Homes built in the early twentieth century exhibit character and charm that are virtually impossible to duplicate in this new millennium. But along with the things I love about older homes come certain eccentricities. There are compromises that must be made to the past. Closet space is frequently at a premium, as our forefathers were not quite the clothes horses we are, and every family owned an armoire. Bedrooms are small, with their swinging doors taking up valuable floor space. Many homes have... more

According to the June 2007 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, when it comes to painting, 85% of us buy the same brand of paint over and over again. We assume if we have good results with one brand of paint there is no reason to change. Consumer Reports explains that the products that come out on top one year might not come out on top another year because formulations change. Buying certified paint is another way to select paint. Certification is widely used to differentiate products and get power... more

The Craftsman style was, essentially, the American interpretation the English style known as Arts and Crafts. I visited England this past summer and was fortunate enough to have the time to search out some of the most important Arts and Crafts icons in the country. This article will serve as a travelogue of sorts, chronicling my Arts and Crafts journey from Kent in the south to the Lake District in the far north. But first, some background on the Arts and Crafts movement itself. The... more

Sometimes it’s necessary to spend a little bit of time in the gutter. That drainage system attached to the roofline of your home is designed to divert falling water away from the foundation and into the yard or sewer system. In older homes with basements, properly functioning gutters and downspouts keep the lower level dry and free from mold and dry rot. Free-flowing gutters also make it hard for mosquitoes to breed, a growing concern now that the West Nile virus has penetrated the Northwest. When... more

Rising energy costs have consumers looking for ways to insulate or update. In many homes, windows are a likely place to look for energy savings, but the thought of giving up the beauty and charm of vintage windows may be as unpleasant as cold drafts and high heating bills. Other than the bulky storm windows of the 1970s or replacement vinyl windows that can’t be repainted, there have been two options for old vintage windows: Full wood window replacement or “tilt pack” replacements. Both products... more

When it comes to choosing replacement windows, options abound. Two of today’s market-toppers include the Marvin Integrity® and the Tuscany™ series by Milgard. These are wood-clad windows, meaning they are vinyl on the outside, wood on the inside. Wood-clad windows are a higher quality, more expensive option than choosing standard vinyl windows. However, vinyl windows — with or without the wood — are popular because they are durable and virtually maintenance free. Easy-to-clean vinyl never... more

“I once sold a home without a kitchen…I think the stove was in the living room. And windows — I don’t remember any windows.” — Liz Cronin, a broker with Realty Trust Group. Some homes need little help to become attractive, livable spaces: A few cosmetic touches, and it’s good to go. Others need a major overhaul, like the one described above. If your home straddles the neighborhood between awful and great, replacing windows and doors is one way to improve your outlook. “We help... more

Screwdrivers with interchangeable tips have been around for quite some time, and their evolution has not always been for the better. The last ten years have been a wasteland, a race to the bottom to make the cheapest tool so the Marts and Depots of the world can wow you with the lowest price. When one passes my desk that does not immediately fail the comfort, utility, and quality triumvirate I look for, well I guess I must share it with you. The Picquic Company, located in Quebec, has been manufacturing... more