you won't believe what we found behind this wall 👀

Day 2 and the walls are already revealing their secrets!
DAY TWO in our new-to-us, 120 year old Victorian mansion in Nova Scotia. We found ourselves a free couch that fits very well in our Victorian era duplex. We (start) to install our secondhand water heater, we meet with a Home Energy Assessment, buy a secondhand fridge, and deal with the fact that we're still missing power in half the house.
An absolutely insane number of things happened to us one day one - there was water in basement, there was water pouring from the ceiling, we didn't have power in half of the house, or hot water in any of the house... it was a rough start! So we had to get our hands on a (used) water heater, start emptying out the basement, and start tackling the laundry list of things to do on the thoughtful renovation (restoration?! rehabilitation?) of this house....!
Paying for "Sight Unseen"
What happens in this episode:
⏳ A busy day ahead uncovering secrets in a 120-year-old house in Nova Scotia.
🏠 Furniture "shopping" and basement renovations in progress
🏠 Thoughtful check-in from water heater seller, preparing for home energy assessment, clearing attic for access.
🔍 Exploring defenestration options leads to unexpected discoveries.
🏠 A quick sneak peak at the attic to prepare for the home energy assessment.
🔥 Exploring options to make my old coal fireplaces functional
⚡ Challenges restoring power to one half
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OHER VIDEOS MENTIONED:
♻️The Day a WHOLE City Moves (& the TREASURES it leaves behind): • The Day a WHOLE City M...
🏠 Victorian Duplex PLAYLIST: • 🏠 House Renovation 🛠
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[@larryk731]

I'd make the attic an opium den - very victorian and potentially profitable. lol

[@ShannonMakes]

Very true, very true! 🤣

[@joancook8454]

Great channel . love your PUP 🐶🩷!

[@Noel.Chmielowiec]

​@@ShannonMakes You can also make it double purpose, opium den/art and craft room, maybe some good art could be made there 😂 And it would make double profit!

[@mandylavida]

You are right - on opium you won't care about the power....

[@ShannonMakes]

@Noel.Chmielowiec you're not wrong 😝

[@mvrooks]

shannon wins the award for scroungiest scrounger around! free couch, free water heater platform, free gravel! ‘tis an inspiration for all of us!

[@ShannonMakes]

Scroungiest Scrounger should go on merch at some point 🤣🤣

[@julien2912]

Its CALLED re use and repurpose the resources you already have. Of course Shannon is going to do that to save as much money as she can. She already owned the square cement slab and gravel. Why wouldn't she use something she already owned ?1

[@damogranheart5521]

1963 "The Great Escape." James Garner's character was named Hendley "The Scrounger." From personal experience, I 'd put something between the concrete block and the water heater. The block will wick moisture up from the floor and humidity from the air, and the bottom of the tank will rust. I was pounding my forehead on the wall over that one. Terse things were said. If you can set up a small cooking area (fire pit, maybe), I recommend using a Dutch oven for slow cooking a meal and keeping the heat and mess out of the house. I also have one of those long handled pie Irons for making toasted cheese sandwiches or French toast. My read of choice right now is "Dutch Oven & Cast Iron Cooking!" 125+ Tasty Recipes for Indoor & Outdoor Cooking by Anne Schaeffer. A Tornado went through my parent's backyard. Ripped out the electric. I made a grill/fireplace out of bricks and cooked over that. Ah...Minnesota!

[@katecapek3116]

Please give the Phil general appreciation for his brute strength and masculinity...

[@ShannonMakes]

Will do!

[@rosacanisalba]

​@@ShannonMakesStronk like boooooolllll!

[@jademorgan999]

He saved the day with a razor on the window!!

[@georgiaocianain1683]

And Shannon - carrying the other end of all those heavy things - impressive!

[@lifeofjoy9404]

Tiny Shannon hauling the other end of that water tank - and only God knows how many other heavy things - Strong like a Grrrrryl! 👍💪

[@kristiswa]

Who knew that your muscles gained from your vocation would come in very handy in remodeling a Victorian duplex? Not everyone could haul around/up and down stairs, appliances, etc. For the first time, I'm watching all the KZbin ads (no "skip" click for me!) to help support you two. Bless your hearts!

[@ShannonMakes]

That's incredibly kind of you, and you must have the patience of a saint!! Much appreciated, glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@angelanice]

I'm getting a lot of flashbacks to the beginning of Laura Kampf's 120 year old house reno, especially with the checklist written on cardboard 🤣 here's hoping you have an easier time than she did 😳

[@jenninstitches]

I know the title says Secret Window....but my brain saw this and instantly started singing "secret tunnel, secret tunnel, through the mountain, secret, secret, secret tunnel!" very loudly....BUT....but, It then changed to Secret Window, Secret Window, Found by Shannon, in her house yeah, secret, secret, secret window".

[@ShannonMakes]

I love that!! 🪟🤫

[@adedow1333]

Honestly same!

[@coreygilles847]

Yes! Me too! ❤

[@BlissfulDee]

Is that actually a song?

