Just want to clarify that the house will definitely never be rented out again. I’m mainly looking for content ideas for the process of taking it down if I don’t use it for storage!
If i were you, i’d just doze it. It might be antique, but it’s really beat up and in my opinion beyond repair, especially when you consider the poop system. I’d love to see a video of scrapping a house, then smushing it with the excavator. Below are some suggestions: Smash the windows out with the loader or by yeeting junk at them. Maybe after it’s stripped, drop some heavy crap onto it so it goes squish? Try to smush down parts if it with the loader, just like when you smush cara with the loader. Maybe do a “Will It Hold?” video, where you stet a car on top of it (if possible) and see it it holds or smushes.
Smart move trying to sell the house. I hope someone buys it. But I dont think anyone will :/ it will hurt to see it get torn down. Would love to own that house. But I am not going to live there 😅 so whatever you decide to do 👍
Contact the local fire company and see if they would do a controlled burn with it. That would be a cool video. You could still go in a take out what will resell.
I’m a contractor that remodels and restores old houses. That being said, I think it’s best to tear this one down. Get more junk vans for storage and let the house go
@@mtmtodd we drove across Kansas, and Colorado and you saw the old farmhouse yhere,with a modern New house built next to it,,all the current efficiency, and structure that is good 👍
The old wood does sell. My 100 yr old house has benefited from other old houses in rough conditions. I would process the house for the good parts and doze it. I did watch the whole episode and the septic system is the killer if it was mine.
Shame to loose an 122 Year old House and another History is gone ! We talked and the Option to turn it into Storage sounds good to us ! Cheers from us in Australia !!!!
I have had a couple of old homes, it is a constant battle to keep them going, so I can see selling off the woodwork and salvage items, then tearing it down. Looking forward to seeing what you decided. Stay safe. Peace
1)Reach out to a salvage company. See what they would pay for the doors floors etc 2)Get bids on what it would take to make it livable. 3) contact HGTV and see if they need a property for a show. Hell we all watch you, I think you would make a great “down to earth host for a show” 4) then and only then think about destroying the history. I feel your struggle. I hate throwing anything away let alone a house of that age. I personally would hate to see it go out like it was on jackass. Your house your call.
Howdy Silas, we had a couple of very old houses on our ranch that we were renting out. Over time the cost of upkeep was more than what the rent brought back to us. Also you can't expect to get quality tenants with the lower rent they bring. The property insurance and taxes are also prohibitive. Turns out that we lost both houses to fire 🔥 on one the renters took off for the holidays and left the Xmas tree lights on .. burned the house down. The second was lost several years later when the renter installed a wood burning 🔥 stove without our permission 🤬 luckily nobody was hurt . But we all agree that it would have been better to doze them both and plant more apple trees. Good luck Silas. I know you will make the right decisions. Marc from Capitola, California
I just watched this episode and I believe it would be best to part it for as much as you can get for all the wood, HVAC water heater etc, then tear it down and be done with all the tax issues.
Well I know most people are going to say tear it down, but here are my thoughts about it 1. I know you are not keen on renting again, but it did give you extra security at your yard, you could refinace the house to fix it up and not be out of pocket. 2. If you sold your house you live in now and then you'd have the money to remodel this one and could live in this one (you don't work full time here, you could make a huge back yard for your kids to play in and if you sold a car, then you wouldn't have to go anywhere and wait for it to be collected). 3. Take down any badly constructed addition, get it back to the original house, sell any trim, kitchen, wiring and other parts etc (even staircase, you can put a cheap one in) and use it for storage and ebay office). Thanks Silas, hope your not too backed up with editing!!
OK, I'll play devils advocate and give you another option. Contact your local Amish community and see if anyone would be interested in taking it down, or, moving the whole thing down the road. You can offer it to them for a VERY low amount and set a time limit to get it done, or, just give it to them. Either way, you save all the money and time, and some of the structure will live on somewhere else. Good luck, and whatever you decide, we will all love to watch.
As the video went on, you covered pretty much every suggestion I could think of. I hate to see it torn down if it could be of some other use, as you said yourself, real estate is expensive these days. The only other thing that comes to mind is the liability of having the house there essentially empty (of people) anyway. In my area one of the farms had an old empty house on it. There were problems with squatters and a fire. The mess that it caused in our community, created a domino effect, and many of the old, empty, and abandoned buildings on the farms around here are being torn down now. You just never know.
The septic should not cost more than 12,000-clean it out or replace it. Fix both porch areas. Fix the upstairs so it can be an apartment. combine the two rents you should get around 1500 to 16000. Structurally you do not have that much wrong. Get estimates for the septic.
I'd just tear it down. Your a good man for tearing up those people's check ,you don't have many people like that nowadays. But your caught in between a rock and a hard place . I hope someone buys it from you. Keep the videos coming.
I watch a lot of home repair videos and if you had an extra 80 to 90 thousand dollars, I'd say fix it. The best thing to do is part it out. I know a lot of people will not like it, but it's best plan. Good Luck.
I dunno, looks like most of us agree on that! The fact that he’s in salvage is perfect… he can make a nice little chunk of money and maybe get some projects paid for with the profits.
Well, I have more ideas than the two you listed. 1. Any local historical society in the area that would like to preserve the house? Many times, depending on the area, you can get property tax breaks. They might want to take on refurbing the house, but leave the septic system to you (which I would do myself). 2. Sell your current house, use the proceeds to fix the farmhouse up, and live in it. 3. Some local fire departments are looking for old houses to train with. They would invite other fire agencies to train with them. They start a mattress or couch (which they bring in) on fire in a bedroom and train on how to put it out. This may take weeks and you are left with a small pile of rubble and just fill in the basement. Also, police/sheriff's departments might train in it before the fire dept. starts fires in it. Activity shooter training is a big thing nowadays and the officers/deputies would use simmunition. Paramedics/ambulance personnel can also use it for training. Sorry, it's so long, but there are other alternatives.
It sure seems like you have somewhat decided to tear it down. It seems this is the best financial decision. You should make some good money on selling the items in the house, staircase, molding, even the floors if good and the wiring! Then you would be done with it! Love the videos and appreciate all you do!
My parents purchased a 6 bedroom house that was built in 1842. They paid $9000.00 for it around 1966. The house came with all the papers from when it was first built. It was first sold, I don't remember if it was 14 years or a few years more. The original owner died, let's say after 14 years. Every 14 years after that the owner died and the house was sold. After I read this, I asked my parents when did they buy the house. When I figured out how long we had lived there, it was over 13 years. I told my parents that every 14 years someone died and the house was sold. We were almost in it for 14 years, so we better sell it before something happens. My parents were farmers that didn't believe in anything like superstition. We lived in the house for about 20 years, no one died. One day I was down in the basement and I noticed that the beams that held up the house were full of holes. I poked my finger in and the wood just crumbled, it was rotten and full of termite holes. I showed my dad, and told him that it would take more to fix it than they could afford, maybe they should sell it. So they sold it for $64000.00.
