Somerville houses: Joseph Q. Twombly House

Circa 1850's Greek Revival/Italianate Style

Joseph Q. Twombly home 1859-1915, built for John Dugan

	Before (1994) Asbestos siding, Original trim boards removed to put up asbestos siding Rotted Porch (built early 1900s to replace what was most likely a bracketed entry) Inappropriate wrought metal used on porch
	After (1997) New clapboard siding specially milled to duplicate original style Seven sided trim boards (duplicated from original boards found under siding and being used as support to nail asbestos siding New porch, typifies more of an Italianate style (see notes) Restored double doors originally hid by storm doors Wood gutters installed

Resources:

Granville manufacturing for clapboard Viking storm windows Contractor: Noble House Paint: Benjamin Moore Trim: HC87 Eggshell finish Body: HC84 Eggshell finish (low-lustre), Doors: California Paint AC-143

Somerville houses: Robinson's Round House

Architect: Enoch Robinson

Year built: 1856

Location: 36 Atherton Street

The Enoch Robinson Round House in Somerville is quite possibly one of the most unique houses in all of Somerville. Sadly, the restoration attempts that were undertaken in the 1970's were never completed. According to Historic Massachusetts, as of August 1999 the HMPD negotiations with the owner regarding renovations, in 1997, haven't been successful. The owner doesn't want to lose any control of the property, yet hasn't made any progress with renovations herself. The HMPD tried to convene a meeting with Board of Aldermen and owner, but the Board of Aldermen doesn't want to get involved. Unfortunately, it is still slowly getting destroyed by the elements since there hasn't been any proper care on the house recently.

Top Reasons for Saving your Old Windows

Top Reasons for Saving your Old Windows

SOHO Helps You Care For Your Old House

The popularity of replacement windows is more a function of clever marketing than substantial benefit to the homeowner. Here is some food for thought as to why your old windows are worth saving.


Window replacement is not a way to save a lot of money on heating or cooling costs. Research shows that old windows can be made virtually as energy efficient as new ones for less money. The "R-Value" (resistance to conductivity) of an original wood window, plus a good aluminum storm is the same as a double insulated replacement window. A 1998 Vermont state study funded by the National Park Service analyzed eight ways of upgrading windows, from adding metal weather stripping and storm windows to putting in vinyl replacements. All achieved similar energy savings, but sticking with old windows proved to be as much as seven times cheaper. Consumer Reports sites only a modest drop in heating and cooling costs using top of the line windows, far from offsetting the thousands of dollars spent on new windows.

Why old windows?

• Old wooden windows are a character defining feature of an old house. Original or old windows can: Be energy efficient
• Last for generations and longer than replacement windows
• Be functional and easily repaired
• Offer craftsmanship and details not found in replacement windows
• Add warmth and beauty to a room
• Help you date the age and style of your home

Very few things go truly wrong with old windows. By and large their assembly is very simple, just two counterweighted sashes running in a slot. Old windows are easier to fix than replacement windows, largely composed of springs and plastic parts.

Items to remember:

• Wood is the easiest building material to renew or repair. Epoxy such as Abatron's wood replacement product can be used to eliminate any rot.
• Broken panes can be quickly and easily replaced.
• Old windows be easily fine-tuned and balanced to operate properly and smoothly. Proper sash "spot" cord, 825 lb. test, (or chains) will help insure longevity. A properly tuned window will operate well and last for generations.

Most replacement windows:

• Parts aren't standard. If you don't know your manufacturer (or if they are out of business), resolving any problems can be painstaking.
• Double insulated glass is subject to seal failure, which causes fogging. It must then be replaced at a cost that can easily exceed $100.
• Spring-loaded suspension systems will eventually lose tension, and then windows won't operate properly.
• Tilting in windows puts a strain on a replacement window mechanism, making them vulnerable to breakage.

Old windows have withstood the test of time and properly maintained will outlast a replacement window. Most of Somerville's homes were built prior to 1945 and used older wood that was resistant to rot. New wood windows don't have that advantage. Plastic, vinyl clad windows are at an even greater disadvantage. An old wood window would have to be severely damaged before it needs to be replaced.
The original old windows were made to fit the style of your Somerville old house, making it visually appealing. Replacement windows, with vinyl white cladding detract from your home's style. This unattractive appearance continues on the inside, usually accompanied by glue used to hold the framing, contrasting sharply with your room's woodwork.



