FINALLY! This has been such a struggle! Abandoned Victorian Mansion EP 43
A big week this week as we reached a major milestone! A working light and switch. This was months in the making and I am so glad to see it all come to life. Another step closer to restoring our victorian home.
#abandoned #power #victorian
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Completed Projects (2021): New Roof, New Water Service, New Windows (Partial), Boiler Work, Sewer Lateral, Tuckpointing, Plaster Repair (Partial), Wood Floors (Partial), Electric Service (Partial)
Projects to Complete in 2022: Limestone Restoration of Front Elevation, Rebuild Mansard, New Windows (Partial), Complete Plaster Work (2nd Floor and Back Hallway 1st Floor, Kitchen and Dining Room), Plumbing Stacks and Rough in Plumbing, Complete Electric, HVAC (Basement and 1st Floor), High Velocity AC and Heat (2nd Floor), Mini Splits (3rd Floor), Framing on 3rd Floor, Rebuild of Front Cornice Work and Copper Gutter System, Rebuilding of Dormers
Projects to Complete in 2023: Hallways and Stairwells (Plaster Repair, Floors, Stringers of Stairwell Reinforment), Completion of Windows (1st and 3rd Floors), Parlors (Including Fireplace Mantels, and Pocket Doors, and Decorative Fretwork, Completion of 3 Floor Bathroom and Main Suite
Don't apologize for prioritizing your life, friends, family over KZhead. We love seeing your house come along and we're grateful that you are sharing the journey with us and I'm glad you've found connections and community through the channel. But at the end of the day, you don't owe us anything. I'm glad to hear that you spent time with friends and family! And if that means you didn't film as much, well, that's just life. We're proud of the work you are doing!
Oh yeah family first….and friends…..chill.
Agree
Jan B, well said!
Yes, be true to yourself, family & friends....
I'd say this old house got lucky you guys found it in time. Looks like it's in good hands and has a long future.
Totally…….love the woodwork…appreciate all the stripping sanding…..omg beautiful work.
Any day now people are going to start talking about this channel and using it as an example of what people should do to old houses and the importance of preserving them.
It looks like the house is coming back to life,that is magical.
Completely agree! I'm still smiling for them!
Always spreading the word.
Those are my thoughts every time they accomplish a project… even if it’s minor in appearance. Because we know the things you can’t see are major.
Gave me goosebumps looking from outside! 💕
Exactly what I was going to say! It’s like the house is coming back to life. Like a grand old giantess waking up after a long sleep. I’m so happy for Kim & Kaleb (Caleb?).
The joy that Caleb gets from his work on this house is so infectious. It comes to me half way round the world here in Australia. Bless you Caleb!
congrats!!! one suggestion, once the wires are in, before you cover everything up. draw a diagram of where the wires travel through the walls and ceilings. You will find that info is valuable in the years to come.
Kaleb, you're probably behaving exactly as Mr. Brown did when the house had electricity for the very first time.
Light gives warmth and life to your house. She’s one step closer to becoming a home again. ❤️
Whenever I work on the electric on a house that I wn, one of the first things I do is make an electrical map. I use Microsoft Visio to draw the house rooms and then layout all the electrical outlets, lights and appliances. Then tracing all the wiring from the panel, I number the circuits on paper to the corresponding fixtures. This way I can determine the electrical load on each breaker and figure out if I can add new fixtures on that circuit without overloading. It's a little work up front for a lot of knowledge on the backend without guessing where to layout a new outlet or light.
I didn't know about that app. Thank you very much!
Congrats on the electrical! One of the nicest things our neighbors have said about our home is just how great it is to see life and light in the home. It was previously vacant for 7 years. It’s the best feeling coming home and seeing lights on in the house now.
I can see candles and little wreaths in every window for Christmas.
We looked at a 2nd Empire house in Albemarle County Virginia years ago. It had been the home of one of the big-wigs in the soapstone company that operated in the area for years (it has since been re-opened in a smaller scale, but how awesome is that?). This house's call system was still intact, though the house had been empty for decades. It worked from both ends. To signal a servant from your room, for intance, you lifted a brass cover and blew into the pipe opening. This blew a whistle on the other end of the pipe - say in the kitchen - and a little widow rolled over which said "Master Bedroom', etc. So very cool that it still worked. It would be awesome if you could get at least one of your system to work! Glad the electrical is underway! Finally, that shot at night of the light through the windows - just awesome!! She's coming back to life, thanks to you!!
