The More I See The Worse It Gets

[@Tezz007]

If you would want to keep the big beam, you could have it reinforced with epoxy resin and fiberglass rods. It's common practice in old wood constructions in The Netherlands (windmills for instance). It's a wonderful way to preserve the damaged but original bones of the building for posterity.

[@KaySan666]

Personally i would definitely strenghten it. Because i don't know if the "its perfectly straight from here" isn't just an optical illusion. The angled support beam of the larger one is also slightly seperating at the vertical joint so to my untrained eye it kinda looks like it did sag a bit down. Might be a combination of sagging + already crooked beam

[@Tezz007]

@@KaySan666 They're taking the beam out (was said in yesterday's video). I think maybe this method of conservation (plexiglass rods and epoxy resin) is not well known outside of The Netherlands. It is however tried and tested and has saved many a tumble down, half rotten timber frame from pretty much complete replacement. Reinforcing the old beam would not just be a cheap fix to keep it in place for a little while longer. On the contrary, the rods and epoxy would make it stronger than even a new beam and save a lot of money and labour (just thinking about the demolition on the floor above needed to access it). Anyway, their building and their right to make the decisions, but it is a shame to see something replaced that could have been saved and put to good use for many more years.

[@KaySan666]

@@Tezz007 Ah okay. thanks for telling me. Such a shame the beam has so much character. Have they said what they're planning to do with the whole building? Because i'm rather curious what they want to do with it at the end.

[@Swede-m7q]

I’ve never seen a more hard-working extended family in my life. I have so much respect for all of you. (And I’m still in love with the music.) Thank you! ❤ ps. I hope you can save the priest hole!

[@smh1072]

Me too

[@helengesell2668]

I agree!

[@christinanewman5141]

Agree

[@casscara]

You guys are going to have muscles on top of your muscles 💪 when you are finished.

[@tthomas1111]

Yes! Expertly written comment, in my opinion 😂

[@lilliesfaire4428]

I LOVE Yannis' sense of humor. Language may be a barrier to the spoken word but his joyful playful personality shines through. Happy hearts make light work. ❤

[@greatdaynes]

Hear me out. I have a theory that Yannis doesn't get much speaking time on camera is because with his effortless charisma he would take over the channel. (You know we were all thinking it.)

[@marytaylor9185]

@@greatdaynes Yannis is totally "RAD", especially when he's coasting on the radiator!!!!

[@tkrkt]

It would be fun to add a secret door to somewhere in the library! I would add some fun features like that all over the place, but thats just me, just think how fun it was to find that secret little room behind the closet.

[@LottaCoffee]

Love this idea! It's only fair if the original secret room is destroyed, to build another one!

[@kathryndunworth4070]

As a “senior citizen”, I admire your Dad, Rick. He is playing a big part in the demolition for the library. I appreciate his efforts.

[@susanwarren1284]

Mick 😅

[@georgiaobree]

I agree, I was just about to write the same comment. Grandfather Petherick is a legend

[@lucykitty6492]

Thought the same-Billy your dad is awesome.

[@mariahoulihan9483]

He's actually Mick.

[@pamkeller5871]

Yanis is like a tiny French bulldozer!! That guy never slows down!! I love watching the progress on the convent!! Thank you for the great videos. Quality entertainment for everyone!!❤️❤️

[@jesschee5891]

He speaks French, but he’s actually Algerian.

[@pamkeller5871]

@@jesschee5891 wherever he is from, he’s awesome!! He works like a robot!! 👍👍

[@mariahoulihan9483]

he's not originally French.

[@anneking2631]

​@@jesschee5891 how do you know that he's Algerian

[@darlenedowney17]

He is on Sadie’s channel and Mo’s as well. ❤

[@lornawatkins8495]

I’d like to commend your English Electrician. He must have exceptional knowledge to work with this ancient building. Your ability to gather exceptional people around you for the task of saving this lovely place is priceless.

