Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Before and After (Most)...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Porch - Before

We love this old farmhouse. For over one hundred years, it has sheltered generations of one hardworking, and God-fearing family. In 2016, she became ours. With ownership came responsibility to honor her for as long as we're here.

Sadly, the porch that baptized every member of the previous family, would not have been safe enough to baptize one more. She was showing every year of the past one hundred, and it was time to do something about it.

If you're a follower of my blog, you've seen the entire project in process. (I just realized that I need to update the link at the top of my blog with all the posts about the project.) There are still a few things to do yet - the second-story airing porch on the left side of this picture, and we're going to repaint the supports for the "friends and family" entrance below it. We're waiting for the rainy weather to pass this weekend, and then those things will be done. I'll do one more "before and after" of this image when it's all done. I just couldn't wait another day to show you the finished lower (main) porch.

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch - South Elevation

The "before" image of the southern side of our porch was pretty sad. It really was listing (slanting)  that much to the right. The new porch is exactly the same footprint as the old one, but the rails were moved out about four more inches. (See that they're not centered on the pillars?) Doesn't it make a huge difference?

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch - Eastern Elevation - South to North

The biggest difference on the eastern elevation (the old front of the porch), is that the staircase to the front yard is gone. We now have rails across the entire front of the house, which will allow for more sitting and visiting area on this side. (This view is what you see when you come around from the side entry.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch - Eastern Elevation - North to South

Another difference you may notice is the new light fixtures. We took down the old ceiling-hugger fixtures, and installed vintage Appleton barn lights. I love them, and it will be so much easier to change out the bulbs when they burn out. 
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch Project - After

 

One feature I forgot to share (but will in the next and final post about this whole renovation) is a token we added to show one hundred years hence, so everyone will remember the year this new porch was built. It's a beautiful 2019 Liberty Silver Dollar, encased in acrylic and embedded into the stonework. 

We love this new outdoor space, and it will definitely get a lot of use in years to come. We especially love that it honors and elevates the grand, old lady, without looking pretentious. The best part is that, except for repainting the rails from time to time, this will be a no-maintenance porch. Great for owners our age.

So, I hope you love the new look as much as we do. Just looking at these images again makes me very, very happy. We have a few garden tasks to complete yet this fall (and the two items I mentioned above), but we're otherwise ready to enjoy the rest of this beautiful Autumn. 

Our home will be safe and cozy this winter, thanks to the hard work of the guys from Wendels Construction, and our younger son with his incredible carpentry skills. We are truly blessed, and are so grateful that we could do this for ourselves and our home.

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day 19...

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch Project - Day 19

 

Day 19 came to a close with much of the work completed. Tom R. began "wrapping" the posts, and his crew worked on placing black dirt on the excavated yard. We still need more dirt on the "downside" of the sidewalk, and some of the gravel needs to be removed around my large rocks so I can plant, but we can start to see the end of the project.

 

The work crew won't be back until Monday, and Handsome is starting home with Bella today, so I'm going to plant some of the new additions I purchased yesterday. I'm also going to move a few other things while the weather's nice.

 

Next week, our son will begin construction of the railings, too. The rails on the porch will be the same height as those that came off. They'll be 24", with the addition of a gate to close off the staircase when the dogs are outside. We're also changing the rails on the airing porch (above the "friends and family" entrance). They'll look the same as the lower railing, only they'll be 36" tall. It will bring some nice continuity to the look of the grand, old lady. Don't you think? 

I've been busy canning more bruschetta, so tomorrow, I promise there'll be photos and a recipe link for you. (Just in case you'd like to make a batch of your own.)

 

Tonight is high school football night for our grandson, so if the weather holds up, I'll be cheering him on. Handsome should be home some time Sunday, and we can't wait. Tag and I have been missing him and that silly black dog. It will be nice to have them home again.

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day 17...

Brynwood Needleworks - Day 17 Porch Project

 

Yesterday was Day 17 of our farmhouse porch renovation. We have stairs! I'll take closeup photos after the stone has been set. (There'll be stonework on the risers and the sides of the staircase. The limestone treads are gorgeous, too!)

 

The crew also started laying stonework for the south wall, and I expect that will be completed today. I'll take photos when they're finished with it.

 

The posts and beam will be clad in white very soon. I went to get supplies with our carpenter son on Monday, and the railing project will begin next week. I'll be painting the rails before they're installed, but everything is moving right along.

 

Tomorrow, I'll be sharing my latest wool work projects, and show you what I'm going to work on next. 