Your spirit has been lifted and it’s showing! All your hard work and love to this home is starting to come to life! It’s so special that the work of three generations is going into your home! That is such a beautiful experience for you! I hope you take a few minutes to record and photograph your father and grandfather as they help you. There faces and hands at work! What an amazing treasure that will be for you and your children one day!
Folks tend to take a lot of pictures of their children, especially when they are very small. Babies don't last so they want to capture as many memories as they can. But elderly people don't last either. Take pictures. As many as you can. It's all digital now so there's no developing expense. You'll be glad you did. Or at least your grandchildren will.
I think it is awesome that you still have your father and grandfather, I wish I did. It is even better that they have helped you and you will always have those memories ❤
I can hear the excitement in your voice, which makes me excited too. It looks like people live there!
Well when you have actual house lights in each room, life is going to be much easier.
Certainly with winter coming and the daylight hours getting shorter. Won’t have to worry about getting stuff done before it gets too dark to see. 😄
When my Grandaunt, Lily took over the running of her father's shop she said "...the first thing I will do is put in the Electric Light💡..." This was in 1911. Her home 🏡 was built in 1881 . It was a Victorian House with three floors over a Large Basement. For sure the Electric Lighting will be Great. Good Wishes from Ireland ☘. 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀
Such a big step in you restoration! Congrats on continuing to move forward!
@@edwardm.thornton6313 Now there was a woman with good business sense. If a customer has to squint in order to see the goods they will go to another shop! From Minnesota USA where the wind is a bit chilly right now!
@@maryblaylock6545 yes she was a Great Business Woman. She ran the Shop with her two brothers. It was a fishing tackle 🎣 business. In winter her two brothers "tied flies" for fishing 🎣, in the upper floors of her home🏡. She said to them from now on you can "tie flies" in the back storeroom. It was the 1930's , she converted the upper floors to a Barber Shop 💈& Ladies hair Salon 💇♀️ , the Top Floor she Converted into a Two Bedroom Apartment. She ran the Shop 🎣 till 1975. From " Stories from Ireland" I will send an extract detailing the life & times of Lily Lydon to Kaleb & Kim at Christmas 🎄 Time.
You're right, Kaleb. The house looks much more inviting and almost magical when the light shines out of the windows like that on a dark autumn eve...
Caleb, you look like a kid that's just arrived at Disneyland for the first time. You deserve this win in your favor..good job! I love watching and following along as the house becomes, once again, a grand home. 💕💕
Getting working electricity is a huge milestone! Congratulations.
It's nice to have family and friends who possess home renovation skills. It's even nicer when they actually show to help you.
Grandpa ALWAYS shows up when I ask for his help. #blessed
@@The2ndEmpireStrikesBack that's awesome. I'm happy that you get share this experience with your Grandpa 🙂
13:30 - "AFCI breakers help prevent fires in the future." _a few seconds later_ "this outlet fires!" 😁
😂
2020 NEC pretty much requires AFCI and increase use of GFCI, I don't know what local code applies to this house. However the price of AFCI versus standard breaker is about three times the price. I'd follow the local code to keep the price down if possible and upgrade later as it's only a break or change. Absolutely used GFCI in wet areas.
@@mackfisher4487 Yeah same here; in my 1980s home I have a new subpanel I put in before doing a kitchen remodel. A few of the circuits are AFCI now, and all my basement and bathroom circuits are GFCI (except for the original outlet that was in the basement when we moved in, ha!). AFCI is a lot more expensive, and I noticed that those breakers trip a lot if using power tools with big motors (e.g. my chop saw or circular saw). I hope those breakers can get a little better over time at working with a variety of tools which create conditions that *seem* like arcs but aren't actually.
What a milestone. When you pushed the light switch and the lights came on, I got a little teary eyed. When you took us outside and the windows were all lit up, I was so happy for you. All those long days and long late nights, are bringing her together. I know pictures were taken and this date documented, as I said, what a milestone, I love you videos, no need to apologize for family and friends downtime.
I bet your grandpa is very proud of you 👍 Caleb! 👏. I know I am!
It is so exciting to see the house lighting up and watching her slowly come back to life. The lights and electricity coming back is like her eyes are opening for the first time in many years. I'll say it again....the house went to exactly the right people. God bless Kaleb and Kim, their home and all who enter here.
Wow now the the house had lights its brings Life to the house. Bravo for your granddad Giving you a hand that's memoires you'll always have.
Not gonna lie, had a lump in my throat when you did the walk around with the lights on. So happy for you two!!
