Has anyone renovated a four square house? (Pittsburgh: appliances, how much)

[DomerJen]

That's the style we've purchased, and I'd be interested to see what others have done with it. There is a surprising lack of renovation inspiration on the internet!

I'm especially interested in homes that may have removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room. I'm tempted to do this, but unsure if it'd really "kill" the character of the home.

[stburr91]

I would think that it wouldn't kill it, but it all depends on how much of the original interior details are left. If most of the details are already gone, then it would have little effect.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by DomerJen

That's the style we've purchased, and I'd be interested to see what others have done with it. There is a surprising lack of renovation inspiration on the internet!

I'm especially interested in homes that may have removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room. I'm tempted to do this, but unsure if it'd really "kill" the character of the home.

If it's a load bearing wall, it might "kill" the house! I think you need to get some help from a contractor.

[DomerJen]

Originally Posted by Katiana

If it's a load bearing wall, it might "kill" the house! I think you need to get some help from a contractor.

It's a load bearing wall - we'd have to run a beam. contractors and permits will definitely be part of the budget...

[jimmyev]

I toyed with this idea when I first bought my four square. But I figured it would ruin the custom woodwork - a plate rack - that runs the perimeter of the dining room and affect other original built-ins. Then one day I realized that the only reason new homes use an open concept (and builders have convinced people this is stylish) is because it's cheaper to build with less framing and sheetrock.

[Tallysmom]

Originally Posted by DomerJen

It's a load bearing wall - we'd have to run a beam. contractors and permits will definitely be part of the budget...

I'd check with some good architects and see what they have to say.

And my contractor says you can do anything if you enough money....

[WILWRadio]

Forgive my ignorance. What exactly is a four square house? I've never heard of it.

[stburr91]

Originally Posted by WILWRadio

Forgive my ignorance. What exactly is a four square house? I've never heard of it.

We sure have plenty of them here in Pittsburgh.

American Foursquare - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[PreservationPioneer]

I would suggest not removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room. I realize that the modern kitchen and dining room are supposed to be in the same room, but there is something charming and elegant about a formal dining room.

I realize it is appealing to have a big kitchen/ dining area, but I think it's equally appealing to have an elegant and romantic room just for dining, where you can't see the counters and appliances.

[Hopes]

If I owned a four square, I'd want to remove the wall between the living room and dining room. You can always expand the kitchen by blowing out the exterior wall.