Shows
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenSmart Old House Case Study part 9Michael MacPhail is back talking about the progress on the Smart Old House project. We talk about ordering windows, embarking on the new bathroom build out and dreaming about house concerts when the Spring comes. Follow along on Instagram @Smartoldhouse*****Thanks so much for being with us this week. Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.comDo you have feedback you would like to share? Would you like to be a guest on the podcast? Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.comIf you enj...2023-01-1115 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenSmart Old House Case Study Part 8- HVAC InstallationMichael MacPhail and I are back with a recap of the November progress at the Smart Old House. Air sourced heat pump installations, shadow box fence complete, radiator removal, powder post beetle sill damage, more plumbing leaks- in other words, business as usual! The 1794 Taber House is getting stabilized and becoming all electric. Follow Michael on Instagram: @smartoldhouse********************************************************************Thanks so much for being with us this week. Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.comDo you have feedback you would like to share? Would you li...2022-12-0726 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenSmart Old House Case Study, Part 7Our very slow reality show continues with some wins this month, surprises still popping up and extra expenses that we didn't anticipate. Michael MacPhail joins me to give the monthly update on the 1794 smart old house. Do you want to see photos of the progress? Sign up for the newsletter, see link below. *********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************Thanks so much for being with us this week. Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.comDo you have feedback you would like to share? Would you like to be a guest on...2022-11-0216 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenSmart Old House Case Study Part 3Michael MacPhail is back to discuss the progress on the Smart Old House, a case study for the development company we are starting soon. We will be taking old houses and preserve their character while incorporating technologies that will increase their energy efficiency, giving the houses 100 more years of useful life.Our house was built in 1794, a simple federal style house with two telescoping additions, a 5.5' basement, dirt crawlspaces, worn out plumbing and thousands of powder post beetles. This is part 3 in the case study series.For photos and more updates, visit our Facebook...2022-08-0320 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenSmart Old House Case Study Part 3- The Root Canals of ArchitectureWhat are the root canals of architecture? I call anything house related that is expensive and not fun or beautiful but necessary a root canal of architecture. Do we want to spend money on it? No. Do we have to do it if we want to maintain the house? Yes. Lifting the house. Fixing beetle damage. Replacing drains and fixing waste lines. Adding structure to the first floor. More. This episode I'm joined by Michael MacPhail, architect and fellow homeowner of the Smart Old House, as we discuss the latest revelations and issues facing us. 2022-06-2924 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenSmart Old House Case Study Part 1- Scope of WorkIn this episode I'm joined by Michael MacPhail to discuss the Smart Old House Case Study. Michael and I are buying this house and are planning to make it not only our home but also the case study for our new renovation company in which we are going to renovate old homes and get them prepared for the next 100 years. We've got a lot of issues to tackle and I'm looking forward to working through them and sharing that on the show. ******************************************************Thanks so much for being with us this week. Please see the episode e...2022-05-2519 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenListener Chat- Hoarder HousesMichaele Novinger is a listener who wrote to me asking to hear more about my experience renovating the hoarder house my husband and I bought 13 years ago. I thought it would be fun to have her come on the show and ask me questions and talk about her upcoming project too. About our guestMichaele Novinger is a 3rd generation soybean and corn farmer in Missouri. She will be renovating the house her grandfather built on the family farmstead in the 1950s. Unfortunately her grandfather and his wife became hoarders in their later years and...2022-02-0232 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenCommon Renovation Mistakes to AvoidMassachusetts architect Chris Novelli joined me in this episode to discuss common mistakes that people make while undertaking a renovation to their house. If you enjoyed this episode then you will enjoy Chris' podcast for homeowners, Home