Evening star., 1925-10-17
REMODELING OLD HOUSE
MAKES OWNERSHIP CHEAP
.Judicious Choice of Home and Care in
Improving It Will Result in Profit
Rather Than Expense.

the plans, but care must be taken 10
have all three carefully examined he
fore beginning any work. Both the
examination and the repairing OF such
construction should be done by an ex-
pert. Owing To the fact that large
proportion Of the fires which occur in
rural districts are due to defective
flues. ii Is wise to have chimneys most
carefully repaired. il not entirely re-
built. II "A fireplace is contemplated.
or an old one is to be opened and used.
that is the time the work should be
done on 1t.
Roofing Important.
Next In importance comes the roof
ing This may he perfectly tight but.
unfortunately, an old house is rarely
found SO. Secondly, old roofs are al
most without exception of wooden
shingles. and it Is often more economi-
cal to patch or entirely reroof with
this type of material. though in some
instances paper shingles. or a com
position paper and tar material, will
be found most satisfactory. Asbestos
and slate shingles are preferable to
wood or paper, as they are both fire
proof and durable. but the framing of
old houses is sometimes not stout
enough to permit OF roof of this
sort. Tin or corrugated iron comes
next for durab bility. but impairs the
outward appearance OF a house. espe-
cially that of any colonial type.
Any new masonry required may he
of concrete, which eliminates the diff
ficulty of obtaining and hauling stone
and the necessity of paying the high
wages of an expert Stonema son.
After all exterior repairs have been
made and additions built the paint
ing of the exterior OF the house makes
the biggest change. White. cream and
yellow are best for body colors of
small houses. The light colors add
size and "A clean appearance to the
house and other outbuildings. Then
the exterior trim may be in a soft
green, black or stone blue.
1t is surprising how much painted
lattice and window boxes improve the
outward appearance Of house. They
lend charm to what would otherwise
he a commonplace, fiat exterior.
Avoid Unnecessary Moves.
In planning interior alterations
never consider the removal OF a par
tition. stairway or the addition of
single feature unless ii is absolutely
necessary. Every move means addi-
tional labor and new materials. First.
W2tCh Tor every opportunity 10 create
the idea of space. This can be done
by either removing closets that need
lessly iut into "A room or doors that
make dark holes of stairways and
passa ges II small hall exists. con-
slider the removal of any partitions
which make it up. Bring the stairs
straight down in square fashion or
with "A graceful curve into the living
room or space at bottom of stairs. II
a light. broad or square hall exists.
make il as cheerful and hospital bic as
possible with furniture and fabrics.
Secondly, remove any fake man
tells or gimcracks over real mantels
ana eliminate gewgawS on woodwork
or built-in features. Then. when all
has been cleared, build in only what
partitions and features are absolutely
necessary. in the simplest manner pos
Sibe. Any of the wall boards make
satisfactory material for partitions il
lath and plaster cannot be INDUCED in.
These may be painted. tinted or pa
pered like any plaster walls. Keep an
eye open for opportunities 10 fill waste