Finishing an unfinished attic can be one of the easiest ways to add living space to your home. In the case of a small lot with strict zoning regulations about setbacks, it might be the only way to add on. Even on a large lot with plenty of room for a new ell, growing up […]
Imagine that it’s 20 degrees outside – but sunny. You’ve just come in from shoveling the driveway, and now you’re sitting comfortably in your sunroom, surrounded by houseplants, sipping some hot cocoa and soaking up the warmth of the sun. Summer is not the usual season when people start to wish they had a sunroom. […]
Points to Consider When Adding a Dormer If your house isn’t a full two-stories high, chances are that some of the upstairs rooms are tucked under the slope of the roof. Walking around can lead to a sore head and a crook in the neck, plus there’s the dim light and lack of a view. […]
In our last two articles we discussed decks and porches. Now we’ll take a look at patios, one more way to relax outdoors in the warm seasons. The word patio comes from Spanish, and the original patios were paved, uncovered courtyards in Spanish homes. They made their way to North America through Mexico and the […]
Cost is not the biggest issue As the spring grows warmer and warmer, many people start to think about adding a deck to the side of their house, so they can sit outside and enjoy the fine weather. Decks are a fine way to spend time outdoors, but they do have a couple of downsides. […]
When it comes to Decks . . . Wood or Plastic? That is the Question. Spring is the start of Deck Season – both for building and using. Those first sunny, warm days cry out to us to leave the windows open or, better yet, get outdoors and soak it in! Even better, Bug Season […]
When you add space, you may need to upgrade your heating system. This time of year, you should be deeply involved in the plans for your spring and summer projects. Our article on “Planning for Spring Projects” covers planning, timing, budgeting, and choosing a contractor, and it points out that now is the time to […]
This winter is breaking records for deep snow and extended cold. We’ve had deeper cold, but there haven’t been the usual thaws between our cold stretches. As for the snowfall, it’s hard to imagine it could get much deeper. It’s a long dig down to find your rapidly dwindling firewood pile! It’s true that deep […]
Interior Decorating Trends for 2015 Our last article explored the 2015 trendy paint colors for interior design. Now we’ll take a look at what decorators have in the minds to distinguish last year from this year. Just keep in mind that taste is very personal. You have a color scheme in mind already, and now […]
Choosing New Paints for Your Home The New England winter palette that Mother Nature provides is based on snow: snow white, ice blue, cloud gray, deep conifer green. One way to avoid falling into a blue or stormy mood in the middle of these chilly hues is to redecorate a room or two – starting […]
“Aaron and Paul did a fabulous job! Thank you so much! ” - Susan M., Quechee, VT