[@brookegipson1560]

​@@BlissfulDee it's from an episode of the original avatar the last airbender show

[@maggierobertson2962]

We have a fireplace. The inspectors recommendation was "put a plant in it." There are so many thing that need to be right in order for it to function safely and well as a wood fireplace.

[@jackieknits61]

I grew up in a house with a functional fireplace. I love a contained fire, but my advice is the same almost. Add a plant and put a fire pit outside. Really.

[@kathrynblack9152]

Love the pocket window (never seen that before). Hurrah for the lady engineer! Makes me happy to see another woman in a grubby technical field.

[@ShannonMakes]

Women in STEM 🥳🥳

[@Julia-zj2ch]

When the attic can be insulated, I would make it into a craft room, for sure. For me that would mean spinning and weaving, but for you - fabric and sewing! We had a free standing wood burning stove (Vermont Castings brand) that stood in front of the old fireplace. A flue liner does need to be installed, but the wood stove is much more efficient than an open fire place. And you get all the benefit of a wood burning fire. Love your videos, your house, your humor and your cute puppy. (Boy Math! Now that made me laugh out loud)

[@ShannonMakes]

glad you enjoyed the boy math 🥰🤣

[@3rdoldhen]

Gas fireplaces suffer the stiffest codes (at least in WI.) perfect flue, always open to outside air & sealed to inside…bah humbug, in these times an insert wood stove & a flue liner are the most reasonable & comfortable to use if firewood is available (I, personally, hate the smell of coal as we can only access soft coal here)…

[@XaBraga]

The couch is stunning. What a perfect piece for the house!

[@ShannonMakes]

Right?!

[@kathyklocko]

Omg. I grew up in an 1880s house in Maine and you getting the window open brought back all the memories. I'm the only person I know that learned at 10 years old how to dismantle a window to replace the lifter rope!

[@maureenfitzgerald1895]

Our childhood home was built in 1883. We didn’t use a hammer to open stuck windows! Just a cutting tool to separate the paint onto two sides. And patient leverage

[@rosacanisalba]

So currently i watch you, Jenna Phipps and Ariel Bisset. All the Canadians who are not construction tubers renovating houses because Canada is pricy!

[@lovingmayberry307]

Add Elysia English to your line-up! She and her family bought an abandoned 120 year old home in Nova Scotia and are refurbishing it themselves. Great YT channel! 🫶

[@tanyazinck4935]

Oh, those beautiful floors. So worth the effort to wash them multiple times. And the pocket windows...to die for. What a treasure!!! I look forward to your next video.

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you Tanya!!

[@creepycutiecrafty]

There’s so much to love in that house - the roomy rooms, the flooring, the decorative elements, the fireplaces! It’s hard not to be jealous even in spite of the mammoth task it presents. Every small step is still a step in the right direction though, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to build the house around you. Loving this series - it’s wonderful to see how the house is developing.

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you! 🥰🥰

[@lindenbug]

Re: what to do with the fireplace, this isn’t an option that provides much warmth but my mom’s neighbors’ old fireplace has a big candle holder in it that’s shaped like a tree branch. Still very pretty and cozy!

[@miriamgladen9615]

Menora?

[@kathrynredmond5294]

​@miriamgladen9615 Menorahs are specifically Jewish used for Hanukkah and most likely would not just sit in someone's fireplace. If you're looking for a word for the described it's probably a candelabra. Having never seen the item in question, I'm assuming that it looks like a big old tree limb/branch lying on it's side but has platforms or holes drilled in to hold candles.

[@lindenbug]

I tried to link an example but I think youtube deleted it because they thought it was spam. But yeah they aren’t Jewish so it’s definitely not a menorah. It looks like a literal tree branch

[@ShannonMakes]

@linden4372 KZbin doesn't like URLs so yea, it probably got filtered, but the tree branch candelabra is a great short term solution!!

[@lynnecurran1787]

How about using wood pellets?

[@bethknapp4935]

We converted our fireplaces for pellet stoves. We had a coal stove in our kitchen, but it got so hot we were concerned about our pets being injured, so we went with a pellet stove. Our house is about 150 years old with 3 fireplaces, 2 of which are pellet stoves that my husband found second hand on Facebook Marketplace. We converted the coal stove in the kitchen to a pellet stove as well. They are much cleaner than regular fireplaces and throw off more heat, plus you can see the fire as it burns. You can buy your pellets in bulk so you have enough on hand.

[@ShannonMakes]

It's good to know that you can actually SEE the fire as it burns, since that's part of the appeal for me, but I definitely want the fireplace for the wood-burning ✨experience✨, not for the actual heat. I love the process - the lighting, the feeding, the stoking, the sound it makes, the smell it gives off... I'm not sure if pellets would satisfy all those itches!

[@fireflyidaho1]

And keep in mind that pellet stoves need electricity, so if the power goes out during winter storms you may want to keep that in mind.

[@ShannonMakes]

yea, solid point. I mainly want it for ✨aesthetic✨ and the fire-burning experience, but with power outages not uncommon around here, its definitely something to keep in mind!