Design Academy. Chris has a book for homeowners coming out soon, working title is Your Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects,What to Expect and Plan for: An In-Depth Guide to Understanding Each Phase of Designing and Constructing your Custom HomeAbout our guest:Chris Novelli runs his own architectural firm, n3 architecture. Prior to launching n3 a...2022-01-2633 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenConstruction Pricing with Kevin CradockMany homeowners want a fixed price contract for their construction project, but is that going to get them the best value for their money? Fine Homebuilder Kevin Cradock joins me to discuss fixed price contracts versus time and materials contracts, or cost plus. About our guest:Kevin Cradock grew up in Jamaica Plain surrounded by classic homes that awakened a love of carpentry and an appreciation for traditional craftsmanship.Beginning his career as a finish carpenter renovating classic Boston homes, Kevin gradually moved toward creating distinctive custom cabinetry for his building and renovation...2022-01-1928 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenOwner's Rep-with Fred GutierrezWhat role can an owner's representative play in a residential project? Fred Gutierrez is now an owner's rep, and has practiced professionally as both an architect and builder for over 25 years. His focus today is building better teams by educating owners to lead with purpose. Even though the homeowners do not have the expert knowledge, they are the only ones able to define the measures of success. Clarity of goals will allow the experts (architect and builder) of work efficiently and contribute more creatively. Trick is, what are the real goals. These are harder to divine than you think...2022-01-1235 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation Story- L2HQ, a Queen Anne in IndianaLora Teagarden is an architect from Indiana who has been working on her Queen Anne Victorian for many years, gathering a following on Instagram at @l2designllc. She shared her experience and insights she gained while renovating. How to hire the right peopleHow to tackle a large project while living in the houseWhat to do yourself and what to hire someone to doAbout our guest:"Approaching life and practice with a can-do attitude, Lora Teagarden, AIA, is a dynamo. Juggling a number of interests within the...2022-01-0532 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenSkylights- Holiday RerunWe are on a break for the rest of 2021 so I'm putting out this rerun of my skylights episode from December of 2019. Lauren Furtney, then of Velux Skylights, joined me for the discussion. Episode recapNew Velux skylights don’t leakSkylights bring in more daylight than vertical windowsVe= Ventilation, Lux= light, hence the company name VELUXIntegrated blinds can be programmedYou still need to air out your space even if you have air conditioningModern skylights have UV blocking glassLear...2021-12-2931 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenLighting Design- holiday rerunWe are taking a couple of weeks off over the holidays and will return with new episodes in January. In the meantime, please enjoy this popular episode on Lighting Design with Interior Designer Kathryn Goldenoak. The episode first aired in November 2019. Episode RecapHow layers of light work and why they’re helpfulAmbient vs. task vs. accent lightingWhy our eyes like varied rather than uniform lightHow we respond to various levels of illuminationHow different kinds of fixtures shed different shapes of lightRecessed vs. flush vs. semi flush vs. sconce vs. lampColor temperature and how it affects th...2021-12-2230 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenFoundationsBrent Pearson of Alpha Foundations joined me on this episode to discuss types of foundations and problems you might encounter with them. For a deeper dive into foundations, check out Brent's podcast called Alpha Foundations. About our guest: Brent Pearson is the Senior Sales Director with Alpha Foundations, a full-service foundation repair, crawl space repair, concrete lifting & leveling, sinkhole repair contractor serving residents in Florida and Georgia. Brent has been with Alpha Foundations for over four years. During his time, he has served in various roles ranging from Design Tech to Senior Sales Manager. In...2021-12-1523 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenHow to find, buy and restore your first historic homeHistoric homes can seem like a bother to maintain, but make no mistake: many of these properties are often still sound investments that just need a little TLC. So strap yourself in as we take a look at restoring and preserving these old homes for new households. In this episode, Katharine MacPhail sits down for an interview with Hugh Siler, President of Historic Home Row and a historic home enthusiast. Hugh discusses finding and buying your first historic house, finding the right people to restore