Every neighborhood has one; some have many. They are usually taller than the adjacent houses, scantily windowed and sprouting from their most conspicuous feature, the garage. In areas where they are numerous, such as outer southeast and Rose City, these “skinny” or “infill” houses are the source of much contention. Neighbors complain that their scale and design do not match existing houses, and building critics are dissatisfied with their materials and craftsmanship. Many question the appropriateness... more

It is easier than ever to find building products considered “green,” or environmentally friendly, which are also attractive and affordable. When choosing such products you can determine if a material is green by reviewing Material Safety Data Sheets for the absence of dangerous chemicals, consulting a knowledgeable designer, or by asking the salespeople at green building material retail outlets. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

Collecting the rain that rolls off your roof to use in the garden preserves natural resources and saves money on your water bill. One affordable way to capture hundreds of gallons of rainwater every year is to make and install rain barrels from simple plumbing fixtures and recycled food grade containers. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

As the weather turns chilly, turning on the heat in your home becomes a ritual of necessity. However, as recent natural disasters and the instability in oil exporting countries remind us, finding an alternative to heating with petroleum fuel is as important as ever. Although taking steps to conserve oil by keeping the thermostat below 68 degrees and adding insulation to your house can lower the use of this finite natural... more