I know septic tanks are very expensive. But I sure would try to save that house it’s beautiful. And some paint and a little fixing up . And u add the way price of what rent is right now. Or you and your family could just move into it after you fix it up some. So it’s you place but I would try to save it .
It's typical for a 20's farmhouse, and there are plenty of nice ones out there - the difference is that they've been maintained. I'm sure that there is hidden rot, and the electrical is likely substandard in many places. A small electrical fire in an old house with balloon framing means all of your stored stuff is gone. As sweet as the old girl looks, her bones have been allowed to rot, and there's no shame in taking her down. Just salvage as much as that wood as you can. A salvage company will even check dimensional lumber and deconstruct the frame if it's not full of termites. A barn that a friend deconstructed years ago had a 12 x 8 ridge beam that got him a ot of dough from a resawer. Our house has beautiful clear lumber throughout - from times when all the trees were big and tight grain was the rule rather than the exception. There's plenty of material in that old house that can live on after the house is gone. Good luck!
1. How much to tear it down and cart away the debris. 2. Would the fire dept. like to burn it down for training. 3. Can you sell some contents to a salvage dealer. 4. Looks like you would be better off without this headache. You are busy enough. Spend time with your family, not dealing with this place.
Man I live in Sc I installed my own septic tank and system with a permit legal. Hired a backhoe and a helper. 1500 materials 250 to dig it. That’s crazy money thanks always enjoy your videos. Hard working man. From my hill top in Sc
Well Silas, that's a fine mess you got into, I would salvage and tear it down myself, it's a guaranteed money pit being that old and you have zero need for it, as you know that there will always be box vans/buses coming through for additional storage if needed. I think the swinging car is adventure we all need and want and will you ever get the chance to do something like that again?
I have no advice on the right direction but this was really interesting. I normally get annoyed when I see people tear down old houses, but now I can see where parting out all of the salvageable pieces could be more beneficial in some cases. If it were mine, I think I'd try and learn how to restore stuff like the counters, doors and china cabinet, use the house as a workshop to do so, and then sell the pieces to antique buyers.
Okay, is the wiring knob and tube or Romex? Is the piping copper or iron - or lead? The numerous "small" issues are all expensive fixes, and none of it matches in style or architecture. I would call a salvage outfit to collect the flooring and banisters. The septic is a killer and it will always be a millstone. You can run but you can't hide from that one. Does the cellar leak? You have tons of water incurred damage. Are the windows thermal, vinyl windows or single pane? That's a $20K issue if you're heating the place. Are you heating with oil? Good luck! What's the insulation like. Silas, a house next to a junk yard is totally wrong You are going to get little if any return on the place and the damage with grow and grow. Hire a salvage outfit which demolishes in return for the old wood and fixtures. Fill the cellar hole and thank the Lord (or me) for making the right call.
I agree with a previous commenter on checking with the fire department. I say part it as far out as you can so that the best of this old house will still live on, then have the fire department do a training burn on it. That would be a cool video too and you can wash your hands of the whole thing except hauling away the burn debris. Also remember to check state and local ordinances on disposal of lead paint and other hazardous materials this house may have. If there’s a lot of lead paint it may have to be removed prior to demolition.
The house is obviously a goner, at least in your neck of the woods. You are a salvage dealer. However not really the type of salvage that the house provides. Even so, it seems to me that the very best that you could do is to salvage the house. Take it apart, or find someone that can. Save/sell/donate the good parts for people that are renovating houses that can be saved. When you have gotten all the good parts out of it, figure out how to crush it.
It is okay to let the house go. The unpainted woodwork can salvage and live again elsewhere. You're doing good work. Once this house is gone, then it is one less obligation in your complex life. You'll appreciate having more time available for your multi-generation family.
Agree, sorry to say house is not economical to fix as a rental. As noted, porch is weak and who knows about how much weight the floors can support? PS - Could local fire department use what remains of house for practice after you remove the salvage? Nothing like fire for RUclips content!
I would metal detect around the property. Got the house for scrap or for sale. Call the fire department and see if they have a training program where they burn the house down and have firefighters train to put the fire out. Then bulldoze it. Hopefully those are some good ideas Sal. 😉
How much would it cost to move it? Probably not practical, but it would be cool to see the house on one of the empty lots along east Avenue A. I've been driving by that house for decades, grew up about a mile away. Will be sad to see it go.
Make it you RUclips office and pay rent to your self so you pay less taxes. And make it your visitor center with a antique store for you … in the future when you get to 1M subscribers you will get lots of visitors to come buy your merchandise ❤❤❤❤❤
I Would strip the house down of valuable doors hardware the repurposed items and auction all of it then have a Controlled burn, Let the fire department use it for practice. then scrape up the ashes and you are done.
Yep Buddy part it out as much as you can obtain a permit to burn the balance down, then place some old fuel you have from the old crushed cars in the house then launch a burning vehicle off a ramp in to the middle of the roof this would create an awesome fire ball something to remember this old 120 year old HOME and in the process creating great content for millions of viewers this way lots less needing to go to land fill. 😀
Just a shame that such a lovely old house with potential will probably end up broke apart but with things the way they are right now its crazy spending money. I know you will make the right decision for you Silas, good luck whatever you decide 👍
You might be doing the right thing , it’s who is satisfied at the end . You are logical and to hold onto something that may cost you future money then it’s the right move .
Dear Mr. Silas. At first I thought: At the very least you can use it for storage (after fixing the roof of course). But after hearing that taxes alone are 200 USD per month, it's different. I guess you should part out the house completely and tear it down afterwards (although I would love to own a house like this). All the good stuff inside should bring good money. Thanks a lot for making explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health to all of you.
As a certified building contractor, restoring these old houses is a pure labour of love. If you choose to restore that old house to a good standard including bringing up to code will cost alot of money. That $50 to $70 ks away to light. Alot of the original structural timber including the flooring, floor joist etc make excellent furniture, In New Zealand old repurposed timber is worth a fortune. It would be cheeper and more fun to cut a hole through your roof
Fill your digger bucket up with all your hard earned doller bills, then pour that hard earned money through the roof hole. Old rust bucket cars are infanty cheeper to restore than old houses.
