded AGAIN ❤😂

[@erahorton1807]

Watching your dreams come to life! Thank you for sharing!

[@darlenem4940]

Yay, Roman for mayor

[@lloydbaker7104]

Make a Time Capsule and hide it in the walls somewhere.

[@Naveandlaen]

I’m beyond proud cole; this is a wildly beautiful project.

[@oliviafox3605]

Roman, just promise the town council free eggs!

[@bigbadjohn2543]

Can't wait to see how you will drag the sheetrock into the house.

[@oxfordshirepanda3548]

Absolutely loving the refurbishment so far. The enthusiasm and Camaraderie between everyone is a breath of fresh air! I admit I started watching because of the house rebuild but also thoroughly enjoy the farming experience you are providing! The house is looking great so far and really hope the farming season works well for you and the family.

[@claudiaclark6162]

Good Luck Roman I hope you win We can have 5 chickens where I'm but I only have like a quarter acre

[@janetl9054]

I’m so glad you are posting these videos again! I was having withdrawals! 😂 Seriously though, I can’t wait until you guys start hanging Sheetrock, you will really be able to tell the difference

[@brudasdm7419]

I think there needs to be a Hot Tub, between the Observatory and the Sauna. 🤘😎

[@Nas_Atlas]

Looking really good. It's gonna be so interesting how you are going to restructure all those roof support boards that are shooting everywhere like spaghetti.

[@patriciahite8562]

Your house is looking good. How exciting to make it your own. You have a fortune in wood.

[@Hurtzonkeys]

I’m so ready to see the finished project

[@MsSkipperkim]

Fair warning a loft will become a drop zone for the kids. As in, what happens when I drop this from the knee wall. LOL

[@teret6719]

The loft area looks like an indoor treehouse for adult kids. A tiny closet for such a large house. Nave won't like sharing her closet with the ladder for the guys running up and down.

[@di4085]

​@@teret6719it's probably good that they have the attic staircase hidden in the closet so they can make sure the boys will not go up there on their own until they're old enough.

[@brittawrolson5936]

Yep,,little paratroopers and planes always seemed popular😂

[@vmdyer6743]

There will be all sorts of homemade parachutes dropped over that wall.maybe one of Roman's chickens might visit to try the drop zone out😅😂❤

[@thomasgirty6397]

after all the expense , i would have done the attic floor in at least 1/2 inch good plywood. probably 3/4 just for strenth and tie in for the roof. seems windy there , would not hurt.

[@jeffschulteis9168]

Don’t forget the fire blocking!

[@mikemudd1377]

Idea for the secret attic entrance. Rather than just a ladder on the wall did you think about a spiral stair case? Takes up about as much room as the square opening you have framed out. They are kind of cool.

[@billnboo4u]

shes so beautiful Cole

[@corrineterry6676]

Roman for Mayor! I’ve been looking forward to seeing the chicken coop build!

[@gabunnie1]

I love watching your house come together! Since heat rises, it being open in the attic area, that should make it easier to heat in the Winter (& cool in Summer?). How you are going to cool it in the Summer is what my question is. I hope you are planning to put some HEAVY Blackout curtains or automatic blackout "Shades," blinds, or louvers on those Awesome & Charming attic windows, so you can keep the attic area from Heating up, unbearably in the Summer! Having the sun beating into those attic windows would heat up the house and take more energy to cool the house in the Summer. The reason I suggest automatic "Shades," Blinds, curtains or Louvers is because you would have to climb to the attic EVERY TIME you want to cover or uncover those huge attic windows, automatic "blinds" would work by remote control from anywhere in the house! In Winter, when there is a HIGH WIND, those attic window coverings could also keep the wind from blowing in through those Attic windows, and conserve heat in the house. 😊 you guys are doing a fabulous job renovating the house, it's going to be more modern, but still gorgeous with some of its original, antique charm! Keep up the awesome job, guys!! I bet the family cant wait to see it, and get you guys moved back in to your house! 😊

[@shariballard1804]

Would be nice to have that whole room open and vaulted!

[@wendycole703]

I can see it coming together. The idea of open concept is a good idea

[@dantarver622]

Whatever you are paying your video editor - IT'S WORTH IT! Great looking videos!

[@janehickenbottom4558]

You tell them Justin !! Them young whipper snappers. Lol

[@Big_Josh]

Hello 👋 to Daddy CornStar and Roman, to Gustin (Justin) and his son, to Nave and Mommy CornStar , to Cooper (mullet man), and to sister CornStar and everyone’s significant others. I say hello and send you my best wishes and big hugs 🫂 😊

[@clinthochrein888]

Roman for mayor! 🤙🏾

[@gilliegilbert3353]

So amazing your making a loft.... I hope that's the master bedroom cause that would be an epic bedroom

[@amynoland9162]

When you take out support it always makes me anxious! I know you all have got this but it still seems stressful anyway! Great job and fascinating content - thank you!!

[@davidwilliams2358]

Be sure to install plenty of CAT 6 Ethernet cable. Put two runs where ever you think you might or maybe need a connection. This keeps you from junking up the wifi: behind the washer, fridge, Kitchen, furnace, tv's, ceilings for access points, front door, It's cheap and will save you grief later.

[@thomasely2686]

Make that a hidden spital staircase! That would be cooler and allow you to use it well into your old age

[@jayolson578]

An old leaded stained glass window above the bed would look awesome.

[@greghamann2099]

Mirror on the ceiling.

[@carolinerimmer1362]

This is so exciting to watch- thanks for sharing it with us- I am learning so much Koala hugs to you all from Adelaide South Australia 🇦🇺 🐨❤️

[@user-en7un3ln1b]

Hats off to you Cole! Young man you have got yer shit together!!

[@pyc1959]

Awesome work! Roman must have the chickens….🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓

[@makeuplover6852]

Cole you are right on the money, your kids are going to LOVE that secret entrance to the attic. My grandparents house which is around the same age as your house, also the farm house (although it did burn almost down twice and was rebuilt on the same foundation 3 times) the attic was a pull down door that has a ladder attached and then once up in the attic you could pull that door back up, as kids we absolutely loved using that and playing in the attic. Such great memories.