[@snugglepuppydesign]

Those floors are GORGOUS! That Corgi is ADORABLE, so is Phil

[@Prairiesentry]

A couple years back we converted our fireplace which was basically a hole in the wall below the chimney (and just all our heating out with it. We got a wood burning firplace insert that slipped into the hole and turned it into a wood stove that also burns wood way more efficiently. they put a sleeve down the chimney and attach it to the new box. surprisingly not that expensive. I think it was 3k (back in 2010) now I keep my heat inside!!. bonus it has a fan to push the hot air into the house!!

[@oakdream]

You can get gas by having a propane tank put in next to the house and having it refilled as needed. My mom got that to have a gas fireplace for her cabin that doesn't have a nearby gas line. That's in the US but I would imagine there are similar options in Canada. Also loving the videos of you bringing your old house back to life. :)

[@rosacanisalba]

You mentioned the pool table is concrete. Traditionally pool/snooker/billiards tables have a slab of slate to create a perfectly level surface. So it might not be concrete

[@ShannonMakes]

Well self-leveling concrete would achieve the same effect, plus it's so large that there seems to be physically no other way that they could have gotten it up into the attic - the access doors are FAR too small to get it up there. I can't 100% guarantee that it was poured in place because I haven't examined it as much as Phil has, but we're 95% sure it was poured there as an informal pool table solution

[@brendaokuda2158]

I would love to see you leave the fireplaces as decorative until you can afford to actually fix the chimneys. I'm assuming you can still buy coal, or a coal substitute these days & seeing them brought back to their original beauty would be awesome. Definitely have to insulate the attic & turn it into a Victorian opium den. That alone will pay for most of your renovations. 🤣🤣🤣

[@ShannonMakes]

Oh, they're definitely remaining aesthetically as-is... I don't think I'm going to modify them if I can't keep the aesthetics almost 100% intact, because I love the way they look!

[@carolyng5235]

I have coal fireplaces, and crumbly chimneys that were capped off at the top by the previous owner. I put a bunch of candles in there, which is better than nothing 🤷‍♀️

[@ShannonMakes]

✨ambiance✨!!!

[@gigi3242]

You're only at the very beginning, but the house is already starting to breathe; amazing. So happy for you, Phil and Cannelle. Thanks for sharing this journey.

[@ShannonMakes]

You’re welcome!!

[@ConnieAcree]

Shannon, For your attic, I would clean it, insulate it and turn it into a sewing room. You do wonderful work with your sewing projects. You could also have a corner for a reading nook. Be sure to add a special bed for your cute little dog. Good luck and God bless. Hugs

[@user-zb7uh2ob1r]

Somewhere I got the impression Corgis can't swim. Wrong, obviously!

[@ShannonMakes]

Very wrong! She swims entire lakes sometimes!

[@maureenmcgrath8169]

I’ve been told that my schnauzer can’t swim. I guess I should try it out safely.

[@daxxydog5777]

It's bulldogs that can't swim. All mine would sink like a rock! No tail, not a lot of fur, so there's some reason they can't swim well at all.

[@deb.m.7458]

I thought Scottish Terriers couldn’t swim! Can’t test it out. We’re land locked.

[@noaccount2494]

@@deb.m.7458Scottish Terriers absolutely can swim. Mine back in the day loved swimming

[@cynthiahowe8697]

I've been looking into ethenol for our fireplace. It burns clean, can look like a wood fire and gives off heat. The inserts come in a variety of sizes and you don't need a working chimney to have one. It has what looks like logs(there are other styles)and a container for the ethanol inside you light it close it and the "logs" appear to be burning. I've seen them used on a table top. Our fireplace should be a working one but the a member of the family is so afraid of fire that she says the chimney is not safe and we would like a fire from time to time, this is a good option for us. There is only a water vapor that doesn't require a chimney.

[@mjap-l4447]

Some ethanol fuels are made from gel that crackles when burning too!

[@98Zai]

Nothing burns cleanly, even if it looks that way. You need good ventilation even for alcohol fires. I would not recommend it.

[@ajalicea1091]

In Germany they call it JUNK DAY. Usually twice a year. It is amazing what you can find in GREAT condition.

[@marthamatteson5280]

This old house reno is just making my heart dance! I’ve done some ‘fix up’ to every house I’ve lived in, even rentals, but nothing like you’re doing. And when you say you have no money, I know what that means. Literally a moth flying out when you open your coin purse. You are so smart and brave and resourceful. And you and Phil make a good team! I’m so happy for you both. Some day you will live in a magnificent house that will be the envy of the neighborhood!

[@zoetasia6795]

I’ve seen candles lit in fire places. It appeals to my real flames desire and with sufficient amounts in varying heights, very satisfying.