Salvage what you can, some things can be worth money.. So this is kind of weird to suggest but I've seen it done a lot on RUclips, get a local fire department to use it for a training exercise if possible. The videos would be rather entertaining.
i would call some salvage guys and let them buy what they wanted out of the whole house at a price you can agree on. then after what could be saved i would let the fire dept use it as a training burnexercise then bury it in a big whole with your machinery
😁 Everything ends bro. That house had a great run. Better than most. It's creative end on youtube is proper. It will be immortalized in the digital realm until we are no more. 😁
I definitely see your dilemma! I'd be torn too. I love old things, my own home is same vintage. When I bought it in 1971, almost everyone said I was crazy, except the old people. In spite of being a kid, that's who I listened to. Now in my case it's much different, I live in it, it's been my home for over 50 years. Sure it's huge old, and a maintainence monster, but has turned out to be my shrewedest investment ever. They don't build them like that anymore, and NEVER will again! When it's gone it's gone. I'd try to forestall demoltion myself. I know it comes down to dollars and cents, that's business, but you regret at leisure. A viable alternative may present itself in the future. Regulations could change, technology marches forward. Even now there could be a solution you're simply not aware of. You made the first good move, you put it out there, your solution could come to you! Good luck, God bless you and your's, you're a good man Silas.
I don't know if you all have such a thing down your way, but where I live, there is a business called Deconstruction Inc. They do to old properties like what you do to vehicles. They go in and salvage all the good stuff. Once someone does that, bulldoze it. Or, an old place that my grandparents used to live in, was used for the fire department to practice on. They essentially burnt it down.
That place is a money-pit Silas !! Between the sewage issues and structural problems, you might have foundation problems too. Its time to let it go. Take what you can out of it woodwork, copper, doors etc and level the rest. You'll have more room for vehicles. Good luck dude.
Another great video Mr. Silas. My opinion: salvage and recycle as much as you can and scrap the house. It's a funky old spot but it's a money pit. Use your hard work and skills on other projects, don't waste them on this place. There is not enough historic or financial value to justify a resto. But what do I know. ;) , I've got one foot on stage and the other on an old junkyard!
You might check with your local fire dept. to offer your house for a controlled burn down for learning. That way you would have very little to haul to the dump.
Hi Silas, I think your best option is to A.) Sell and move the house; B.) Part the house, contact local Fire Dept and have them burn the house for practise. ( May get a tax deduct), C. Part and demolish. Using as a storage facility has limited use, especially 2nd story (up/down stairs) and getting from ground level to 1st floor for heavy parts / thru std. doors is tough. You seem to be a good guy, was a fair landlord, and I enjoy your channel. Good luck.
I suggest that you try & advertise the house itself just like you said, for someone to drag it away & put it on their own land, or buy land close by & put it on there... as you said, it would work out cheap for what it is for a really old historical house on their land.... or maybe alternately you perhaps could keep it for your kids, maybe when they grow up they may want it..... as it would be history for therm, & might save them buying one, when you can just give them that one, & they can put money into fixing it... Great video, none the less, i like variable videos instead of just crushing, its like a real adventure each time, we never know what you come up with.... Thank you
Whatever it takes, it's worth it. My last house in Md,.. was built in 1874, took me 2 yrs, to bring it into shape. Best investment I ever made. My kids loved living there. You can't buy, that Craftsmanship, today. I paid 97k put 100 k into it, My Labor . Sold it 5 years later, sold for 595k . Kids rode dirt bikes in the Back yard.
I would use the house for storage and an office, as your business grows you may need additional storage and you could make your office as large as you need it to be.
I do not envy your decision. Something else. I have a 2400 square foot house I just had to re-roof. Very basic roof, no complications cost me 21k financed. Cash deal would probably be half. Give it a month or so, see if someone will move it. Then part it out. Many old farmhouses die a slow death because of wiring issues, plumbing and septic or just too darned hard to heat. Back when that house was built a person was just happy not to wake up with snow on top of their bed covers. Indoor plumbing wasn't used much yet. Out houses are cold as well..... Yeah. So sell and move or part and tear it down. Renting will not recover your expenses. It's a sad decision but you just hate to see them fall apart. The unfortunate thing is the weather is going to be turning bad soon. What ever you decide we will be here with you. Cheers Terry
Its a nice old house but you have to decide on what is better for your finances, some might not understand but it is what it is, just bring her down and will have fun watching it!
I have restored a few older homes and doing a small brick now, materials are still high , I’d part the house out some to help pay for the demo and dumpster cost, clean up the lot and lower taxes. Good luck
Been there done that!!! 3 times. Those little things quickly become expensive things. I suggest calling a architectural Salvage company… sell them what they want …. THEN call the local fire dept and allow them to practice burn the place.
Always sad to demolish these old homes, but it looks like never ending upkeep and problems for something you don’t really need. Just salvaging it out is going to be a ton of work. Sell what you can and level the rest.
Hey Silas! I think something that might be really cool to do is to get a permit to burn it when it's less dry. I don't know the legality of it exactly, but I know it can be done, and that would sure be a cool way to send this house off.
A controlled burn / practice for the local fire department would be an ideal way to reduce the amount of debris going to the landfill. I agree - remove all of the wood trim and hardwood floors. Contact Habitat for Humanity to come and get things like sinks, ceiling fans, and other fixtures. The fire department may even be able to get more than one practice session out of the house. I think using it for storage - no matter how secure you make it - is still asking for trouble. Once the area is completely cleared of debris, the basement section can be reused as a base for a small building to use as an office or storage then. Videos of the whole process sounds like a good idea.
There's a middle way that I have used both as tenant and renting out a house that I later owned. Find a tenant with the right competence and make a deal, you pay for adequate material and they fix the house, if they want fancy materials they pay the additional cost. Make a written agreement of what shall be done and how long it can take. They pay a lower rent during the renovation and full rent when it's done. If it's not done in time in accordance with the agreement they pay full rent after that date anyway. The house is big, maybe you can make a deal where they can sublet the upper floor and you split that rent between you and the tenant. You have a digger and can dig a big hole for a new septic tank and the pipe to the house, it's done in one day, lay down pipes and get everything ready for inspection. I don't know how such a system works in USA but here in Sweden the tank is a big plastic tank that can be emptied with a sewage truck. Let them insulate and heat the laundry room. You can use the basement for storing stuff, or make a stair to the second floor and use that for storage if the tenant don't want the hassle of subletting or need more space than the first floor. The biggest issue with such an arrangement is finding a tenant with the right qualifications and have the contract legalized by a lawyer. I had no problem with that since I'm a builder and electrician, it was easy to find a retired man that was bored and wanted to work on a small scale, we made the agreement with a handshake. He still had all his tools and a very good reputation as builder. In a year he had fixed everything and more according our agreement and everyone was happy. There are a couple of big advantages for you with such an arrangement, you get the house renovated for a low cost, you can raise the rent when it's done and you get someone that can keep an eye on the gates. The house doesn't seem to be in really bad shape, the rooms only need paint and sanding of the floors. The kitchens and bathrooms need little more but they´re not total disasters. The house is definitely worth saving, this way you can both eat the cake and still have it. Depending on frame type a house of that size will probably weigh roughly 25-30 metric tons. If you part it out I'd say that the most valuable part is the hardwood floors, they're probably such floors in all rooms although covered in some. The handrails and banisters from the staircase will also bring good money, if the staircase itself is also hardwood you have good money there. Sell the parts on bid and with the stipulation that the buyer tear it out themselves. I sold the house that I rented out with a huge profit when the tenant passed away and the widow moved out.