 

Image via PicturesCafe

 

It's hard to believe it's already September. Summer has flown by, and the cooler weather is right around the corner.  I know it's terribly hot in San Antonio, where Handsome and Bella are, so I know they're going to welcome the cooler temperatures when they get back to the farm. I'm trying not to rub it in while they're away.

Farmhouse Renovation - Day 16...

Brynwood Needleworks - New Sidewalk and Entry. Footing for Porch Staircase

 

We roll into the Labor Day Weekend with a real sense of accomplishment here at the farmhouse. Yesterday, Tom and his crew formed and poured our new back entry (replacing a broken slab), and a walkway the invites guests to the porch entry. We also have the bottom step for our new porch staircase.

 

Tag and I played acrobats after the guys left us a ramp to use until the concrete dries. By the time I finish my coffee today, we'll be able to walk on the new walkway, but we're going to wait until Tom comes to cut in the expansion joints. He can pull the planks and give us the official okay.

 

I'm pretty excited with this new layout. First, my kitchen garden area is much larger. I'll be planning a new kitchen garden for next year, and will move, as appropriate, the plants that will look better if I place them closer to the walk (think hostas).

 

As I look at this photograph, I see the old stucco behind my hollyhocks. We're going to have that replaced all the way around the house, either late fall or next spring. We'll know more after this project is done.

 

Tom moved the large stones bouldes off the lawn, as I said I'd be mowing the lawn after they left for the day. Once I saw the stones up near the house a light bulb went on. I think those rocks are going to stay up in this general vicinity. Once Tom adds dirt to the garden area and more black dirt to the lower area where those rocks are, we'll have him place the rocks a bit more to the left and closer together.

Brynwood Nedleworks - Detail of Primitive Gatherings' Wool Box 4 Table Mat

 

While the guys were working outside, I was working inside. Needle dancing, actually. This is just a sneak peek of what I was making. I'll share the finished piece on Monday. I still have a little stitching to do, but it was nice just sitting with my needlework on my lap. I think it was a great way to work myself into the weekend.

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day 15...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Porch Progress - South Elevation

 

The pillars were nearly finished yesterday. There's still a bit of stonework to do on the back side of those on the far left. Our family plaque was installed into the stonework of one of them, and there is also another special piece that will be imbedded in stone on the back of another. I'll show them in closeup photos once the porch is entirely finished.

The stonework on this south elevation isn't done yet, as our workmen are waiting until the staircase is formed up and installed. The stonework will be wrapping from the wall around the stairs, so I'm guessing that's why that's on hold.

Brynwood Needleworks - Preliminary Excavation for New Sidewalk

Loads of gravel were hauled in and dumped yesterday, too. We're replacing a cracked concrete entryway for the "friends and family" entrance, and adding a walkway from the back door to the newly highlighted side porch entry.

The black dirt was removed from the yard, and replaced with gravel to build up the elevation. Once it's completely placed where it needs to be, part of it will be covered up with black dirt again. I really appreciated that they leveled off what is in front of the back door so I could safely get out of the house to air Tag, or get to my hair appointment yesterday afternoon. They'll do more work with that today, before they take off Monday for the holiday weekend.

Brynwood Needleworks - Canning Tomatoes

 

While the guys were working outside, I was busy with my tomato haul. I processed fourteen pounds of them into seven quarts of tomato halves in their own juice. Once packed, they were processed for an hour and a half, cooled and labeled. (I missed removing two rings before I took this photo, but all my jars "pinged"...a sweet sound to every canner.)

After I put these on the counter, I headed to my aforementioned hair appointment. When I got home, I cleaned up the kitchen, made my dinner, and then collapsed into a chair. My plan for today is to sit in my favorite chair and stitch the rest of today. I think I've earned it!

I'm talking with Handsome everyday. They'll arrive in San Antonio today, so tomorrow will be Bella's "big day". Her reaction to her boyfriend (and his reaction to her) will give us a sense of how long my husband will be away. I'm crossing my fingers that things get under way sooner, rather than later.

I'll be spending time with family this weekend. If you're going to be traveling, please do so safely. See you tomorrow!

Farmhouse Renovation - Day Thirteen...

Brynwood Needleworks - First Completed Pillar!

 

As Day Thirteen closed, we were able to see one completed pillar on the porch project. The post(s) will be wrapped in white before they're through, but this pillar is done.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Pillars Awaiting Stone

The block was laid for the rest of the pillars, and the caps were also placed. The guys will continue to wrap these in stone now, too.