Window Resource List (Partial)

Window repair (articles, books and do it yourself):
The Old House Journal Guide to Restoration, 1992, NY: Penguin Books
The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows, http://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/briefs/brief09.htm
Working Windows, A Guide to the Repair and Restoration of Wood Windows, Meany, Terence, 1998, New York: The Lyons Press
Repairing Old and Historic Windows, New York Landmarks Conservancy, 1992, 208 pp., John Wiley & Sons, NJ, 800-225-5945
Sash Window Clinic, Old House Journal, pages 107-110, October 2000

Window Styles
A Field Guide to American Houses, Virginia and Lee McAlester.. NY: Knopf, 1984

Lead Paint
Appropriate Methods of Reducing Lead-Paint Hazards in Historic Housing
http://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/briefs/brief37.htm
Non-legal deleading
http://www.windowrepair.com/delead.html

Window Parts
Authentic sash rope/spot cord, 825 lb. test, not clothesline rope (Anything else is inferior) Available at Boston Building Materials Co-Op (BBMC), 100 Terrace St., Roxbury (617) 442-2262
75lb. chain, (sash chain kit) used in place of rope/spot cord (BBMC) (617) 442-2262
Spring bronze weather stripping, Lynn Lumber, 781-592-0400, BBMC (617) 442-2262
Abatron wood restoration system, www.abatron.com, 800-445-1754 Available at Johnson Paint, Newbury St., Boston

Traditional Wood Windows (grooved for rope or chain)
Like the genuine look of old windows? Here are two local sources to get wood window sashes with individual glass panes (true-divided lights) and grooves for a traditional rope/chain and weight system.
Boston Building Materials Co-op (BBMC) (617) 442-2262, Ask for Don (window specialist)
Dorchester Door and Window, 41 Hallet St. 617-282-6900, indicate weight and pulley not track system

Storm-windows
Viking (custom colors, low-profile), 860-225-6478 (call for dealers)
Allied Window (hidden storm windows), 800-445-5411, www.invisiblestorms.com
Harvey Tru-Channel
Innerglass Window Systems, 860-651-3951

Window Repair
Windowrepair.com, David Liberty, (617) 782-9410
Sash restoration and repair, Steve Gentile (781) 762-5616

Glass Repair and Glazing and Screen Repair
City Paint and Supply Company, 1149 Cambridge St. Cambridge (617)-547-0050
Tags Hardware, Porter Square, (617) 868-7711, Screen repair, glass cutting but not glazing

Restoration glass
Bendheim 800-221-7379

Storm Window Showroom and Installers
Anderson Installations, Weymouth, 781-335-6600
Bostonia, 781-444-0340

Credits/Sources: David Liberty, Windowrepair.com, Consumer reports, November 1993, Old House Journal, National Park Service

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Home Improvement Contractor Law
Be aware of this Massachusetts state law, which is intended to provide protection to homeowners and a fair system for resolving disputes between homeowners and contractors. For detailed information, contact the Executive Office of Consumer Affairs (EOCA) at (617) 727-7780.

Registration Number
Make sure your contractor or subcontractor is registered with the state. If they are not, you will not be protected by the Home Improvement Contractor Law. Check their state-issued identification card to make sure the registration is valid and has not expired. Note that some contractors do not need to register, such as installers or providers of central heating or air conditioning, landscaping, interior painting, and others. Also, certain licensed professionals, such as electricians and plumbers, do not need to be registered, nor do some part-time and small job (under $500) contractors.

Check References
Ask friends, coworkers, neighbors, and SOHO for recommendations. Call the EOCA or the Better Business Bureau (617) 426-9000 (www.bbb.org) to find out if the contractors have any complaints against them. Be aware that many complaints are invalid, but if you see a pattern, use extra caution. And finally, call a few people from a list of references supplied by the contractor.

Financing
Be aware that if you are financing your home improvement through a mortgage or by using your home as collateral, your contractor is not allowed to lend you the money, act in association with any lending association, or require you to finance with a specific lender.

Building Permits
Have your contractor obtain all necessary building permits. Getting them yourself reduces your protection under the law and also increases your personal liability for work-related accidents.