Advertise it for the salvage and have the people that buy the trim, cabinets, floors, doors, etc remove what they buy so you have no labor costs. When it’s stripped tear it down. Use the foundation to fill in the hole as mulch as possible, add dirt and compact. Less trips to the dump, more income from salvage, less labor for you. And do it while the weather is still good since January 1st is your next tax bill. In my opinion…
1. I would check to see if anyone wants to purchase the house to move it to a different location. 2. If no one wants to buy the house to move it, then remove the items, door knobs, doors anything you can resale. I hate to see historic homes especially ones in good shape go to waste but you are right to costly. Using for storage personally I dont think is a good idea. To unorganized having items everywhere, just my opinion. Structurally how much could the house withstand before you had to spend money to make it structurally sound with all of that steel weight. Oh good idea you said you have listed for sale. Unfortunately if you aren't able to sell. Remove everything you want and tear it down. To remodel and do it right would need new wiring throughout the house, new windows throughout, replace plumbing and new plumbing throughout in addition to the sewer issue, some areas of floor replaced, who knows how much damage if any with missing shingles. The foundation should be inspected, who knows what kind of news that would bring. I agree dont do anything halfway, people have different opinions on that. The house is in great shape for its age, but fixing everything that has been let go is too costly to repair unless a person has the money to fill that pit sorry to say it is a lost cause. Sad previous owners did not keep it up.
Silas have you ever owned a old boat, the house is the same! MONEY HOLE! if it had some historical value that might make a difference but that's the million dollar question! Safe and sure level it, dig a big hole and make it disappear.
I spent 35 years on My Old Farm House , until I tore it down and built a new one , what pushed tearing it down was the Oid wireing it was a nightmare and far from being code , it did not ever have junction boxes just wires twisted together , it,s a wonder it did not burn itself down , I sleep better now
That is a perfect eBay storage building. You guys crush alot of money in eBay parts everyday. Actually with the low scrap prices, right now you could be making more money on eBay than crushing alot of the vehicles I am seeing you crush
Silas. You could probably sell the house for a few bucks to be moved at buyers expense. I’m sure someone would buy it and move it. Then you wouldn’t have to demolish it and avoid the time and expense of cleanup. And someone could save and restore the house, at least in some capacity.
stripping the copper and steel and recycable items some beautiful doors and old door handles ,salvage what you want ,get the fire dept to burn it down for practice , or give it to some one who wants to move it free of charge !
from the intro the house looks to be in fair shape. nice straight roof is a real good sign for sure. separate the land and remove the house from the portion of the property you want to use.
If I sell it and they rent it out to questionable people, then I will have constant theft and vandalism forever. I definitely don’t want anyone living 20’ from the junkyard.
I hate to see any old house get torn down, but with that septic problem, that's a big expense. But if you do tear it down I would suggest getting someone that does architectural salvage to come in and remove the stairs, the banisters windows, doors etc. Even the flooring if the wood is original. Even the rafters in the roof in the Attic could be salvaged the door knobs, things like that can be used again somewhere. Or you could make it into a really nice office and storage. Nice video.
Auction the salvage of the nice woodwork, and mechanical, then contact the local fire dept, and have them do a controlled burn. Push the remains into the crawl space and bury.
Save the house 💯 % please don't take it down ues as a shipping and office anything but save it but I would like to see you drive a car Through it. It's just sad to see a good old house go but it's always your Decision at the end of the day. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Third option take all the stuff out you want to sell ,then get the fire brigade to burn it down for practice this way all you will have is a smaller and cheaper clean up
You are correct- don't ever rent it out again! Get some help and go through the house, taking all the glass door handles and staircase railings and posts and unique doors and etc etc etc. Then and only then go the demolition route that costs you the LEAST amount of $$$ Fire dept controlled burns on a house that old would work. They don't like newer houses with building materials containing chemicals of modern day. Pack dumpsters full of the remnants after burn and level the area. Troubles gone. Yes, it's old but not really THAT historical. Guess we'll look forward to the upcoming video on your decision!! Good Luck.
I agree with the others, parting the house is best. You just can’t get past a faulty plumbing system. I live in what’s considered a decent apartment in Southern California (for a price that would give you a heart attack… we’re moving out of state next year) and we’ve had five slab leaks in the 15 years that we’ve been here. Bad plumbing can ruin a nice place. And considering the fact that you’ll make the most of all the nice old pieces and the wiring and all, making sure they get out where people can buy them and make good use, you’re the best guy to do justice to this old place if it must be torn down. Whenever I see video of someone exploring an old abandoned house still full of solid wood railings and stained glass windows and chandeliers and who knows what else, well, it just blows my mind that no one at least came in and got those things out. And you can use that money lots of other places. Believe me, I understand wanting to restore something beautiful, but sometimes you have to let go for the sake of a billion other projects you have waiting.
Just want to clarify that the house will definitely never be rented out again. I’m mainly looking for content ideas for the process of taking it down if I don’t use it for storage!
If you have mennonites in your area, you can ask them if they want to take it down
If i were you, i’d just doze it. It might be antique, but it’s really beat up and in my opinion beyond repair, especially when you consider the poop system.
I’d love to see a video of scrapping a house, then smushing it with the excavator. Below are some suggestions:
Smash the windows out with the loader or by yeeting junk at them.
Maybe after it’s stripped, drop some heavy crap onto it so it goes squish?
Try to smush down parts if it with the loader, just like when you smush cara with the loader.
Maybe do a “Will It Hold?” video, where you stet a car on top of it (if possible) and see it it holds or smushes.
An antiques store?
If you wanted to live there it would be worth saving but if not I would junk it.
Smart move trying to sell the house. I hope someone buys it. But I dont think anyone will :/ it will hurt to see it get torn down. Would love to own that house. But I am not going to live there 😅 so whatever you decide to do 👍
Contact the local fire company and see if they would do a controlled burn with it. That would be a cool video. You could still go in a take out what will resell.
DUNE HERE A LOT
Sounds like a great idea!
That’s smart. Then you would have less to haul and more to use as fill.
I’m a contractor that remodels and restores old houses. That being said, I think it’s best to tear this one down. Get more junk vans for storage and let the house go
Do you tear down quite a bit of houses? I love house demolition.
112 years is quite shameful to tear down a house! Imagine the history!
Thats a tough one with such a large house. Salvage what you can and have the fire department burn it down for practice !
Good 💡 idea 👍
@@michealallison8756 that works too
I agree totally. I can't imagine what it would cost to heat and cool it.
@@mtmtodd we drove across Kansas, and Colorado and you saw the old farmhouse yhere,with a modern New house built next to it,,all the current efficiency, and structure that is good 👍
Disgusting. 112 years?! There's years worth of history there!
