We needed to replace our windows--we had needed to for quite a while. I realized it would solve a few problems, but what I hadn't counted on was how much nicer our home would look with well-made new windows.
We live in a 1920s shed-roofed bungalow. When we moved in the windows on the top floor had been recently updated, but they were low quality and improperly installed. Leaks were visibly damaging our walls, so it was getting urgent. On the ground floor we had beautiful windows that were original to the home. Unfortunately you could feel the drafts in the winter or the heat cushion around them in the summer without even concentrating on it. Plus, the single pane glass was doing nothing to keep out the noise pollution from a town that had spent 90 more years growing after our house was built there.
Paul recommended the Andersen Eagle line with aluminum-cladding on the exterior and wood on the inside. The Eagle line offers more color options than most manufacturers and makes high-quality architectural matches. I wanted the exterior to be something other than white. I always envied the homes with painted window casings in our old neighborhood. They seemed to have the striking curb appeal. We ended up choosing a red similar to our ground floor brick, since matching the two would mean the window color wouldn't affect paint color choices in the future.
Since the original windows offered so much architectural detail to a
house of this period, I was bracing myself to be disappointed by anything new. I was resigned to it: a thing we have to do before the studs start to rot. I was completely on the wrong track in my head. These windows look amazing. They are fresh and new, but they look just as solid as what was original to the house. They are far more beautiful than the ones on the second story that had been previously replaced. Plus, I had been focused on what they would look like outside, but they also renewed the interior. Now that the trim is patched and painted and looks crisp and fresh, I can't bring myself to cover them again with curtains.
There are several other things I had not expected that turned out to be immense improvements. The windows tilt inward for cleaning. The grill work snaps out, again for cleaning, yet it appears to be sturdy and permanent. Several of the original windows had been lodged shut since before we moved in. The new windows not only open, they slide up and down effortlessly if you want fresh air on a nice day (or something is burning in the kitchen and I am dashing around opening them as quickly as possible before the smoke alarm goes off). We now have screens for all of them that keep the mosquitoes out when we do open them. The edges of the screens match the window clad color. The screens pop out easily for storage during the seasons that they won't be gliding up and down.
If you are considering new windows, the key is to choose something that meets your needs and that emphasizes both form and function. This will improve the look and the feel of the home you love.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Monday, August 12, 2013
Maintaining an Older Home
Older homes offer solid construction and beautiful architectural details. Some are situated in neighborhoods that have aged into vibrant communities with many amenities and mature trees. A home that looks aesthetically perfect can conceal problems if systems and structures have not been regularly upgraded. Some can be simple fixes while others will require complicated overhauls and skilled professionals in order to accomplish them.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are inexpensive and easy to install. Carbon monoxide risks may be elevated by some older heating systems so this should be one of the first things to check off your list. It is probably a task that you can accomplish yourself, if you wish.
Lead paint can be a problem. Be aware that contractors must be licensed for lead-safe practices by the EPA when working on construction that predates 1978, so this is something to look for if you are having renovations done to your older home. It not only protects the environment from lead exposure, but it protects people in your home from potentially serious effects of lead poisoning.
Aging electrical systems will have knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. Both of these can pose a fire risk and should be replaced with new wiring as soon as possible. This is especially true where the wiring is surrounded by insulation, like in an attic.
Plumbing systems that use old metal pipes can corrode. Failing pipes can obviously cause very expensive water damage, in the event of a serious leak. Low water pressure in an older home may be evidence of mineral build-up within the pipes.
Since the beauty and history of older homes is often the reason they are so loved by homeowners, caring for that aspect of the house can be a labor of love, but it is still work. Cracks in settled walls will need to be patched and old oil based paint may need to be covered. Rather than removing paint from wood trim, it may be preferable to smooth over uneven spots with spackling compound. Using a high quality paint will be essential to covering surfaces that were painted with oil-based paint in the past.
Preserving the architectural details that make older homes stand out may require custom carpentry for replacement pieces, as oftentimes pre-cut trim pieces will no longer be available in the style that is required. A skilled professional can handle this beautifully, as well as tackle the task of replacing square doors and windows in walls that may have settled and shifted.