Contracts
The law requires that any home improvement contract over $1000 must be in writing. There are several required provisions. For example, all contracts must include complete identification of all parties involved with the proposed job, including registration numbers of all contractors and subcontractors. It must also include a complete description of the project, a completion schedule, a final cost agreement with payment schedule, and signatures. It must conspicuously display notifications about your right to cancel a contract within three days of signing, any information on applicable warranties, and a warning not to sign the contract if there are any blank spaces. There are other required provisions as well. Read your contract carefully before signing it. Any contract that does not meet state requirements is invalid and could affect your protections under the law. Make sure you get a duplicate copy of your contract with signatures before any work begins.

Resolving Disputes
If you have a dispute with your registered contractor or believe they did shoddy work, you may contact the Attorney General�s office (617-727-8400) for help with informal mediation. If that does not resolve the issue, you may try a state-approved arbitration program. You also have the option of taking your dispute directly to court. For more detailed information, contact the EOCA Consumer Information Hotline at (617) 727-7780. Note that if you are awarded a judgment and your contractor refuses to pay or defaults, remedies are still available through the Residential Contractor�s Guaranty Fund.

Somerville Old House Organization Mission

SOHO Helps You Care For Your Old House

SOHO encourages and fosters the repair, maintenance, and preservation of Somerville�s older homes through education, advocacy, and support, emphasizing respect and sensitivity towards historic and/or character defining features. We value our architectural heritage and believe that a community dedicated to this endeavor will increase both respect for and pride in our city while preserving and strengthening its identity.

SOHO is an active community of old home enthusiasts who exchange practical information, experiences, and ideas on restoration/renovation.

SOHO Helps You Care For Your Old House

SOHO Activities


• Maintain a referral list of preservation-minded contractors and workers
• Educate others by sharing experiences about our own houses
• Host workshops offering practical advice
• Create web site and member resource list to disseminate info on preservation resources, methods, first-hand experience, etc.
• Support the City�s preservation efforts and lobby to increase them
• Work with real estate agents to encourage preservation

SOHO Members


• SOHO welcomes anyone interested in pursuing such activities and furthering its mission. SOHO encourages new and existing members to continue to assist in best serving Somerville�s old house preservation needs.
• To find out more about who we are and how you can become involved contact: Tony Membrino

Meetings are generally held on the third Thursday of the month (except Dec. & Aug.) at the Somerville Museum on Westwood Rd. and Central St. from 7PM to 9PM.

If you'd like to know more about SOHO, please read this promotional flyer. Feel free to post it at any public posting area (work, library, coffeehouse, etc).

Fall Maintenance Tips

Here are just a few things you can do this fall season to protect your old house before the winter sets in.

Touch up painting. It is easy to keep putting this off, but waiting until you have a painter come out to paint the whole house can be costly. Some possible problems caused by not touching up the paint on your house are water damage and rot, which could lead to the replacement of the wood. Often you can do the touch up work yourself. It is just a matter of scraping off the loose paint, caulking, priming and repainting. If you already have some rot consider using the Abatron epoxy or liquid gel products. Gutter cleaning. Gutters and downspouts are an important element to keeping your old house protected. Installed properly, these systems will shed water away from the foundation and the house. Check the gutters during the next rain storm to see if there are any problems. Look for water flowing over or behind the gutter (usually a sign that it is clogged or an installation/alignment problem with the drip edge on the roof and the gutter). You should get your gutters cleaned regularly, especially if you have a lot of trees around the house. Water from the downspouts should be shed at least a foot or two away from the foundation. Your wood gutters should be cleaned and oiled, at least annually. Most companies stop oiling at the end of September or early October. The weather needs to be fairly warm and the gutters need to be dry before linseed oil can be applied. Caulking. This is a low cost, effective way to stop air and water infiltration. Interior and exterior caulking can help to lower energy bills and prevent rotting of materials. Exterior: The common areas to caulk are: storm windows, window and door frames, where shingles/clapboard meet edge trim, construction joints and between dissimilar materials (e.g., brick and wood) Don�t caulk underneath clapboard/shingles because they need to breathe and caulking will trap moisture. Use a long lasting caulk (at least 20 years). Acrylic latex that contains silicone offers ease of use and durability, but a urethane sealant is supposed to be superior if somewhat harder to . Make sure whatever caulk you use is paintable (if you require it). Interior: Inspect the inside of your house on a windy day to see where you have drafts. The following joints should typically be caulked on the indoor side of all exterior walls: Between window and door casings and walls (including tops and under sills) Joints in window jambs and casings, and the joint between window stops and jambs Joints of baseboards and base mouldings Ceiling to wall junctions, including crown moulding Wall paneling joints, such as where wainscotting meets plaster Insides of closets, cupboards, and the like. Use only long lasting caulk. Acrylic-latex for paintable, clear silicone-based caulk for non-paint jobs. Yard work. Remove all leaves and trash from around the foundation and basement windows. If left to pile up they can help deteriorate the wood around your windows. Weatherstrip your windows. Spring Bronze weatherstripping is considered the most durable. It is typically found at the Boston Building Materials Coop or other specialty hardware stores. Source: Some information contained in this document was obtained from Old House Journal

