Betsy Sweeny
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Rehab Recap

12/15/2020

19 Comments

 
 ​People often ask what the hardest part of rehabbing the McLain house is, or if there have been any unwanted/unexpected surprises. 
Typically, I respond with a rehearsed speech about the importance of due diligence and low expectations, and generally try and emphasize pragmatism when pursuing any historic project.
But the real answer is, the hardest part about rehabbing my 3,400 square foot, 128-year-old, thirty odd years vacant house…is documenting it.
I’m pretty good at project management.  The construction projects at the McLain have all stayed on schedule, and anything I slowed down or sped up was by choice not necessity, but the one thing I vowed to do when starting this project- Blog about it, has been sorely neglected.
And while I feel some disappointment for not chronicling every step of the process in real time (check out Instagram stories if that’s what you’re looking for) I do feel grateful that the winter season provides some time to catch up. It’s been a big six months for the McLain House.
So, in an effort to hold myself accountable, or maybe to create my own McLain House Wrapped, I’m committing to catching you all up on what’s been going on before the end of 2020.
Until then, here’s a how it started and how it’s going pic of the old girl.  Next, I’ll explain why that blue band at the top of the house is so damn significant.

19 Comments
James Maxwell
12/21/2020 10:52:07 pm

Interested in the House progress

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Vanity Marks
12/22/2020 08:37:14 am

Just saw your tour on Monica Church's channel. I'm excited to see your progress!

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Jeannie Dawson
12/25/2020 02:37:12 pm

Hi there! Just watched a video about you on Monica Church's youtube channel. You should start your own channel.....it would be a great way to help fund your renovation! I'd definitely watch!

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Tina m Staves
12/25/2020 06:13:28 pm

I agree with Jeanie. Definitely start a YouTube channel with the progress. We LOVE to see the process and everything. I actually saw the same video and went to search for your channel on there only to find you don't have one for this massive project. I'd seriously would love to do what you're doing but I don't have the experience or know how to undertake an amazing opportunity.

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John Collier
12/26/2020 11:29:23 am

I agree - this is perfect content opportunity for a YouTube channel. I'd sign up in a heartbeat. I love Victorian architecture, being a Brit, I'm surrounded by it but not at the price you paid Betsy. Good luck, not that I think you'll need, you know what you're doing.

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Tara
12/26/2020 11:40:35 am

I am super intrigued by the video I saw from Monica Church about this house! I cannot wait to see how it turns out and hope all goes well for your renovations. Please keep us updated often!!

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Willie Scott
12/26/2020 01:05:16 pm

Hi Betsy, I am very interested in following your renovation.
Please keep me updated. Thanks...

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rhonda depietro
12/26/2020 01:27:15 pm

Found this when trolling through You Tube.totally fascinated by your project! As i'v always dreamed of a victorian home i think this is awesome.Love watching your progress thru this.

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S link
12/28/2020 02:13:44 am

I love this! We purchased 2 properties so far in Wheeling and would love to hear your take on investing in Wheeling. I think it’s a gorgeous town on the brink of revitalization.

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Betsy Sweeny link
1/6/2021 04:36:25 pm

Hi there! I firmly believe Wheeling is on the brink of revitalization, and it's my job so if it's not... I'm in trouble! Would love to chat with you more about your investments and vision, please feel free to reach out via email anytime!

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Greg Palmer
2/6/2021 10:40:17 pm

I am remodeling a house across the river in Ohio just outside of the St Clairsville area. As luck would have it, it is the house I grew up in and my father actually built. My parents sold the house and we left the Ohio Valley for Northern VA in 1985-ish in which I still live. Once finished with the remodel my wife and I have plans to potentially buy another in that area/Wheeling. My wife showed me the Youtube video of your house and ironically I actually had your house on my saved realtor.com list, I remembered because of the church glass. Good luck on your project, the house has a lot of character!

Caye Caswick
12/29/2020 07:19:59 am

Interested. Love me some restoration back to Victorian original -- thanks for sharing your project with us.

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Lea
1/3/2021 04:32:23 pm

Love the work you're doing and should def start a youtube channel.

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Mark
1/5/2021 05:39:26 pm

Hi Betsy! I saw your house on Monica's YouTube channel.
Amazing architecture! Congratulations! Hope all goes well.
Can't wait to see it finished...
Best regards

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Lauren
1/9/2021 09:48:43 pm

Hi Betsy! Came across an interview you did on YouTube! I’m closing on a very similar home, that’s located in a smaller farm town about an hour outside of Chicago Illinois. 5500 sq. Italiantate style home, sits on a beautiful 2.5 acre lot for 15k. I know it’s going to be hard work to get it to its former glory, and I’m going to have my work cut out for me! I’m excited to continue watching your journey!

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Sigurður Hjörtur Grétarsson
1/14/2021 05:02:19 am

Like so many others I found this gorgeous project through Monica Church's Youtube channel and I just thought; what a beautiful beautiful building and I thought how great it would be to be able to follow the progress you're making and see the house come back to life. So here I am ;)
Going to catch up on your posts, love the blog. Keep up the great work :)

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Jane
1/18/2021 01:59:10 pm

Like so many others, I jetted over here right after seeing your beautiful house featured on Monica Church's channel. I'm a sucker for good old-house restoration vids and I felt all the familiar tingles in my fingers and toes while watching the tour of your new home; it oozes potential! So excited to see it all gradually unfold. Good luck and thanks for sharing your journey!

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Hugh
2/10/2021 04:27:11 pm

Hello Betsy,
I reside in an historic town (Youghal) in Ireland. I have both lived in and renovated a number of period properties Victorian, Georgian, Elizabethan including my current home in the Georgian style but is in fact hundreds of years old most likely Elizabethan. My home is within 15 metres of St Mary's Collegiate Church (c450AD) and Myrtle Grove (Sir Walter Raleigh’s Irish Home). I have watched a few videos of your renovation to date and I was querying what fabric upgrades you will be making if any as in natural insulation etc.? I made many mistakes in my earlier years during renovations and learned “the hard way” I would like to state that I admire your bravery and wish you every successful outcome.

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Lynn m russell Russell
2/16/2021 09:14:57 am

I just saw on you tube, giving the tour of the house and what you will be doing. I live in Maine and it drives me crazy seeing old houses just sitting there abandoned and neglected, you cannot duplicate these homes, the workmanship is amazing and have a story to tell. I hope one day I am able to revive one of these old beauties. The best of luck to you and thank you, I hope more people take this journey.

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    Hi there,  I'm Betsy.  I'm a historian, dog-mom, yogi, and preservationist.  Join me as I navigate the field of cultural heritage, and rehabilitate my home in historic East Wheeling, WV

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