Key Elements to Selecting the Right Cabinetry Supplier

Are you in the market for new cabinetry either in your bedroom, bathroom or closet? If so, it probably means two things are happening: You have a much larger job ahead of you than just selecting a new cabinet. You are in the midst of making a lot of complex decisions in a short amount… Continue reading Key Elements to Selecting the Right Cabinetry Supplier

How to Transform Your Home with a Truss Roof

Does your home need a significant renovation? When I was hired for this “Ranch Renovation” the existing 1952 home was in desperate need of updating! To begin, the ceiling height was very low at only 7’6” high, which meant that the height of the windows were hung too low. All the windows were single pane… Continue reading How to Transform Your Home with a Truss Roof

Where Old Meets New

We do a lot of additions and renovations! And they are fun! Why…? I love the renovation challenge and no two homes are alike. I love taking an old home with old floor / ceiling joists and pushing the design to adjust to modern dimensions and building codes. Existing foundations and stair codes are rarely met… Continue reading Where Old Meets New

Reality Hits When a Backhoe Shows Up in Your Front Yard

Do you have a backhoe in your front yard? Most people are really excited the day that the backhoe shows up and construction begins… then they are even happier when the contractor’s truck pulls away at the end of a project. The beginning part of a project is not only exciting for homeowners; it is… Continue reading Reality Hits When a Backhoe Shows Up in Your Front Yard

Ready, Set… Go? How to Put Your Team in Place BEFORE Your Renovation Project (PART 1)

Most designers will tell you that the most challenging part of our job is educating our clients about the process of the industry. Most homeowners will express their frustration about the stress and steep learning curve involved. Here are a few KEY things to know before starting to plan for your project: 1) Know your… Continue reading Ready, Set… Go? How to Put Your Team in Place BEFORE Your Renovation Project (PART 1)

420 RENO…Why Would Anyone Renovate in the Winter?

Seriously! Why would anyone renovate in the winter in New England? With about 38″ of snow, we have our challenges – often the crew not being able to get to the site or the dumpster getting stuck in the snow. Again, time is money. But, the market is good here and that means that contractors are… Continue reading 420 RENO…Why Would Anyone Renovate in the Winter?

420 RENO… intro

Yep, it’s official, I’m under construction. As a designer, I pretty much always have a project going. Secretly, I fear for what will follow this project so I’m trying to stay focused on the present. How about a bit of background to the current stage.  Five years ago, I moved to 420 Richards Ave. in Portsmouth, NH… Continue reading 420 RENO… intro

Ranch Renovation_v1

This raised ranch ranch needed some help – badly! Since it is located near the water, it literally requires every permit required by the state of New Hampshire and the City of Portsmouth, NH: wetland, shoreland, lot coverage variance and conditional use. An endangered plant species was even located near wetland, so there is another permitting… Continue reading Ranch Renovation_v1