Saving and enhancing a home with history can be a joy for homeowners. Avoid unpleasant surprises by evaluating and maintaining the home as needed. If you are considering buying an older home to renovate, be sure to understand what will require attention so that you can enjoy the projects and budget for them.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are inexpensive and easy to install. Carbon monoxide risks may be elevated by some older heating systems so this should be one of the first things to check off your list. It is probably a task that you can accomplish yourself, if you wish.
Lead paint can be a problem. Be aware that contractors must be licensed for lead-safe practices by the EPA when working on construction that predates 1978, so this is something to look for if you are having renovations done to your older home. It not only protects the environment from lead exposure, but it protects people in your home from potentially serious effects of lead poisoning.
Aging electrical systems will have knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring. Both of these can pose a fire risk and should be replaced with new wiring as soon as possible. This is especially true where the wiring is surrounded by insulation, like in an attic.
Plumbing systems that use old metal pipes can corrode. Failing pipes can obviously cause very expensive water damage, in the event of a serious leak. Low water pressure in an older home may be evidence of mineral build-up within the pipes.
Since the beauty and history of older homes is often the reason they are so loved by homeowners, caring for that aspect of the house can be a labor of love, but it is still work. Cracks in settled walls will need to be patched and old oil based paint may need to be covered. Rather than removing paint from wood trim, it may be preferable to smooth over uneven spots with spackling compound. Using a high quality paint will be essential to covering surfaces that were painted with oil-based paint in the past.
Preserving the architectural details that make older homes stand out may require custom carpentry for replacement pieces, as oftentimes pre-cut trim pieces will no longer be available in the style that is required. A skilled professional can handle this beautifully, as well as tackle the task of replacing square doors and windows in walls that may have settled and shifted.
Saving and enhancing a home with history can be a joy for homeowners. Avoid unpleasant surprises by evaluating and maintaining the home as needed. If you are considering buying an older home to renovate, be sure to understand what will require attention so that you can enjoy the projects and budget for them.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Reviving a Weatherbeaten Deck
Maintaining a wood deck that has been exposed to the weather year-round can be a big job, especially if it hasn't been cleaned and repaired regularly; however, an old deck can be made beautiful again without starting from scratch.
Start by assessing for structural damage. Especially focus on the areas where the deck touches the ground or butts up against the house. If you find that the wood is soft (meaning you can stick a metal file into it a quarter inch or more) you will have to replace these elements.
Tap down any popped nails. If they can be removed with a nail puller, replace them with slightly longer, slightly thicker nails. Deal with splinters in one of several ways. Glue those large enough to be glued down with an exterior grade product. Using a utility knife, cut away the large splinters that cannot be glued. Smaller splinters can be sanded or filed. If you need to replace any sections of wood, this video demonstrates a good technique.
Clean with a deck cleaning product. This is something that should be done annually. If it hasn't been, you may need to rent a power washer to tackle what will be a bigger job. Then go over it with a stiff bristle brush. Allow time after the washing for the deck to dry completely. To test that the deck is ready to accept stain, sprinkle the dry deck with a few droplets of water. If the wood absorbs them, it will absorb the stain, too.
Use a solid stain, which will mask any inconsistencies in aging that are visible in the wood. Buy from a good quality paint store like Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore. These products are truly better than what you find at the big box retailers. They have good step-by-step instructions for applying their products here and here.
Start by assessing for structural damage. Especially focus on the areas where the deck touches the ground or butts up against the house. If you find that the wood is soft (meaning you can stick a metal file into it a quarter inch or more) you will have to replace these elements.
Tap down any popped nails. If they can be removed with a nail puller, replace them with slightly longer, slightly thicker nails. Deal with splinters in one of several ways. Glue those large enough to be glued down with an exterior grade product. Using a utility knife, cut away the large splinters that cannot be glued. Smaller splinters can be sanded or filed. If you need to replace any sections of wood, this video demonstrates a good technique.
Clean with a deck cleaning product. This is something that should be done annually. If it hasn't been, you may need to rent a power washer to tackle what will be a bigger job. Then go over it with a stiff bristle brush. Allow time after the washing for the deck to dry completely. To test that the deck is ready to accept stain, sprinkle the dry deck with a few droplets of water. If the wood absorbs them, it will absorb the stain, too.