[@snarkyflower4435]

As someone who renovated a house with a full(ish) unfinished attic: lessons I would have like to have known -Put the walls at 4 ft or more (where you can have your shoulder on the wall or stand next to it without hitting your head. Maybe not Phil's shoulders, but tall enough you don't hit your head) for most of it. The optical illusion of space is not worth the aggravation of unusable floor - plus you can save money on flooring! -Built in bookshelves along the short walls = so practical! so easy! so much storage! You can take freebie dressers and recess them into the wall. Ditto for closet rods (sewing costume storage) -Think about a textured wall finish or faux paneling on the ceiling. Drywall will show every uneven surface of those roof joists, especially for DIY drywall install. -Airflow. Insulating and tightening for climate control has the downside of trapping rising heat in the summer and difficult to heat in the winter (mine was an office and later a bedroom - summers were brutal). - Side note: this would be a perfect place to put a small wood burning stove and either use just a part of the old chimneys or cut directly through the roof while you have access to it. Poor lighting = cozy reading nook with a lamp and a fireplace. -Spend the money on soundproofing floor insulation: it's worth every penny, especially if the attic is "yours" while you rent out the other half

[@ShannonMakes]

I appreciate the straight-forward, non-condescending tone of your comment, and I find a lot of your insights very useful and in-line with what we might want to do with our own attic if it ever gets finished off, so thank you! Someone else in the comments said they turned their attic into a gym, and used the low spots for exercises that had to be done while lying down, which I thought was clever, but in general, I agree with you that the frustration is not worth the illusion of floor space!!

[@sharonversweyveld740]

We had a similar situation with coal dust imbedded in an old wood floor.. But then found that the Hoover Floormate was the perfect tool since it sucked the dirty water off of the floor. In fact it worked so well that we did not have to refinish the floors, only polish them.

[@CharredFibers]

Where are the moving straps? Found straps. Now to get them open Straps open....carries water heater down stairs by hand. 😂😂😂😂

[@ShannonMakes]

Yea, turns out the straps make moving a smooth, slick round object more difficult and more dangerous 🤣

[@DAYBROK3]

corgis are such brave little souls.

[@decoratingyourself5462]

You should price out wood vs oil vs propane vs electric. We have put in 4 wood stoves in our two New England (one Maine near to you) houses. We got good at doing this ourselves…..don’t worry about the state of your chimney. You will be lining your chimney with a metal tube. Which you drop down (if it’s a straight shot yourselves). Work with the inspection person if you need it to be inspected…before you purchase anything. Then you can get a small wood stove to start …one that you both can lift, move and pop in. Wood stoves are sold by btu output. Square foot heating. You can start with a relatively cheaper one…look at Jotul F602 V2….the Scandinavian ones are good…so are Lopi’s Canadian made and the Avalon US made. Propane stoves are for decor..they don’t heat at all. We popped the Jotul f602 in the back of our car. It would really match your antique home. Secondly you can get a large propane tank and get it filled once a year. Or an oil tank (oil is not good….I had oil heating and hated it). $400 per cord matches the cost of electric use right now…but we have found free hard wood everywhere…and heated this winter for with 1 cord purchased and the other 2 cords we got free and let dry for a couple of years. No other energy sources you can pick up for free. Also think Victorian long heavy lined velvet drapes…you make. I have had the installed window quilts and hated them…expensive and not pretty. You are very good at thinking about and comparing possibilities.

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

So beautiful despite the condition of the house. I'd use the attic as a space to escape from my family. It's me time if I'm in the attic lol.

[@ShannonMakes]

Love that! (or not, if your family is toxic, but you know what I mean)

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

@@ShannonMakes they aren't toxic exactly but I'm the primary caregiver for my aged mum and a cat with terminal cancer (plus 3 crazy kittens, one with special needs) so I'm on-call all day except for a few short hours which I use for sleep or for screaming into the void. 😂😁☺🙂😐🙁☹😢😭🤣

[@ShannonMakes]

oh my, that sounds like a lot on your plate... I understand the desire to escape from your family for a moment now and again. Wishing your family lots of love and healthy times ahead.

[@veldaallcorn5177]

I love your house! I nearly lost my mind when I saw all of the great antiques in the attic.

[@farangarris2598]

An insert wood fireplace is the cheepest and best way to preserve the existing fireplace.😊

[@secretfox8940]

The attic could potentially be another rental space. You could add an entry from the outside.

[@annpolese3160]

Have the chimney checked for stability and proper ventilation. At 120 years old the chimney may need a total upgrade to make it safe.

[@ShannonMakes]

Oh definitely!

[@lauralane4808]

I had the same painted shut windows. It took me a year to figure out that the top glass is just sitting in top of the screen. Push it up a bit with one hand , pull the bottom inward with the other and slide it down and out the frame. the screen slides up out of the way.

[@cherylhuot4436]

Such an adventure!! So much work! Looks like you are making progress on lots of important things. Love, love, love the Corgi Cam! Looks like she is living her best life right along with you.

[@ShannonMakes]

She absolutely is!!

[@celticgoddess81]

The house is really progressing. I can't believe all the stuff you have in the attic! So many cool finds! And those floors are lovely. Its a shame you couldn't get replacement radiators for the ones that exploded.... radiator heat works so much better than most of todays heating options. :(

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you!! I’m half dreading the comments that it’s not moving fast enough from ppl who have watched far too much HGTV and don’t realize how slow actual, real life renos go 😫🤣

[@celticgoddess81]

@@ShannonMakes There is always going to be someone who complains... don't let them get to you.

