Homeowners have no shortage of complaints about their contractors. But contractors have feelings, too, and according to this New York Times article, one belligerent homeowner drove the contractor to therapy. It's an often-overlooked issue—that homeowners can drive their contractors crazy with unreasonable, irrational and selfish demands, making them feel like "human punching bag[s]." If you are a contractor who is feeling abused, reading this collection of anecdotes may make you feel just a tiny bit better. And homeowners, please remember, contractors are human beings, too.
I have always dreamed of a large, wraparound farmer's porch on my house. My little Cape Cod doesn't have one, so I guess I'll have to keep dreaming for a while longer.
If you have a front—or a back—porch that's not brand-new, you probably need to do a little maintenance. CalFinder, a site for remodeling contractors, also has some useful articles for homeowners. "Fixing up Your Front Porch" offers some good tips for getting your porch in shape for the summer.
One of my favorite blogs is Charles and Hudson. They have some wonderful DIY advice. In a recent blog entitled "The Top 5 Tools of Mass Destruction" they compile their list of the right tools to get the job done quickly so you can begin building. Check it out.
Hard to believe the house in this photo was once a horse stable. Archer & Buchanan Architecture recently won an award for the conversion of this 1898 William L. Price designed stable into a 4-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath private residence in Wayne, Pa. The Heritage Commission of Delaware County praised the "wonderful detail and craftsmanship...(in) maintaining the integrity of the historic structure" when they presented the award on May 6th. I've got to agree with them.
"Wow!" That was my reaction upon seeing Cassandra Naylor's converted farmhouse home profiled in CottageLiving.com. Six generations of her family have called the 100-year-old Maryland structure home. Naylor wanted to downsize soon after becoming a widow and renovated the barn to be as close to nature as possible. The home was also built to be as self-sustaining as it could. It features a photovoltaic solar system on the roof, composting toilet and solar water heating system. It is a fine example of the green building movement sweeping over the United States.
Sad to see the end of winter? Sorry to see your skis packed away for the season? Well, one company's innovative design lets you use them year-round. Green Mountain Ski Furniture
recycles old skis and snowboards into "usable art" such as Adirondack ski chairs, ski benches and outdoor furniture. They'll even custom-design and build products with your own old gear. Not only is the furniture attractive and practical, but the company's helping the environment. They pick up any old equipment for free in Vermont, where they are located, and encourage people from outside the state to mail anything to them to donate.
