Author Archives: mdejong11

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About mdejong11

Residential contractor/artist

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Posted on July 27, 2014 by mdejong11

The good is that no one painted over the natural wood work. The bad is what people did to it over the years. The ugly is the end result… Fortunately, natural wood finishes are my specialty, so it came back … Continue reading →

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Replacing the Thresholds

Posted on July 23, 2014 by mdejong11

Time for a little show and tell. I love the old original entry doors.  They’re stylistically appropriate, and often only need a little TLC to work well.  PLEASE don’t replace front doors with the “Home Depot Special”… hate when I … Continue reading →

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Patches

Posted on July 6, 2014 by mdejong11

Thankfully, the house wasn’t badly chopped up when it was converted to a two-family.  Often, in the process, the original details of the entry hall are lost.  At 1407, they made two secure units by putting locks on any door … Continue reading →

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The Walls

Posted on June 15, 2014 by mdejong11

I had planned on hanging and finishing the new wall board – 40 sheets in all – over the new framing, but got word of a crew that are reasonably priced, fast, and of quality…  You usually only get two … Continue reading →

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The Insulation

Posted on June 7, 2014 by mdejong11

I’ve had good luck using Mooney and Moses for my insulation work. By engaged with my subs – making their job easier, I, in the end, get a better product.  To get the best job here, I made large accesses … Continue reading →

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Framing

Posted on May 28, 2014 by mdejong11

I’m always stunned by how much I underestimate the number of 2×4 studs needed to frame up the walls.  In the end, it was close to 120.    

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Knowing When To Stop!

Posted on May 26, 2014 by mdejong11

It’s a dangerous world when it comes to old wallpaper! I’m okay if it’s well adhered; it can work like “Glidwall,” hiding the cracks in the plaster.  Once it starts to peel back, though, it’s often hard to know when … Continue reading →

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Reworking the HVAC

Posted on May 24, 2014 by mdejong11

Older homes with forced air systems never had central air in mind, only the mechanics of heating.  This house had exactly what you need for heating, with all of the return air vents in the flooring on the first floor.  … Continue reading →

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A Cobweb of Ugliness

Posted on May 13, 2014 by mdejong11

Meet Ed: Author, musician, father of six, electrician, and all around great guy.  This is the third project he has helped me on, and I couldn’t imagine doing the project without him.  Thanks, Ed… The house had a newer service … Continue reading →

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The Big Dig

Posted on May 10, 2014 by mdejong11

First I have to introduce one of my favorite people here in Cincinnati, Ronnie Zins.  He owns a plumbing business in Northside and I’ve known him for over twenty years.  This man is golden…  A great story teller and amazingly … Continue reading →

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