[@user-zw3rb5yk2z]

Being a trapeze artist comes in handy for moving water tanks I see - strong core and back down those basement stairs! :)

[@readingwithintent]

I love love this vlog series if you were on Netflix I’d binge watch. The house looks amazing and I love the thrifting/free and vintage finds. You both have great personalities and dogbert is a joy

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you so much!! (got a good laugh out of 'dogbert' 🤣)

[@dianakranning9843]

I just love how thrifty you are, one person's junk is another one's treasure. I also just love your home, what a diamond in the rough. I am enjoy seeing all the old stuff you are finding. Those wooden floors look gorgeous. Thanks for sharing this journey with us. And of course, love seeing all the things you have been able to haul in your car.

[@ShannonMakes]

You're welcome!

[@Janmification]

How interesting to have stained/coloured glass in the attic windows. Makes one think the attic originally had some use? Coloured glass would obviously be more expensive. Especially red glass/ruby glass.

[@sharonschauer3257]

Your stained glass windows are gorgeous! I hope you are keeping them.

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you 🥰

[@jodic7760]

Make a primary suite out of the attic. It would be pretty. I would repurpose as much of the antiques as I could and sell the rest to use for renovations.

[@louiseedgecumbe318]

If reference to your lack of hot water. I live in a 14ft caravan in the middle of a paddock in rural New Zealand completely off grid. I have lived here for 5 years and it was only 3 years ago that I had any kind of running water let alone hot. We brought our drinking water in in 20L containers from the local town and used irrigation water which is not drinkable for washing dishes and showering. To shower meant heating a 5-10L pot on the gas stove to temperature and either using a cup to shower with or later I used a garden pump sprayer with and attachment on the end that gave me a reasonable spray. I could have a really good shower using 3L of water and this now what I use when I go away camping with my pony on treks.

[@ShannonMakes]

I admire your tenacity, but I strive for a few more creature comforts in my own home 🥰

[@BSWVI]

I love that you're in NS - the Maritimes have a special feeling, don't they? My maternal grandparents are from NS & PEI, and my sister and I went to uni in NB and NS. And of course we grew up in Montreal, so your Homey videos strike a chord, along with enjoying the crafting and the performing! This house is a dream, you've got more patience than I though!!

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you! 🥰🥰 Depending on the task, I can have loads of patience, or NONE 🤣

[@michelleblount1336]

I am loving this so much can't wait for the next installment ❤

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you!! 🥰🥰

[@frankiedankymemes]

Giiiiiirl! Those floors are gorgeous. My mouth dropped once they were mopped! 😍

[@goatielocks404]

Those two bookshelves either side of fireplace. That room would make a good dining area because of the pass through. Those two bookshelves could probably made into dish cabinets

[@katjathefranknfurter2374]

Those pocket windows are a real treat. So beautiful and unexpected!

[@ShannonMakes]

Right‽?!

[@toniasalways]

Love your new couch! The stuff in that attic!! I want it all!

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you 😊 Me too!

[@apace903]

Attic - insulation a must, craft room, extra guest room( you never know), winter summer clothes storage, your professional wardrobe and equipment. Oh, theater, and lounge space. Wish you success😊

[@ShannonMakes]

Yes, definitely a must of the insulation!! Thank you 🥰

[@julierosie62]

It’s so funny, you and two other people I follow are doing house renovation videos, despite being mainly sewing/crafting channels. You wait for the algorithm start suggestion renovation channels 😂 Still, I’m really enjoying them, especially as you’re all so different! Fun fun fun ❤

[@moonbasket]

Yay fridge! Also those sideways sliding windows are so cool! They are beautiful and they open! Amazing. I completely understand why you bought this lovely house.

[@gadgetgirl02]

A friend of mine has a house about the same age which was also a fixer-upper. The coolest thing they found in their house was a boarded up hidden staircase from the kitchen to the upstairs hallway. It seems to have been a servant's stairs, which was a surprise because it's not a big or fancy house! So, having a maid in Edwardian times, sure, but them having their own staircase was a shock. My friends' house has a similar attic -- they use it for a gym. The gym equipment is just low enough to fit under the highest point in the attic (free weights and yoga mats are under the eaves, where you are sitting/lying down to use them anyhow).

[@ShannonMakes]

That's pretty cool... dunno that we'll find a hidden staircase, as every square foot *seems* to be accounted for, but that'd be so cool!

[@ThistlenStitches]

I always watch your videos on my TV while I sew but just jumping in to comment how exciting it is to watch your process and the small joys of a couch and hot water and potential power on Monday.

[@ShannonMakes]

Your comment came in right after a super nasty one, so thank you for balancing out the universe and brightening up my comments section 🫶🫶🫶

[@sharbean]

The sound f the rotary phone dial at the end was a sentimental surprise!

[@ShannonMakes]

awww! 🥰🥰

[@lizcademy4809]

If it's not too late, look into getting a propane tank for a gas cookstove. The up front cost isn't too high, and you'll use very little propane for just cooking. I had one in my old house, the smallest household tank available, and filled it less than once a year.