(My labrador statue watches over the workers. I got this when my Bannor was still alive, and I painted it to match his coloring. It's fading out now, even when always kept under cover, so I'm going to have to give it a facelift soon.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Tomato Haul

While the masons were working outside (and Handsome and Bella are packing to leave today), I was indoors, canning. I still had leftover strawberries, so I turned those into jam. I also scored some beautiful tomatoes on Monday from a local farmer.

These two crates hold well over a bushel, but I weigh them as I use them, so I won't know total weight until I'm finished. All of these cost me $25.00, and he even offered for me to use the crates to get them home. I thanked him and said I'd get them back to him over the weekend. I love small towns. He trusts he'll get them back, and I won't let him down.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - All These Left To Process

These are the red goodness I'll be processing over the next day or so. I'm going to turn most of these into stewed tomatoes. That way they can be added to chili this winter, or many other uses with the addition of other vegetables or spices.

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Jam and Spaghetti Sauce

Along with the finished strawberry jam, I turned twelve pounds of tomatoes into spaghetti sauce. I didn't use any fancy recipe...just two packages of Mrs. Wages Pasta Sauce mix. I actually ended up with four and a half quarts, but the partial became a spaghetti side dish with dinner last night. The mix is really tasty, so I may get more for some of the tomatoes that are left. We'll see.

Brynwood Needleworks - My Versions of Primitive Gatherings' Fifty Two Mini Ways - Box 4

 

In case you're wondering whether or not I've touched needle to fabric lately, the answer is "yes". These are my versions of the "Fifty Two Mini Ways" from Primitive Gatherings' Wool Box 4. I made an oak leaf, instead of the maple leaf design in the pattern. I also changed out a little house block for our compass barn (on the easel). 

 

I have one more block to do in this set. Lisa likes a little block with words, but I'm going to stitch something different. I'll share when it's done.

Handsome and I are finishing our morning coffee, and then he and Bella will be leaving for the first leg of their trip to San Antonio. Tag and I are staying behind to supervise the last of the porch project, and when my travelers come home, it will likely be finished.

I'll be doing some more tomato canning, and then sit down to stitch tonight after a light dinner. I've already got a new project from the Wool Box prepped and waiting for needle and thread, so I'll let you see that soon. 

For now, I'll kiss my husband farewell, pat Bella on the head (and tell her to make babies, like a good girl. wink), and pray for their safe travels. They'll likely be gone about ten days, so Tag and I will hold down the fort until they return. I'd better go for now, but I'll be back tomorrow. I hope you have a great day!

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day Eleven...

Brynwood Needleworks - More Stone Work

 

When Day Eleven began, the masons laid more stone as they waited for the cement truck to arrive on scene. Two of the guys worked on the east elevation (the former front staircase area), and one worked on the wall next to my kitchen garden.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - South Elevation Progress

The kitchen garden area closest to the porch is really taking a hit these days, but Mom's daisies will survive, and there's still plenty of lavender, hollyhocks, (and the birdbath) for the bees. 

The truck finally arrived, and the porch decking was poured. By the time I took this photo, the retaining boards had been removed because the concrete had set up enough. When I went outside with Handsome, I said the concrete looked great, but I wasn't sure I liked the wood trim underneath. (I know it's only part of the form, but I thought I'd tease the guys a bit.)

Before I could utter the last of my sentence, one of the guys turned to me and said, "Don't worry. We're gonna stain that when all the stone work is done." Well, played, my man. I laughed out loud and said, "Touche'! I should have known you'd be ready if I said anything." They're all so good-natured and fun. It's a pleasure to have them here - in addition to the stella work they're doing for us.

Brynwood Needleworks - East Elevation Progress

 

They got quite a lot done yesterday. The concrete was sprayed with a sealant before they left, and we were discussing how we're going to truly make this project ours. We have a couple of things we're going to add to the finished stonework, and I'll share that with you later. 

While the guys were outside working, I made another fifteen jars of Lemon Balm Jelly. That's all done now for this year. I still have tomatoes, and more strawberry/rhubarb pie filling to make, but first I'm going to make another big batch of zucchini & pepper relish. It's a big hit, so I'm making more to share with family and friends. That's today's project...after my morning coffee. Gotta run!

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day Ten. Meet The Crew...

Brynwood Needleworks - Wendels Construction Crew (l-r: Tom, Shawn, Tom R., Owner)

After sharing ten days of our farmhouse porch project, I thought you might like to meet our crew. These guys show up every day and work hard to get our project done.

