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Michelle
  • Female
  • Hamden, CT
  • United States
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Michelle's Discussions

Old entry unit help
14 Replies

I have an old entry unit that needs a new front door. One carpenter told me that he can install a pre hung door and another told me it is not possible because the threshold goes the length of the…Continue

Tags: door, sidelight, entry

Started this discussion. Last reply by Andy Streenz Mar 28, 2011.

Opinions on aluminum covered fascias
4 Replies

This winter took a beating on our house. It is not terrible, but to the point where I may have to start thinking about how I'm going to fix or replace the trim along the roof line. I REALLY, REALLY…Continue

Tags: trim, fascia

Started this discussion. Last reply by jane Feb 10, 2011.

Window brands with old style?
5 Replies

Has anyone used a brand that sells basement windows that look like traditional wood basement windows (but aren't) rather than ones that look like they don't belong on an old house? If I was to get…Continue

Started this discussion. Last reply by Mark Aune Jun 7, 2011.

Stumped on how to repair original push button door handle
2 Replies

So far nobody has been able to help me. We bought a house last year with the original wood door lockset and handle. The problem is, the push button doesn't spring up and we can't get in the front…Continue

Tags: repair, locks, handle, door, entry

Started this discussion. Last reply by Andy Streenz Jan 21, 2011.

 

Michelle's Page

Latest Activity

Mark Aune replied to Michelle's discussion Window brands with old style?
"Your window is refered to as a 3 lite cellar sash that if maintained properly can last for hundreds of years make sure it is clear wood not fingerjointed, prime with 2 coats oil base primer and 2 coats of a good paint does not have to be oil on…"
Jun 7, 2011
Andy Streenz replied to Michelle's discussion Old entry unit help
"Michelle, It's unfortunate that you couldn't find a locksmith who was willing to help you.  Here in Bloomington, IL, repairing old mortise locks is my specialty.  In between modern locksmithing, I probably work on an average of…"
Mar 28, 2011
Phil replied to Michelle's discussion Old entry unit help
"That is good progress.  Still, have the photos ready for email and then  call these three places before you call his modern lock guy: www.wmjrigby.com www.eddonaldson.com www.bobrothhardware.com If all three tell you that they don't…"
Feb 21, 2011
Michelle replied to Michelle's discussion Old entry unit help
"thanks for the help everyone! i actually had a contractor come by tonight who told me exactly what i have been trying to find out for a long time about the lock. when i asked him about replacing the door he said "why not just fix the…"
Feb 21, 2011
Randall Marder replied to Michelle's discussion Old entry unit help
"If the wood on the door has spots that feel soft from water damage, the soft wood can be consolidated with a special liquid epoxy that will harden the wood.  In regards to what is a dutchman repair, here a link that may be helpful …"
Feb 21, 2011
jane replied to Michelle's discussion Old entry unit help
"Michelle, do you need help finding a good carpenter in your area who will respect your house and have the right skills?   I can write a paragraph for you about how to go about it. You are in Connecticut where there are many older houses. I know…"
Feb 21, 2011
Michelle replied to Michelle's discussion Old entry unit help
"i'm not really sure what you mean by consolidating the wood and what dutchman pieces are."
Feb 21, 2011
Lair Tienter replied to Michelle's discussion Old entry unit help
"Like everything else out there, there are 9 contractors out of 10 that say start over rather than using their brains and imagination to make it work.  Hang in there, someone will come along and say they can do it.  If it was made before it…"
Feb 21, 2011
James Manista replied to Michelle's discussion Old entry unit help
"Dear Michelle,   You can't be more fumble-fingered than I and this looks very like a door I restored and the sidelights reglazed. You may be dealing with someone whose heart is more on the profits to be derived from selling and installing…"
Feb 21, 2011
Randall Marder replied to Michelle's discussion Old entry unit help
"I re-reviewed your pictures, you do not need to replace anything, I would suggest you follow my previous suggestions and restore the entry."
Feb 21, 2011
Randall Marder replied to Michelle's discussion Old entry unit help
"You can consolidate the wood, add dutchman pieces and re-use existing entry and door.  It sound like the carpenter does not know how to hang a door. Look for a carpenter who is a preservationist.  www.rmdesignconst.com"
Feb 21, 2011
Phil replied to Michelle's discussion Old entry unit help
"What are carpenters telling you it will cost you for a new door and installation?  Frankly, I would not want to hire a carpenter that wouldn't offer to install a new lockset for you.  I think that if you take some more pictures,…"
Feb 21, 2011
Michelle replied to Michelle's discussion Old entry unit help
"i had a previous entry about the whole lock and push button mechanism that won't allow us to use the front door as an entry. i have searched on the whole internet for information on replacement parts or ideas on fixing it. the locksmiths around…"
Feb 20, 2011
Phil replied to Michelle's discussion Old entry unit help
"Surely you wouldn't want to replace this door?  Do you mean a storm door for the door in the picture?"
Feb 20, 2011
Michelle posted a discussion

Old entry unit help

I have an old entry unit that needs a new front door. One carpenter told me that he can install a pre hung door and another told me it is not possible because the threshold goes the length of the entry unit. I am basically flying blind because I have no idea how these were made and assembled and how to replace pieces of it or if it is even worth it or possible. For example the sidelights are so dry and brittle that re glazing may not be an option anymore. It would break my heart to have to get…See More
Feb 20, 2011
jane replied to Michelle's discussion Opinions on aluminum covered fascias
"If your profile picture is your house, the fascia and soffit will most likely be made up of simple parts which are still available. So that makes the work easier than the repair of a Victorian would be. Still, the dimensions will be slightly…"
Feb 10, 2011

Profile Information

Tell us about yourself:
30 years old, just married and bought our first home last year.
Tell us about your old-house experiences and dreams:
My house was built in 1935 and has had two owers. The house is pretty solid and in decent shape. The previous owner had people with questionable craftsmanship "fix" and "update" things either cheaply, halfway and not the right way.

We don't have a lot of money to do much right now, so I'm doing as much as I can on my own. I'm somewhat handy but I need lots of advice!

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