Use a solid stain, which will mask any inconsistencies in aging that are visible in the wood. Buy from a good quality paint store like Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore. These products are truly better than what you find at the big box retailers. They have good step-by-step instructions for applying their products here and here.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Caring for Your Beautiful Custom Cabinetry
Keeping your custom cabinets as spectacular as they are the day they are built is not any more time consuming than day-to-day cleaning, but adhering to some specifics will ensure that your cabinets stay beautiful and unblemished.
It is essential that cabinets stay dry, so all splashes or spills should be wiped away immediately. Also, avoid draping any damp towels or other wet cloth over the doors and do not use soap and water to clean cabinets. Place small appliances so that they are not causing extreme temperature changes that may cause wood to expand and contract. Clean cooking residues from smoke and vapors using a soft cloth moistened with furniture polish, just like you would dust your wood furniture.
Oven cleaners, ammonia, bleach or other harsh cleansers should be kept safely away from wood finishes. Never use abrasive cleansers or sponges on your cabinetry, and avoid using furniture polishes that contain any silicone or wax. These will build sticky residue over time, which not only makes it difficult to keep them clean, but can make repairs or refinishing impossible.
Guardsman makes some of the best products for wood care, including soft cloths for gentle use on wood finishes. Their Kitchen Cabinet Polish is meant for light cleaning, and does not contain any silicone or wax. The Kitchen Cabinet Cleaner product is for heavier cleaning, and their purifying wood cleaner is one of the only products that is capable of removing silicone or wax residues if the wrong polish has been used in the past.
This should be all you need to keep your custom wood cabinetry beautiful for a lifetime.
It is essential that cabinets stay dry, so all splashes or spills should be wiped away immediately. Also, avoid draping any damp towels or other wet cloth over the doors and do not use soap and water to clean cabinets. Place small appliances so that they are not causing extreme temperature changes that may cause wood to expand and contract. Clean cooking residues from smoke and vapors using a soft cloth moistened with furniture polish, just like you would dust your wood furniture.
Oven cleaners, ammonia, bleach or other harsh cleansers should be kept safely away from wood finishes. Never use abrasive cleansers or sponges on your cabinetry, and avoid using furniture polishes that contain any silicone or wax. These will build sticky residue over time, which not only makes it difficult to keep them clean, but can make repairs or refinishing impossible.
Guardsman makes some of the best products for wood care, including soft cloths for gentle use on wood finishes. Their Kitchen Cabinet Polish is meant for light cleaning, and does not contain any silicone or wax. The Kitchen Cabinet Cleaner product is for heavier cleaning, and their purifying wood cleaner is one of the only products that is capable of removing silicone or wax residues if the wrong polish has been used in the past.
This should be all you need to keep your custom wood cabinetry beautiful for a lifetime.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
EcoFriendly Roofing Options
Roofing choices offer a large scale opportunity to make a visual impact. The surface area involved means a "green" choice is a significant benefit. There is an amazing array of possibilities.
Metal roofing is durable, lasting up to 4 times what is expected from an asphalt or cedar roof. It is also fireproof, and typically contains a great deal of recycled material. A metal roof is often visually striking and offers the flexibility for the homeowner to paint them to suit their taste. Light colors offer the added benefit of reflecting the heat away from the home. Metal tiles are available to mimic the look of ceramic roofing. Certain metal roofing (such as galvanized metals) may leech minerals into the soil via rainwater runoff, so be aware that not all metals are equally beneficial.
Slate, cement or clay tile roofs offer excellent durability, with an expected longevity of 50 to 100 years depending upon the type of tile. Their weight may demand more materials to support the structure or require significant energy and expense consumed by transportation. This means tile roofing's environmental advantages will depend on where you live, but these choices are excellent in terms of sustainability. One plus is that the increase in weight provides increased insulation.
Solar shingles are a new possibility in some parts of the country. As the production capacity increases these will be available in more market areas, so keep an eye on the potential offered by this innovative technology where solar cells are actually integrated into the roofing material.
