Hmm definitely there were problems
just short of fire.
The chimneys are gone, new floor boards where there was cement, plaster sheets in place between lounge and study.
I am going to change the porch into a an enclosed verandah cum conservatory knowing that 30°C summer days—
no 40+°C days anymore, happy happy!
—will make a glazed conservatory pretty damn hot!
Can use:
1. External blinds to pull over the glass roof
2. Ventilation using louvre windows low down and up moveable panes of glass high up.
3. Forced ventilation with fans.
4. For winter—a fireplace to keep the conservatory warm-ish.
Could grow a lemon tree in a pot in the verandah/conservatory, start seeds in July for late spring (after last frost) planting out.
Will change the window for floor to ceiling glass + glass sliding door. Want fill to make a solid, thick cement floor in the conservatory. Almost have a passive solar house then!
Connect the glazed-in veranda with a carport—get in and out of the car and house without getting rained on.
When all is done I might pay to get a valuer to revalue the house.
I do have books on conservatories and passive solar houses and passive solar greenhouses.