it and looking for those hard-to-find items to fix up your new home. Curious a...2021-12-0837 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenWorking with an ArchitectCanadian Architect Dory Azar joined me to discuss what it is like to work with an architect. What are the keys to success in this relationship? About our guestDory Azar Architect Inc. is a small and energetic architectural firm with a great work environment. We leverage decades of residential and commercial design experience, along with an international portfolio, into memorable, user-driven architecture. We provide each and every client with a high level of personal attention, creative energy, and pride. We promote the idea of architecture as an investment and encourage all our...2021-12-0139 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation Story- Aging Pines HomesteadJake Flitton and his family bought an abandoned house in upstate New York- this episode is about their journey.About our guest:Jake Flitton is a licensed architect, practicing in East Aurora NY. He runs his firm from his home office or dining room table, or the living room couch, whichever is most comfortable that day. Jake works on single family residential projects, focusing mainly on renovations additions, remodel projects. Much of his work is on older homes. Not only does his work take him to fascinating old homes, but Jake and his family have...2021-11-2433 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenEvolving technologies- Water HeatersHow often do you think about your water heater? John Hynds, co-founder of Torii Industries, joins me to discuss their cheaper, more sustainable alternative to the water heaters we know today. about our guest:John Hynds is the Co-Founder of Torii Industries, a company pushing the boundaries of smarter, more efficient water heaters. Through high-efficiency technology and an emphasis on sustainability, his one-of-a-kind service aspires to redefine water.A holder of two US Patents, John has found himself in Director level roles in both Sales and Engineering organizations.As a former...2021-11-1727 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation ROIDaryl Cohan joins me to discuss what home renovations will have the best return. Is it worth renovating a kitchen before you sell? What about adding a bedroom or a garage? About our guest: Daryl Cohan has been helping home buyers and sellers since 2001. She is determined to help her clients reach their goals in considers her role one of education. Her excellence in listening to her clients wants and needs have made her a "people's choice" in the Boston real estate community*********************************************************************************************Thanks for listening!Thanks so much...2021-11-1030 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation Story- TransitionsThis episode is a renovation story, told by Teresa Younkin. She describes four renovations she has been through and what they taught her about life. About our guest:Teresa Younkin is a Leadership Coach, Consultant, and Expert specializing in helping healthcare leaders and teams bring their multi-level health IT initiatives to fruition and deliver powerful results. Leaders can be the respected leader they want to be, surrounded by an energized team that together can change the world. Teresa is a storyteller by nature who enjoys the creative process of bringing teams together to renovate a...2021-11-0337 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenUniversal Design is for EveryoneMandy Freeland broke her femur in an accident and realized how challenging it was to take care of herself in her house the way it was conventionally designed. We talk about what the issues were, how to address the issues and what we might all keep in mind as we alter our houses to really improve them. About our guest:Mandy Freeland is a mother, wife, architect, and firm owner based in Bakersfield, California. Her passion for making communities better and the architecture profession stronger has lead her to years of volunteerism in AIA, local s...2021-10-2736 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation RoadmapRemodeling and construction journeys are complicated. It’s no wonder homeowners get stuck in the process. Having a roadmap means reducing frustration and always knowing your next step.In this episode, you will discover…….What “roadmap” means in the context of home renovation.Some common mistakes homeowners make on their renovation journey.Whether it’s ever too late in your project to start making your roadmap.How to find the right expert to ask for help.Link to Mona's Renovation RoadmapAbout our guestFeeling stuck when it comes to navigating y...2021-10-2033 min
Inside the Apple StudioKatharine White MacPhailArchitect Katharine White MacPhail, who has pursued an architectural career helping people learn about, plan and complete their home renovations and additions guests in this episode.