[@drummerlovesbookworm9738]

The Catholic Church calls the knowledge, history, and mysteries going back to the time of Christ, “The Deposit of Faith.” Like a bank that holds vast deposits in safekeeping to keep passing down. Master Craftsmen and Skilled Tradesmen love Le Simon and the Electrician hold a Deposit of Skill and Knowledge, too. I was thinking about that with the pipe organ… What those guys had to figure out and the help they got is not going to be found in a manual or textbook. I always have thought it’s critically important for things to be passed on. I hope Yannis, will absorb some of the deposits.

[@denisekoltys3019]

Must keep “The Secret Room”. It’s one of the best parts of the Convent - even when the convent was a pretty big mess. Gotta figure out a way -- there just has to be way of demolishing around it and keeping it intact.

[@TalkTalk44]

What about the room with the messages on the wall.? What will happen to that special room.

[@jesschee5891]

I hope you’re able to keep the secret room, it is such a important part of the history of the building and really a time capsule of wallpaper ❤ I loved the video of you, your dad and Michael finding it, you were all so excited and thrilled to get in there and share your experience with us and Phil 😂

[@karenniehues4786]

hopefully if they do have to remove the secret room, they take the wallpapers & other itens in it and make them pictures of what was in the secret room.

[@tylert8382]

What episode is the secret room on? i missed it!

[@jesschee5891]

@@tylert8382may 22, 2022.

[@elizabethbesco4758]

Billy, I adore seeing Yannis with your Dad, cannot wait for Simon to return and teach his apprentice new things. Simon and Yannis are amazing as a team.

[@bodhindia]

Billy, your dad, rocks! Sadly, people have preconceptions about what older people are capable of and your dad blows those out of the water. My dad is 88 and still going strong. In many ways we can learn so much from them about commitment, determination, and loyalty to family. Thanks Billy‘s dad!

[@sillygirllisa]

I don't know if anyone in the Petherick family is planning on seed starting this spring but those cardboard grids that you are pulling out of the demolished walls, are exactly what gardeners are now using for seed starting. I love to seeing people recycling items they never thought could be.🌷

[@marciaedgell5958]

Yanis radiator surfing. I laughed so hard. Amazing as always. 😊

[@janetcameron4743]

I think he's a happy sprite! He's also around other happy people, and I think he has nice digs at the chateau...

[@Lydia4Jesus_]

The secret room could be a library nook? The entire library is going to be magnificent use of the space!

[@LorettaMoore1234]

Love your channel and watching the restoration of the convent. But when are we going to see more of Doing It Ourselves? I got so invested in Michael's cottage restoration. I want to see how it looks now.

[@renniejohnson9032]

It has been terrific following your chateau and now the convent restoration journey ! Love the kitchen and the organ. Awaiting the final results of the library.

[@shevauns4938]

Haha the ease which it seemed your dad popped that door off speaks to his expertise

[@jamespotter936]

I believe the secret room is a must save.

[@elizabethmckelvie5418]

Great to see you all back on the job and progressing with the library. Needless to say I watch other chateaux and their progress etc…..but why is it that your work is so much more interesting , exciting and intriguing than the others … maybe because you just get on with the work…no unnecessary voice overs, no idiots guide off camera questions, no OTT drama and no personal information other than as and when appropriate. ……straight shooting…telling it as it is. You are an incredibly talented family…good luck and health to you all…you re a great team

[@juliebrand6875]

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas, I’m looking forward to what the new year will bring

[@reladie]

I LIKED and SHARED…….what’s with the rest of you. Let’s give Billy a big boost❤❤❤❤

[@peterouillard9692]

Former firefighter from the States. We use tools to rip down walls after a fire to make sure there is no fire extension behind walls. The two best tools are a pike poll and a halligan tool. Would make this demo much easier on you. Happy New Years!

[@NancyDore-cq3pe]

My back hurts just watching your sweet dad work.

[@suemount6042]

Micks a power house thats for sure

[@ptwnbratche]

Dumb question but: Are you sure that the beam wasn’t already bent when installed 200 years ago?

