These People Unearthed Secrets in Home Renovation Projects

Lindsey - November 6, 2023
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These People Unearthed Secrets in Home Renovation Projects
Photo: Newsweek
Photo: Arch20

Unique Building Materials

Sometimes new homeowners will find unconventional building materials used in their renovation projects. You might think vintage bricks, reclaimed timber, or even repurposed industrial elements are odd in today’s modern era. However, there are even odder materials that have been used in construction over the years. These aren’t necessarily in homes, but can you imagine coming across them during a renovation project?

Homes have been created out of recycled bottles, corncobs, legos, cork, aluminum cans, and glass. Have you seen trending shipping container homes? Shipping container homes are actually a sustainable and cost-effective housing solution, repurposing discarded shipping containers into functional living spaces. These innovative dwellings offer versatility, with their modular design allowing for customization and easy transport, making them an increasingly popular choice for eco-conscious homeowners seeking efficient and unique housing options. What materials would you be surprised by and love to see in your future home?

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Newsweek

Walled-Up Windows

It may sound counterintuitive, but there are a number of reasons why homeowners might choose to wall over windows. If a window provides a direct view into a neighbor’s house (and vice versa, someone might close up a window for more privacy or for more security on a ground-level window. They could also want better furniture placement or to create functional built-ins. Older windows may not be energy-efficient, leading to heat loss or drafts. Walling over the window can improve the insulation of the room, potentially reducing heating and cooling costs. Perhaps one of the most common reasons are structural concerns and compliance – changes in local building codes.

In some cases, homeowners may need to obtain the necessary permits and follow building codes to carry out this modification legally – especially in a historic home. An interior designer shared her journey of unwalling a window in an upstairs space in their home. After seeing windows on the outside that didn’t exist on the instead, she decided this must be what happened: the prior owners didn’t want to bother with permits and just made the interior changes they wanted. It’ll be hard to understand why they did it originally after seeing the beautifully restored version!

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Photo: Wikipedia

Bizarre or Secret Passages

Discovering a secret passage during a home renovation is like stepping into the pages of a mystery or adventure novel. The possibilities are endless: from clandestine escapes to hidden chambers. The decision to preserve and incorporate a secret passage leads to interesting decision-making for homeowners, but with care they can make it their own.

A woman who purchased a 148-year-old home recently shared her secret passage find. In the video she posted, she shows a narrow door that looks like it should lead into an upstairs bathroom. However, there’s no door into the bathroom from that side. When she opens the door, viewers can see it houses a staircase that’s been blocked off. This is made less creepy by the stickers with 1970s icons adorning the back of the door. Commenters speculate it leads to former servants’ quarters turned into a teen bedroom, but time and further exploration will tell!

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