Lights glowing in the windows of your home are so welcoming. It says love, comfort and happiness
"It's alive!" Congrats on this step. How great you have family who can advise you and provide practical help. Here houses built after 1925 had the wiring inside metal conduit. We were so excited when the electrician found the electrical box in the center of the living room ceiling; it had been plastered over, and we expected a big production to put up an overhead fixture. We have original sconces in both living room and dining room, which are on a separate switch; we love that we don't have to use the overhead lights all the time. Those are on dimmers, which we use when watching TV or having dinner parties. Keep the faith, you will get there!
So glad to see the lights from outside, it makes the old girl look happy and alive again. So happy to see progress in this direction.
The opening of the video of the house with lights on is stunning! Kaleb, please don't apologize for spending time with family and friends. All of us like watching your videos regardless of how much or how little you have done. This week you really did a lot and I'm glad that your Grandfather was around to help you out and teach you. A person can never have too many outlets 😎 How many light switches do you need? 👀
Yeah, props to Grampa. Kaleb, can we get video of you two collaborating on the wiring? You'll be glad you have it.
@@jeannettesmyth7643 Very true. I had a photographer take pictures at a reception of all the aunts and uncles seated at a big table. All of them are gone now but we have pictures of them enjoying themselves and laughing and smiling.
Enough switches to turn on all the lights and then some!😁
Your exterior light show was indeed magical ! It says : Hey, I'm alive again ! Somebody lives here !
I think Kaleb we take modern services for granted, I perfectly understand your joy. So nice to see your hard work coming to fruition. It is also a joy for us to see it and be part of your journey, Take care Sandy x
I understand your electrical joy, Kaleb! I almost cried tears of joy when I opened my kitchen cupboard yesterday, in my nearly finishedMid-C Reno, and realised that the electrician had wired a seperate circuit and socket specifically for my oven! I had totally forgotten that he had recommended it! Having Lived in a ramshackle rental with extremely dodgy and limited electrical outlets for the last 20 years: it is these small victories in my own home really do matter, even if I didn’t do it myself. It is like life and a loftier civilisation finally enters your house. Well done on getting a step closer to having some liveable space to move in to. 😊
You have breathed life back into the old girl......and she is beautiful!!!!!
Hi Kaleb & Kim, I was having Happy Tears Kaleb when you were showing the outside of your home at night with lights on in rooms. It really took me back in time into seeing the Life of Living that was going on during that Era in Time. Then, the inside views with lights on brought a whole new perspective of Life in your home. Especially, when the Push Button Switch was Turned On & there was a whole New aspect of Life into your home. ...I actually got chills of excitement with you Kaleb, when you shared the Push of a Button & there was light in that room. I'm Happy that you got time with your friend from Australia & also for your grandpa helping you out this past week. I'm sure you're looking forward to getting heat in your home now that it's getting much cooler in St Louis. Time will be flying by & before you know it, You & Kim will be living in your beautiful home. Awesome💜 Video Adventure as Always Kaleb & I'm looking forward to next week's episode. You & Kim have a Safe and Awesome Week!!!
You are making something magical with the house.... I love the respect you have for its history and grand age. And imagine if you could buy the piece of land next to your house and create a Victorian garden.....
Gosh how wonderful....not ONLY do you have your Father you still have your precious Grandfather...helping. How neat
She’s really coming back to life. Night shot is fantastic. I’m happy for you.
Okay, hear me out. Entire basement should be Kim's craft room! Your doing great with electrical work.
Those old pearl inlaid light switches used to have two different colors or shades of pearl, one dark and one light to indicate whether the switch was on or off.
I wonder if somehow the new button switches could have dimmers too.???
@@Lili-xq9sn the reproduction switches do come witch built-in dimmers. One of the knobs rotates to function as a dimmer.
Traditionally, regular on/off switches used the white/ black inlay. Three/ four-way switches used the same color inlay for both buttons.
@@devildog1912 That's great news about dimmers in the reproduction switches.
ELECTRICITY!!! Glorious! Not to be taken for granted, folks!
Electricity and heat…welcome to the early 20th century 🤣. Well done, Kaleb!
Never apologize for spending time with your grandfather I have lost mine and would give a lot to spend just one more hour with him! Cherish the opportunity!!!
It’s amazing when you can see the difference between no lights to lights in your home
First off brilliant editing, and sound, which I know pretty much nothing about. This is a monumental moment, for you. I have been there, in a boarded up building with no function whatsoever. I remember managing a flashlight, down into the basement, to empty our porta potty, into the only restrooms, for the first floor storefronts. We ended up housing a Forbes list restaurant, with many food network spots. The building will always be a work in progress, I recognize your passion for being kind to the original structure. I am fortunate to have great tradesmen, that I learn from, and sometimes teach. You will make this happen, and you will learn something everyday. We are cut from similar clothe. Now that we have salvaged the space, we are gong to restore it. Push button light switches with pearl inset, absolutely. It is messy and dirty work, but both of you already know that. I love following your journey.