To learn more about Katharine White MacPhail, visit dEmios Architects at: https://demiosarchitects.com (https://demiosarchitects.com)
Follow Katherine’s podcast Talking Home Renovations with The House Maven at: https://www.talkinghomerenovations.com (https://www.talkinghomerenovations.com)
Support for Inside the Apple Studio comes from Monograph, Project Management Software for Architects. Learn more at: https://monograph.com (https://monograph.com)2021-10-1856 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenSpaces for Kids with Life Limiting ConditionsThis week Mark Ostrom, founder and executive director of Joy Collaborative, tells me about his work bringing people together to create enriching spaces for youth - and how you can apply those methods and principles to your own home.In this episode, you will discover…….- That designing with accessibility in mind is good for everyone.- What kind of accommodations can make the most difference to someone with life limiting conditions.- How to make creative and stimulating spaces on a budget.About our guestWith near...2021-10-1338 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenHow to be a Good ClientToday I am talking to LaShaun Key from South Carolina, and we're discussing clients -- the good, and the bad.In this episode, you will discover…….- What makes a good client, and how can I be one?About our guest:LaShaun helps families create a home that serves as the family hub which brings everyone home to connect, reconnect and treasure family. We do this by maximizing their property’s value by materializing their dream home through creative design. After 10 years of military service an injury forced a change in career...2021-10-0634 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenPromoting Health and Mental Health through DesignThis episode is a discussion with Isra Banks, founder and principal of Trivek Architects, about how design can affect your mood and attitude. In this episode, you will discover…….the benefits of sunlight and ventilationthe significance of privacy in the house and its historyhow curves elevate moodthe importance of houseplantsAbout our guestIsra O. Banks, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C: is a registered architect in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, founder, and principal of Trivek Architects, and a faculty at Boston Architectural College. She received her Master of Architecture from Boston Architectural Colle...2021-09-2926 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenHow to Find the Right Design Professional Jake Krokowski joins me again for an episode on how to find the right design professional for your project. Jake is a landscape architect and residential designer from South Carolina.In this episode, you will discover…….- How do I know if I need an architect?- Where can I find architects online?- How can I tell which architect will be a good fit for me?- What should I bring to my interview with my architect?About our guestJake Krokowski is a Land...2021-09-2241 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenChoosing Paint ColorsThis week I chat with Cindy Gelormini, the Paint Diva of New Jersey. Do you have trouble choosing paint colors? In this episode, you will discover…….- What colors are most likely to go well with my furniture and appliances?- Why does the color I chose look so different when it’s actually in my house?- How do I find the best person to help me with choosing paint colors?- Why is gray so “in” nowadays?About our guestCindy Gelormini is a paint ex...2021-09-1536 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation Story- Split Level Outside of ChicagoArchitect Cinda Lester joins me this week to talk about her ongoing improvements to her split level entry house in the suburbs of Chicago. She has plenty of good tips and cautionary tales to share. Have you ever asked yourself-What would happen if a contractor took off with my money before the job was complete? How would I finish the project on my own without any money? Why would I hire a professional to help me with my project? About Our Guest:Cinda K. Lester is...2021-09-0840 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenKitchens and Baths for Old HousesThis episode is an exploration of the craft of old house renovation, as told by an experienced builder and designer who has revived four old homes of his own- Dave Rademacher of Rademacher Revival.In this episode, you will discover…….- How to work with vintage fixtures.- How to make the new kitchens and bathrooms resonate with the feeling of the old house rather than look completely new- Navigating the occasional challenges of updating an older home.- How to respect the details, and the rewards of an o...2021-09-0137 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation Story- California Ranch in New EnglandThis episode is the story of Jenny, and her long untouched 1969 California ranch. When she and her husband decided to do a big renovation, Jenny was just going along with what the designer he’d hired wanted, until one day her friend pointed out that she didn’t seem excited as she should be about such a big change. This inspired Jenny to go with her heart, and make some big changes the way she wanted them.In this episode, you will discover…….