True or false: We've reached the bottom of the home remodeling decline?
Harvard says it's true, so it must be, right?
2010 is the Year of the Hammer, particularly by the second quarter, the study (released by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University) suggests. Despite unstable housing market prices and roof-shattering foreclosure rates, potential remodelers may see "favorable financing costs" and increased home sales as reasons for taking on some nonessential improvement projects.
If the prognosticators in Crimson Country are correct, this is great news for contractors, remodelers and homeowners alike. It's still too soon to pop the champagne, but tell us, what's the first project you'll hire-out?
One thing I've learned over the years is remodeling a home can put a major strain on your marriage - the bigger the project, the bigger the strain. That's why it was no surprise to read that the owner of Clingstone Mansion in Jamestown, RI burned through two marriages in the course of remodeling the unique home since purchasing it in 1961.
The home, in its finished form, is spectacular. It sits on a narrow rock in Narragansett Bay, accessible only by boat and offering panoramic views of the water from its 65 windows (see the slideshow).
However, when Henry Wood, a Boston area architect purchased the home, it was a "roofless, windowless, floorless, powerless, waterless house." Through the hard work and effort of his family, friends, and volunteers, it is now a beautiful 23-room, three story eco-mansion that collects rainwater in a 3,000 gallon cistern, heats it with solar panels, and generates electricity with a wind turbine.
Although the finished product is magnificent, the upkeep is still a tremendous task. Maybe he should have read our article on Surviving Your Remodel. What do you think, is the home worth the personal cost? What's the biggest fight you've had with your spouse over remodeling?
Bob took a recent diversion from building houses to building relations between the U.S. and Cuba with this op-ed piece he co-authored in the Boston Globe. The article is written on behalf of The Finca Vigia Foundation, a group he co-chairs in the Boston area that works "with the Cuban government to preserve Ernest Hemingway's literary legacy in that island nation." Through the foundation's work, over 3,000 documents have been archived and American technical teams have assisted in the complete restoration of Hemingway's Cuban home, Finca Vigia. It's an issue with particular reasonance for Bob, the son of Cuban parents. You can read more about The Finca Vigia Foundation at its website.
What home improvement project gives the greatest dollar value return in today's market? The "2008–2009 Cost vs. Value Report" compiled by Remodeling and REALTOR® magazines shows assorted projects with the estimated job cost and expected resale value. It also outlines the top 10 projects with the greatest payback. Looking over the list, exterior jobs that boost curb appeal lead the pack.
Ever wondered if Cheryl Tiegs's home is as beautiful as she is or how designer Angelo Surmelis of "Rate My Space" decorates his own home or where in the world is Cy Curnin, lead vocalist of The Fixx? Find out those answers and more in our new "At Home with..." series that takes you inside the homes of celebrities. Interested in seeing inside the home of your favorite celebrity? Write a comment below and let us know.
It's been over a year since Popular Mechanics published their list of "25 Skills Every Man Should Know." Now they've revised and expanded the list to "100 Skills Every Man Should Know." Consider it the ultimate list in DIY. The list is divided into sections: Automotive, Handling Emergencies, Home, Medical Myths, Military Know-How, Outdoors, Primitive Skills, Surviving Extremes, Teach Your Kids, Technology and Master Key Workshop Tools. And if you are interested in #34 on the list, "How to fell a tree," we've got a video that shows you how to do it.
AmeriCares HomeFront is looking for New York and Connecticut residents in need of home repairs for its upcoming repair blitz in Spring 2009. Interested homeowners must apply before November 30, 2008 in order to be considered. The nonprofit offers help with faulty windows, doors, steps, railings, leaky roofs, painting, plumbing and electrical needs at no cost to qualifying, low-income homeowners in Fairfield, Hartford and New Haven Counties in Connecticut, and Westchester County, New York. For an application, call 1-800-887-HOPE (4673) and visit the organization's Web site for more information.
