OUR BLOG
OUR BLOG
Check out what’s happening with Myers Constructs as well as the latest news and trends in home renovation.
Programmable Thermostats = Cool Savings
People who work with our fake rolex company know we understand the value of great design. That's why our marketing pro, Mark Gisi, shared this article with me today. He knew I would appreciate both the design and utility of the Nest Programmable Thermostat. The real clincher to the story was this: “… he discovered that 10 million thermostats are sold every year. Meanwhile, only 6% of programmable thermostats are actually programmed, even though a programmed thermostat can save 30-40% in heating and cooling costs. That’s was clearly a serious design problem.” These savings are why we insist on programmable thermostats when we install new HVAC systems in the homes we renovate. Everyone at our company knows I am the least technically proficient person on the team. I can’t program my TV remote, but I ALWAYS program my own home's thermostats. Of course, a product this sleek and user-friendly would[...]
What’s Your Top Renovation Question
Got a top renovation question? Post it in the comments section below, and we'll do our best to answer it.
RIP, Steve Jobs
Rest in peace. Steve Jobs, 1955-2011.
And the Prize Goes to …
Congratulations to Jen W., the winner of our giveaway! Jen will receive a $25 gift certificate to Reconsidered Home and a copy of The Vintage/Modern Home by Katherine Sorrell.
My Beef With Bad Home Design
I regularly drive past a 1950s split-level rancher that is being renovated near my home. At this point, I can see that the addition being built is closed in with plywood and the roof is on. But I cringe every time I see this home. It's not that it's structurally or technically unsound. It's just bad overall design. As you may already know, split-level homes have characteristic low roof lines, a big garage feature, and wide windows that refer back to the low, wide stance of the home. Typically, the private areas of the house are upstairs, and the public family room areas are downstairs. They were invented when people began buying cars and moving from the cities where they worked to the 'burbs. That's the culture they refer to, and it's why they look the way they do. The remodelers who are putting the addition on the house up[...]
In the News, Part V
Please check out the fifth and final installment in the Examiner.com series featuring Myers Constructs. The topic? Making The Most Of Small Spaces.
In The News Part IV
The fourth installment in a 5-part Examiner.com series featuring Myers Constructs. Read the story Older or Historic Door Restoration here.
Avoid These Remodeling Mistakes
We all make mistakes in life. Usually, they are minor, and we can move on with little damage to ourselves, our property and our loved ones. But renovation mistakes can harm all three. Let’s take a look at a recent call to our office that raises red flags for renovation mistakes to come. An e-mail came in to our office from a young couple with a small 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom city house. The homeowners had lived in the house for 3 years and said they were ready to begin gutting and renovating the house. Sounded like it could be an exciting project. I asked some questions to learn some more about what was being planned. Here’s what I found: 1. They intended on living in the home while renovations were underway. (This is a recipe for discomfort, at minimum. In fact, many a marriage has crumbled under this kind of stress.[...]
How to Peel a Head of Garlic in Less than 10 Seconds
Git 'er done! Enjoy this handy kitchen tip video from SAVEUR.com ! quick garlic peel video
Q&A: Vintage 101 (and a Giveaway!)
In follow up to last week’s newsletter, When Vintage Decor Meets Modern Renovation, we sat down with Natalie Rettinger, owner of Media, PA-based vintage furniture boutique Reconsidered Home, for a primer on antique furnishings and how to incorporate them into your home. Q: How did you get started in selling vintage furnishings and antiques? NR: I found my first chair in a thrift shop a few years ago. It was a tufted, armless chair with a dusty mustard yellow fabric. I bought the chair for $15, took it home, and immediately took it apart to see how it got its shape. I learned a lot from that chair and still have it, mostly to remind me to leave reupholstering to the professionals! Q: What are the advantages of decorating a home with vintage finds? NR: Vintage furniture, in combination with your existing pieces, allows you to be truly unique and[...]