[@pamelaamos7237]

Dear ptwn. I thought that too. But I know nothing about building stuff......you....obviously do. You are clever! Pam

[@user-yz7ds7rn9b]

I thought that also.

[@maryyoung5190]

Good thought could be

[@A.Martin]

Probably not when it went in, but they put them in green and it probably bent soon after installation as it dried. Even before they finished building. So the floors were probably levelled as they installed them on top of the bent beam.

[@drummerlovesbookworm9738]

I have Q & A’s. Let’s see if they get answered: Billy: What were your top 3 favorite moments of working on the convent in 2023? Your worst moment? Are you enjoying all the activity in the Subscriber community or do we drive you crazy? Alex: What is the hardest part of all your incredible filming? Your favorite thing about this project? Yanis: How much English do you speak? Are you studying English? What is the most satisfying thing you’ve learned working on the project in 2023? Do you like being adopted by all the Subscribers?? Michael: Do you think you could pretty much put together any pipe organ now? Were you surprised how invested everyone got in the organ project? Will you keep playing it? Happy New Year!!

[@KathleenPhillips-k1q]

Thank goodness you are still all alive!

[@hopegrable]

Billy, if you have to go up another floor to deal with the beam properly, is it possible to do another level of the library? Maybe have a small bar area on the main floor opposite the dining space, and still have library bookshelves along the walls? We, the viewers don't really know how many bookshelves you've got to work with, only that you have quite a lot, and you also have the lovely pieces from the bank to work with. Anyone who comes to stay at the convent will likely make more use of the library on the upper levels than they will on the main floor, so having a small bar area opposite the dining room might be really cool. Having 3 beautiful chandeliers suspended at different heights to light up each level would be a pretty spectacular view while looking up from the main floor as well. Everyone is doing a fantastic job. The library is going to be so beautiful when it's done.

[@sandylee9564]

I really like your attitude Billy concerning the conservation of the architechture..........even being concerned about the Secret Room is such a thoughtful thing....alot of people in your position would just tear it down without a second thought. And granted you may need to but at least you Thought about restoring it if possible....that's the difference between those people who really care about what they are doing and keeping the integrity of the building and those that do not. I do admire that quality.

[@Sophia-uc9qh]

Wish there was less music and the sound of working is really nice 😊

[@jennifer64707]

It would be horrible to lose the secret room it’s part of the convent’s history. The progress is amazing

[@sandramuis7430]

Really looking forward to having a good look at your plans for the library! Can’t wait…..exciting….love the demolition as well. Gives a chance to see what used to be done during the initial construction of the building. Thank you!!! 👍

[@jesschee5891]

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, so happy to see you back at the convent

[@shumitbasu6044]

I’m sure someone has already mentioned this, but shouldn’t a structural engineer and perhaps an architect be involved in this to make sure the building is supported? The beam that looks questionable may be sound, so no demolition would be needed on the top floor. Or it may need replacing. Better to know before too much more work is done. Safety glasses too!

[@ebbezackariasson3736]

I would think it is best to keep the beam and only replace it if it is genuinely dangerous. Even bracing it would be better than completely redoing that part of the building. It would be such a shame to destroy that much history just for marginal aesthetic reasons. It is entirely possible to make the current beam nice enough.

[@A.Martin]

I agree, just make sure the beam is safe or internally reinforce it if not, and keep the bend, it is part of the character of the building.

[@mikaelbrodu5361]

If the beam needs to be removed, and the rooms above it destroyed, maybe consider doing a 3-floors high library?

[@brittawrolson5936]

Please,please don’t destroy the secret room as it is so historically significant. There must be a way to preserve the area and incorporate it into the library. Try your hardest. I know your imagination can come up with something!🥰👏🏻

[@judischarns4509]

Yannis is a treasure isn’t he? I’m glad you give him some humorous scenes. They bring smiles amidst all the hard work you are doing. Keep uncovering that beam before you make any decisions. Then get professional advice if you’re iffy about it at all.

