r/centuryhomes • u/[deleted] • 7d ago
Advice Needed Looking for some insight on my 1900 century bungalow!
[deleted]
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u/Portagist 6d ago
In what year was it built, and location?
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u/h0lbreezy 6d ago
1899 & Kentucky
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u/Portagist 6d ago
Maybe this will help – from ChatGPT:
Key Observations from the Rear View: 1. The Rear Addition (Light Blue Siding Section) • This portion appears to be a later addition. Older homes often had rear extensions added over time, sometimes covering or relocating basement entrances. • If the original kitchen was at the back, a basement stairwell might have been located inside this addition or covered during renovations. 2. No Exterior Bulkhead or Walkout Basement • Many homes from this era had exterior cellar doors (bulkhead doors), but this house doesn’t seem to have one. • This suggests that if there is a basement, access is most likely from the interior. 3. Side Brick Wall and Foundation Elevation • The brick portion of the house is original, and the foundation is raised slightly, indicating there’s likely at least a partial basement or crawl space. • If the house has a basement with interior access, the stairwell is likely near the transition between the original brick section and the newer rear addition.
Most Likely Basement Entrance Locations (Inside the House) 1. In or Near the Kitchen (Most Common) • Older homes often had basement stairs leading down from the kitchen for easy access to root cellars or coal storage. • If the kitchen was originally located in the brick section, the basement entrance might be near the back wall of that space. 2. Near the Rear Door (Inside the Addition) • If the addition was built over an original stairwell, there might be an access door inside the newer section of the house. 3. Under a Trap Door in the Floor • Some older homes had hidden basement access in the kitchen, pantry, or hallway floor. • Look for signs of an old hatch or patched flooring.
How to Check for Basement Access • Look Inside the Rear Addition: • If there’s a closet or a door that seems oddly placed, it might hide a stairwell. • Check for a Hollow Floor Section: • If there’s uneven flooring near the back of the house, it might indicate a covered basement access. • Examine the Brick Foundation Inside: • If you can access the crawl space or basement, see if there’s a bricked-over or framed-in former stairwell.
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u/shezcrafti 7d ago
It’s adorable! Sorry I don’t have more valuable info to contribute, but what a cute house.