It’s hard to believe that I haven’t worked on this house (in a major way) for three years! I wish I hadn’t waited so long to pick it back up again; I’ve forgotten a lot of what I knew about electrical wiring.
So I’m repeating this year what I did for that summer of ’07: pouring through various wiring books, learning about codes and how to wire the house. I managed to wire about half the house in 2007; we’ve been without electricity for the other half all this time. Ever since I opened the walls and saw the horrible mess of 1930-era knobs and tubes, I’ve been too afraid to turn the electric back on, not until I can replace the entire system. So my home is still a mish-mash of new, old, and intermediate wiring, not to mention a LOT of extension cords everywhere. :-p
Anyway, I went to the library and checked out half their stacks, lol.
The best books have lots of diagrams and have information on codes in basic, simple lists. I don’t need loads of information on work wear clothing, work uniforms, all the meticulous tools and etc.
I have also got the floor plans made out.
I have yet to map out the electrical schematics, and the plumbing schematic. I dread the plumber’s bills. The entire plumbing system must be replaced… it will cost a pretty penny. I am apprehensive about the condition of the pipes, especially that nasty black cast iron sewage pipe in the basement. It’s turning orange, which means it’s rusting. I do NOT want to be around when that thing breaks apart, uh uh. Talk about toxic waste! Burn the work clothing and take a chlorine bath after that, tell you what! I have a sensitive nose, so I don’t do plumbing, lol.
Anyway, I’d better get cracking on this stuff. I figure I’ll start demolition after I plant the vegetable garden, sometime in late April/early May. I am itching to start pulling down plaster, but I have to box and pack away ALL my stuff including my books and computers, cover my heater vents, move the animals to the upstairs, hang plastic in doorways…. there’s a lot to do.
I can’t wait til it’s all over.
2. April 2010 at 9:37 pm
Oh my. Good luck with your project.
3. April 2010 at 1:45 pm
I am exhausted just reading about what you have to do but it sounds like a fun project simply because if you get it done, just think how good you will feel and you will have electricity. Good for you to do this chore. Hope you will keep us updated as you tear the house apart.