[@laurabronson6173]

So interesting watching the dissection of the rooms. The building materials used were certainly new to me in the US. Your passion for what you’re doing is inspiring. Thanks all.

[@marithasteyn2170]

Removing all the plaster board it feels that the building can breathe again :)

[@debbiebrunssen8773]

Please please keep the beam and don’t get rid of the secret room as that’s a HUGE thing , story of the convent

[@bodhindia]

Please consider the advice of the comment her from the Netherlands on how to save the beam and the room

[@denyamyers9622]

Your editing skills are wonderfully Displayed in all of your Videos. This one struck me as one of you finest. Thank you sir!

[@barbrice721]

Every old building needs a secret room. Its a must. Its almost magical. It opens the imagination.

[@annbarns652]

Love the big radiaters . I would paint them and refit them back onto the walls

[@jamesbaker429]

The main beams are a case there size and length dictate a limited pool of available lumber at the time ,so for strength banana beams were used in buildings it's the strength that matters so you built around them ,wood this size from trees in excess of 200 years old there use for ships and public buildings would have priority on straighter and true lumber.

[@lindak8664]

I’m so excited to see the design for the library. I’m such a sucker for a nostalgic library!

[@carlaaijtink2586]

Love watching all the progress, please don't remove the secret room. that would be a shame!

[@johnsoran3874]

Don't get rid of the secret room. That's part of the history of the building. Watching you guys from the Southern Tier of the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York USA

[@scottburbridge3170]

there's a lot of damage. renovation takes much, much time and effort. you all will persevere. and in the end, the convent will be new and gorgeous.❤ the secret room was something of the past. it might certainly be eliminated all together. that's just part of moving on.

[@herbertvasold8954]

Are you allowed to put taller sides on the truck? it would make for fewer trips! Great work everyone!

[@janetcameron4743]

😂 I live in Oregon, USA, and when demolition is happening, you invariably see at least one tractor-trailer-sized dumpster on the site. Since that's what they're dumping their refuse into at the 'tip' anyway... 🤭 The wattle 'n daub is sure easier to deal with, isn't it?😁

[@janabeckman545]

A semi tractor would not make it through the gate. And there is no place to put a construction dumpster outside on the street. Joys of renovation. ​@janetcameron4743

[@janetcameron4743]

True. I meant dumpster size, not the size of the truck. And I think a large dumpster would easily fit inside the quadrangle. @@janabeckman545

[@ben-andyhein7497]

The Library is a cube shaped room in an outside corner of the convent [windows on two sides] that is two stories high [there is a 3rd floor above it not involved unless the "pesky beam needs to be replaced" and then heigh ho more demo!] which has a 2nd floor gallery [catwalk? balcony?] around the open space in the center to allow for access between the two "wings" of the building and to make the upper bookcases accessible [with ladders]. But there are some as cannot visualize easily so the image will help them.

[@alanjameson8664]

I hope the library will feature those old-fashioned tall ladders on wheels that enable one to move back and forth across tall bookshelves.

[@DAYBROK3]

that beam needs to be looked at by an engineer before you rip out the next floor.

[@alfonsoedgardo5407]

The mind boggles at what a huge project this is, but day by day and room by room we cansee you all putting huge effort, thought and love into the project. It is a great thing to witness.

[@janiceappleby4538]

Highlight of my day, watching Billie tear something apart...

[@DivineSource444]

With the tearing down of the Nun’s room walls, you might see more spirit activity.

[@monicariske]

Cutting the sinks reminds me of the 25 sink drains of Christmas 😂❤

[@annechristiansen941]

Thank you very much for the video. 👍🤗👍🇸🇯

[@stevesgilbert]

Billy, I'm still waiting for your demoliton derby invitation !

[@jayneyaghmour7320]

As work progresses, your vision for this building is proving to be amazing Billy.