Left to right: Tom, Shawn, and Tom Reader, who owns Wendels Construction. We remember when Tom R. was a younger man, working for his dad, Ralph. We hired them to do a large bedroom addition on our first farmhouse (where Handsome and I got married). Our addition was over 800 square feet, adding a whole wing to our home. We had a large en suite bath, sauna, hot tub, walk-in closets, fireplace and sleeping area.

Outside, was a lot of full round fieldstone, and a great crew to give us a perfect foundation to begin the project. The last part of their work was to install the fieldstone. It was so nice. I really hated to sell that first home, but there were quirky farmhouse things (like the height of the ceilings and doorways) that made it uncomfortable for my tall husband.

We sold it, and purchased land on which we watched our entire home build from the ground up. Wendels was there for that project, too. We trust them, and we really like the entire Wendels family, of which Tom R. is a member. We're so glad to be doing another collaboration with them.

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch Project - Ready For Concrete

 

By the end of Day Ten, the entire foundation of our porch was filled with clear stone, and then compacted and leveled. There will be a slight pitch away from the house, so water doesn't collect on the decking. They secured the rebar to reinforce the concrete, too.

Concrete will be poured today! This part is so exciting. It will set up for twenty four hours, and then they'll begin work on the pillars and posts. You can count on me to be back tomorrow with more photos.

 

 

One other thing before I close today. I've decided that I'm going to close my Brynwood Etsy shop for the month of September. I'm going to be changing the items I sell in my shop, and I'll be working hard to be able to launch my own website on October 1st. I will also be creating brand new items, too, and it seems the easiest way to do that is to just shut down the shop for the month to get that done.

So, starting now and running through August 21st, I'm having a sale in my shop before I put it on vacation. Use promo code: AUGUSTSALE20 to take advantage of 20% savings on everything in my shop. Minimum order to use code is $35, and you'll get free shipping. You may also combine items to save shipping (if the item charges for it), and I refund shipping overages. 

Have fun browsing. You may find something you like. Remember, these same items may not be in my shop when it reopens on October 1st! If you see something you like, might I suggest you buy it, so you don't miss out. Thanks!

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day Seven...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day Seven

Day Seven started with rain. The plan was to get all of the posts installed and remove the supports holding up our porch roof. It rained hard for about and hour and a half, but the weather finally cleared so the guys could get back to work.

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch Project - South and East Exposure

It was really interesting watching the process to install the posts. Each one sits on a secured base. The roof was raised enough (using a jackpost next to each post location) so the permanent post could be placed. Then, the jackpost was lowered, letting the roof down onto the post. Of course, the posts were then secured before going to the next one. After the posts were placed, the supports were removed. It's getting easier to see just how everything will look when completed.

It's funny how often I wanted to just go out onto the porch to watch the posts being installed, only to remember that...there isn't a porch...yet. (face palm)

The posts were also placed in different locations from the originals, because the southern entrance will now be treated as a main entry. There is a post framing each side of the entry area, and the stairs to the porch will be centered on that door, too. Of course, three posts (one at each corner) were predetermined to be able to properly support the roof, but after the entry posts were situated, the rest of the posts were placed equally around the porch. There will no longer be stairs on the front side of the porch (facing east).

Brynwood Needleworks - Porch - Southern Exposure

Our son (the carpenter) came up yesterday, too. He's going to be building our porch rails, so he came to meet with Tom (Wendels Construction owner) about their respective requirements as the concrete, stone work, and railings progress.

The guys knocked off early, but they accomplished their goal for the day. All the posts are secured in place and the supports that previously jutted out into the yard are now removed. Everyone will enjoy the weekend, and next week will be the start of the next phase.

Brynwood Needleworks - Lemon Balm Jelly

I promised to show you the beautiful Lemon Balm Jelly today. Handsome put some on his toast yesterday morning, and gave it a big thumbs up! Isn't it pretty, too?

This is going to be a bread making weekend. I'm making focaccia today, and sandwich bread tomorrow. I mixed up the starter for the focaccia last night, and it has to sit for ten to fifteen hours, so I'll begin mid-morning tomorrow. The house is going to smell great, for sure!

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Project - Day Five...

Brynwood Needleworks - Adding Stones To One of The Lilac Beds

While the masons were throwing block, Handsome and I were moving stones from the spoil removed from the building site. There were stones here already, but many had sunk into the ground, so at least one more level was in order.

I love that these stones came out of the ground under the old porch. The last time they saw light was likely one hundred years ago (or more, if you consider when the house building began). I will say they were dang heavy. Most could only be moved from the spoil pile by our tractor to the area where they'd be placed, and then lifted out of the tractor bucket into their resting spot.

