RenovateDSM.com - Comments

Extreme Electric

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:47:08 -0700

As a renovation and remodeling contractor, we use Extreme Electric for most of our projects. Jeff is knowledgeable and a good problem-solver.

1618 Oakland Mansion

Anonymous — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 15:25:00 -0700

My wife and I are looking to purchase 1618 Oakland house. We are writing the club to help us find out why this house has been on the market for so long. We feel this house is an excellent structure.

Sincerely,
John and Leila

[Reply: You may contact the Des Moines Rehabbers Club at steve@renovatedsm.com for more information]

Tinker is very good

Anonymous — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:40:44 -0700

I have contracted with Leonard on several occasions. He does very good work, is honest and is quite an interesting person. Gotta love the whistle!

Best type of paint for exterior wood trim

jduvick — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:37:00 -0700

Hi I'm a newbie in this group but I would appreciate some advice on best paint options for exterior wood trim on an older home (in our case, brick Tudor style from 1929). Latex or oil? Is elastomeric (e.g. Duration) good or bad in the long run? Which finish is most appropriate for an older home (satin vs semigloss vs flat).
I expect there's more than one opinion to be had, but I'm curious to find out what those are!
Cheers,
Jon

[Reply: Please consider posting your question to the Des Moines Rehabbers Club email group!]

Twin building?

Anonymous — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:25:14 -0700

There's a building very similar to this on the 100 block of SE 6th (across from Rowat Stone.) Could they be related somehow? How would it affect their preservation potential if they are?

how does one go about buying

Anonymous — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:47:34 -0700

how does one go about buying the crane co. building? if anyone knows the answer please email me at brandonambrosy@yahoo.com

I have bookcases similar to

Anonymous — Sun, 22 May 2011 20:40:01 -0700

I have bookcases similar to these in our craftsmans style home. Ours have been painted white, they were originally very dark wood. I really love craftsman style homes!

Windows

jsmith8571 — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 20:30:46 -0700

Have an older brick home/church. Do not want to replace the windows just repair restore them. Qestion: I once saw a product that tighten the sashes up by pulling out the parting stop and replacing with a new plastic track and parting stop. Does anyone know where I might get this product?

Thanks,

jsmith

Plaster Repair

RenovateDSM — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 07:43:41 -0800

Zach and his team also do plaster repair - they lead a "how to" session for the Des Moines Rehabbers Club!

Daughter of owner of Roadside Settlement

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:42:24 -0800

Thank you guys soo much for the great compliments. What we are planning on doing is where the auditorium is having it for people to rent out such as wedding receptions, etc. Possible renting space to law firms. As it will be the "new east village"..

Owner

Anonymous — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:38:31 -0800

last I knew property was owned by Jack Rose

Replacement Storm Windows

Anonymous — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 08:47:00 -0700

I have begun the same process on my 1905 house, replacing all the cheap aluminum with wooden storms complete with the hanger hardware. I have completed 17 and have 26 to go. I have made them myself out of poplar wood and have perfected the design. If you are interested let me know at hildebrand_m@msn.com and I can show you what I am doing. I am considering making these for people since I too looked for someone to make them for me and found them quite pricy to have them made. I would be interested in making rough frames for a reasonable price then having the do-it-yourselfer's sand, prime, paint, glaze them. I would also consider doing the complete job for an appropriate price. Thanks

Storm Windows

Anonymous — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:16:46 -0700

Bob Yapp, a preservation expert out of Hannibal, Missouri, periodically offers a 3-day class on how to build a wood storm window exactly like you describe! When he came to Des Moines recently (brought here by COSC), one of his presentations included a demonstration of these storm windows - they are fabulous and don't appear too difficult to fabricate. I think there would be a GREAT market for someone who could fabricate these windows for people. Unfortunately, I don't know of anyone who does just yet...

Veterans' housing

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:33:19 -0700

Fort Des Moines was open for veterans' housing after WWII. I lived in the building at 45 Dickman across the street from the present Fort Des Moines Museum. Other families lived in the building above. We all attended Army Post School I and II which were on the other side of the parade ground. The parade ground was edged with huge, beautiful trees at that time.
I understand that there are plans to save these buildings and revive some of the parade ground area as a park. I hope that can be accomplished.

Terry Smith Gillam

Veterans' housing

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:23:17 -0700

I lived at the Fort from about 1945 - 1952 when it had been opened for veterans' housing after the war. We lived on Dickman and Eltinge, but I have a friend who lived in one of the other buildings on Allen Circle. I hope some photos and memories will be added to the exhibits at the Fort Des Moines Museum. I am trying to help Michael Kates, curator, track down some of those who lived at the Fort in addition to me and my friend. If you have any names, photos or information, please send to Michael Kates at the museum.

Thank you.