domus48

" would go post a message on www.LottaLiving.com/bb or visit the Eichler Homes web page. They have a message board, too." Good call... I've been to both of those site and they are well done.

All- I'm seeking recommendations for books or information sources pretaining to construction techniques, historic renovation of MCM homes, etc. As I'm sure you are well aware, the internet is vast and search engines can only achieve so much -- often too much by way of unspecific or unrelated information. Perhaps I'm overly optimistic but there must be comprehensive source material on this topic. If not, it's a hunt and peck effort -- gleaning usful info here and there. Period books can be helpful but construction technology and methodology has come a ways since then. Hope to hear from some of you. Thanks in advance! I will post my findings as they may be of value to some of you.

"A lot of the time I've noticed with properties that have been remodeled that a big step is going with high class flooring. That goes a long way toward beautifying an interior." Yes, there is value to be added with quality (and appropiate) flooring. But before anyone begins addressing finishes, there are crucial corrective/perventative measures to be undertaken. Namely a new roof and substrate: One could expect 15 to 25K here depending on the system used and the extent of repair necessary. Regardless of whether or not the existing roof is new or nearly new, thorough investigative efforts should occur with a new home owner. Next would be a review of the exterior building skin and foundation. Finally, comprehensive analysis of infrastructure should be executed -- electrical, HVAC and plumbing. These are fundimental issues requiring attention before addressing backdating and finish-out. If a new home owner wants to have a home that will survive another 50 years, systemic remediation must be undertaken. Probably sounds like I'm on a soap box here... and I guess I am. A building is a machine... it only functions as well as its working parts. A 1957 Chevy will only go so far with original parts. Oh, you can wax it all you want but will it get you to New York? "This house seems very savable!" Yep.

"A McMansion can easily be built in most neighborhoods with deed restrictions. Back when many neighborhoods were developed, homes were built smaller than the "footprint" allowed. now the mcmansions are just using the entire 'footprint'." Before long the entire lot may be utilized as the building footprint... won't that be something?

Another 75K (at least) remediation/renovation property. The central issue on this one -- at least for someone interested in preserving the original design intent and integrity -- is eliminating the current "flipper" aspects of this property. Lots of backdating necessary as well as undoing "improvements" and poorly executed repairs and "upgrades". We stopped by one day and found the house has a less than positive vibe due to the aforementioned. Pretty unfortunate as it is a unique structure and in the hands of someone dedicated to bringing this house around it could be a real beauty. Hope that happens.

"Since the house is zoned to Spring Branch ISD's Memorial schools (Rummel Creek ES, Memorial MS, Memorial HS), the house may easily attract a family desiring a mod." Having children myself, I have come to find that the school district as well as the actual schools therein can have a huge impact on buyers with children... and the difference between a good school and a terrific school may literally be divided by a street. But I state the obvious. As for the potential remediation/renovation costs for this property: I would estimate at least 75 to 80K -- that is of course, assuming the work is done correctly (i.e. not the "band-aid" approach). This too should be obvious.

"Just build a good tall CMU (cinder block) wall and cover it with thick vines on both sides, install a tall and rushing waterfall in the front and back yards, perhaps add some new windows, and it will make a nice architect designed mod home. It has the best public schools in Houston and a very low price for the area." While a CMU wall and water features will assist in mitigating the noise issue of the near-by intersection, this location no doubt suffers from not the best fung shui (you don't have to be a devout follower of this practice to find value in some of it's criteria). And truthfully, the negitive fung shui aspects associated with the adjacent traffic can also be mitigated by water features, etc. At 1995K this could be a steal...

"To prevent confusion of these houses and to make searches easier, please list the street address in the topic title line of future house discussions." Good points. The new images do indeed paint an enhanced picture... it would be worthwhile to walk this property. Your suggestion regarding address use is valid and I will utilize such in future postings. Thanks!

MLS 6848146 What's the skinny on this one? Has it been discussed? I couldn't locate it via the search engine. Given the price, something must be not so cool. I think this is the one directly adjacent to the toll road/Memorial/feeder intersection.

"Brick facade suggests a stout structure but once one peers around the side a better picture emerges: Wood frame and cladding... As for the price, it may be in-line with the adjacent comps but as a candidate for back dating/correcting it would require d-e-e-p pockets." My mistake on my previous post: I inadvertantly referred to wood frame and cladding thinking this was the 330 Electra Drive listing -- oddly, aside from the mis-identification of building construction type the remainder of my statement is valid for either property. Both of these would require a major commitment to restoration.

This property is in dire condition -- despite the "upgrades". Brick facade suggests a stout structure but once one peers around the side a better picture emerges: Wood frame and cladding. Based on the first image there appears to be deflection in the roof structure as is evident by the warped fascia board -- this should cause some concern. Peering in the windows yesterday revealed new carpet throughout (perhaps there's terrazzo beneath), poor detail/repair at arched windows and a curious floor plan -- likely the result of "improvements" over the years. This property suggest a rental history and all that comes with it. As for the price, it may be in-line with the adjacent comps but as a candidate for back dating/correcting it would require d-e-e-p pockets. Is it worth it?

This product/proceedure is exactly what I was considering: PVC membrane, factory fused and white. Flashing and sub-strate work included, the typical install is one day -- at least that's what they stated. I would guess it would take closer to two on 1800 to 2000 sq. ft. Interestingly, they can provide a rough estimate via a google satellite site. I'll keep everyone posted as to the results of this effort. More to follow.

I am going to ask the moderators to move this post to the Home Repair and Improvement section. Welcome to the board. Thanks for the info and the welcome. Also, as I am new to the group I am unfamiliar with the protocol (i.e. home repair...") so I will be more cognizant of that in the future. Again, thanks!

Greetings, I am new to this group and am looking forward to future discussions. I realize the topic I'm posting is not the most interesting but it is germane. The issue at hand is this: Do any of you recommend a roofing company that has performed exemplary on a mid-50's flat roof structure? Your thoughts on this are most appreciated. Thanks in advance.