Who would have thought the sheer joy at flipping on a light would be, so happy for you all, and you really do appreciate the size of the house when lit up like that. Love it xxx Have a great week xxxx Dede xxx
So happy for you Caleb and Kim. No need to apologize for living your life.
Wow! The grand old lady returning to life. Beautiful!👍💗
The house looks so alive with light in the rooms! I don’t think I’ve seen it all the way around til this video. It’s huge! Keep doing the great work… it’s an honor to see your process.
Working with actual bright lighting will be much better too, for repairs and working, instead of stressing your eyes out working in low lighting
Tears of joy here ...... the world is a better place for the existence of this beautiful couple ! We live in a disposable world where history , personal industry , is relegated to the trash heap of time ..... lost forever. Heroic and a Force For Good are the Two of You !
She's awake and alive! She's breathing again! It's awesome, Kaleb!! Congrats! So happy for you!!!
If you ever get to Boston, check out the Gibson house on Beacon Street. An intact upper middle class house museum (as opposed to something like the Magic Chef mansion or the Pabst mansion in Milwaukee = for the uber-rich) which would be similar to your house. Really like your presentations/videos.
Whether it be demonstrating the size of a piece of donated parlor furniture, height of ceilings in the maids stair way or the dimensions of a freshly cut access panel when she steps into frame, I always love the Kim-for-comparison feature.
I just noticed if you pause the video at 18:44, as you're slowly circling the house, you can see both the moon and Venus! They approve! 🌛🌠
This channel is such a treat for someone who doesn't have the experience, patience or funds to take on a similar project.
Having just about completed the construction of a new workshop, I completely understand your excitement over having safe electricity that actually works. It's such a tremendous milestone that simplifies SO MANY other tasks, it has to be experienced to be completely understood. Just having a light source that doesn't require several feet of extension cords or need to be moved every few minutes as you work is such a blessing. It makes EVERYTHING go faster and more efficiently, to the point that even the most unpleasant jobs that need to be completed are almost a joy to get done. Congrats, and here's wishing you a smooth inspection. Cheers!
The sub panels are a great idea. Plus in the future if you trip a breaker, no running to the basement to reset.
Oh Kaleb…those lights are truly magical. Seeing from outside just filled me with happiness.
Am I the only one that can literally hear the old dame crying with joy at finally being alive and loved again??
The lights are on and there's finally someone home!
Keep in mind, that you should probably run some data cables (LAN) around the house as well.
Aww! She looks beautiful with the lights on, like she just took her first breath of a new life. Stunning! 💞
Seeing lights on in the house is the best thing ever!
Bet your neighbors were surprised!
Massive milestone! I bet your neighbor that evening also had a smile on their face when seeing the home lights burning. I wonder how long it's been since those windows glowed last.
Your passion to maintain the original beauty of this home is a joy to watch.
Wow! I'm in the middle of a DIY kitchen project and every time I finish even the smallest thing I want to celebrate. Your lights are a huge thing. You have worked hard so I say celebrate every switch and every bulb.
It's wonderful to see the big smile on your face.
5:38 The Muppet painting on the ladder! Love it 😄
Hello from Prince Edward Island. Wonderful work ethic young fella. Do you have a wish list of items you require for furniture and decor?
Lights! And soon heat! Its all coming together.
Thank you for the outdoor lights-on tour. The moment is coming when she's going to exhale 100 years' held breath. She already started a little when the fireplace tiles returned. The windows in the maid's room and library are major exhales, as is their plaster. I think the pearl-topped push buttons and lights on in the maid's room are the key. Maybe Christmas lights on a little tree in the maid's room. (These things are mystical as you know.)
Congratulations! The house has life with power. No more dark eyes/windows.
Its so wonderful to have a light. The old lady is coming back.
And there was Light! And it was GOOD! I had to live with candles and kerosene lamps for a while. I can truly relate! Blessings on you and Kim and all those kind souls who have helped you out. Whether in this world or the next!
@11:35 Wiring is actually not that hard. The art comes in knowing how to distribute the electrical load evenly throughout the house and making the shortest runs possible.
Oh...its like she's coming back to life again.
It’s beautiful,. It looks like the house opened its eyes and it’s not so lonely anymore. She has life and family. Thank You for saving her!
Awesome Kaleb!!! Let there be light 🥰 thank you grandfather ❤️
It’s amazing how something so simple as lights has brought life back to this beautiful home.