[@Kevinca0809]

Maybe it’s just me, but at 25:53 when Billy tells Duncan the power is off it sounds like someone, an older lady perhaps, laughs…

[@JudithChestnut]

That is Alex laughing I think.

[@rebekahvenn201]

I heard that laugh and it definetly sounds like a lady laughing but it's possibly Alex but not sure

[@tpdoolin8445]

Billy, you might be interested in a series that ran here in the US recently called Fixer Upper: The Hotel. Over the past few years they've restored a 1928 building into a hotel so while the style differs from yours, you might like to see their library which also spans two stories. The library reveal was in episode 3 or 4 if you're interested.

[@Scottish-tart]

Losing the secret room would be a disappointment, however safety can't be ignored. Love you guys! Carry on :)

[@allyncollins359]

No, not the secret room!!! Oh dear, hopefully there will be a better solution.

[@maryannsarkady7950]

Great music Alex ! I wish you and your families a happy, healthy New Year !

[@lisagoodwin4627]

Wow @FRONTENTAC, I did not realise that making a comment on this channel, which, btw, I subscribe to and have purchased from in order to help with renovations, was deemed as ...'spamming'...(your words). There truly is no need to be demeaning or aggressive. It is not necessary. This channel is a delight to watch. So, if you don't mind, I'd rather not hear from you again! Enjoy your New Year 🎉

[@heathergibson2108]

If because of the beam the secret room has to be removed. As you say remove it and save it if only for the for the paper alone. It could be rebuilt somewhere else as a (somehow) as an exhibit. where there's a will and all that. Knowing you Billy you will that way .

[@janetcameron4743]

I just watched your interview with the pipe organ rescuers in the London Bridge Station. Does Stephanie know about them? Her chapel reno is zipping right along, despite holiday down time. Does that chapel have an organ? I don't recall seeing one... So much abandoned history around the world, so I was thinking that some gargantuan neglected structures could be used as storage, or display, or.... for these beautiful creations. The organs and the buildings could celebrate each other. And, likely drive any melancholy 'miasms' straight on outta there! But I do like the idea of putting the rehab successes into every kind of space that's environmentally friendly to them. Since Joshua Bell has played his violin in Grand Central Station in New York, solo keyboard artists could find a spot almost anywhere in the world where there'd be the reverberating pipes! People underestimate the power of Sound (esp. Solfeggio tuning), so they can be doused with Good Vibes, all unsuspecting. 😅 💓 I'm so glad you guys did a feature on their organization. 🤗 'Kay. That's out of the way. Now I can watch this episode.

[@samanthabloggins1775]

Alex I love the way you do the videos!! Thankyou!❤❤❤❤❤

[@kateknox-j3c]

You don't have to remove the floor above to replace the beam. Using jacks and jack beams (used briefly in the kitchen) you can lift a new beam from underneath.

[@suzannemckitterick2781]

I did like the music, today, thanks. A bit more classical for my brain and heart...Nice listening...And great Petherick video, as always...You are all the best...views, photography...can almost smell the sawdust and plaster...love it....

[@debbycook222]

Billy I love your work ethics, clean as you go!!!!! Wonderful !,, ❤️❤️❤️ May there be many blessing to you & all a happy New year……❤️❤️💋💋🎊🎊🎊🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊

[@ginaroberts2964]

Such amazing progress in one day! I really do hope you can keep the secret room (pries hole) in tact somehow!

[@isabelmendi3973]

You folks are getting años done each day, I find all this very interesting .

[@nicolinavincelli9369]

Billy, sorry to hear that you were sick, something is going around here too. Than Yannis is an amazing worker, he's a keeper.

[@KristiJolley]

I love watching you all work together

[@marinusvannorde]

Lovely filming and editing again. And the music always brings a smile to my face. I have so much admiration for all of you. Hope to see what is in your head soon Billy😊

[@sherrylelee8274]

We might be scared to see what’s in Billy’s head LOL 😆

[@ChaplineHouse]

Looking forward to seeing the library design

[@tkrkt]

I wonder if maybe the beam was bent before it was installed.

