Chimborazo Historic Renovation: Bringing a 1909 Home Back to Life

The main and front porch roof were replaced, with the original soffit gutter system repaired with original parts. Missing porch column capitals were re-cast locally and replaced. All new balusters were made to match the originals and the siding was replaced with yellow pine siding to match the original.

Johanna purchased this house with a friend in 2010 with the intent to restore it from the ground up, qualifying for Virginia State Historic Tax Credits, but providing modern updates where possible.

Extensive termite damage necessitated extensive re-framing, especially in the kitchen where all floor joists needed replacement. The house was completely re-wired and re-plumbed and a new gas furnace was installed. Homes built in the early 1900’s were not insulated, so the walls were insulated with blown-in cellulose, the floors with fiberglass batts and the roof deck with lcynene foam.

Interior trim was all repaired or replaced with custom reproductions, including a fireplace mantle. Most of the original staircase elements were intact, but any that were missing were either located in the house and restored or recreated to match the originals.

The two-story back porch was rebuilt while maintaining the roof structure.

New tongue and groove flooring was installed on the upper level along with refurbished original railings. The roof of the brick garage was repaired and repainted and the rear sliding beadboard doors were rebuilt and rehung on the original hardware. The original windows were reglazed and rehung.