Definitely agree on budgeting extra time and materials—it's amazing how quickly a small repair spirals into something bigger. One thing I've found helpful, especially with older mountain cabins, is to approach each project creatively rather than just patching up what's already there. For instance, when I had to deal with some unexpected rot in a client's cabin porch, instead of just replacing the damaged boards, we redesigned the entire entryway using reclaimed wood from an old barn nearby. It not only solved the structural issue but also added character that matched the cabin's rustic charm.
Have you ever considered incorporating reclaimed or locally sourced materials into your repairs? It can sometimes turn a frustrating project into something uniquely rewarding and adds a story to share around the fireplace later...
"Have you ever considered incorporating reclaimed or locally sourced materials into your repairs?"
Yeah, I've done that a few times, and honestly, it can be hit or miss. Had one project where we used reclaimed barn siding for interior walls—turned out amazing, clients loved it. But another time, tried using salvaged beams for structural support... let's just say the beams had more character than strength, lol. Definitely adds charm when it works out, but gotta be careful about structural integrity with older materials.