The old wood does sell. My 100 yr old house has benefited from other old houses in rough conditions. I would process the house for the good parts and doze it. I did watch the whole episode and the septic system is the killer if it was mine.
Shame to loose an 122 Year old House and another History is gone ! We talked and the Option to turn it into Storage sounds good to us ! Cheers from us in Australia !!!!
I have had a couple of old homes, it is a constant battle to keep them going, so I can see selling off the woodwork and salvage items, then tearing it down. Looking forward to seeing what you decided. Stay safe. Peace
Exactly. Sadly this is a money pit.
I would tear it down, but salvage all the flooring and wood trim before you do. That wood is worth tons of money
Agree, under instructions from my wife.
1)Reach out to a salvage company. See what they would pay for the doors floors etc
2)Get bids on what it would take to make it livable.
3) contact HGTV and see if they need a property for a show. Hell we all watch you, I think you would make a great “down to earth host for a show”
4) then and only then think about destroying the history. I feel your struggle. I hate throwing anything away let alone a house of that age. I personally would hate to see it go out like it was on jackass. Your house your call.
Calm down Karen
Howdy Silas, we had a couple of very old houses on our ranch that we were renting out. Over time the cost of upkeep was more than what the rent brought back to us. Also you can't expect to get quality tenants with the lower rent they bring. The property insurance and taxes are also prohibitive. Turns out that we lost both houses to fire 🔥 on one the renters took off for the holidays and left the Xmas tree lights on .. burned the house down. The second was lost several years later when the renter installed a wood burning 🔥 stove without our permission 🤬 luckily nobody was hurt . But we all agree that it would have been better to doze them both and plant more apple trees. Good luck Silas. I know you will make the right decisions. Marc from Capitola, California
Beautiful old house no way I would tear it down
I just watched this episode and I believe it would be best to part it for as much as you can get for all the wood, HVAC water heater etc, then tear it down and be done with all the tax issues.
Salvage what you can to save another old house. Junk the rest. You're doing the right thing. It will be a never ending job to fix it. Been there.
Well I know most people are going to say tear it down, but here are my thoughts about it 1. I know you are not keen on renting again, but it did give you extra security at your yard, you could refinace the house to fix it up and not be out of pocket. 2. If you sold your house you live in now and then you'd have the money to remodel this one and could live in this one (you don't work full time here, you could make a huge back yard for your kids to play in and if you sold a car, then you wouldn't have to go anywhere and wait for it to be collected). 3. Take down any badly constructed addition, get it back to the original house, sell any trim, kitchen, wiring and other parts etc (even staircase, you can put a cheap one in) and use it for storage and ebay office). Thanks Silas, hope your not too backed up with editing!!
OK, I'll play devils advocate and give you another option. Contact your local Amish community and see if anyone would be interested in taking it down, or, moving the whole thing down the road. You can offer it to them for a VERY low amount and set a time limit to get it done, or, just give it to them. Either way, you save all the money and time, and some of the structure will live on somewhere else. Good luck, and whatever you decide, we will all love to watch.
As the video went on, you covered pretty much every suggestion I could think of. I hate to see it torn down if it could be of some other use, as you said yourself, real estate is expensive these days. The only other thing that comes to mind is the liability of having the house there essentially empty (of people) anyway. In my area one of the farms had an old empty house on it. There were problems with squatters and a fire. The mess that it caused in our community, created a domino effect, and many of the old, empty, and abandoned buildings on the farms around here are being torn down now. You just never know.
The septic should not cost more than 12,000-clean it out or replace it. Fix both porch areas. Fix the upstairs so it can be an apartment. combine the two rents you should get around 1500 to 16000. Structurally you do not have that much wrong. Get estimates for the septic.
I'd just tear it down. Your a good man for tearing up those people's check ,you don't have many people like that nowadays. But your caught in between a rock and a hard place . I hope someone buys it from you. Keep the videos coming.
I watch a lot of home repair videos and if you had an extra 80 to 90 thousand dollars, I'd say fix it.
The best thing to do is part it out. I know a lot of people will not like it, but it's best plan. Good Luck.
I dunno, looks like most of us agree on that! The fact that he’s in salvage is perfect… he can make a nice little chunk of money and maybe get some projects paid for with the profits.
Well, I have more ideas than the two you listed. 1. Any local historical society in the area that would like to preserve the house? Many times, depending on the area, you can get property tax breaks. They might want to take on refurbing the house, but leave the septic system to you (which I would do myself). 2. Sell your current house, use the proceeds to fix the farmhouse up, and live in it. 3. Some local fire departments are looking for old houses to train with. They would invite other fire agencies to train with them. They start a mattress or couch (which they bring in) on fire in a bedroom and train on how to put it out. This may take weeks and you are left with a small pile of rubble and just fill in the basement. Also, police/sheriff's departments might train in it before the fire dept. starts fires in it. Activity shooter training is a big thing nowadays and the officers/deputies would use simmunition. Paramedics/ambulance personnel can also use it for training. Sorry, it's so long, but there are other alternatives.
It sure seems like you have somewhat decided to tear it down. It seems this is the best financial decision. You should make some good money on selling the items in the house, staircase, molding, even the floors if good and the wiring! Then you would be done with it! Love the videos and appreciate all you do!
I think parting it out and tearing it down is your best option 👍🌎🌞😊👍
My parents purchased a 6 bedroom house that was built in 1842. They paid $9000.00 for it around 1966. The house came with all the papers from when it was first built. It was first sold, I don't remember if it was 14 years or a few years more. The original owner died, let's say after 14 years. Every 14 years after that the owner died and the house was sold. After I read this, I asked my parents when did they buy the house. When I figured out how long we had lived there, it was over 13 years. I told my parents that every 14 years someone died and the house was sold. We were almost in it for 14 years, so we better sell it before something happens. My parents were farmers that didn't believe in anything like superstition. We lived in the house for about 20 years, no one died. One day I was down in the basement and I noticed that the beams that held up the house were full of holes. I poked my finger in and the wood just crumbled, it was rotten and full of termite holes. I showed my dad, and told him that it would take more to fix it than they could afford, maybe they should sell it. So they sold it for $64000.00.
Either pull all the good architectural stuff, windows, doors,stair banister, etc. Ore find a company that will do it. Then call the Fire Dept.
I know septic tanks are very expensive. But I sure would try to save that house it’s beautiful. And some paint and a little fixing up . And u add the way price of what rent is right now. Or you and your family could just move into it after you fix it up some. So it’s you place but I would try to save it .
