What an Expert Looks Like: 10,000 hours
This past Friday, I spent time with our plumber in a small mechanical room on one of our projects. We were trying to figure out why we were not getting[...]
Wants vs. Needs: A Look at Prioritizing Home Renovations
Our clients, Robin and James,* have lived in their large, 90-year-old stone single home for 20+ years. They are now in their 40s, and have raised two active boys. James[...]
A New Life for Their Space, A Better Life for Them
John and Judy* live in a three-story row home. They both commute to their city office jobs on bicycles. They bought their home when it was just the two of[...]
Earth-Friendly Home Renovations: A Local Perspective
Earth friendly. Eco conscious. Green. What do these terms mean in the context of home improvement? The short answer is being kind to your surroundings — although the meanings can[...]
When It Comes to Older Homes, Small Is Not the New Big
In the world of new construction, the mantra is “small is the new big.” This means that people who are building new homes appear to be tired of — or[...]
What Makes a Healthy Home?
Everyone wants their home to be a safe haven that promotes good health. Unfortunately, there are some factors that could be putting your family at risk of illness. Here are[...]
Accessible Homes: Designing With an Eye to the Future
We often receive phone calls from prospective clients who are in their 40s and are preparing their home for “aging in place.” This may be for themselves, if they plan[...]
The Truck Tells the Whole Story
You can tell a lot about a craftsman by how he keeps his truck. At our Maryland Street project, the bank that owned the property before us had[...]
The Importance of Having a Plan
I’ve been speaking with some landscapers about creating a plan for our yard’s landscaping. I’m pretty sure my reaction to the process is a lot like most homeowners thinking about[...]
90% Done, 75% to Go!
When it comes to closing a renovation project, that old saying holds true: the devil is in the details. It’s a time when having logged your 10,000 hours counts, and[...]