[@joanne.robert5576]

I think it would be a shame if you had to demolish the secret room 😢 it is part of the Convents history and such a cool find 😀. If the inevitable happens then please try to conserve it and rebuild it exactly as it was if possible 🤔👍🏼

[@gerryhartung736]

If you take two doors, there should be a point where you can cut one door a d sacrifice the se o d door for a filler piece gluing together with dowels.

[@deborahmapps1430]

Well done another great day, you could dismantle the secret room and do like a museum area somewhere in the convent for all the stuff so people can visit that would be cool. ❤

[@bearlady100]

🐻 Your music selection is the best 🤗

[@jeanbobolts3877]

You should have picked up a Honey Badger demo fork.. All that debris going into the garden, you could wait till you open the floor then push it into the hole to the downstairs and then wheel barrow it out from there..

[@AliWade1971]

Everything crossed that the Secret Room can stay ❤

[@michaelsmithers4900]

If you can keep some of those larger timbers it might add nice character to the library.

[@DanzoSeven]

God I love this channel. Thank you all for what you do 🙏❤

[@elizabethblanch5871]

Love seeing your Dad helping he has been doing great. We can tell he is good shape. Yanni’s is a wonderful hard working guy. Billy it going to be amazing library.

[@barbarasmith2693]

8:47 Hurray for Yannis, Professional Radiator Surfer!😂 Check out Mick at the 6:23 mark. No faffing about for Mick. Pries the door off the hinges with his handy shovel and then off he pops! He knows his son is on the job and wastes no time looking back to see him take the door away. You're on your own, Billy. Not even the slightest backwards glance! 🤣 Also, I don't think anyone truly appreciates how hard it must be for Billy, who _very_ much prefers a tidy jobsite, to be surrounded by piles and piles of ancient mud, straw, and dust. And yet, he cracks on. Well, done, Billy and crew. You're doing a brilliant job

[@Grandma_NC]

It would be a shame to have to remove the secret room. Things are moving right along though. Good job.

[@divaden47]

Good old Billy. Squirrelling away the brackets and anything else that may be useful.....if he can remember where they are, bless him! Just as well he lives in a large chateau!! Work progressing well.

[@PeterLee-zn3jl]

Old bldgs were HEAVY... sometimes overloaded , even at build ... And got worse as ageing , and watsr damage intruded -- for wooden beams in fact, their worst enemy wasnt fire but ROT..! Sometimes beams and wood dried out and became much stronger , but curves and shrinkage could affect fitting... Oh well

[@lisabundy2303]

Gotta know who is picking out this music for videos. Killer!

[@juliedavis3575]

Thank you guys!

[@dorisbradshaw3823]

An idea for the sinks could be for herbs or suculents in the convent garden , or at the chatau .the possibilities are endless 🤩

[@larslotus]

Hi everyone. Why aren't you rea connect the elevater just for material transport that would make it easier to despatch all the waste material for the garden and bring new build materials upstairs.

[@alanjameson8664]

Perhaps that big beam can be reinforced by bolting together two heavy steel plates on opposite sides.

[@thetimtonight]

I love slow motion footage as much as the next person but........... Great work on the library!!!

[@cata687]

I watch a lot of construction videos My favorite part is demolition hearing in everything crashing down makes a great video.

[@williamsaxon4016]

Slow motion is a great tool…on occasion. Sometimes half the video is in sm. Defeats the purpose and really gets quite annoying … despite the otherwise good content.

[@tara0redwine]

In the US we have these Habitat for Humanity "stores" where people donate home building stuff where they've renovated places and other can buy extremely cheap old sinks, faucets, handles, doors, cabinets, etc. Do you have places like that in France?

[@anitaokey3073]

Hope u all had a fab Christmas x

[@nicolemanukeu2598]

Do you have an architect or structural engineer helping with the rebuild plans?