Brothers,

Our House, which is listed on the Historic Register in the City of Charlottesville, is an important structure within the fabric of the University of Virginia. The last significant renovation was completed over 15 years ago, and now requires substantial rehabilitation. To add to this, the student housing stock has improved significantly during this time, and it is critical that the House is competitive within the local marketplace. Our goal is to make the House not only livable, but a place that Brothers want to live in for years to come. Below are the portions of the house that need the most attention.

Heating System

The existing boiler is a cast iron gas-fired unit that was installed in 1984 and has reached the end of its useful life. While it still operates, it has frequent outages and requires frequent service calls. We have an estimate of $30,000 to replace the boiler and hot water circulating pump.

Water Damage – Roof

The attic ceiling has multiple locations where metal sheeting has been attached to cover water damage to the plaster. The underside of the front portico roof also shows water damage. An inspection of the Spanish tile roof was performed and a repair plan is being developed.

Roof water damage

Water Damage – Ground Level

Only two of the house’s downspouts are tied into the city’s storm water system. The other half-dozen downspouts are either missing or discharge their water onto the ground next to the house. The most serious problem is on the right side of the front porch (photo below, left), where a saturated subgrade has contributed to structural settlement, resulting in cracks to the brick veneer and concrete porch. In addition, water is seeping through the foundation and into the laundry room, flooding the basement.

Ground level water damage

Water is also seeping into the basement from the pit, at the back of the house (the sump pump in the pit is not completely effective).

Work list:
• Gutter and downspouts – repair; add drainage pipes to carry water into the City’s storm sewer.
• Right side front porch – repair brick veneer and concrete porch; waterproof foundation.
• Pit – waterproof foundation; develop plan to remove water from pit.

Side Portico

The side portico’s foundation is settling, resulting in cracks developing in the concrete porch and weakening the portico’s connection to the house. An estimate of $60,000 was obtained to replace the concrete foundation, porch and steps.

Side portico

Other Exterior Work

All exterior wood needs to be painted, some wood needs to be replaced, wood/masonry edges need to be repaired or caulked, and some windows need to be re-glazed. The flagstone sidewalk leading to the front of the house needs to be grouted. Some brick pointing is needed.

Exterior work to be fixed

Bathrooms & Kitchen

These areas require new plumbing fixtures, new appliances, and finishes. It’s important that we improve these areas, as they are what are typically considered to be the most “sub-standard”, relative to other living arrangements in Charlottesville.

Completed Projects

The roof has been renovated!

 

To help us meet our renovation goals, please consider making a contribution today!

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