SHAKER LIFE | FALL 2014 41
Garfield’s second or third floor, the damage
would have been much worse.
Shelt also suggests updating water
shutoffs with a pull lever (versus the old-style
crank) and, of course, knowing where the
water shut off is in your home. “These are
old houses and if you still have your original
pipes, eventually something is going to go. At
least know where the shut off is, so if it does,
you can shut it off quickly.”
When it came to the recovery process,
working with a contractor experienced in
older homes is a must, stresses Bari. “Greg
has worked with old houses and the guys
from ServPro, as nice as they were, hadn’t.”
Finally, the Garfields had the right
kind of homeowners insurance for an
older home, namely one that covered the
replacement cost (not market cost) of
the home. Replacement cost means the
insurance company was required to return
the Garfield’s home back to the same state it
was in before the damage occurred.
“You may be paying a little bit more
for that coverage, but if you end up with
a disaster like this you don’t want them
to substitute or cut corners,” says Bari.
“Everything needed to be restored to its
original beauty.”
In fact, the Garfield’s insurance
company was supportive of the restoration
approach the couple opted for. “Every little
strip of wood had to be hand-stripped and
refinished,” says Shelt. “But if the insurance
company is going to pay a craftsman to
replicate this wood, it would have cost just
as much, if not more.” Meanwhile, replacing
the couple’s doors would also have been
difficult, if not downright impossible, as they
are simply no longer available. “You’d have
to find a craftsman to make those for you
and you would spend a lot of money,” says
Shelt. “I think the insurance company was
encouraged because it was actually cheaper
for us to go in and restore the doors than to
make new doors.”
Advises Shelt. “Ask your insurance agent
hypotheticals. ‘Hey, if we’re not there and a
pipe breaks for two days, what are you going
to cover?’”
And, finally, if you do find yourself
in the Garfield’s position, be prepared for
months of work – and dust, lots and lots of
dust – in your home. “You have to be very,
very patient,” says Bari. “It all happens in
what seems like seconds, but to repair all the
damage takes a long time.” SL
The wall between the foyer and dining
room was replaced (below), while the
original plaster crown molding (left) was
saved and restored.
Inside:
Pipes: If you have exposed water pipes in areas such as crawlspaces,
outside walls, attic, etc., they should be insulated. Various types of
insulation can be obtained at hardware stores. This is an easy job for
homeowners. If unsure, call a professional.
Furnace: Homeowners can usually replace dirty filters and tape the ducts
where the joints are so that heat doesn’t escape. But for furnace tune-ups
and inspections, professional help is usually required.
Gas and utility lines: These lines entering an outside wall should be
sealed to prevent insects and cold air from entering. Caulking around such
areas is an easy and inexpensive DIY job.
Windows and electrical outlets: If cold air comes through the seals
around old windows, homeowners can generally do any necessary
re-caulking and/or sealing with material available from hardware stores.
Sealing kits for electrical outlets also are available.
Attic: Have a professional evaluate the existing insulation in this space.
There may be areas where the insulation is missing or inadequate. If
adding additional insulation, be sure to use the unfaced type and do not
block attic ventilation.
Exterior faucets/hose bibs: Turn off their water supply from inside the
house and drain the water from the line to prevent the pipes from freezing
and bursting. This is an easy homeowner’s job. Or call a professional.