Remodel gives 1890s house a homey update

Becky Summers of Hamilton wasnt going to let an opportunity pass her by, even if that opportunity presented itself while her husband, Doug, was out of the country on business.

Despite owning a home on Hillcrest that was perfect for the family, including sons Zach, Ben, and Kendall, there was something about the rundown old house on the corner of Laurel St. and Highway 96 (14th St.) that caught Beckys attention.

Doug was in France. I was coming down Laurel and thought I wonder what that house looks like. Ive always wanted an old home, Becky said. I called the realtor and she told me it had been sold, but to call back in case it didnt go through. The deal fell through. So I drug Doug over there and we looked at it.

The house seemed in good condition other than needing remodeled, and the rest is history. We bought it.

That was in 2003. Now the Summers home looks nothing like the house when they bought it. The family began doing work to the house at the beginning of 2005, and the property was ready to move into in August that same year.

Since then, converting the house into a home has been an ongoing process and a family affair even after the boys have grown and left home.

Wed come over on the weekends and tear plaster out, said Becky. All three of the boys had their hammers and crowbars and we just tore it up. We gutted everything. There was no insulation in the house. We installed all new heating and air systems, new windows, insulation, plumbing, and electrical.

Everything in here is brand new.

Becky not only relied on her husband and three children during the initial remodeling phases, but she also got a great helping hand from her late father, George Delozier, who was an electrician for years. Roger Turner was the master carpenter for the overhaul.

Dad did all the wiring, all the duct work, said Becky. He helped us do everything. He was our go-to guy. It was a family affair. We all had some part in doing stuff.

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Remodel gives 1890s house a homey update