It's typical for a 20's farmhouse, and there are plenty of nice ones out there - the difference is that they've been maintained. I'm sure that there is hidden rot, and the electrical is likely substandard in many places. A small electrical fire in an old house with balloon framing means all of your stored stuff is gone. As sweet as the old girl looks, her bones have been allowed to rot, and there's no shame in taking her down. Just salvage as much as that wood as you can. A salvage company will even check dimensional lumber and deconstruct the frame if it's not full of termites. A barn that a friend deconstructed years ago had a 12 x 8 ridge beam that got him a ot of dough from a resawer. Our house has beautiful clear lumber throughout - from times when all the trees were big and tight grain was the rule rather than the exception. There's plenty of material in that old house that can live on after the house is gone. Good luck!
definitely part it out! let us know how much money you make/lose on the whole project and definitely send a car into it! great idea
The two ideas that involved a car would be awesome!
1. How much to tear it down and cart away the debris.
2. Would the fire dept. like to burn it down for training.
3. Can you sell some contents to a salvage dealer.
4. Looks like you would be better off without this headache. You are busy enough. Spend time with your family, not dealing with this place.
Keep its its been around for 122 years so many old homes are gone it has stories to tell just thank of all the people that has lived in it
have the fire department use it for training and let them burn it down after you salvage the good stuff out of it.
Man I live in Sc I installed my own septic tank and system with a permit legal. Hired a backhoe and a helper. 1500 materials 250 to dig it. That’s crazy money thanks always enjoy your videos. Hard working man. From my hill top in Sc
Well Silas, that's a fine mess you got into, I would salvage and tear it down myself, it's a guaranteed money pit being that old and you have zero need for it, as you know that there will always be box vans/buses coming through for additional storage if needed. I think the swinging car is adventure we all need and want and will you ever get the chance to do something like that again?
I have no advice on the right direction but this was really interesting. I normally get annoyed when I see people tear down old houses, but now I can see where parting out all of the salvageable pieces could be more beneficial in some cases. If it were mine, I think I'd try and learn how to restore stuff like the counters, doors and china cabinet, use the house as a workshop to do so, and then sell the pieces to antique buyers.
Okay, is the wiring knob and tube or Romex? Is the piping copper or iron - or lead? The numerous "small" issues are all expensive fixes, and none of it matches in style or architecture. I would call a salvage outfit to collect the flooring and banisters. The septic is a killer and it will always be a millstone. You can run but you can't hide from that one. Does the cellar leak? You have tons of water incurred damage. Are the windows thermal, vinyl windows or single pane? That's a $20K issue if you're heating the place. Are you heating with oil? Good luck! What's the insulation like.
Silas, a house next to a junk yard is totally wrong You are going to get little if any return on the place and the damage with grow and grow. Hire a salvage outfit which demolishes in return for the old wood and fixtures. Fill the cellar hole and thank the Lord (or me) for making the right call.
I had no intentions of ever renting it out or getting a “return” on it
I agree with a previous commenter on checking with the fire department. I say part it as far out as you can so that the best of this old house will still live on, then have the fire department do a training burn on it. That would be a cool video too and you can wash your hands of the whole thing except hauling away the burn debris. Also remember to check state and local ordinances on disposal of lead paint and other hazardous materials this house may have. If there’s a lot of lead paint it may have to be removed prior to demolition.
Is it possible to sell the house and keep the land? It seems worth saving as it is historic
Parting it out would be my vote. Take care. Save the good pieces!
The house is obviously a goner, at least in your neck of the woods. You are a salvage dealer. However not really the type of salvage that the house provides. Even so, it seems to me that the very best that you could do is to salvage the house. Take it apart, or find someone that can. Save/sell/donate the good parts for people that are renovating houses that can be saved. When you have gotten all the good parts out of it, figure out how to crush it.
It is okay to let the house go. The unpainted woodwork can salvage and live again elsewhere.
You're doing good work. Once this house is gone, then it is one less obligation in your complex life. You'll appreciate having more time available for your multi-generation family.
Agree, sorry to say house is not economical to fix as a rental. As noted, porch is weak and who knows about how much weight the floors can support?
PS - Could local fire department use what remains of house for practice after you remove the salvage? Nothing like fire for RUclips content!
I would metal detect around the property. Got the house for scrap or for sale. Call the fire department and see if they have a training program where they burn the house down and have firefighters train to put the fire out. Then bulldoze it. Hopefully those are some good ideas Sal. 😉
How much would it cost to move it? Probably not practical, but it would be cool to see the house on one of the empty lots along east Avenue A. I've been driving by that house for decades, grew up about a mile away. Will be sad to see it go.
Make it you RUclips office and pay rent to your self so you pay less taxes. And make it your visitor center with a antique store for you … in the future when you get to 1M subscribers you will get lots of visitors to come buy your merchandise ❤❤❤❤❤
I Would strip the house down of valuable doors hardware the repurposed items and auction all of it then have a Controlled burn, Let the fire department use it for practice. then scrape up the ashes and you are done.
Would be fun to watch it burn. Big bon fire haha
Yep Buddy part it out as much as you can obtain a permit to burn the balance down, then place some old fuel you have from the old crushed cars in the house then launch a burning vehicle off a ramp in to the middle of the roof this would create an awesome fire ball something to remember this old 120 year old HOME and in the process creating great content for millions of viewers this way lots less needing to go to land fill. 😀
I'd watch! 😃👍
Just a shame that such a lovely old house with potential will probably end up broke apart but with things the way they are right now its crazy spending money. I know you will make the right decision for you Silas, good luck whatever you decide 👍
You might be doing the right thing , it’s who is satisfied at the end . You are logical and to hold onto something that may cost you future money then it’s the right move .
Dear Mr. Silas.
At first I thought: At the very least you can use it for storage (after fixing the roof of course). But after hearing that taxes alone are 200 USD per month, it's different. I guess you should part out the house completely and tear it down afterwards (although I would love to own a house like this). All the good stuff inside should bring good money. Thanks a lot for making explaining recording editing uploading and sharing.
Best regards luck and health to all of you.
As a certified building contractor, restoring these old houses is a pure labour of love.
If you choose to restore that old house to a good standard including bringing up to code will cost alot of money.
That $50 to $70 ks away to light.
Alot of the original structural timber including the flooring, floor joist etc make excellent furniture,
In New Zealand old repurposed timber is worth a fortune.
It would be cheeper and more fun to cut a hole through your roof
Fill your digger bucket up with all your hard earned doller bills, then pour that hard earned money through the roof hole.
Old rust bucket cars are infanty cheeper to restore than old houses.
Salvage what you can, some things can be worth money.. So this is kind of weird to suggest but I've seen it done a lot on RUclips, get a local fire department to use it for a training exercise if possible. The videos would be rather entertaining.