Open letter to Office of Housing and Community Development for "Release of funds for lead-based paint hazard control in privately owned housing grant"

Lead-based paint removal on homes prior to 1940 should be done with utmost care to respect the architectural integrity of the property by preserving all existing wood casings, doors, floors, moldings, windows, plaster and other features of the building that help give the home character. The city of Somerville has continually removed architectural features and replaced them with cheaper building products and inappropriate styles, thereby devaluing the properties that they are deleading.

Making a home lead safe does not mean the building?s components have to be destroyed. All lead paint removal projects should maximize the use of the funds by performing activities that maintain the character of the property while making a house safer. All work should minimize the damage to the architectural elements so the quality and integrity of the home remains intact. Therefore I would like to see the City of Somerville perform, at a minimum, the following with any of its lead-based abatement programs, regardless or not if any other funds are being used.

• Perform lead paint removal that keeps existing wood elements in place without replacement, or allows for removal of the elements for proper de-leading and then put back in place.
• If for some reason materials should be replaced, then they should be replaced with products and materials in kind that also duplicate the style that was previously used.
• Use lead paint removal methods that does minimal damage to all architectural elements.
• Staff administering lead paint programs should become more knowledgeable on architectural features of the buildings, including reading a preservation brief by the National Park Service titled, Appropriate Methods for Reducing Lead-Paint Hazards in Historic Housing. They can refer to http://www.somervilleoldhouse.org as a starting point for education and articles.
• Staff administering lead-paint programs should consult with building professionals who have a good knowledge of building materials, architectural styles and are sensitive to maintaining historic character of a building.
• Staff administering lead-paint education programs should learn and explain the importance of keeping architectural elements rather than replacing them.

By incorporating the above requests on all properties built prior to 1940, the City of Somerville will not only make housing lead safe, but also help to preserve the character of Somerville?s old homes for future generations to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should become a member? SOHO is open to any old house enthusiast (homeownership not required) who admires and appreciates the architecture of Somerville's old homes. Anyone who would like to learn more about properly maintaining the character of their old home or encourage others to do the same.

Why should I become a member? In general, this is a great way to network with other old-house enthusiasts and show appreciation for Somerville's old house architecture. However, there are unique benefits and roles:

Benefits and Roles For Those Who Have Restored Property:
You play an integral role in helping SOHO create a recommended list of reputable sources for old house repairs and projects. Your input helps other homeowners streamline the process of finding the right person for their job. Of course, you'll also be able to reference the list for your own projects.

You can provide the insights and share before and after photos from your experience to help those who want to do restoration work. You can always benefit from meeting and sharing information with other old home enthusiasts, after all maintaining an old house is never done. You�ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you are encouraging others.

Benefits and Roles For Those Who Have Yet To Restore Their Property:
SOHO is where you'll find a wealth of information and experience to help you make more informed improvement decisions about restoring/renovating your old home. You'll learn things you never knew, and we bet you'll find encouragement to support your project. Our recommended worker list will help you streamline the process of finding appropriate workers. Please remember to take before and after photos!

What are the membership benefits?

• Access to a preservation-minded workers, product, and resource list
• Learn about new products and experiences
• Network with like-minded people
• View before and after pictures
• Special discounts, like reduced rates to workshops

Is there a membership fee? No. We are a volunteer organization and build a virtual community through this site. However, we do request your participation through posting comments and questions to our postings.

Old Houses Matter

A city and its residents who think of its homes as "just old" risk losing the true intrinsic value and unique characteristics that they bring to Somerville. It's easy to write them off and justify demolition because they are "just old." My old house had asbestos siding - the vinyl-siding equivalent of the 1960s - a rotted front porch with no remaining details and a collapsing foundation. A quick solution would have been to tear it down or cheapen it with newer products. After all, it's not historic, it's "just old."