- How do I take matters into my own hands, if the architec...2021-08-2542 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenLifting a House in the Flood ZoneCoastal flooding is increasing and is only going to become more frequent. How are the coastal cities going to transform as a result of climate change and rising waters? This episode is the story of the lifting of a massive historic house in Charleston SC, as told by Buz Morris of Morris Construction. About our guest:As Morris Construction's principle and a licensed builder and architect, Robert "Buz" Morris has been building homes since 1992. Buz approaches his profession with a passion for superior construction, aesthetic appeal, flow, and quality. Buz knows from experience the value...2021-08-1834 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenPretty Good RenovationHigh Performance Architect Emily Mottram joins me in this episode to talk about the renovation she is undertaking at her home in Maine. She calls her renovation a pretty good renovation which is in keeping with the principles of the pretty good house (https://www.prettygoodhouse.org) which is building better than required by code until it doesn't make financial sense. Like all of us, she encountered scope creep and has some advice based on her experience. About our guest: Emily is the founder and principal of Mottram Architecture, a boutique practice specializing in new...2021-08-1137 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenIntroducing season 3This is a short trailer, it is a recap of what's happened and a preview of what's to come. Over the first two seasons we've built up a library of information about elements homeowners need to choose including doors and windows bath fixtures, skylights, roofing lighting. I spoke with contractors to get their advice on getting started and choosing contractor. I've interviewed architects and interior designers about their views on all sorts of topics, including psychological aspects of design and my favorite are the renovation stories. I love old houses and I love stories. So to me, this is a...2021-08-0902 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenFlooring OptionsWood, tile, linoleum, carpet, concrete- which flooring option is right for your home and your situation? What should you consider for the kitchen? This is my most frequently asked question, probably. Interior Designer Amy Everard joined me again on this episode to discuss the pros and cons of each flooring type. About our guest: Amy Everard is an interior designer living and working in NYC for over a decade. Amy’s mission is to demystify interior design, which she does through her podcast Soft Landing. Listen to that podcasts wherever you listen to podcasts. ...2021-08-0439 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenIndoor Air Quality and RadonAndre Lecroix joined me this episode to explain the importance of indoor home air quality and easy things people can do to improve their daily lives in small ways. Andre is a certified indoor environmentalist, certified healthy homes specialist, certified radon measurement provider, and owner of EZ Breathe Ventilation Systems. He speaks to the importance of indoor air quality as well as offers guidance and positive changes people can make to improve their IAQ (indoor air quality). If we’ve learned anything from the past year and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that air quality matters more so...2021-07-2845 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenDrivewaysAre you looking for an attractive, affordable and environmentally friendly driveway? Landscape architect Jake Krokowski ran through the options with me in this episode in response to a listener request. We discuss asphalt, concrete, pavers, cobblestone, permeable concrete, shells, gravel and more. Here is the link to the permeable concrete video that Jake sent to me after the interview- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERPbNWI_uLwAbout our guest: Jake Krokowski is a Landscape Architect and Residential Designer based in Greenville SC, and founded JWK DESIGN in 2015 "to help families...2021-07-2125 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenDeconstruction Instead of DemolitionIn this episode, I am joined by Erich Kruger from Deconstruction Works in VT. Their tagline is Recycling the built environment. Deconstruction is the deconstruction of a building and recycling or reusing the materials vs demolition which is just tearing down the building and disposing of the material. We talk about what deconstruction is, what happens to the materials, what is involved with donating materials from your deconstruction for a tax donation, what kinds of houses are prime candidates for deconstruction and if you are like me, by the end of the episode you will be sold on...2021-07-1427 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenHome Improvement Shows vs. Reality, and how to choose a contractorThis is one of the contractor shows, where I’m joined by Nathan Dishington, owner of JensenHus in Natick, MA. We talked about HGTV and whether I should worry about the effect that it has on clients, different perspective on home renovations around the country, why home renovations cost so much and how to find a contractor who is right for you. The audio quality on this episode is a little bird filled, I am on Martha’s Vineyard and while I haven’t heard any trash trucks or sirens, there are a lot of birds and I can’t w...2021-07-0740 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation Story- Indianapolis 