Get a core drill and modify the existing tank by adding two or three overflows 4" or 6" diameter lines... add lots of gravel cover it and done?
i would call some salvage guys and let them buy what they wanted out of the whole house at a price you can agree on. then after what could be saved i would let the fire dept use it as a training burnexercise then bury it in a big whole with your machinery
😁 Everything ends bro. That house had a great run. Better than most. It's creative end on youtube is proper. It will be immortalized in the digital realm until we are no more. 😁
I definitely see your dilemma! I'd be torn too. I love old things, my own home is same vintage. When I bought it in 1971, almost everyone said I was crazy, except the old people. In spite of being a kid, that's who I listened to. Now in my case it's much different, I live in it, it's been my home for over 50 years. Sure it's huge old, and a maintainence monster, but has turned out to be my shrewedest investment ever. They don't build them like that anymore, and NEVER will again! When it's gone it's gone. I'd try to forestall demoltion myself. I know it comes down to dollars and cents, that's business, but you regret at leisure. A viable alternative may present itself in the future. Regulations could change, technology marches forward. Even now there could be a solution you're simply not aware of. You made the first good move, you put it out there, your solution could come to you! Good luck, God bless you and your's, you're a good man Silas.
Light some candles in one end of the house then open up some old propane tanks in the other end of the house then run for your life. KABOOM!!!!
Hey Silas keep the house fix the shingles and use it for your Ebay store stuff its heated and aircondioned. Yhat would be awsome
I don't know if you all have such a thing down your way, but where I live, there is a business called Deconstruction Inc. They do to old properties like what you do to vehicles. They go in and salvage all the good stuff. Once someone does that, bulldoze it. Or, an old place that my grandparents used to live in, was used for the fire department to practice on. They essentially burnt it down.
Salvage the house, sell what you can. Make some money, Make some vids. Have some (safe) fun. Bulldoze the rest. The headache is gone. On to the next.
Using it as Storage is a great option
I think you should keep the house and use it for storage and an office. I enjoyed this video. Good job Silas.
That place is a money-pit Silas !! Between the sewage issues and structural problems, you might have foundation problems too. Its time to let it go. Take what you can out of it woodwork, copper, doors etc and level the rest. You'll have more room for vehicles.
Good luck dude.
Another great video Mr. Silas. My opinion: salvage and recycle as much as you can and scrap the house. It's a funky old spot but it's a money pit. Use your hard work and skills on other projects, don't waste them on this place. There is not enough historic or financial value to justify a resto. But what do I know. ;) , I've got one foot on stage and the other on an old junkyard!
I just love all your videos!When I'm walking through a junkyard,I'm shopping!!I would come visit,but Maine is a few miles away!Keep up the good work!
I think it should be restored, it is part of History in your area. It can be a beautiful house.
You might check with your local fire dept. to offer your house for a controlled burn down for learning. That way you would have very little to haul to the dump.
Hi Silas, I think your best option is to A.) Sell and move the house; B.) Part the house, contact local Fire Dept and have them burn the house for practise. ( May get a tax deduct), C. Part and demolish. Using as a storage facility has limited use, especially 2nd story (up/down stairs) and getting from ground level to 1st floor for heavy parts / thru std. doors is tough.
You seem to be a good guy, was a fair landlord, and I enjoy your channel. Good luck.
I suggest that you try & advertise the house itself just like you said, for someone to drag it away & put it on their own land, or buy land close by & put it on there... as you said, it would work out cheap for what it is for a really old historical house on their land.... or maybe alternately you perhaps could keep it for your kids, maybe when they grow up they may want it..... as it would be history for therm, & might save them buying one, when you can just give them that one, & they can put money into fixing it...
Great video, none the less, i like variable videos instead of just crushing, its like a real adventure each time, we never know what you come up with.... Thank you
Whatever it takes, it's worth it. My last house in Md,.. was built in 1874, took me 2 yrs, to bring it into shape. Best investment I ever made. My kids loved living there. You can't buy, that Craftsmanship, today. I paid 97k put 100 k into it, My Labor . Sold it 5 years later, sold for 595k . Kids rode dirt bikes in the Back yard.
I would use the house for storage and an office, as your business grows you may need additional storage and you could make your office as large as you need it to be.
I do not envy your decision. Something else. I have a 2400 square foot house I just had to re-roof. Very basic roof, no complications cost me 21k financed. Cash deal would probably be half.
Give it a month or so, see if someone will move it. Then part it out. Many old farmhouses die a slow death because of wiring issues, plumbing and septic or just too darned hard to heat. Back when that house was built a person was just happy not to wake up with snow on top of their bed covers. Indoor plumbing wasn't used much yet. Out houses are cold as well..... Yeah.
So sell and move or part and tear it down. Renting will not recover your expenses. It's a sad decision but you just hate to see them fall apart.
The unfortunate thing is the weather is going to be turning bad soon.
What ever you decide we will be here with you.
Cheers
Terry
Its a nice old house but you have to decide on what is better for your finances, some might not understand but it is what it is, just bring her down and will have fun watching it!
I have restored a few older homes and doing a small brick now, materials are still high , I’d part the house out some to help pay for the demo and dumpster cost, clean up the lot and lower taxes. Good luck
Been there done that!!! 3 times. Those little things quickly become expensive things. I suggest calling a architectural Salvage company… sell them what they want …. THEN call the local fire dept and allow them to practice burn the place.
Always sad to demolish these old homes, but it looks like never ending upkeep and problems for something you don’t really need. Just salvaging it out is going to be a ton of work. Sell what you can and level the rest.
Silas, set up an antique shop. And let the house live. do as with the vehicles that you rescue and save for being part of the country's history.
Hey Silas! I think something that might be really cool to do is to get a permit to burn it when it's less dry. I don't know the legality of it exactly, but I know it can be done, and that would sure be a cool way to send this house off.
A controlled burn / practice for the local fire department would be an ideal way to reduce the amount of debris going to the landfill. I agree - remove all of the wood trim
and hardwood floors. Contact Habitat for Humanity to come and get things like sinks, ceiling fans, and other fixtures. The fire department may even be able to get more
than one practice session out of the house. I think using it for storage - no matter how secure you make it - is still asking for trouble. Once the area is completely cleared
of debris, the basement section can be reused as a base for a small building to use as an office or storage then. Videos of the whole process sounds like a good idea.
