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Show Old Dwellings : Usually Need Plan Changes A fully satisfactory job of remodeling re-modeling an old house often entails en-tails major floor plan changes because old dwellings ordinarily have small living rooms, inadequate inade-quate closet and storage space, and poor kitchen arrangements. Partitions between rooms should be inspected to determine which ones could be removed without difficulty and which ones are : bearing walls helping support the weight of the house. A first story wall usually is a bearing wall if it is directly underneath a wall on the second floor. i Removal of a bearing wall is more expensive than taking out a simple partition. A steel beam to support the weight usually must be installed. If an opening '. such as a large doorway or an ; archway is cut in a bearing wall, the load can be held up by a beam resting on posts at the sides of the opening. Frequently, the most inexpensive inexpen-sive way to enhance the appearance appear-ance of the exterior of a house is to use color. A home can be Eainted in such a way that the est features are emphasized while attention is detracted from less pleasing parts. If the roof line Is ungraceful, the trim along the edge of the roof should be painted an inconspicuous incon-spicuous color, and dark asphalt shingles should be selected for reroofing. To draw attention to an attractive roof line, pick brighter asphalt shingles. By drawing the eye upward, a light-colored light-colored roof also will make a house seem taller. If the proportions of a house are pleasing, its outline can be accentuated by painting the trim In strong contrast to the side walls. |