Detaching the shed and screened-in porch

Today, July 3, was the day we simply detached the shed addition and screened-in porch then dragged them into the yard. Most newbies probably would have demolished the structures, but the builder provided a cleaner and more efficient approach. He, and the photos, make it look easy. As we have learned many times so far this summer, having experience and the right tools for the job makes a difference.

The screened-in porch was the first to go. The builder had two rectangular pieces of thin metal, one end had a dozen or more small holes, about a quarter-inch in diameter, and the other end had a large reinforced hole, about two inches in diameter. One of these metal pieces was attached to each side of the floor structure with screws in the end with many small holes. A reciprocating saw, commonly referred to as a sawzall, was used to cut through nails and bolts that attach the porch to the east end of the shed. Once the porch was cut free, the builder hooked a chain through the protruding large holes in the attached metal ends. Forks on the tractor were used to raise the porch and slide under two long poles. Once in place, the tractor rolled the structure away on the poles. We used floor boards salvaged from the kitchen floor demo as braces.

Next up was the more substantial shed addition, which held a commode and shower– and must have been quite an advancement for the owner who had previously taken baths in the nearby ice-cold stream and used the outhouse when nature called. After it was disconnected from the house, we used the shed to secure some tools and equipment. It was harder to detach the shed and the tractor strained to lift an end to slide in a pole.

After the shed was in place beside the porch, the builder admitted its weight and size had taxed the tractor to its limit. With the additions removed, the house looks bare and has a giant scar on the south end of the structure. It also exposes some serious rotting in a sill beam.

Maybe the screened-in porch can be salvaged? It has served us well as a refuge from black flies, a shady spot where we could enjoy the cool breeze on hot summer days. But it will need a serious facelift — like the house, it has seen better days. We’re not sure what to do with the shed addition. When we ask the builder, he matter-of-factly replies, “Burn it.”