Windows are often considered the most characteristic feature of a home. They help to define its architectural style. So, replacing windows requires some attention to detail, but is a job that you, the homeowner, can tackle. Replacing old single pane windows with newer double paned energy efficient windows will keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. BEFORE Replacing windows from an Irvington Victorian built in 1881. The window to be replaced is 5’x5’, single hung, single... more

Interior painting is probably the least expensive (per square foot) home improvement project you can do. There are three types of paint used for interiors: flats, satins, and semi-gloss. Flats and satins are generally used in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. A word of caution: flat paints do not stand up well in high traffic areas and they do not clean up well if dirt or smudges appear. It is not recommended to use... more

Replacing your home’s windows is a considerable investment, but well worth the expense if you are losing energy through these openings, or if returning the exterior look of your home to a more historic theme. Make sure that you or the installers choose window styles and sizes that complement your house. Armed with a little knowledge about today’s window types and design, you can make choices that will enhance the beauty of your home for a long time. Photo courtesy of Milgard Windows. Photo... more

Furniture, molding, and door stripping have been very popular. Today there is a heightened appreciation for quality woodworking that is rarely practiced. Those owners with older historic homes that have a lot of exposed ornamental woodworking and molding want to preserve this historical beauty. When the layers of paint have accumulated to where you barely notice the fluting in a door molding, it’s time to have the wood... more

Bathtubs, no matter who made them, eventually have their surfaces worn off through use, interaction with water deposits, standing water, but mostly the surfaces are worn off from harsh cleansers. No matter how hard you try, if you have an old worn-out tub, there is no way to get rid of the yellowing, or to get the dirt out of the cracks. This is where bathtub refinishing comes in. Bathtub refinishing is a serious trade and those who are good at it have had extensive training and practice. Your fixtures... more

Refacing can give your kitchen or bath the feel of a full remodel. Basically, cabinets are boxes sitting on the floor or hanging on the wall. It can be quite expensive to replace the boxes. Refacing, or resurfacing is economical and a time saver. This type of renovation project produces minimal mess allowing you to utilize your kitchen/bath throughout the process. When you replace all your cabinets, you may need to match... more

Nelson Hardwood floors have come a long way in the last quarter century. We are now seeing hardwood floors in kitchens, baths, and utility rooms. In choosing a floor, you need to know what types of wood you have to work with. Hardwood floors are healthier than wall-to-wall carpeting. They keep down such allergy-producing matter as dust, pollen, and animal dander. Installing hardwood floors can greatly increase... more

The average U.S. household spends over $1,300 per year on their home utility bills for heating or cooling. Unfortunately, a large part of that energy is wasted unnecessarily. We Americans waste, through poorly insulated windows and doors, about as much energy as we get from the Alaskan pipeline every year. The typical home loses over 25% of its heat through its windows. However, by using a few simple inexpensive energy-efficient... more