RE: Losing color and gaining clarity
Buying an old factory or warehouse isnt as far out of reach as most people would think. The renovation process can be though. I looked at a few of them years ago. I had the same plans. You can actually get them pretty cheap if they contain asbestos, lead paint, and knob and tube wiring (which most do). The problem is, that banks wont loan on them until these things are removed. You are allowed to occupy them, you just cant get a loan yet. Of course, these things are all dangourous, but asbestos and lead take exposure over years. Knob and tube can catch fire. With a little knowledge and caution, you can remove them on your own. All of our parents grew up in houses with lead paint. Asbestos is the worst. Its not harmful at all until it is disturbed and floats through the air. If you pay attention to floor tiles (the type you see on the floor in walmart), they are 12x12". If you see 8x8" they are asbestos. A lot of older buildings being used today still have them. If you have something else to borrow against, it can be done. Just make sure you wear the propper mask when removing asbestos. A supplied air hood is the best. You can buy a pretty nice one for around $200. I would also wear a disposable tyvek suit to keep the fibers out of your clothes. I hope that makes your dream seem a little more within reach.
Oh yeah. One more thing. Love the photos. The last one does have a horror feel, but i love it.
In Finland it is illegal I think to remove asbestos by yourself, have to pay for professionals to do the job properly and no one else is allowed to be around. Not sure about the wiring.
The cost of renovation here is extreme in my opinion because there is so much regulation and this particular building is protected which makes matters much, much worse. in finland they seem happy to protect anything though...
Yeah. Its the same way in America. I am a professional now though. Its not hard here. Not sure about Finland. I just had to take an online course. It cost me $75 and it took about 6 hours. Most of it was common sense. Seal up the building, don't breath it, etc. You dont have to seal the building here if you keep the asbestos wet, so it cant become airborn. Obviously your laws are a little different from ours but its worth looking into if you ever find another building that may be available.