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Demolition Phase of a Foursquare Remodel in Minneapolis

May 02, 2017

A drone's-eye view of an ongoing remodeling project

This house was built in 1927. Like many others of that time, it had a stucco exterior and lath and plaster interior with red oak floors. Unlike many houses of the time, it has a poured-concrete foundation, which is much stronger than the rubble foundations that many homes in Minneapolis are built on.

This first video in the series focuses on the existing conditions and the demolition sequence. Following videos will look at foundation and framing, exterior shell, and interior finishes.

The foundation provided a good base for Otogawa-Anschel Design+Build to triple the size: from 1,100 square feet to 3,300 square feet. Like all OA's projects, energy efficient upgrades and building science best practices are part of the finished product.

There was very little water damage to the original sheathing except in a couple of places: where kickout flashing was missing at the entry roof, and next to the chimney. But the remainder of the wall sheathing was in remarkably good shape.

Also in great shape are the original red oak floors, which will remain, as will the stucco entry.

The pyramid hipped roof had a LOT of vent 'turtles,' because, with no ridge, there is nowhere to place a ridge vent. The turtles were likely added over the years in response to ice damming problems.

The walls will be wrapped with Insulated sheathing from ZIP System. Outside the sheathing will be a rainscreen mesh covered with composite siding.

See more of this project on its landing page.

—Michael Anschel owns Otogawa-Anschel Design+Build in Minneapolis, Minnesota

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