Please remember that these beautiful old homes, look lovely with lamps all around the house too. To give different tones with the high ceilings.
Kaleb, just like your beautiful Victorian lady makes you smile, you make all of us smile! Your excitement and enthusiasm and dedication are all so fun to watch!! How blessed we all are to be able to welcome you into our homes via KZhead each week! Thank you for sharing your life and home with us! God has truly blessed you with so many talents and gifts, thank you for not wasting them and may we all be inspired by them. Sending hugs to you and Kim!
I know exactly how you feel when you flip that switch for the first time and the space brighten up. That dark familiar room lit up and you looking at it in a whole new way. So so happy for you. Keep going with the projects. We're here for you all the way sharing your journey and witnessing the old house waking up from a long coma.
That's the neatest hole I have ever seen cut into a wall 😄 imagine if an electrician had done that, what a mess it would be!
There be lights here! Thanks, Kaleb, and you guys have a great week too.
Caleb, something to double check. I'm not familiar with electrical code where you are located, but check to see if you require a neutral wire at your switch locations. It looked like you only used a single 12/2 for your switch leg which would not leave a neutral at your switches. That was only what I saw in that quick shot in your video, correct me if I'm wrong. Again, may not be required there, but better to be safe than sorry when the electrician or inspector shows up.
Let there be light. Hallelujah!
I've never been that excited for electricity. Fantastic job, man. Take your time, this task is important - fingers crossed that all goes up smoothly and errors free :)
Congratulations on your new electricity! It's great to see the windows light up! You and Kim literally saved this house from ruin.
The patience you both possess is astounding!
Can't imagine how nice it feels to get some power in. Work will be so much easier and more enjoyable with plugs and lights nearby, especially as the days get shorter, darker, and colder! Plus, it'll feel sooo different once you get ceilings in. Looking good!
I understand your excitement, I just installed a new water heater, and every time I take a nice hot shower I think “I did that!”
There's definitely life coming back into the old girl! She looks happy if I can say that!
For posterity, and historical reasons, it would be cool if you ran gas lines to the first floor lighting, or at least the main living room for that experience our forefathers had back in the 1800's. Maybe a few wall sconces, and one or two overheads to mimic what it would have been like. Of course, install an on/off valve in that room so the gas isn't flowing all the time. Maybe even run it off a propane tank assuming that gives the same kind of light? A few ideas to make it safe, and not to complicated. The trouble would be finding the correct lighting, and combining it with the modern lighting. Loving the refurbishment, learning a lot. 👍✌ P.S. I do share your excitement, and you're going to be so proud when this project is finished. This big home will never be complete as there will always be projects that need to be completed. I bought an old two story arts, and crafts house in Riverside, CA with the intention of refurbishment. I got through one room, and the real estate market took off. I paid $117k for it, and sold it 3 years later for 260K. After the first room, I realized the amount of sweat equity this house would require, and decided it wasn't for me. I'm glad you have the fortitude to tackle this project so all we wannabes can experience it along with you without having to lift a finger. 😁👍✌💚
it should be the same light - no matter gas tank or gas line
Couldn't help but have a big smile on my face when you did the outside walk around. So awesome to see that house look alive again.
We put in the plumbing in our house in Canada and I know exactly what you mean. Just knowing what is going on inside those walls, which you get when you do the job yourself, is really cool. It makes the house a part of you and you of the house rather than just a box someone else built and you moved into. Everything is looking great. Congratulations on the Light!
That is really awesome !!! what a mile stone!
I have been watching you from the beginning and you are right this was magical, to see this beautiful old home lit up and come to life. So looking forward to future videos and the progress in them. You and Kim are doing a wonderful job, take care
Good for Grandpa, a family effort.
Arc fault circuit breakers have become code for all new wiring in all states, not just for St Louis. While yes , more expensive, they will help to lower your insurance costs. The same is true for your push button switches. These are fully enclosed as opposed to the old style with open frame. Just more options to build new to look old. A similar thing could occur with your heating. While still retaining the radiators, they could be hooked into an underfloor heating system with room zoned thermostats. The rads help retain the look and actually work but at a lower temperature thus preserving the surrounding woodwork and overcoming the nature of hot/cool zones in each room, which can occur even with internal storm windows. Knowing that StLouis winters can be brutal, and that you have bern restricted to putting plaster directly upon exterior brick walls that become huge cold transfer zones, due to no insulation. I understand as I grew up in a 1920’s house in Kew Gardens, NYC that was constructed of terracotta block for all exterior walls with plaster directly on the block. Single pipe steam rads and surrounding cold zones.