An ecoroof is a living rooftop of vegetation that thrives in a shallow soil environment. It is placed over a synthetic waterproof membrane. Ecoroofing is a surprisingly low maintenance choice that differs from a "rooftop garden" in that they are not accessible for use. These have been increasingly popular for commercial use where stormwater runoff is a concern. They offer a unique design opportunity for a home and they insulate extremely well (click the link above for some interesting images).
Many synthetic shingles now are made of recycled content, though they generally cannot be recycled after they need to be replaced. Shingles by Landmark CertainTeed look like a typical asphalt shingle, but are easier on the environment. Enviroshake offers an attractive engineered product with the look of cedar shakes.
With so many possibilities available in Earth-friendly roofing materials, one will provide the perfect design aesthetic for any home in any type of community.
Metal roofing is durable, lasting up to 4 times what is expected from an asphalt or cedar roof. It is also fireproof, and typically contains a great deal of recycled material. A metal roof is often visually striking and offers the flexibility for the homeowner to paint them to suit their taste. Light colors offer the added benefit of reflecting the heat away from the home. Metal tiles are available to mimic the look of ceramic roofing. Certain metal roofing (such as galvanized metals) may leech minerals into the soil via rainwater runoff, so be aware that not all metals are equally beneficial.
Slate, cement or clay tile roofs offer excellent durability, with an expected longevity of 50 to 100 years depending upon the type of tile. Their weight may demand more materials to support the structure or require significant energy and expense consumed by transportation. This means tile roofing's environmental advantages will depend on where you live, but these choices are excellent in terms of sustainability. One plus is that the increase in weight provides increased insulation.
Solar shingles are a new possibility in some parts of the country. As the production capacity increases these will be available in more market areas, so keep an eye on the potential offered by this innovative technology where solar cells are actually integrated into the roofing material.
An ecoroof is a living rooftop of vegetation that thrives in a shallow soil environment. It is placed over a synthetic waterproof membrane. Ecoroofing is a surprisingly low maintenance choice that differs from a "rooftop garden" in that they are not accessible for use. These have been increasingly popular for commercial use where stormwater runoff is a concern. They offer a unique design opportunity for a home and they insulate extremely well (click the link above for some interesting images).
Many synthetic shingles now are made of recycled content, though they generally cannot be recycled after they need to be replaced. Shingles by Landmark CertainTeed look like a typical asphalt shingle, but are easier on the environment. Enviroshake offers an attractive engineered product with the look of cedar shakes.
With so many possibilities available in Earth-friendly roofing materials, one will provide the perfect design aesthetic for any home in any type of community.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
LEED Certification in Home Building
LEED (or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Certification may seem like an unnecessary designation to have for a home, but registering and certifying a project means that you will reduce the expenses associated with energy consumption and maintenance of your household, and the designation can significantly increase your property value.
Certification for a LEED home is done by the U.S. Green Building Council. Harmon Builders would work with a Green Rater during the design process, who is there to ensure that the design specifications will meet the intended credits for certification. Then the project would be registered. The Green Rater is there to verify that the goals of your environmentally conscious home design are met during the building process. Technical services are available through the U.S. Green Building Council throughout the project and their expertise is available to assist on the project during the building phase.
Certification is achieved through fulfillment of a number of credits. The credits pertain to various aspects of the design and construction. These may have to do with indoor air quality, sustainability, water efficiency, or management of materials and minimizing waste, to name a few. There are different certification levels available depending upon the number of credits met by the finished project.
Registration and certification fees for a single family home are minimal. The total for both comes close to $500 in in many instances. Extensive information about LEED certification is available from the US Green Building Council, which Harmon Builders is a member of.
Certification for a LEED home is done by the U.S. Green Building Council. Harmon Builders would work with a Green Rater during the design process, who is there to ensure that the design specifications will meet the intended credits for certification. Then the project would be registered. The Green Rater is there to verify that the goals of your environmentally conscious home design are met during the building process. Technical services are available through the U.S. Green Building Council throughout the project and their expertise is available to assist on the project during the building phase.
Certification is achieved through fulfillment of a number of credits. The credits pertain to various aspects of the design and construction. These may have to do with indoor air quality, sustainability, water efficiency, or management of materials and minimizing waste, to name a few. There are different certification levels available depending upon the number of credits met by the finished project.
