In my latest efforts, I began removing the remaining walls and ceiling drywall from the two rooms I couldn’t complete during the core demolition efforts. I knew there was likely some critter activity as there were mouse droppings in the area before I cleaned up previously. However, I wasn’t really prepared for what I ultimately found. First, when I removed one wall panel, I found a treasure trove of acorn caps and chewed up insulation. I’m guessing that this was a chipmunk home for some time previously.
Then, when I removed the ceiling above this section, I found more evidence. I couldn’t take any photos easily, but most of the open cavity above the drywall was filled with various pieces of insulation, fabrics and tree material – again, most likely the former home of a small critter. In just a 6’x6′ space in this room, I filled more than half a contractor trash bag with “critter bedding” before even getting to remove the drywall and the remaining insulation that was still in place. It was truly a mess, but I’m glad I’m opening all the cavities and cleaning this stuff up before actually doing any renovations!
Lastly., behind one of the walls I found two windows into the past. Or, more literally, two windows from the past. I’m going to need to evaluate this room to see if it makes sense to restore either or both of these windows.
Things are getting interesting!