November 28, 2016

Winter House Project

It won't be long before our home-milled lumber is cured and we can get to work on the Big Barn. While we're waiting seemed a good time to schedule the next house project on the list - a new front window for the front bedroom.


These windows are original to the house, and like the others we've replaced they are single-glazed and not in good repair.


Aluminum storm windows make for a second layer, but aluminum is a terrible insulator and not very energy efficient. The screens are nice to have though.

Photo taken May 2009. More photos of this room here.

When we first moved in we used this room as our bedroom. It was terribly cold and drafty, so that we were extremely glad to move out of it and into the master suite Dan made. This front bedroom is now a storage room.


We are going to replace the two old windows with one horizontal slider window. We got this one as part of a fantastic package deal when we bought the dining room windows (three new windows for $50). It will be placed in approximately the top-half space of the two existing windows.

It's smaller than the current windows, so hopefully this will be a straightforward job (ha! We all know how that goes!) We'll insulate the remaining space but wait to finish the interior wall. Mainly we want to get the window in, the exterior siding up, and the front porch painted. At least that's the plan.

Click here for part two.

Winter House Project © November 2016 

23 comments:

Lady Locust said...

You two are amazing with all the things you accomplish. I'm sure from your end, it seems like forever, but from here you are cruising right along. The difference windows make in the temperature of the home is significant. It will be cozy in no time:)

Mama Pea said...

What are the eventual plans for this room? Guest room? Larger studio for Dan? Loom room?? :o]

Leigh said...

What you say is so true. Both about how we perceive our accomplishments and the difference good windows make!

Leigh said...

Originally it was just going to be a guest bedroom. Considering how few overnight guests we have, however, I would like to set it up as a weaving/sewing room for myself, maybe with a hideaway bed for the rare overnight visitor. :)

Ed said...

Most definitely if you are open to changing the sizes of your windows, there are deals to be had. I looked at doing our but every one is very tall and narrow which means super expensive to get made custom and since we just sided not long ago, not really feasible to do. Fortunately they are double paned and I insulated them before the siding so they aren't bad. I have also bought old new replacement hardware (crank outs) to keep them functioning for many years down the road.

Renee Nefe said...

I am considering getting rid of the beds we have in our extra bedrooms because we don't ever have any guests. In my sewing room I've turned the bed up on end against the wall.

Renee Nefe said...

hoping it all goes well with no hold ups. :D

Seeking Serenity said...

Lady Locust said it- wow
Weaving? I would love to see that!

Seeking Serenity said...

omg I found your fiber journal=so jealous

Leigh said...

Dan thinks those beds that fold up into a closet are the best kind to have. :)

Leigh said...

I would love to have kept the original windows, but like you say, custom ones are way too expensive. You were fortunate yours were double paned!

Leigh said...

So far so good!

Leigh said...

Well, you can see that my fiber journal has been rather abandoned. :o I'm knitting again, so that's something, but I'll need some space to set up my loom. Some day!

Chris said...

I reckon that new window will work out perfectly, as you'll have room underneath it, to store the wood box. Or whatever you need room for. :)

Leigh said...

Yes, both inside and out! Both exterior walls of this room have those windows, and there is an old fireplace in one of the inner walls, so it doesn't leave much wall space for larger pieces of furniture. I always felt like the arrangement in that room was awkward.

Farmer Barb said...

I had a house with low windows. It gave too much view in and no place to put the furniture. It will be nice to have the window higher. It will make a perfect place to have a glider on the porch or a stand of potted plants. Happy insulating!

Kirsty said...

Three windows for $50, that's phenomenal! I can appreciate your excitement to get the house well insulated.

Sandy Livesay said...

Leigh,
Love the new window and the great deal you found.

I would kill to have an extra room to make into an office/work room for crochet and leather work.

Goatldi said...

Go for it Leigh! I will have to do a post on my weaving studio. It is also a sewing room and guest bedroom. When my Daddy passed and the trust was done I went bed hunting Murphy bed to be exact. I found a fellow who builds them from scratch and does a great job. I met with him several times we decided on a size queen and a design and the woods to do it. My whole goal was to have a guest room but when the guest are gone the bed goes poof into a cabinet giving me room to spread out with my projects. And if I have to leave a project where it lies I can simply shut the door. Woowho!It is a lovely piece of furniture and cost a bit more than the lesser models but I love it and the whole time I could hear Daddy saying "go for it as it is an investment". It was now almost a year one of the best investment I have made in myself.

Leigh said...

I love that you have one of those beds! In my case, Dan would want to build it himself. :) Hard to imagine finally getting to that point though. We still have two more windows to replace in that room before we can get those kinds of details. Having room to lay out projects and leave them until next time is important. I can see this room as a weaving/sewing room for sure.

Leigh said...

I love windows and natural light, but agree about how they can eat up wall space. Looking forward to seeing how it all looks when it's done!

Leigh said...

Kirsty, we have a building surplus supply in the area and have found some great deals there, especially for doors, windows, and cabinetry. All new, but usually leftovers from new construction. It means the selection varies considerably and it's sometimes difficult to find things that match. So our house has a rather eclectic look, but so far so good!

Leigh said...

Sandy, probably especially now, since you're making an RV your home. Enjoy the adventure of it though!