1870's Stage stop - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

rsss396375 · 01-01-2009, 08:51 PM

I am looking at bidding on a 1800's original stage coach stop in the county I live in Northern CA. The house was moved from its original spot about 6 months ago and they are looking to rebuild a deck for that era. There is no decking there now.
I have been thinking of a knotty pine decking with perhaps hand scraped railing. The support structure would be to modern standards, since I will likley be hidden.
Any thoughts or experiences with this type of historical work? Pictures are scarce, as they usually just show the stage coach, not these old wooden shacks or homes they origianlly used.

neolitic · 01-01-2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsss396375

I am looking at bidding on a 1800's original stage coach stop in the county I live in Northern CA. The house was moved from its original spot about 6 months ago and they are looking to rebuild a deck for that era. There is no decking there now.
I have been thinking of a knotty pine decking with perhaps hand scraped railing. The support structure would be to modern standards, since I will likley be hidden.
Any thoughts or experiences with this type of historical work? Pictures are scarce, as they usually just show the stage coach, not these old wooden shacks or homes they origianlly used.

How about pix of the building as is?

Deadhead Derek · 01-02-2009, 02:13 AM

As an historical building, there may be within the nomination to the registry, a written description of the "deck" and the materials it was built from. Other options would be similar structures along the same old stage route that may still be intact, or have pictures. Though a long shot, the local or county seat museum/ historic society ( different from historic commissions, just in case that is confusing) may have pictures, the newspaper may have some archived as well. as to the material, usually it was full dim 2x stock perpendicular to the primary facade.

nEighter · 01-02-2009, 03:11 AM

You will also have to put the wood back to the sizes they were back then.. I did a window of a home that was on the registry and built in 1869. I had to reproduce it how the old one was. It was expensive, and a fun PITA but it looked good after all was said and done

Deadhead Derek · 01-02-2009, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nEighter

You will also have to put the wood back to the sizes they were back then.. I did a window of a home that was on the registry and built in 1869. I had to reproduce it how the old one was. It was expensive, and a fun PITA but it looked good after all was said and done

Yes and no, in the case of a missing element the codes usually refer to figuring out what the missing element was based on paint differential lines and the like,and in the case of windows matching widths on bars and stile and rail. Though in the case of a completely new element, the code also mentions differing materials and surfaces... one of the all time stupidest ideas in historic codes.. it would mean in theory that you could put trex on an historic if you made the right argument. The key is the local code, and what it delineates

rsss396375 · 01-02-2009, 10:03 AM

As far as pics, there are none on record from prior 1940's, and this comes from our local historical society. The building, or really a 2 story house was moved from one site to another and is currently sitting on top of a small knoll with no windows (boarded up) and a new roof.
I remember this house about 15 years ago when people still lived in it. It was basically a farm house with a wrap around porch/deck. I'm sure it went through some changes over the years from its original state, but I will be meeting for a walk through and find out what era they want this house/deck restored. To me it doesn't fit the 1860's look right now, but I will have to do more research with the society.
They put a comp shingle roof on it recently so I'm not sure period perfect is their goal. There is an issue with finding the original double hung windows as those have been removed. They may be around somewhere, just removed for the relocation and transport from its original spot

rsss396375 · 01-02-2009, 08:29 PM

There will no walk-through, but I have permission to visit the site on my own time. The deck with be a covered porch, consisting of 1600 s.f.. The plans call for all modern materials, including Simpson hangers and post bases with all d.f. #2 or better with some p.t. placed in the appropriate spots. So, there basically asking for a modern deck, but with the "look and feel" as described in the Request for Proposal of a 19th century American look for the western U.S.
Please send me any pics or ideas that you may have for anything that comes to mind. I really like this historical renovation twist to the normal building,.....maybe its the challenge

..Thanks to Derik for the phone call

Deadhead Derek · 01-10-2009, 11:22 AM

just following up w/out bothering you with a call, how goes it after the walkthrough?

rsss396375 · 01-12-2009, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deadhead Derek

just following up w/out bothering you with a call, how goes it after the walkthrough?

I'm ready to submit on Wednesday...I sent you an email with what was included to this point, per our conversation

Deadhead Derek · 01-13-2009, 02:04 AM

yup, just got back from a planning hearing this evening.. I'lll drop you a note in the am, and I might have a design for ballusters/ picket alt.

neolitic · 01-13-2009, 09:18 AM

Guys!
If you're gonna talk about
this on here, let the rest of us
in on it.
This place is about sharing the
experience, so we can all
learn something.
Didn't your Momma tell you
"It's rude to whisper"?

Deadhead Derek · 01-13-2009, 04:12 PM

true. I have been talking with rsss about his first bidding on an historic, and just walking him through the nuts and bolts. forgive my rudeness, I'll have my mom slap me when I see her.