Hobbs House as it appeared in early 2012, then stripped to the frame in order to assess (and then replace much of) the lumber, wrapped in shear panels, then lathe and plaster. Plate glass inserts that were installed after original construction were replaced by wood-framed windows with true divided light in what is most likely the original configuration. The grey asphalt shingle roof was replaced by cedar-colored composition shingles to enhance the desired appearance of a thatched roof, as initially intended by the use of barrel-rolled edges. A Palo Verde stone-clad chimney, added by the homeowner in 1960, was re-finished with common brick.

Architectural drawings were completed by Terry Donovan.  Structural detail drawings and specifications were prepared by Critical Structures, Inc. The building was stripped to the frame and the foundation and replaced by Weinstein Construction Company. The primary contractor for the balance of work was Ray Carlin, Bar Diamond R Services.

Neighboring properties include other small Mediterranean Revival homes all constructed by different builders within the same tract subdivision.  (An adjacent property was developed in 1997 and is not considered historic. Another was compromised by a second-story second unit built in the 1970's.) The blue two- and one-story home was originally constructed as a dormitory for occupancy by the farmhands of Charles C. Chapman, California's first citrus millionaire.

This neighborhood is protected under the city's zoning ordinance by an historic preservation overlay. Although most of these houses are patently historic, they are not recognized as local landmarks or by any other historic classification.

Architectural drawings were completed by Terry Donovan with structural engineering and construction documents developed by Critical Structures, Inc. -- Eric C. Stovner and Kathy Kovshilovsky, PE's.

Lathe and plaster demolition, foundation removal and replacement were completed by Weinstein Construction Company of Van Nuys. The foundation depth and steel work were specified by the project engineer in consideration of expansive clay soils. In the first photograph, look for a quarter balanced on a lateral piece of rebar to indicate scale.

This component of the project included replacement of the perimeter foundation with piers on posts supporting girders and floor joists.  The piers are spaced on a grid about 60 inches on center.

Above-ground forms include circular openings to receive concrete induced by a pumper. The flat work was completed after the foundation cured and forms were removed by Weinstein Construction Company, working cooperatively with Ray Carlin of Bar Diamond R Services.

On the day Ray Carlin of Bar Diamond R Services arrived to assess the existing framing, he described it as "minimalist." This was a polite way of saying it was substandard and wholly unacceptable under the current building code. The lumber was found to be heavily compromised by termite damage. In the end, about 80 percent of the framing was replaced by Ray and his partner Jim Olsen, under the direction by the structural engineer and according to the seismic retrofit plans that were approved by the city.

The house now features metal-clad wood windows with dual-paned glass.  The front entry door is fiberglas over wood, but looks appropriate as a Tudor-style feature. One plate glass window in the building's facade was replaced by true divided light windows in a Holy Trinity configuration (three under one). Structural evidence indicated that the other was originally ganged in three, so it was replaced accordingly.  The exterior cladding is painted barn red, while the insides are natural pine finished with linseed oil and varnish.

Roofing by Mike's Reasonable Roofing of Fullerton.  Chimney finish by West Hills Masonry of Anaheim.  Lath and plaster by Anthony Armas Plastering.  All this work  completed under contract to Bar Diamond R, Ray Carlin; general contractor.

Drywall installation by J and R Custom Walls of Fullerton, under project management and supervision by Ray Carlin, Bar Diamond R Services.

Within these walls is the circuitry and electrical wiring designed and installed by Don Holly and Son electrical contractors of Fullerton.

Interior finishes, plumbing and light fixtures were selected by the owners.  Owners painted walls, re-finished and installed Douglas fir moulding that was salvaged from original construction. Flooring is American hickory from Lumber Liquidators.

Kitchen flooring is comprised of post-consumer wine bottle corks blended into other cork material, manufactured by Yemm & Hart of Marquand, MO.

Bathroom "penny round" cork flooring provided by Habitus of NYC. "Brunei Blanco" ceramic tiles manufactured by Porcelanosa of Castellon, ESP (and Anaheim), installed by New Century under direction by Bar Diamond R Services.

Tranquility bathroom fixtures made by Graff DEU. Bathroom sink and cabinetry by Ronbow USA.

Kitchen cabinets by Mid Continent Cabinetry of Eagan, MN. Gantry faucet in kitchen by Waterstone of Murrieta, CA.  Apron front sink and corner tub manufactured by Kohler USA. Capital stove manufactured in Santa Fe Springs, CA.

Thanks to Don Holly and Son of Fullerton for installation of all electrical fixtures.