The Keeping Room Podcast

In this LONG awaited part 2 of the Window episode, Katelyn & Jake continue their deep dive. Part 2 includes an overview of repair and restoration techniques (though we highly recommend checking out a hands-on class or at least some YouTube videos to round out your learning experience) as well as a rapid-fire list of why you might want to save your old windows over replacing them. If you've been waiting patiently for this episode and wondering if we fell off the face of the earth, Jake has a special message for you: Hey, this is Jake, and I just want to say that I'm so sorry! My life got a little wild there for a minute, and I did a crazy thing (started law school). Katelyn and I recorded this audio in OCTOBER, but I just finished editing it into this episode. My bad. If you have stuck around and are still following along, THANK YOU! We hope to get back to more regular recording and publishing, though we make no promises as to monthly episodes... quarterly might be more realistic. We will try, though! Thanks for sticking around!

Have you ever wanted to know everything there is to know about windows? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Katelyn & Jake do a deep DEEP dive into the topic of windows. In Part 1 of this two-episode series (Jake and Katelyn talked so much about windows they had to split it into two episodes), they discuss window parts & terminology, types of windows, and some other interesting tidbits like how new construction windows are installed vs. old wood windows, vs. replacement windows. This may seem like a boring topic, but if you’ve found this podcast and loved it so far, you will definitely nerd out on this topic with us. Also, Jake apologizes for the unplanned mid-season break in our somewhat reliable release schedule… life happened. But hopefully, we’ll be back on track with part two releasing next month!

Energy efficiency is a hot topic (pun maybe intended), and anyone who lives in an old house knows it isn't always easy to heat or cool your house. In this episode, Katelyn & Jake talk about all the ways you might improve the energy efficiency, and thus comfort, of your home. They share some surprising points and options that might not have occurred to you, so be sure to snuggle in with that cup of tea (or iced tea, depending on how fall-like your weather has decided to be today) and join us in The Keeping Room.

Historic plaster is more than just a wall finish; it's a testament to craftsmanship and honest materials. Join Katelyn and Jake as they dive deep into plaster's benefits, nuances, and charm. From its resilience against mold to its subtle undulating beauty, plaster has stood the test of time in old homes. Discover the intricacies behind its curing, the surprising use of goat hair, and the comparison with modern-day drywall. Also, Katelyn FINALLY spills the details on what she learned at the Historic Plaster Restoration Workshop at Bob Yapp's Belvedere School for Hands-On Preservation. Whether you're a homeowner, history enthusiast, or simply curious, this episode sheds light on why plaster walls are truly unparalleled. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join us in The Keeping Room!

DIY (aka Doing it Yourself) seems to be a necessary evil when you own an old house. In this episode, Katelyn and Jake share some thoughts about what projects might be good to tackle yourself and what projects might best be left to the pros. They also share some resources to get you started on your DIY learning journey. And, of course, they share stories of DIY projects they each have taken on and lessons they've learned along the way. Grab your beverage of choice and join us once again in The Keeping Room! As mentioned in the episode, Katelyn has pulled together many of these resources on her website. You can check them out at - https://www.bungalowroots.com/resources

Nobody likes to think about maintaining their home. Sometimes it can feel like you are trapped on a hamster wheel, constantly fixing things. Unfortunately, maintenance is just a part of home ownership, and often it feels like old houses need EXTRA maintenance. In this episode, Katelyn and Jake talk about their struggles with home maintenance, how to have a positive mindset when it comes to maintenance, some things you should probably maintain, and some methods you might use to keep track of all those tasks. But don't worry; they aren't here to make you feel bad about slacking on that long to-do list. Everyone struggles to keep up with maintenance tasks. You are among friends! As this is NOT their favorite subject, there are a few swears mixed into this episode: nothing terrible, but just a heads up. You can find Jake's planner and the free downloadable pages here: https://www.reluctanthousehusband.com/links-and-such

We've all done it. You watch a few episodes of TV shows on a certain network, and suddenly your head is full of hopes, dreams, timelines, and budgets for your home that only have the loosest base in reality. In this episode, Jake & Katelyn talk about what are good expectations to have as you get into home renovations/home ownership. Katelyn shares some lessons she has learned in her time working with houses... and then Jake & Katelyn go off the rails sharing renovation war stories and experiences they've had with DIY and projects. Fair warning - This episode is largely conversational and a bit like hanging out with the hosts for an hour, wacky conversational detours included. This may pair better with a glass of wine than a cup of tea, but we will let you be the judge.

Katelyn & Jake discuss why they started a podcast and why it’s called “The Keeping Room Podcast.” They also each tell the stories of how they came to love old houses and why they want to share their old house obsessions with the world. https://www.thekeepingroompodcast.com/ email us: thekeepingroompod@gmail.com

Coming Soon - The Keeping Room Podcast! Join Katelyn and Jake as they talk old houses, what they love about them, what we can learn from them, and how you can apply those lessons to your home, no matter its age! Grab a cup of tea, and join us in The Keeping Room.