[@ShannonMakes]

Cool, thanks

[@kimvanek2322]

You two seem to be the perfect people for this house and it's treacherous adventure with your unwavering positivity and energy! I will follow along and wish you all good things!!! Sending hugs and best wishes from Ohio!!! Love the pup!!!!❤🎉😊

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you so much!

[@Zoot_of_Anthrax]

If you are unfamiliar with him, kaleb has youtube channel second empire strikes back and has been doing near restoration of a st louis house that was slated for demo. Hes incredibly talented but learning as he goes. Might be helpful to see someone who is 2ish years into a similar journey and give you some ideas. He just (finally) completed installing a needle shower giving him first chance to bathe in his house. His main level toilet/sink is gorgeous. ❤

[@zoetasia6795]

Regarding attic space. There’s a multigenerational home here also with a huge attic. The kids used to roller skate in it! So cool!

[@ShannonMakes]

That’s so neat!!

[@Larissa1740pringiers]

Have you considered a bioethanol burning setup for the fireplaces? I have what's called a desert pot and it works well for me. Basically it is a large stone urn with an opening at the front and a vent hole at the top. Inside is a metal bowl that gets filled up with bio ethanol specifically formulated for heating. The biofuel is then lit. They do a pretty decent job of heating a small room and don't emit any fumes except water vapour

[@ShannonMakes]

Very practical, for sure, but I definitely want the fireplace for the wood-burning ✨experience✨, not for the actual heat. I love the process - the lighting, the feeding, the stoking, the sound it makes, the smell it gives off...

[@elizabeththequeen943]

You don't have to extend the firebox for a wood stove, you have to extend the hearth. The stove itself can protrude into the room with an appropriate sized hearth. The stove would need a pipe extending from the back instead of the top, with an L joint to go up the chimney.

[@rhondasweeney7271]

One step forward one step back but that's o k you two are doing an awesome job. Thank you for sharing your journey.😊

[@ShannonMakes]

Wait, what was the step back?! 😳

[@rhondasweeney7271]

@@ShannonMakes Nothing major. It had to do with the hot water heater. You need to learn to sweat a pipe.That way you could have already had Hot water. Definitely not hard at all. I've done it myself and I'm almost 70.

[@ShannonMakes]

I mean, we do know how to solder, did the entire heating system ourselves 🤣 Still gonna go with a professional install on the water heater for insurance reasons if nothing else

[@rhondasweeney7271]

@ShannonMakes Understandable. Installed my hotwater heater myself. I also soldered ( sweated )water pipes that burst. All in all, I think you 2 are doing a wonderful job. I can hardly wait until the next video!

[@jpierce3498]

Its cute that she is entertaining the thought of getting a super heavy pool table up those crazy narrow stairs. She must have some REALLY good friends 😂

[@ShannonMakes]

It is cute that you don’t think I’m strong enough or intelligent enough to think of even one way to get a pool table out of an attic

[@jennifercadarette4898]

I have to tell you that you are living a literal dream of mine and I am on the edge of my seat. Every single accomplishment and find is just so epic that I can hardly stand it! I can't wait to see the next videos! ❤

[@ShannonMakes]

That is awesome! Thank you!!

[@ruththinkingoutside.707]

I don’t know if you have figured this out by now, but a good headlamp is literally priceless.. Especially when you’re cleaning or painting.. I’ve been using mine for years and when painting professionally, it’s an absolute lifesaver.. you can see how the paint is adhering totally differently.. nevermind seeing things that typically don’t show up until it’s dried and you have to do more 🙄 As a rather perfectionist person when it comes to my work, the headlamp is mandatory equipment.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

Oh wow! It would be hard for me to throw anything away in the attic. It’s full of such great stuff. I love days like you had. Problems solved and marked off the list. The sofa is great! And a great color too. Just a suggestion…. Take some of that old wood and make a simple frame around your gravel platform. It will keep it from shifting over time. Loved the puppy time in the park❤️🤗🐝

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you, but it’s only temporary for a month or two until we install the actual heating system 😊😊

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@ShannonMakes ahhhh, I see! Great to see your video today❤️🤗🐝

[@farangarris2598]

The attic looks like it could be a beautiful spot for a special retreat.😊❤

[@ShannonMakes]

I think so too!

[@boggie2of5]

Commenting for engagement! I'll be back to watch later! Sorry excited to see what you guys accomplish!

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you! Hope you enjoy it when you come back!

