This month's quote:
"He is the happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home"
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Editor's Note:
While at the grocery store the other day, I overheard two women talking about how they would like to make their new homes look old. My immediate thought was to do what I do, find an antique store or flea market. On my drive home, I thought maybe they were speaking of the entire home, not just furnishings. My quest began and after much searching, here are several suggestions on how to accomplish this feat.
Please enjoy, and, thanks for reading The Grassroots Newsletter.
Everything old is new again or vise-versa
Age new floors with historic inspired finishes. Whitewashing or staining wood floors makes a rustic age-old look. Clear polyurethane coatings will bring out the grain of raw pine floors, lending an antiqued, Swedish-style feel.
Lay reclaimed bricks. Salvaged or recycled building materials, such as bricks, are wonderful for outdoor paths, stairs or patios and the various shapes and hues create an historic charm.
Even new cabinetry and fixtures will look aged if you install a single vintage appliance, such as a 1950's Chambers stove. I found several on different web sites ranging from $100 up to more than $1,000 for a pristine, restored one. Estate auctions often have vintage appliances and furniture for next to nothing. Also, try combining classic handles, knobs and latches on the modern cabinetry.
Installing a front door with age and patina will welcome guests with much more charm than the basic new door. Flea markets are a great place to find old doors, for a reasonable price.
You can combine modern and traditional plumbing in a bath for a period feel. Try a new sink and beaded board with an old claw foot tub and faucets. All white palettes look fresh while the hand held faucet adds a vintage charm.
Use old doors, windows, moldings, mantels, etc., for new purposes. One of my cousins, who happens to be a contractor, found an old wooden bed with an unusual headboard at an auction for $5. He kept it for a few months, then had a woman who wanted "just the right" mantle for her remodeled family room. The headboard fit perfectly and viola! She was thrilled, he was thrilled and ended up getting more contracts because everyone wanted him to "personalize" their homes.
Don't be afraid of millwork. Much character can be created with trim, woodwork and moldings. Wooden shelves can be placed above doors and windows for a more traditional feel.
Last but not least, my personal favorite, combining wood and stone. With this combination, you can make an old home look new or a new one look old. A stone entry hall, having a cooler nature, brings texture and contrast with a wooden staircase, which adds depth to flat surfaces.
A few more ideas..
For your customers who want a definite "cottage" feel, try these ideas:
Add a picket fence around the lawn and plant a climbing vine that spills over the top.
Adding a Dutch door not only allows cool breezes and natural light to enter, but also creates a casual and friendly feel to any kitchen.
Transform a porch into extra living space.
Install beaded board for texture and character. It can be used for either paneling or wainscoting for a time-honored look.
Installing a window seat in a cozy, light-filled nook is essential for extra seating and storage space.
Install that farmhouse sink you found at the last flea market. Some people refer to these as "apron front" sinks.
Open up shelves in a kitchen by removing the doors to show off collectibles, antique dishes or old cookbooks.
The ultimate cottage-style entry is an arbor. Try planting fragrant vines such as a climbing rose, jasmine or honeysuckle to climb on the arbor to welcome guests with a touch of romance.
Sample Test Questions
1. An effective on-the-job method of determining whether a brick should be wetted before it is laid is to sprinkle drops of water on its flat side. If these drops are absorbed completely in less than _____, the brick should be wetted.
A. 30 seconds
B. 3 minutes
C. 5 minutes
D. 1 minute
Correct answer: D
2. The masonry units in a single-wythe masonry wall are bonded together by the wall's _____.
A. Masonry bond
B. Pattern bond
C. Metal ties
D. Corner joints
Correct answer: B
3. Metal ties is the preferred method of bonding together several wythes of wall assemblies that have more than one wythe of masonry.
A. True
B. False
Correct answer: A
4. Corners and intersections in a single-wythe brick or concrete masonry non-bearing wall or partition can be bonded together by laying at least _____% of the units in an overlapping pattern.
A. 85
B. 75
C. 50
D. 25
Correct answer: C
5. When overlapping corners and intersections in a single-wythe brick or concrete unit masonry non-bearing wall, each overlapping unit should bear at least _____ inches on the unit below.
A. 2
B. 4
C. 3
D. 2.5
Correct answer: C
6. Two methods generally used to structurally bond together the several wythes of wall assemblies that have more than one wythe of masonry are masonry bond and metal tied.
A. True
B. False
Correct answer: A
7. Although English and common bonds are seldom used today in this country, Flemish bond sometimes appear in _____.
A. Contemporary churches
B. Apartment complexes
C. Shopping malls
D. All of the above
Correct answer: A
8. Combustible materials should not be placed within _____ inches of the top or side edges of a fireplace.
A. 6
B. 8
C. 10
D. 12
Correct answer: B
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Read by intelligent construction professionals. Have a great month!
Maggie, editor
www.contractorexam.com
