Stay ConnectedTrue Tales From Old Houses is a light-hearted, entertaining, and educational show for lovers of old houses and buildings, DIYers, history buffs, and restoration and preservation junkies.
Available weekly, hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter share personal project updates, listener Q&A, and interviews with engaging old house owners, restoration professionals, and craftspeople.
Copyright: © 2018-2024 True Tales From Old Houses. All Rights Reserved
In this episode, Stacy and Daniel discuss Daniel's recent visit to Lilydale, a spiritualist community in Western New York, and they go over some new project plans.
First, Stacy offers a follow-up on the ivy discussion from episode #140. A landscape architect from Los Angeles reached out to provide another convincing argument in favor of removing ivy from homes and buildings.
Then, Daniel discusses his recent trip to Lilydale, where he received a free reading by a medium. Some of her thoughts were way off base, but when she predicted he had recently finished a project and would be "surrounded by money," his only thought was yes, please!
Finally, Stacy outlines the basics of her new plan to stabilize and beautify the sleeping porch off the primary bedroom. It is currently a safety hazard, and she has enlisted a contractor to bid on basic framing and rot repair.
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
This week's episode begins with a quick cottage update from Daniel, including his plans to sell the leftover staging furniture and decor.
Then, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener question about the best materials for repiping a house. They discuss the pros and cons of PVC, copper, and PEX pipes and provide tips for choosing the right material.
Later, they chat with Christina Salway, an interior designer and home renovator. She describes how she and her husband have renovated multiple houses, starting with a small cottage in upstate New York, and how each project has been a learning experience.
Finally, Christina shares her experience of buying and renovating a very old house in France. She talks about how she found the property, the challenges of the buying process, and the differences in renovating a house in a foreign country. She also discusses the community's reaction to the project and the joy of taking a more relaxed approach to renovation.
Mentioned in this Episode:
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.
Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.
In this episode, Stacy and Daniel revisit some previous conversations and swap stories about unexpected basement floods and a wild weather emergency.
First, Daniel offers an update about a special Kingston City Land Bank house and shares a podcast episode about the Halifax explosion.
Next, Stacy talks about a basement flood caused by a clogged sewer line, while Daniel describes his experience with water in the basement due to a cistern.
Then, Stacy details her experience with a (very real) recent tornado warning and her family's lack of emergency preparedness.
Finally, Daniel shares a heartwarming story about a gift from a follower who passed away.
This conversation highlights the challenges and surprises that come with owning and maintaining old houses.
Mentioned in this Episode
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
This week's episode begins with a book giveaway reminder and quick project updates from Stacy and Daniel.
Then, during Listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel address the impact of ivy on old houses. They discuss the different types of ivy and their potential impact on the house, including trapping moisture, damaging mortar, and providing a pathway for pests.
Later, they chat with Pat Evans, the registrar for the art collection at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Pat discusses the process of deep cleaning and caring for historic homes like Taliesin West. The site, built by Frank Lloyd Wright in the late 1930s, is an active community with multiple buildings and cottages. Pat provides practical tips for caring for artwork and collections, such as storing them properly and protecting them from dust and light. She also shares her personal attachment to objects and the value of preserving them for future generations. The conversation touches on Frank Lloyd Wright's influence and his connection to Japanese architecture.
Finally, Pat highlights the ongoing work at Taliesin West and the organization's commitment to advancing how we build and live.
Mentioned in this Episode:
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.
Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.
Chapters:
In this episode, Stacy explains how she is lightening her DIY load, and Daniel describes a frustrating week. The conversation highlights the low-key crazy of hyper-local Facebook groups, navigating real estate contracts, dealing with contractor bids, and the emotional impact of online relationships.
First, Stacy shares how she hired someone to help with the lingering home projects around her house. Despite receiving some very unwelcome comments about the ad she posted in her small-town Facebook group, Stacy found the perfect person to fill the position. Her new apprentice is excited to learn and gain skills.
Then, Daniel expresses his dissatisfaction about the continuing delays with the contracts for the cottage he is selling. The lawyers involved seem to lack urgency.
Next, he discusses the ongoing challenge of securing accurate bids to install air conditioning in his old house.
Finally, Daniel ends the episode with a touching tribute to a long-time blog reader and Instagram follower who died unexpectedly.