[@miriamgladen9615]

Of course your day three is in summer and until now you would have solved the heating issue. But I would have asked the energy assessment inspector for ideas since the change from coal to woodstove should be environmentally friendly? Less CO2? Perhaps she might have had an idea and some money? So curious for your next video. Love from Germany

[@barbraw-backtoeden7419]

I cannot believe you got that gorgeous couch free!! Wow 🤩

[@M4pockets18Annie]

Definitely a craft room🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@ShannonMakes]

🎨🖌️🖼️🧵🧶

[@janbentley444]

Oh the question of fireplace. Our home came with a wood burning fireplace abd we pout a high efficient wood burning stove in fireplace. Had the chimney assesses and had insert liner put on. We actually have two wood burning stoves in our home and they are very efficient. The bonus is, when we had a power outage (including no cell service for 2 months) for seven days in fall (landslides), we were warm and could heat on the wood stove. All the new constructed homes in our area, had no heat or power for long time. Be mindful that if you can, in the future, maybe try to have one wood fireplace insert, just in case as NS is known for power outages. Just a thought. 🤭🇨🇦🤗

[@db-xi3fi]

Hello, great work. Here in the usa you can purchase replacement cast iron radiators for the home. Two option, new ones or salvage vintage ones. Cost wise the original cast iron radiator system is the best quality & efficient heat even in comparison to modern systems. And those base board systems means the majority of walls in every room are going to have those ugly heaters running across them. Makes the rooms smaller and you cant place any furniture against the walls. Good luck!

[@tshaw1886]

Thank you! I’m planning to build a farmhouse and cast iron radiators would be perfect! It’s great to know that they work so much better

[@Ella-iv1fk]

I hope you got lots of good eco stuff/money from the government! In the UK there are loads of schemes and grants etc for that sort of thing but so far my 300 year old stone walled house isn't eligible for any of them it's so frustrating, we also don't have mains gas so I feel your pain on that one. I don't know about coal specific fireplaces but if the chimney is sound you might be able to get a flue liner and use a small wood burning stove without too much fuss? Insulate the attic and make it into an opium den inspired games room :)

[@molnotmole3428]

Loving all the bits & bobbles, and This old House vibes. And corgi content of course

[@ShannonMakes]

Thank you!

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

I use old fashioned tape dispensers as pattern weights in my sewing space. I already was using cello/magic tape, washi tape, Magic tape for basting zippers etc., heatproof tape. We have a major university with salvage store here, and I find gorgeous retro items there.

[@ShannonMakes]

That’s so fun!

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

@@ShannonMakes i meant *wonder* tape for zippers and other items that really need to be flat when sewn. Sometimes pins or clips or even hand basting don’t work dependably. It’s great for matching patterns; the layers don’t creep under the presser foot.

[@ielektra]

For the fireplace and gas stove, you might look into a buried propane/natural gas tank. We had one when I was young. A large one can last you a while.

[@JustSaralius]

I think a log burner is probably the easiest option? Purely from what I've seen other people do, but it seems like a fairly simple install/conversion. I don't think it would matter too much if it stood sort of half poking out of the fireplace either, so no need to make it deeper. That way you can put stuff on top of it too, like teapots or those fans that help spread the heat. Also, I would think it's more environmentally friendly than gas, but I don't know. Surely it's more sustainable than fossil fuels.

[@reasonablerandys]

If you take a bar of soap to your window tracks (rubbing them with it) they’ll glide a bit better

[@ShannonMakes]

I'll go around and wax them properly when I have time... years from now 🤣😭

[@fionafiona1146]

There is graphine available too ​@@ShannonMakes Journeyman trades people in Germany do a gap year thing (3 years) of travel and a carpenter would be worth room and bord for some weeks, if you ever get the opportunity. If you manage to find one they might need dry/home moisture wood, glas planes, carpentry tools and a workspace. Having someone to rebuild your windows or repair woodwork/panelling/moulding would spark joy (in whatever amount of time suits you).

[@ShannonMakes]

oh, but if I have someone rebuild my windows for me, then I wouldn't get to do it 😢

[@fionafiona1146]

@@ShannonMakes the beauty of journeyman trades people (beyond what your husband shares) is that they can support you to whatever extend your invite them to. Having an extra pair of hands, not to mention someone formally trained in the craft can get you much faster learning results. I know there are some Germans who travel internationally but could imagine some Canadian trade school/ dual apprenticeship graduates world like to spend a week up north

[@reasonablerandys]

@@ShannonMakes those windows are fairly straight forward to rebuild, our house is 1915 and on the opposite side of Canada to you and we rebuild one window a year, sometimes 2 and they’re not complicated there’s a window and sash book that was written at the turn of the century (1905) that’s been my go to. This year we’re making storm windows for ours and with storms it’ll be way more energy efficient than any new windows

[@denisefarrell7786]

love the sofa...you remind me of myself but a lot younger. I'm 70 and been working on the house alone for a year and a half. I bought a 1911 farmhouse that was empty for 20 years. Its only 1400 sq ft. It was filled with all their stuff. Unfortunately, I didn't film everything I did. I have pictures to look back at but the the same.

[@bonniehyden962]

You should seriously consider making trades using some the antiques you have for necessities or antiques you want. I'm >loving< this chapter of your life!!! Keep up the good worn and positive vibes! ...so looking forward to continued episodes!

[@44Lisbeth]

The attic..i would love that size of a craft room :) I would insulate it and have a blast decorating it for sewing, painting and storing my yarn :)

[@winwinmyfriend4727]

Attic needs to a summoning room for all your spirits. Lololol 😅 I love this so much. Your doing awesome.