Most of Somerville's rich housing stock dates from the mid-1800s to WWII period. Architectural styles vary from classic Greek Revival, Italianate, Colonial Revival to elaborate Victorian Queen Anne, Gothic and Second Empire styles. Many homes incorporate multiple styles built by and for newly arrived immigrants.

Before Renovation

Window trim recessed from inappropriate siding, improper porch design and other detriments detract from the house's original graceful facade.
Before
Some finer homes were designed by important architects like George Loring or housed Somerville's founders and business leaders such as Quincy A. Vinal or Mayor Edward Glines, who referred to Somerville as "a city of homes" in his 1903 inaugural address.

Our old homes may not be historic because of an important activity or a university president, a virtuoso or magnate made it their home. However, they feature materials, craftsmanship and details that are almost never found in newer developments. Over time, these homes developed historic character and charm in the form of original woodwork, solid-wood doors, pine or hardwood floors, horsehair plaster walls, durable wood windows, marble fireplaces, decorative brackets and porches and much more.

People who think buildings are "just old" cause a chain reaction that diminishes our heritage. Homeowners can be quick to devalue their property by unnecessarily replacing original materials with inferior products of lower value and quality that won't last as long. Many of them carry exaggerated maintenance-free and energy-efficiency claims from companies only interested in selling their products. Developers run roughshod over a community, destroying or modernizing old houses and putting in their place plain, unattractive exteriors. Real estate representatives promote gut renovations rather than alternatives that truly add value. Absentee landlords perform cheap and shoddy renovations and gouge tenants while they live out of state or the suburbs. They have no incentive to invest in our community. It's a sure sign that Somerville has forgotten its roots and has lost its bearings when the housing department uses federal and state funds to make so-called home improvements that destroy historic character. All of these factors combined lead a city of homes into disrepair from which it takes decades to recover.

Somerville's demolition review ordinance gives a neighborhood the added voice it needs to protect and enhance its architecture before it's too late.

After Restoration

Properly sized and styled porch lends balance, wood siding improves vertical proportions, and other improvements dramatically increases curb appeal. After
The ordinance only goes so far. Homeowners and residents must stay informed and obtain a greater appreciation for their old homes. Read A Field Guide to American Houses - an easy way to learn about house styles and details. Rather than replace, truly evaluate repair and maintenance options to add value in the long run. Participate at planning and zoning board meetings and encourage decisions that take into account our historic architecture. Demand more from developers and push for historically sensitive renovations rather than destruction or cheap modernization. City leaders must maximize any money used for renovations to save and enhance historic character. They must also strengthen our historic ordinance and add properties deemed important to save. A qualified historian surveyed Professor's Row, home of old and historic homes, in the 1980s. The city should have put those properties on the register and protected the neighborhood from unworthy alterations and demolition.

Take notice of the history found in all of our old homes. You can help restore the pride of our architectural heritage and help justify calling Somerville a city of homes once more. So what are you doing to your old house to enhance and maintain it's historic character?

Greetings from the SOHO Founder

Although I have always lived in Somerville, it wasn't until my late 20s that I gained an appreciation for its old homes. I can't say what specifically influenced me, but like any passion, once it got under my skin there was no letting go. The concept for SOHO came about after I undertook "sensitive rehabilitation" to an 1850s farmhouse. I wanted to do what was right for the style of my home.

After a year of discussions with Eric Breitkreutz, former Executive Director of the Somerville Historic Commission, an informal meeting to float the concept was held in my dining room with other old-house enthusiasts. The idea stuck, and in April 2000, SOHO was born. The first SOHO meeting was held in June 2000 and to spread the word each person from the informal meeting invited three neighbors. Today we are a growing group of old-house enthusiasts, and we welcome you to our organization. If you have experience, won't you share it with us? If you are looking to learn, we are happy to share our knowledge.

