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Yogi Berra—Construction Guru

July 15th, 2010 Posted in DIY Home Improvements, Design-Build, Getting Started, Money-Saving Tips, Remodeling Concerns, Remodels/Additions | No Comments »

I recently stumbled across a list of quotes from America’s favorite folksy philosopher, Yogi Berra. Yogi was a pretty good ball player, to be sure, but is equally famous for his twisted tidbits of wisdom. In reading through these, I found them simply profound and profoundly simple, pertinent to all walks of life, including construction. In the article that follows, I’ll sprinkle in a number of his sayings as they apply to the subject at hand. They’ll be identified by the preceding notation (RY), denoting Relevant Yogi-ism…

Recipe for Remodeling Success

July 7th, 2010 Posted in Design Tips, Design-Build, Money-Saving Tips, Remodeling Concerns, Remodels/Additions | No Comments »

Did you visit friends this summer and come home with a bad case of house envy? Did it whet your appetite for cooking up a tasty little remodel project of your own? If you’re hungry for a little house candy, but intimidated at the process, do what the best chefs do—follow a recipe. Take out the Contractor’s Cookbook, open to the tab marked “Remodel Recipes”, and follow the directions to the letter. In no time at all, you’re sure to have your friends drooling over your home. I’ve included my favorite recipe below. And don’t worry—I haven’t left out any key ingredients!

Height Standards for Bath Vanities & Kitchen Counters

June 27th, 2010 Posted in Aging-in-Place & Handicap Mobility, Building Trends, Custom Cabinets, Design Tips, Kitchens, Uncategorized | No Comments »

When it comes to heights for bath and kitchen countertops, the standard should be based on the needs of the residents. The main purpose for remodeling is not just to make it prettier, but to also make it more enjoyable and comfortable, even if you are planning to live there for only a few years…

Personalize Your Home to Meet Your Changing Needs

June 14th, 2010 Posted in Aging-in-Place & Handicap Mobility, Building Trends, Design Tips, Green Building Topics, Historic Homes, Landscaping, Timely Home Upgrades | 1 Comment »

Don’t be moved by age. According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), older homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age-in-place, meaning to live at home safely, independently and comfortably. With Universal Design principals, this has become increasingly easy. You can make your house your home-for-life. The changes needed, often simple and small, are cheaper than moving into assisted living facilities. As one of my clients says: “Ain’t movin’ ‘til they take me out in a pine box”. As a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), here is my advice on what you need to consider if you feel the same way…

Closet Organization 101

May 25th, 2010 Posted in Custom Cabinets, Design Tips, Remodels/Additions, Space-Saving/Organization, Spring | No Comments »

Who wouldn’t want a beautiful closet like the “After” pictured here—large, bright, and ultra organized? Even the most beautiful closet should be extremely efficient and functional or it will soon become a large, bright, disorganized mess. As we’re heading into summer, now is the perfect time to take a critical look at what works, what doesn’t work, and to figure out where to store all those fall and winter clothes you won’t be needing for awhile! We have turned many a disorganized closet into dream closets just like this one by following these simple guidelines for organization, and implementing a few key changes. First, let’s identify the problem before we discuss a solution…

A Stitch in Time

May 24th, 2010 Posted in Basements, Energy-Saving Tips, Flooding, Heating/Cooling, Money-Saving Tips, Safety Hazards, Timely Home Upgrades | 1 Comment »

We recently proved the old adage “a stitch in time saves nine”. For weeks our hot water has been coming out of the faucets looking like weak tea and there was a dried rust stain under one of the water heaters. Both of the heaters were also over ten years old. We’re smart people so we knew this meant that our water heaters were failing, and we had our plumber order two new heaters. We’re also frugal and busy so we thought we would wait a little longer and squeeze a little more service out of them. After all, money in the bank earns interest and we didn’t think they would fail before we got them replaced…

Shoe Cobbler’s Kids and Contractor’s Wives

May 22nd, 2010 Posted in Design Tips, Kitchens, Parrish, Remodeling Concerns, Remodels/Additions, Timely Home Upgrades | 5 Comments »

You’ve heard it said that a Physician who treats himself has a fool for a patient. I’d adapt this as follows: “A contractor who remodels his own home has a fool for a client.” Having just completed a significant remodel of my own home, and having used my own company to accomplish the work, I believe I can attest to the sad truth of this statement…

Remodeling Down Under

May 21st, 2010 Posted in Basements, Building Trends, Design Tips, Heating/Cooling, Money-Saving Tips, Remodeling Concerns, Remodels/Additions, Safety Hazards | 1 Comment »

When thinking about adding space to their home, many homeowners tend to overlook the obvious solution right under their feet–the basement. This is understandable, since so many basements are dark, damp uninviting spaces with tiny porthole windows, poor finish materials and shoddy workmanship. A well designed artfully executed basement, however, can turn dark cellar into the most comfortable enjoyable room in home…

Keeping Your Cool

May 20th, 2010 Posted in Energy-Saving Tips, Heating/Cooling, Seasonal Considerations, Spring, Summer, Timely Home Upgrades | No Comments »

Summers are so pleasant here, in fact, that most homes don’t have air conditioning—at least the older ones. But then most cars didn’t have air conditioning in the 1950’s either. Would you order a new car today without it? If you find yourself “Sweatin’ To The Oldies” this summer while just sitting and listening to the radio, here are some ideas for chilling out at home…

How to Hire a Remodeling Contractor

May 19th, 2010 Posted in Getting Started, Parrish, Remodeling Concerns | 1 Comment »

If you’re thinking of remodeling your home, you’re in good company. According to the National Association of Home Builders, American homeowners will spend in excess of $100 Billion on professional remodeling this year. Empty nesters are converting unused bedrooms into master bathrooms, new owners of older homes are improving their new home before moving in, and many people are adding new apartments for an elderly parent…

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Blog

Yogi Berra—Construction Guru

Recipe for Remodeling Success

Height Standards for Bath Vanities & Kitchen Counters

Personalize Your Home to Meet Your Changing Needs

Closet Organization 101

A Stitch in Time

Shoe Cobbler’s Kids and Contractor’s Wives

Remodeling Down Under

Keeping Your Cool

How to Hire a Remodeling Contractor