Renovating old cabins to meet contemporary living standards takes careful planning. First, evaluate its condition and history to prioritize repairs accordingly.
Michael Sullivan, an historian preservationist, discovered pieces of history at his Lake Samish cabin through old packing crates he found lying around and used for sheathing purposes. To gain more information, he consulted local historical societies as well as procuring all necessary permits.
Asbestos and Lead
Asbestos was once thought of as an invaluable material due to its fireproof and insulating properties. Unfortunately, asbestos exposure has since been linked to numerous illnesses including mesothelioma and lung cancer; its microscopic fibers penetrate lungs causing scarring which in turn can lead to chronic breathing problems.
Older homes are especially likely to contain asbestos. You’re most likely to find it in floor tiles, ceiling tiles, roof shingles and insulation materials, which may release its fibers into the air when crumbled by hand pressure – creating an inhalation risk. Non-friable materials like laboratory desktops and flooring tiles do not release their fibers into the air, providing more of a safety buffer against such risks.
Lead is another hazardous substance commonly found in older cabins. It’s found in paint, pipes and dust particles; exposure can result in serious health problems including gastrointestinal distress, nerve damage and reproductive disorders. While both adults and children can be at risk from lead poisoning exposure, children tend to be particularly at risk due to their developing brains.
Lead and asbestos present a threat to human health in different ways. Lead exposure primarily impacts the nervous system, leading to cognitive impairment in adults and developmental problems in children; on the other hand, asbestos exposure mainly causes respiratory illnesses like mesothelioma or asbestosis.
Providence College buildings have seen much of their asbestos removed; however, some materials contain it must still be closely monitored and managed with care. Any major renovation or repair that might disturb these materials must be conducted by an accredited contractor who understands safe methods of dealing with asbestos.
Minor asbestos repairs may be completed by applying a fine mist of water and applying commercial products that bond to asbestos, with assistance from the Environmental Health and Safety office. They also maintain a survey of campus locations including suspected asbestos-containing materials. You can view this survey Monday-Friday between 8:00 am and 5.00 pm in their office.
Moisture Problems
Many older cabins suffer from moisture problems that can damage structural members, cause rot and mold growth, and compromise health of occupants. Understanding which structures and characteristics increase moisture risk can provide insight into maintenance and repair strategies for existing structures that reduce demolition or replacement needs.
Restoring old cabins does not involve dismantling and rebuilding from scratch, according to Michael Sullivan, an architect and historic preservationist from Tacoma, Washington who consults on home rehab projects for his firm. Instead, preservation involves keeping what makes each cabin special while adding modern elements that provide year-round comfort.
In this example, a breezeway connects two old cabins that were separated by a dogtrot, with a new addition housing kitchen, bath and mudroom facilities as well as an open concept living area featuring wood-burning fireplace. Modern heating and cooling systems were hidden within this structure which is covered with handhewn logs and chestnut paneling for a classic aesthetic.
Foundation Cracks
As part of renovating an older cabin, it’s crucial that any cracks in its foundation be monitored carefully, as they could indicate serious structural problems. Bulging or showing signs of growth indicate water seeping in which can cause moisture issues inside the home and may also result in wood rot and damage to valuable belongings.
Understanding the different types of foundation cracks is important in order to properly evaluate which are more serious. Hairline cracks of less than 1/8 inch wide typically result from concrete shrinkage while curing and do not pose a major threat to the structure of your home; however, should they widen or worsen over time they should be repaired immediately.
Horizontal and diagonal cracks often indicate more serious soil settling or movement beneath your home, caused by factors like loose backfill, erosion or any form of degradation to the area surrounding your foundation. Over time this type of settlement can put constant strain on its supporting walls resulting in bowing walls or severe structural damage to your structure.
One telltale sign of foundation issues is an obvious gap between the floor and baseboards, which often indicates moisture entering your home and leading to dampness, mold, mildew, warped floorboards or buckled boards. Furthermore, these gaps allow rodents and other pests access into your home resulting in potential damage to furniture, carpets, clothing or even valuable belongings.
If you are uncertain of the severity of a foundation crack, it’s wise to contact a professional for an in-depth assessment and advice regarding repair methods. Delay could worsen and cost more in the long run; in addition, any signs of structural damage (sticky doors and windows, for instance) must be repaired quickly before worsening occurs; an engineer can assess these problems and recommend appropriate repair strategies.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency should always be top of mind when upgrading an old cabin to become a luxury home, whether by upgrading insulation and adding windows that keep temperatures consistent throughout the seasons or by reducing carbon emissions from its operations.
Employing modern technology into older homes can also reduce the amount of time spent heating or cooling, creating more free time. Smart thermostats, appliances that connect to the internet such as washers and dryers, as well as connected washers and dryers all help save time by enabling users to schedule chores or monitor home energy consumption from any location.
Simply updating fixtures and furniture can elevate a space, but to truly elevate it requires adding rustic elements as well. Steel and iron accents add subtle industrial charm, creating contrast against natural elements. In kitchens, sleek countertops such as quartz or granite provide clean modern aesthetic that’s easy to maintain; in bathrooms brushed nickel taps and designer light fixtures add luxuriousness.
Renovation of a log cabin should aim to preserve its historic charm while simultaneously adding modern amenities, taking full advantage of natural lighting and scenic views, and offering maximum privacy and taking full advantage of natural surroundings. Littow Architects of Finland created this cabin in Finland which perfectly illustrates this philosophy by building its wooden structure into the natural terrain for maximum seclusion while taking full advantage of breathtaking scenery around.
Renovating an older cabin is an effective way to maximize return on investment or make your dream home more affordable. To start the renovation process, assess its current state as well as its location in relation to surrounding terrain – this can guide decisions such as knocking down walls to open up space, upgrading kitchen appliances and moving windows.
Once you’ve decided how you want to approach renovation, the next step should be planning the details of your project. This should involve identifying which areas need the most work and which types of work fit within your budget. Also important are energy efficiency issues related to upgrading older cabins – this way you can create spaces worth the investment.
