Picking and Choosing
The second floor is accessed by a graceful, winding staircase. Along with the front door, it’s one of the few original elements that hadn’t been removed or trashed over time. Upstairs, a hallway with curved corners, a window-lit landing above the stairway, and the steep-pitch ceilings that are typical of a Cape-style roof line add to the home’s visual interest.
Here and there, Landry has integrated features that add to the home’s sustainability but that don’t scream “green.” All paint is low or no VOC. Dual-flush, Kohler toilets reduce water consumption. Outside, a Japanese-inspired garden blooms with native blueberry bushes and ornamental trees, offering a no-grass, low-water oasis in the city.
Choosing these and other green and sustainable options added 25%–30% to the overall cost, Landry figures. It allowed him to market the house as efficient and highlight its low carbon footprint. But green design was part of a package, not the prime selling point. Considering his budget, Landry said he couldn’t go above that 30% premium and still recover the additional expense in the asking price.
If he had it to do over again, Landry said he would have spent a bit more time investigating the property. This house was built by frugal people during tough times, and the changes that took place over the years were likely done by friends and handymen. Code and structural violations were covered over by the next renovation. “Until you open the walls, it’s hard to know what someone did 70 years ago,” he says. “And that adds to the cost significantly.”
Builders were able to save the ornate staircase and antique glass door, two original features that survived the home’s repeated renovations.
The rear addition and patio garden are set back for privacy. The enclosed space and southern exposure creates a sunny microclimate for people and plants.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76