The stone barrier we built is virtually finished now, too. It's not tall, but it really looks nice down in the front yard. We have two large rocks that the guys will have to move with the skid steer, so until that's done, I won't be able to put any plantings near it. I'm thinking purple coneflowers, salvia, Queen Anne's lace and chickory will be planted on the house side of the wall, and I'm looking forward to doing that soon.

Brynwood Needleworks - Laying Block For The New Porch

Day Five began with more mortar being mixed, block being staged, and then continued building of the foundation that will support the porch. This side will become the main entrance, so we discussed how the staircase will be placed and treated. (It's going to be beautiful.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Six Courses Done...Three To Go - South Side

By the end of the day, six courses were completed on the southern side, with three more to go. You can see the additional block on the front edge of the wall where the staircase will be built.

Brynwood Needleworks - East Side Of Porch - Seven Courses Done

The east side of the porch has a little more progress. There are six courses completed, and some of the backfilling has been done against the new wall.

 

The guys will be back tomorrow, and who knows how much they'll accomplish? They're the best in the business (that's why we've called on them again, having done two other major projects for us in the past), and we have complete confidence in them. 

 

One thing I know is that I'll probably be in the studio tomorrow. My back has recorded every single stone I lifted. I've been given notice to take the day off so I don't injure myself. I've been careful, so I'm doing fine so far, but I can feel muscles I haven't used in a while. Believe me, it's a mixed blessing, and in the end, our project is going to be a wonderful look for the grand, old lady, and the grounds on which she stands. 

 

Farmhouse Renovation - Porch Demo Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Porch Demo Day

I have to admit, I was a bit queasy as the dumpster and trucks arrived to begin the porch demolition. It seemed a bit wrong to be removing the original porch from the grand, old lady that sits on the hill. If the porch hadn't already begun the process on its own, we may have made other choices.

As it was, the porch had to go. It wasn't just in need of paint and propping. It was dangerous. All the way around, it sloped away from the house, and as you got closer to the outside edge, it was bouncy, exposing nail heads and rough edges.

Brynwood Needleworks - Southern Elevation

Tom and his crew began on the south side of the porch. He had to remove the staircase first, so he could get around the entire area. The steps were gone in no time at all, thanks to that hefty bobcat (the machinery). The rest of the crew set about removing the aluminum cladding from the main roof support beams and the posts holding it up.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - NE Corner

This was the saddest part for me. All of the old hydrangeas had to go, so that they could dig and set footings today. Every old farmhouse has either abandoned lilacs or hydrangeas sitting on the empty homesteads. Our living, breathing home has both...well, until yesterday.

My little mama wren came back late yesterday afternoon, sat on what's left of that corner pillar and started singing. I surmise that she's wondering where her flowers went. I took her house down after her fledglings left the nest, so she may have been hiding out in the bushes. I apologized to her, and promised that, as soon as the porch is finished, I'll put her house back up. I'll also plant hydrangeas back on that corner as soon as I can.

Brynwood Needleworks - Looking From The Kitchen Garden, East

You've seen many views of my kitchen garden since we first planted it. It's looking a little worse for wear on the edge right now, but the guys are being really careful, and it will survive.

This photo was taken near the end of the work day. All the decking has been removed and the aluminum pieces covering the posts and beams has been removed. The old sidewalk was pulled, too. You'll see why as the project progresses. The guys built strong, sturdy supports to hold up the roof until they're ready to set it back down on the new pillars and posts.

Brynwood Needleworks - Exposed Porch Decking Joists

Now, the only thing left to remove are the joists that supported the porch decking; the pillars; and the rest of the trellis (that covered the area below the porch), and the last of the southern exposure posts. They really got a lot done in one day!

Brynwood Needleworks - End of Day One

 

This is what we looked like by the end of work day number one. No more plantings around the front of the porch, no pillars on the front exposure, no railings, and no sidewalk.

 

Today, they'll finish removing the pillars, joists and the rest of the wood around the porch. They're expecting to dig and pour the footings upon which the new porch will sit. The new porch will be completely "no maintenance", and it surely won't shift or move again in our (and likely the next) lifetime.

 

Our crew is Wendels Construction out of Fond du Lac, WI. We worked with Tom's dad (who he worked for) on our first and second homes. They do great work, and we'd recommend them every day of the week. Of course, if you need masonry work done anytime soon, you'll have to get in line. They're busy because they're so good. 

 

I'm going to finish my morning coffee, take a few photos of them working, and then head to the studio to sew up my current project. After that, I can go back outside and "supervise". I don't want to miss a single step of the process, and will take pictures so I can share more with you. Gotta run now, though, so I'll see ya later!