Registration and certification fees for a single family home are minimal. The total for both comes close to $500 in in many instances. Extensive information about LEED certification is available from the US Green Building Council, which Harmon Builders is a member of.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Hiring a Contractor
Many people don't know where to begin when it comes time to find a contractor for their home building or renovation project. The first step is to find referrals, then get estimates and check references to prepare for a successful outcome.
Many people start by getting referrals from friends or family members who have had a successful project. There are other resources to consider that tap into expert opinions about about contractors' quality of work and professionalism. If an architect or interior designer is already involved, they will recommend the best general contractors for your needs. If you don't already have a design professional involved, you may choose to find one. Another reliable source may be a plumber, painter or other tradesperson that you already have experience with and trust. Also consider contacting the building permit department in your municipality for information about who they consider reputable, as they will have vast experience with people in the industry.
Choose a few contractors to meet. Get estimates and references. When you contact references ask whether or not the job was on time and on budget. Weather or changes a homeowner makes to a contract may cause the schedule to slip or budget to grow, but still reflect good customer service. If these issues arose, be sure to find out why. Of course you will want to know if the homeowner was satisfied with the outcome. Find out about the communication between the contractor and the homeowner--how it was done and if it was done effectively. There may also be details that are important to you, such as cleanliness or keeping particular working hours. Once you have collected your estimates, be aware that sometimes (but not always) the lowest bid may come with a sacrifice in quality and professionalism. Balance the figures with what you learn from the references to get a full picture of the value for the work you will receive. Hopefully you will have an opportunity to visit a previous project to see completed work for yourself, as well.
Reputable builders should be members of pertinent trade organizations and hold all the legally required licenses and insurance. For example, Harmon Builders is a member of the US Green Building Council and has Green Advantage Environmental Certification. All contractors in Maryland must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, receive a MD-HBR (Maryland Homebuilder) Certification Number, and they must be certified "Lead-Safe" by the EPA. Find out if licenses and insurance are up to date--if not, assume that this is a strong warning signal that something is not right. Other signs of unprofessional conduct are implications that you must act quickly to avoid putting your home or family at risk, as are any other high pressure tactics that push you to make a decision without taking time to think it through.
You should be thrilled with the result of your building or remodeling project. The best way to see this end result is to pave the way carefully. Take these initial steps to find out about who you will be working with.
Many people start by getting referrals from friends or family members who have had a successful project. There are other resources to consider that tap into expert opinions about about contractors' quality of work and professionalism. If an architect or interior designer is already involved, they will recommend the best general contractors for your needs. If you don't already have a design professional involved, you may choose to find one. Another reliable source may be a plumber, painter or other tradesperson that you already have experience with and trust. Also consider contacting the building permit department in your municipality for information about who they consider reputable, as they will have vast experience with people in the industry.
Choose a few contractors to meet. Get estimates and references. When you contact references ask whether or not the job was on time and on budget. Weather or changes a homeowner makes to a contract may cause the schedule to slip or budget to grow, but still reflect good customer service. If these issues arose, be sure to find out why. Of course you will want to know if the homeowner was satisfied with the outcome. Find out about the communication between the contractor and the homeowner--how it was done and if it was done effectively. There may also be details that are important to you, such as cleanliness or keeping particular working hours. Once you have collected your estimates, be aware that sometimes (but not always) the lowest bid may come with a sacrifice in quality and professionalism. Balance the figures with what you learn from the references to get a full picture of the value for the work you will receive. Hopefully you will have an opportunity to visit a previous project to see completed work for yourself, as well.
Reputable builders should be members of pertinent trade organizations and hold all the legally required licenses and insurance. For example, Harmon Builders is a member of the US Green Building Council and has Green Advantage Environmental Certification. All contractors in Maryland must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, receive a MD-HBR (Maryland Homebuilder) Certification Number, and they must be certified "Lead-Safe" by the EPA. Find out if licenses and insurance are up to date--if not, assume that this is a strong warning signal that something is not right. Other signs of unprofessional conduct are implications that you must act quickly to avoid putting your home or family at risk, as are any other high pressure tactics that push you to make a decision without taking time to think it through.
You should be thrilled with the result of your building or remodeling project. The best way to see this end result is to pave the way carefully. Take these initial steps to find out about who you will be working with.
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