Gourmet cooks are often frustrated with their “builder basic” kitchens, especially those who cook for a living and are used to professional kitchens and equipment. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

Scan the real estate listings in the Sunday paper, and the importance of moulding is clear. Terms such as boxed beams, wainscot, plate rail, built-ins, crown moulding, or elegant mantel are evocative of a home brimming with character, whether it’s new construction or a vintage house. Real estate agents recognize that millwork — which defines the style and personality of a home — sells. This is just a preview...Read... more

In the last twenty-five years as a contractor I have inflicted literally hundreds of people with “remodeling fever,” the malaise that besets the healthiest homeowners once the dust starts flying. Some were even doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical technicians and paramedics, yet they found, despite their medical expertise, that there is no real cure — you just have to tough it out. However, the universal result of... more

This is Part 2 of a two part series on patching, sanding, and sanding a wood floor. In Part 1 we began a floor repair for three boards. After the floor was stained, dents in these boards had become apparent and had to be removed. Without using any topnails or damaging any nearby boards, the offending boards were removed and replaced. Now it’s time to sand them down and stain them to blend in with the original floor. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

This is Part 1 of a two part series on patching, sanding, and sanding a wood floor. Whatever the circumstance, the time may come when you need to replace some boards in your home’s hardwood floor. Unless refinishing the entire floor is a possibility, the only option you may have is to replace the damaged board and blend the repair into the rest of the floor. Part 2 will cover sanding and staining. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

Here’s a simple fix to spice-up the look of your kitchen cabinets. By adding glass to selected cabinet doors you can correct that look-alike uniformity of most kitchens. Solid wood doors on cabinets regardless of how beautiful they are can give a monotonous feel to the room. Glass doors on the other hand offer depth and can keep cabinets from closing the space. With clear glass you can showcase collectibles or fine china. This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →

I’m a journeyman-level carpenter, a mason, and I’ve written about construction for a few years now. I was once very scared of the permit process. After years in the construction business, I cannot remember anyone ever complain about how hard it is to build a foundation the right way. But permits, bureaucracy, inspectors – these are the stuff of legendary frustration. I cannot remember any contractor I’ve worked for, any architect I’ve interviewed, nearly anyone at all... more

Fed up with that old beat-up kitchen? Tired of cooking on the only two working burners? No storage or room to maneuver? Or do you just want a kitchen that fits your lifestyle? You know what you want, but you are asking yourself, “Where do I start?” Hopefully, these few tips will help. Getting Started… This is just a preview...Read the rest... Read More →