Question: I've read several articles in past issues of Canadian Home & Country about heritage homes in need of restoration and perhaps relocation. I have always wondered how the owners found their houses, as I don't believe they are always listed with real estate companies. How do I go about finding a home that isn't listed for sale?
--M. O'Bryan, Stouffville, ON
Answer: Put on your sleuthing cap and pick up your magnifying glass - here's an opportunity to be the detective you've always wanted to be. Finding old homes in need of restoration or relocation is tricky because there's no one source that lists them all. However, according to Barbara McIntosh of the Ontario Heritage Foundation, there are a number of ways of finding out about old houses and buildings in your area that are in need of restoration or relocation. The easiest - and perhaps the most overlooked one - is the knowledge of neighbours. Often those living close to an abandoned or derelict building will know something of its ownership - you could try asking people at surrounding houses for information. Another suggestion might be to ask a town clerk, if the building is located in a town or township. The clerk's office could have information on the building and its owners. Another method of finding information is through property tax records, and although this is public knowledge, you'll most likely have to pay a fee to get the information you want. Finally, McIntosh suggests talking to the local post office - personnel often know of homes that are no longer occupied.
Question: We have a 1912 heritage home that lacks street appeal (see photo below). The original wood siding has been covered with white vinyl siding, which limits the opportunities to enrich the colours of the house. The roof is black, eavestroughs brown and the trim a dull steel blue. Can you suggest some options for improving my home's appearance?
--D. Woll, North Vancouver, BC
Answer: There are a number of simple things you can do to give your home more street appeal. Step one: Tidy up the shrubs and bushes near your house to allow more light through your bottom windows and show off your porch. Step two: Remove your old iron railing and install a new wooden one. Be sure to choose a railing that's not too ornate, something in keeping with the esthetics of the house. While you're replacing the railing you might consider replacing the front concrete steps with wooden steps. Step three: Think about adding shutters, window boxes, a street number and exterior lights - details which add interest and move your eye around the first floor. Step four: Paint. I would paint the vinyl siding, the new railing and the eavestroughs white. I would also paint the horizontal beam and columns on the front white. This will make the front of the house seem less divided. Next, I'd paint the shutters, the door, and the trim detail in a contrasting colour - black is safe, but you could choose a colour that's not so dramatic and more aged looking. Try looking at Benjamin Moore's Kennebunkport green or Philipsburg blue. Finally, painting the porch floor and steps a shade of grey will show less dirt and look good with most other colours.
Question: I'm attempting to restore a round chair I inherited. In preparation for refinishing, I removed the springs and webbing, and had it 'professionally' stripped. Signs of repeated reupholstering are evident and I am doubtful there is enough solid wood to hold new upholstery tacks. Would a product like RayCrete glue and/or filler allow a strong nailing bed and be long-lasting? Could you also suggest an upholsterer in the Kingston area where I can purchase a piece of leather? Finally, could you make some suggestions for a finish on the wood?
--C. Christensen, Plainfield, ON
Answer: Refinishing and restoring furniture is a multi-step project, requiring a great deal of patience. You are definitely on the right track in using an epoxy wood filler. Shane Eagen of Canadian Home Workshop magazine recommends using your fingers to rub the filler into the nooks and crannies left by the repeated upholstering. Remember to read the directions carefully on the filler container before starting, and to wear gloves. Once this is completed and the filler is fully dried, and the surface smooth, you should be able to hammer upholstery tacks into the frame. To find an upholsterer in your region take a look in the yellow pages under Furniture Repairing, Refinishing & Stripping. I called Antique Restoration Specialists in Kingston, Ontario, and they referred me to Marc Teske's Fine Furniture and Upholstery, also in Kingston at (613) 384-9718. A good place to look for leather hides for upholstering your chair is Canadian Contract Leather in Toronto. You can contact them at (416) 462-1229 or visit them on the web. Synthetic suedes and leathers are a viable alternative, too, as they're more durable, stain-resistant and can be less costly. Finally, regarding finishing the wood, I'd be inclined to leave some of the original finish on the chair. I like to be able to see what was left from years before. This way your chair won't look brand new - which it isn't.
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