Not new, but planning redesign?

I know this forum is for new homes, but...

I have a fairly old (90+ years) home that I'm planning to do an exterior remodel on next summer. My house is very plain from the outside... basically a two story box. I've attached a small .bmp line drawing of what it looks like.

The house has been updated throughout the years and now has grungy white aluminum siding and an awful aluminum porch roof (not as in the pdf). I'd like to tear all of that off and start fresh, and make it look somewhat as it might have looked when it was built.

I'm not sure of the style, but I suspect it may have had a victorian flavor, although very basic. Inside, most of the original trim/moulding remains, and it's large victorian-style with rosettes. There once was a transom window above the front door, but that's been covered up.

I'd like to possibly hire someone to assist me in the design process. Given more info on the house, pictures of my house and others in the area, and some of my ideas, I'd like someone who could add details and suggestions to help me decide on something that looks great.

Being a do-it-yourselfer, I'd like to do this all on my own, but I don't have an eye for design. I'm hoping I can find someone who could work with me to get me to a final design.

Are any of you aware of such a person or service that could be of help to me? I'm open to anyhing... local (near Pittsburgh, PA), over the internet, or even someone who just has a knack for design.

Suggestions? I'd appreciate them. Thanks!

 

bmears,

I'm sorry but we can't post pictures within this area. You could provide a link to a personal web site and post your pictures there for us to see.

Since you are in need of someone to assist with design, the questions that they will ask are what are you looking for? Is it to make it as it was, using maintenance exterior products or are you thinking of maintenance free applications?

Obviously, there should be a budget for this project, who is doing it or is this a project that will require extra manpower to help you?

If you are wanting it to look similar to homes of it's age, then maybe a visit to the library or is there one to your liking close to your home that suits your taste.

If you know what you like, then maybe you don't need a designer for this but a good siding and trim man, per say, to do the work. Alternative is you do the work based upon what you see.

Res. Bldg. Designers are less expensvie to use and if you have good local lumber yard, they may be able to direct you to one that would assist in your endeavor, if that is want you want.

If you like, send me an e-mail with your picture and phone number, maybe I can give you further advice and direction based upon what you have now. I'm sure others may provide answers to your questions as well.

I hope this helps!

 

We too have recently purchased a century home that is prety much the same as yours but has been left untouched. We are also looking into upgrading but keeping it's charm. The best thing to do is go to sites about century home renovations. Home and Graden chanel is a great channel.. shows like this old house are great!!. you can see tons of pictures online of anything and everything from how to make those old glass doornobs matchs your retro style home (not my taste but it's there). Old homes have so much to offer. We love ours. Old style wallpaper always adds that vistorian touch and is quite reasonable. you can also purchase wallpapaer that is designed to be painted over. I think you can pick it up from sears. Well let me know if you want more detailed suggestions. Keep in mind it's always about personal taste. What's victorian and lovely to me could be putrid for you :0)

 

loreyna,

You may want to post a question versus responding to a posting that was done 2 years ago! Since your posting was more into Decorating, you may want to post a question there.

Hope this helps!