Thanks for visiting the SOHO website. I hope you'll tell your neighbors and friends and join the growing ranks honoring the craftsmanship of our city of homes.
Sincerely,

Tony Membrino

P.S. In the spirit of SOHO, I thought I would share with you the Top 10 things I learned from restoring my old house:

Top 10 Things I Learned From Restoring My Old House:
1. Don't be so quick to make changes or renovations (see article on hasty repairs)
2. Don't start a project until you know what you want, fully understand your options, and can be flexible enough to deal with changes.
3. Address the important things first (foundation, roofing, electrical and heating systems) even if they are not the most exciting
4. Ask experts for opinions and hire a contractor you trust. Now you can talk to other SOHO members!
5. Research, research, and research - but give yourself a deadline to move forward
6. Be clear what you want your contractor/worker to do. Rely on their expertise for opinions but most of all to carry out your wishes and to be flexible to deal with issues as they arise
7. Budget for maintenance and big projects (more on that later)
8. Be sensitive to the architecture of the home while realizing this is a livable space
9. Think twice before removing old materials and duplicate items if you must replace them
10. Enjoy the journey, don't be afraid of sweat equity, and admire what you are doing

Somerville - Two Golden Restoration Rules to Honor A City of Homes

The majority of Somerville's houses were built prior to 1940. Most of these homes have some form of architectural interest, not necessarily in the manner of grand Victorian styles and elaborate detail, but in craftsmanship that is no longer used in most of today's developments and in materials and labor which would cost significantly to replace. They are homes that were lived in by working-class and wealthy families alike, just like today.

These houses represent Somerville's charm and character. They help to define Somerville today, and they are an important part of our future. They will last longer, with proper care, than most new homes, as will their original material compared to newer products. The next time you walk through your neighborhood take a closer look at your surroundings. You might find a restored home, sensitive rehab, or perhaps the remnant of an old house: a unique column, old windows and glass, period doors, or decorative balusters.

Maybe your house has been modified and you would like to bring it back to its original style. Perhaps you have restored your property or are right in the middle of repairs. Whatever your situation, the following two golden restoration rules are solid principles to guide you.

Two Golden Restoration Rules (excerpt from The Old-House Journal Guide to Restoration)

The confusion in nomenclature about preservation gives a lot of well-meaning old-house owners needless guilt feelings. If you feel that you are restoring your house, then you should use restoration procedures. But lets say you read an article about restoration written by a preservation professional who has a museum house in mind. You begin to feel inadequate and guilty because you aren't using paint microanalysis and the documentary research that the author advocates.

Most people fixing up an old house probably aren't working with a museum-grade structure. Most old-house owners are doing something between a sensitive rehabilitation and an interpretive restoration rather than an historic restoration that most professionals talk about. While some of the procedures involved in historic restoration can be helpful to the average old-house owner, they can give you the guilts unless you observe our two golden rules:

1. Thou shalt not destroy good old work
2. To thine own style be true

Basically this means that as you approach the task of fixing up your old house, be sensitive to the details in the house. Every time you destroy or fix something, you change the character of the building. If we think of a building as a collection of individual details, then changing the character of one, changes the character of them all. It is better to repair rather than replace original elements and materials whenever possible. And when replacement is necessary, the replacement should resemble the original as closely as possible in terms of proportion, texture, and material. Beware the contractor who wants to rip out lots of old unsalvageable detail. Many materials a contractor might deem unusable are in fact recyclable with a little creative restoration work.

How do you determine if the old work is 'good'? In general, it is good if 1) it is fabricated from good quality materials; 2) the workmanship is good; and 3) the design typifies a particular style or works in harmony with the rest of the structure. You may find newer additions to the house good, too. It is best to leave additions if they pass the test for good work and they don�t interfere with the operation of the structure as you intend to use it.

The second golden rule 'To thine own style be true' will save you from needless professional preservation (i.e., you don't need to over-historicize). Your house represents a specific architectural style (or a combination of styles). Be proud of it and don't try to make it into something it isn't. Learn everything you can about that style, then let your rehabilitation or restoration bring out the character and flavor of that style.

A few years back, many people made the mistake of trying to antique their old homes. Victorian houses were never meant to look colonial with fake shutters, pedimented doorways, and the like. Similarly, trying to Victorianize a turn-of-the-20th century house can produce disastrous stylistic results.

Every house had an original design concept. This is true whether it was designed by a famous architect or constructed by an anonymous carpenter-builder. Your work should enhance and clarify this original design concept. Or, at the very least, it should not detract from it.

To sum up the golden rules, your attitude about the rehabilitation or restoration will mean the difference between a remuddled job (house rehab or renovation gone awry) and a sensitive treatment. When you have sensitivity, everything else falls into place. Sensitivity implies an attitude of respect toward the good work of others and an attitude of frustration with the obvious examples of ugly work on a building that detracts from the beauty of the streetscape.