Steve's Journal!

This website will chronicle our renovation and restoration project of an 1854, 2 Story, 3600 square foot, Brick Italianate Home that had been neglected and abused for almost 20 years

March 2006

The Saga Begins when we spotted this diamond in the rough listed in Tim Peevlers Listings. Tim was a great help as we actually purchased this home without ever seeing it in person. We decided to buy and save this house from photos and video provided by Tim. Tim directed us to an attorney, helped out with inspections, worked with the seller and kept us posted through the entire process. His help was invaluable.

June 19th 2006

Well it has been 2 months since we began renovating and restoring our home in Keokuk.

To date we have the roof replaced.. including new sheathing, stainless steel valleys, and copper flashing around the chimneys. We choose Owens Corning 40 year architectural shingles, and Rubberall roofing membrane for the flat roofs and widow's walk.

We had new plumbing installed from the curb box through the entire house, Replaced Hot water heater, and added a laundry area in the downstairs bathroom. Plumbing and gas work was done by Mark Patterson...Patterson Plumbing of Keokuk, and he did a great job.

We had the second front entrance removed and replaced it with Vintage Brick that matches the house. Repaired foundation damage and tuckpointed where needed. Also had serious Brick damage repaired in downstairs bathroom. All Brick and Masonry work was done by Custom Brick and Stone of Keokuk, true masters of their craft..

We Purchased new..G.E. Refrigerator, Stove, Washer and Gas Dryer from Lowes of Burlington, IA

July 26th 2006

During a heat wave (Heat index of 110 degrees) we decided it was time to check out the heating system, Dave Baum of Commercial Contractors went through the system piece by piece (Boiler, Radiators, Pumps, etc.) and made sure all aspects of the system were working properly.

December 1, 2006