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Mention 01:21 Enter to win a signed copy of Throwbacks Home Interiors 01:57 Stacy's Experience Hiring Someone for DIY Tasks 06:34 Dealing with Negative Comments on Facebook Related to Stacy's Ad 16:32 The Frustrations of Navigating Real Estate Contracts 20:48 Air Conditioning Update - Daniel Received a Bid 30:15 The Emotional Impact of Online RelationshipsThis week's episode begins with several book giveaway announcements and quick project updates from Stacy and Daniel.
Then, during listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel discuss traditional and modern linoleum flooring options. They touch on the history, manufacturing process, and benefits of linoleum and share their experiences using Marmoleum by Forbo.
Finally, Stacy and Daniel chat with Bo Shepherd and Kyle Dubay, the creative duo behind Woodward Throwbacks, a furniture and interior design studio centered around creating with reclaimed materials. Bo and Kyle share insights into their sustainable approach, transforming a 4,000-square-foot warehouse into their home, and creating their book Throwbacks Home Interiors. They also discuss their journey as artists and business owners.
Mentioned in this Episode:
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.
Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.
In this week's episode, Stacy tangles with TSA, and Daniel inches closer to selling the cottage.
First, Stacy and Daniel discuss Stacy's recent trip to Florida and her airport mishaps.
Then, they move on to Daniel's cottage update, including the process of accepting an offer and the potential for the buyer to back out before signing the contract. They also compare their experiences with buying houses and the differences in the process. The conversation ends with their thoughts about the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the buyer.
Next, Stacy and Daniel discuss Daniel's plans for the extra money he will have after selling the cottage. Daniel's first plan is to pay off his debts, which will provide a sense of relief. He also wants to invest in his current house by adding air conditioning, which will increase the value and improve his comfort.
Finally, they talk about different options for air conditioning, including conventional HVAC systems, heat pumps, mini splits, and high-velocity systems. They also touch on the challenges of retrofitting an old house with air conditioning. The conversation ends with Stacy expressing her excitement for Daniel's upcoming house sale.
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Chapters
00:00 Airport Mishaps 02:24 Cottage Update 07:01 Accepting an Offer - There are no guarantees! 09:26 Buying Houses 17:22 Paying Off Debts and Finding Relief 19:09 Investing in Home Improvements: Adding Air Conditioning 20:31 Exploring Air Conditioning Options for Old Houses 23:26 Challenges of Retrofitting an Old House with Air ConditioningThis week's episode begins with some quick updates about Daniel's cottage and an announcement from Stacy. Stacy and Scott Sidler are co-authoring a book about energy efficiency and old windows. With the first draft nearly finished, the book is moving right along. Stacy and Scott hope it will become a handy and trusted resource for anyone with a stake in preserving and restoring old buildings.
Next, during listener Q&A, Daniel and Stacy offer input on a kitchen window issue. The homeowner is planning a remodel and wants to place the sink in front of an original window. The problem is that the window is large and cannot fit behind the sink without being shortened or removed. Daniel weighs in with some pragmatic advice, and Stacy agrees.
Finally, Stacy chats with Lee McColgan, author of A House Restored: The Tragedies and Triumphs of Saving a New England Colonial. Part memoir, part meditation, Lee's book offers an inspiring snapshot of falling in love with his 1700s home and learning the historic trades necessary to bring it back to life.
Mentioned in this Episode:
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.
Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.
This week's minisode is an emotional roller coaster.
First, Stacy and Daniel celebrate that the cottage is now for sale. Despite this exciting news, Daniel feels stressed about what comes next.
He laments that while the cottage is now spotless, his own home is a mess in the aftermath. Daniel believes that the volume of his stuff is reaching an uncomfortable level, and something must be done. Stacy suggests the Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, but Daniel wants to sell everything instead.
Next, Stacy offers a sad update on the Aurora Restoration Project, a ship currently docked in the California Delta. Its owner, Christopher Wilson, was a guest during episode #91 (February 27, 2023).
Finally, Stacy and Daniel discuss the general ups and downs of buying and selling old houses.
Mentioned in this Episode:
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
This week, a listener who owns a duplex wonders how to improve unsightly exterior paint issues while saving money to hire the pros. Stacy and Daniel offer DIY exterior painting tips and their thoughts on getting the job done safely and efficiently.
Later, Stacy and Daniel chat with KariAnne Wood from the long-running Thistlewood Farms blog. KariAnne's special connection to her old house and the town of McKinney, Texas, proves that when the stars align, you actually can go home again.
Mentioned in this Episode:
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.
Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.
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