[@ninemoonplanet]

Just glancing through the China and other "stuff" in the attic, you've got some interesting pieces. Once the attic is clear, turn it into a corgi training room. 🤔 J/K. There certainly is enough room and especially height to do something nice, although those stairs limit some items being brought in. You can get those stained glass windows both reframed and double pane to keep the authenticity.

[@ShannonMakes]

Corgi training space... lvoe it!

[@crisfernandez477]

I don't know who is having more fun, you or your dog 😂😂 I'd turn the attic into a beautiful creative room where you could go and get inspired to do your sowing and knitting projects or you could always make a 1920's style speakeasy 🍸 right? 😅❤

[@ShannonMakes]

oooh, how did "speakeasy" not come up with the opium den?! Great idea!

[@Su-ri5ob]

If cavity wall insulation is recommended please do a LOT of research. Here in the UK it was almost ubiquitous some years ago, now a lot of people near me are having it removed as it causes damp problems.

[@ShannonMakes]

Spray foam is the literal worst 😭😭😭

[@MrsBrit1]

I hadn't heard that,but our home was sprayed before we ever bought it and we've been having some damp issues in winter, especially in the living room and main bathroom. I wonder if that's the cause? Ugh!

[@ShannonMakes]

@MrsBrit1 spray foam insulation was/is all the craze, but there's an entire wave of people who are seeing lots of problems with it... insulation is a very tricky thing, and also because the "right" answer is different for each house, the way it's constructed, the materials it's made of, the climate it's located in, etc. But people have been going spray foam crazy, and are slowly starting to see the repercussions of it in certain instances.

[@TheJoyNinjaNZ]

Ahhh the attic, super interesting to see all the treasure up there. Honestly I would make a great crafting space but it’s the architecture of attics that really appeals to me. I’d be inclined to have a daybead or comfortable sofa to read, dream, draw

[@ShannonMakes]

I totally agree!

[@sleeplessinscandia6452]

Call me crazy but, watching those beautiful floors being cleaned all I could think was “I’ll do it for you!” I love cleaning super dirty things that turn out soooo beautifully! Too bad Minnesota isn’t closer…..lol!

[@Chinarosewolf]

Pocket windows! That's got to be the coolest thing ever!

[@ShannonMakes]

oh, most definitely!!

[@berthagreen1620]

This is so much fun for me. You remind me of me when I was your age. We built our own house and a log cabin, lots of work but so worth it. I’ve always wanted an old house so I’m living my dream through you.

[@ShannonMakes]

Wow, so cool!!

[@jenniferoliver8765]

19:35 I'm sure you've heard of pellet stoves in your research. We have one. Very efficient. They are not terribly deep and are made to go into existing spaces. They make them look vintage, too. Ours runs through a stainless pipe all the way up, so no worries about old chimney. Good luck. Love the house videos!!!

[@ShannonMakes]

So do they (at least in your experience) sit flush or even under with the existing surround? Cuz that’s the dilemma I have here - I want to continue to use the lovely cast iron covers most of the time, but everything I’ve seen (admittedly haven’t had much time to look around 😂) sticks out quite far!

[@98Zai]

About the fireplace, if you're not looking to heat the house with the fire - a freestanding little stove placed inside the fireplace with it's own small metal chimney pipe that goes inside the old chimney is pretty common and should be pretty cheap. However, it will barely produce any heat compared to a proper fireplace. The old chimney is built into the walls and the whole structure, including the walls become thermal mass. A proper fire in a fireplace like that would keep the house warm for days after the actual fire goes out. At least that's how it works where I live, houses might be constructed differently here (actual dense brick walls).

[@ShannonMakes]

Fortunately I want the fireplace purely for the fireplace experience - lighting it, feeding it, sitting around it and listening to it. I don't need or want it for the heat, so that's good news. The main problem is that I don't want to change the fireplace aesthetically - I'd like to maintain the current look, so anything installed would need to be flush with the current facade, which I feel is tricky or near impossible 🤔 (but like I said, I haven't had much time to look into it)

[@ninnabruhn]

I live in denmark and here we have this product called wood briquettes, which I think might be an option for your fireplace. I really like watching your house renovations.

[@ShannonMakes]

Lived 3 years in Copenhagen! 👋🇩🇰

[@98Zai]

I mean, you were joking about opium den, but I really like that idea (the aesthetic). Also since the walls/ceilings are angled, it would look and feel like a tent if you were to cover them with colorful fabric and/or oriental rugs! So maybe 1001 nights + opium den + nomad tent? :D Maybe you could also use some fabrics to hide/partition parts of the attic for storage too.

[@ShannonMakes]

To be fair, someone pointed out that they turned their attic into a gym, and used the lower portions of the attic for exercises that are all done while laying down, which I thought was clever. But fully agree that the illusion of space isn't really worth the constant frustration... and bookcases are so aesthetic 🥰 Good point about the wood-burning stove in the attic, hadn't considered that as we don't really need heat up there now, but in the future, could be a good point. I appreciate the straight-forward, non-condescending way you wrote your comment, and thank you for your insight and lessons learned