a 3rd option, restore the house, and sell it for a couple hundred thousand, and keep the property around it for your junk yard, just a thought
There's a middle way that I have used both as tenant and renting out a house that I later owned. Find a tenant with the right competence and make a deal, you pay for adequate material and they fix the house, if they want fancy materials they pay the additional cost. Make a written agreement of what shall be done and how long it can take. They pay a lower rent during the renovation and full rent when it's done. If it's not done in time in accordance with the agreement they pay full rent after that date anyway. The house is big, maybe you can make a deal where they can sublet the upper floor and you split that rent between you and the tenant. You have a digger and can dig a big hole for a new septic tank and the pipe to the house, it's done in one day, lay down pipes and get everything ready for inspection. I don't know how such a system works in USA but here in Sweden the tank is a big plastic tank that can be emptied with a sewage truck. Let them insulate and heat the laundry room. You can use the basement for storing stuff, or make a stair to the second floor and use that for storage if the tenant don't want the hassle of subletting or need more space than the first floor. The biggest issue with such an arrangement is finding a tenant with the right qualifications and have the contract legalized by a lawyer. I had no problem with that since I'm a builder and electrician, it was easy to find a retired man that was bored and wanted to work on a small scale, we made the agreement with a handshake. He still had all his tools and a very good reputation as builder. In a year he had fixed everything and more according our agreement and everyone was happy. There are a couple of big advantages for you with such an arrangement, you get the house renovated for a low cost, you can raise the rent when it's done and you get someone that can keep an eye on the gates. The house doesn't seem to be in really bad shape, the rooms only need paint and sanding of the floors. The kitchens and bathrooms need little more but they´re not total disasters. The house is definitely worth saving, this way you can both eat the cake and still have it. Depending on frame type a house of that size will probably weigh roughly 25-30 metric tons. If you part it out I'd say that the most valuable part is the hardwood floors, they're probably such floors in all rooms although covered in some. The handrails and banisters from the staircase will also bring good money, if the staircase itself is also hardwood you have good money there. Sell the parts on bid and with the stipulation that the buyer tear it out themselves. I sold the house that I rented out with a huge profit when the tenant passed away and the widow moved out.
Advertise it for the salvage and have the people that buy the trim, cabinets, floors, doors, etc remove what they buy so you have no labor costs. When it’s stripped tear it down. Use the foundation to fill in the hole as mulch as possible, add dirt and compact.
Less trips to the dump, more income from salvage, less labor for you. And do it while the weather is still good since January 1st is your next tax bill. In my opinion…
1. I would check to see if anyone wants to purchase the house to move it to a different location.
2. If no one wants to buy the house to move it, then remove the items, door knobs, doors anything you can resale.
I hate to see historic homes especially ones in good shape go to waste but you are right to costly. Using for storage personally I dont think is a good idea. To unorganized having items everywhere, just my opinion. Structurally how much could the house withstand before you had to spend money to make it structurally sound with all of that steel weight.
Oh good idea you said you have listed for sale.
Unfortunately if you aren't able to sell. Remove everything you want and tear it down.
To remodel and do it right would need new wiring throughout the house, new windows throughout, replace plumbing and new plumbing throughout in addition to the sewer issue, some areas of floor replaced, who knows how much damage if any with missing shingles. The foundation should be inspected, who knows what kind of news that would bring. I agree dont do anything halfway, people have different opinions on that. The house is in great shape for its age, but fixing everything that has been let go is too costly to repair unless a person has the money to fill that pit sorry to say it is a lost cause. Sad previous owners did not keep it up.
Donate the house to the local fire dept for burn practice. For A lot of fire depts it cam be valuable training.
Silas have you ever owned a old boat, the house is the same! MONEY HOLE! if it had some historical value that might make a difference but that's the million dollar question! Safe and sure level it, dig a big hole and make it disappear.
I spent 35 years on My Old Farm House , until I tore it down and built a new one , what pushed tearing it down was the Oid wireing it was a nightmare and far from being code , it did not ever have junction boxes just wires twisted together , it,s a wonder it did not burn itself down , I sleep better now
That is a perfect eBay storage building. You guys crush alot of money in eBay parts everyday. Actually with the low scrap prices, right now you could be making more money on eBay than crushing alot of the vehicles I am seeing you crush
Small issues and you have a great house. If you do it and live in it you have a place for life.
Silas. You could probably sell the house for a few bucks to be moved at buyers expense. I’m sure someone would buy it and move it. Then you wouldn’t have to demolish it and avoid the time and expense of cleanup. And someone could save and restore the house, at least in some capacity.
stripping the copper and steel and recycable items some beautiful doors and old door handles ,salvage what you want ,get the fire dept to burn it down for practice , or give it to some one who wants to move it free of charge !
from the intro the house looks to be in fair shape. nice straight roof is a real good sign for sure. separate the land and remove the house from the portion of the property you want to use.
If I sell it and they rent it out to questionable people, then I will have constant theft and vandalism forever. I definitely don’t want anyone living 20’ from the junkyard.
Historic house...over 100 yrs you can never have too much storage space..especially to sell on-line
I hate to see any old house get torn down, but with that septic problem, that's a big expense. But if you do tear it down I would suggest getting someone that does architectural salvage to come in and remove the stairs, the banisters windows, doors etc. Even the flooring if the wood is original. Even the rafters in the roof in the Attic could be salvaged the door knobs, things like that can be used again somewhere. Or you could make it into a really nice office and storage. Nice video.
U should make a video of u cleaning it out and leveling it!!
Auction the salvage of the nice woodwork, and mechanical, then contact the local fire dept, and have them do a controlled burn. Push the remains into the crawl space and bury.
Save yourself a headache and tear it down. It's gonna suck but you gott do what ya gotta do. Follow your heart one what's best.
I saw steel beams across the floor in basement, saw current PBC sewage piping. Somebody's been workin it!
Yeah, me 😆 I put a ton of money into it trying to get it up to shape, but it was a losing battle
Save the house 💯 % please don't take it down ues as a shipping and office anything but save it but I would like to see you drive a car Through it. It's just sad to see a good old house go but it's always your Decision at the end of the day. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Third option take all the stuff out you want to sell ,then get the fire brigade to burn it down for practice this way all you will have is a smaller and cheaper clean up
Up where I live the fire department will come torch it and use it for training. That’d be an awesome video too!
You are correct- don't ever rent it out again! Get some help and go through the house, taking all the glass door handles and staircase railings and posts and unique doors and etc etc etc. Then and only then go the demolition route that costs you the LEAST amount of $$$ Fire dept controlled burns on a house that old would work. They don't like newer houses with building materials containing chemicals of modern day. Pack dumpsters full of the remnants after burn and level the area. Troubles gone. Yes, it's old but not really THAT historical. Guess we'll look forward to the upcoming video on your decision!! Good Luck.
I agree with the others, parting the house is best. You just can’t get past a faulty plumbing system. I live in what’s considered a decent apartment in Southern California (for a price that would give you a heart attack… we’re moving out of state next year) and we’ve had five slab leaks in the 15 years that we’ve been here. Bad plumbing can ruin a nice place. And considering the fact that you’ll make the most of all the nice old pieces and the wiring and all, making sure they get out where people can buy them and make good use, you’re the best guy to do justice to this old place if it must be torn down. Whenever I see video of someone exploring an old abandoned house still full of solid wood railings and stained glass windows and chandeliers and who knows what else, well, it just blows my mind that no one at least came in and got those things out. And you can use that money lots of other places.
Believe me, I understand wanting to restore something beautiful, but sometimes you have to let go for the sake of a billion other projects you have waiting.