1939Jeff Echols joined me to talk about this experience renovating his 1939 home in Indianapolis, IN. What is different about the way we live today versus 1939? What does it mean to modernize a house? What are the downsides of DIY? About our guest:Jeff Echols studied architecture at Ball State University and left architecture to work with professional service providers on Branding and Marketing through his company Echo Engagement. . He is the Director of Brand Strategy at EntreArchitect, has a podcast Build Your Brand and another called Context and Clarity.https://www.echoengage.com2021-06-3041 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenDesign-Build ContractorPeter Feinmann joins me to discuss the merits of Design-Build, what to look for when choosing a design build company, and why putting out a job to bid doesn't serve anyone very well. About our guest:Starting in 1987 from Peter's home, Feinmann, Inc. has grown into a multi-million design-build firm with over 20 employees. As a leader among both design and build professionals, Peter has received hundreds of awards, including the National Association of the Remodeling Industry's (NARI) Contractor of the Year Award and Remodeling Magazine's Remodeler of the Year.Between thoughtful management practices...2021-06-2332 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation Story- Tulsa BungalowWe are back this week with another renovation story, this time a bungalow in Tulsa Oklahoma. Architect Katelyn Parker explains what her house means to her, how working on her house has changed her practice, what she would do differently if she could and offers good tips to first time home buyers. Check out Katelyn's instagram account @bungalowroots, her email is kp@bungalowroots.com and her website is www.bungalowroots.com *******************************Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave...2021-06-1631 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovating during a pandemicJodi Swartz and I are in a meditation group together, a group made up of people who work in the construction industry. We were talking about compassion and how we really need to practice that right now in this moment of attempting to carry on as "normal" during a pandemic. There have been delays and price increases throughout and everyone seems to want to do their project and do it right now. It has been a challenge! Jodi and I have an open conversation about that in this podcast episode which hopefully will have a limited shelf life.2021-06-0926 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation Story- Full Gut RenovationMissy was a first time home buyer and faced with a daunting full gut renovation. I happen to have been her architect. Join us as we discuss her experience renovating her old house. ***********************Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode. Help me spread the word about this podcast!If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Love a...2021-06-0226 minTalking Home Renovations with the House MavenInsulationA listener wrote to request an episode on insulation- here it is! Christine Williamson of Building Science Fight Club explains the factors to consider when insulating your house. I hope you enjoy this deep dive into the subject. Christine is an accomplished building scientist who has a large following on instagram through her account Building Science Fight Club (@buildingsciencefightclub). She can also be reached through her website https://www.christine-williamson.comAbout our guest:Christine Williamson’s professional experience includes building-science consulting for the restoration of Belvedere Castle in New York City’s Central Park, fore...2021-05-2658 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation story- Virginia Log CabinGabe and Cristina joined me this week to tell the story of their late 1700's settler's log cabin in the Blue Ridge mountains of central VA. Check out the episode enhancements for photos or their instagram feed (@bellwetherfields) or their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaq5kxmgrsVS-6PDT0DsVYQ/featured*************************************************Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode. Help me spread the word...2021-05-1932 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenMaximizing CreativityIn this episode I speak with architect Donald Rattner about his research into how our environment impacts our creativity. Who doesn't want to be more creative, as creative as possible? His book My Creative Space- How to Design Your Home to Stimulate Ideas and Spark Innovation contains 48 easy to implement tips. We talk about a few of these tips and more. about our guest: Architect Donald M. Rattner helps individuals and organizations maximize creativity by drawing on scientific research in design psychology. His most recent book is "My Creative Space: How to Design Your Home...2021-05-1240 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenTiny Home Renovations?If you're looking for a tiny house, is it best to build your own, buy a pre-made house or find one to renovate? Are tiny home renovations a good idea? Ethan Waldman joins me to discuss these questions and more. About our guest: Ethan Waldman is a tiny house author, speaker, and teacher. He built his own tiny house on wheels in 2012, and has been passionately helping future tiny house dwellers on their own journeys ever since. Ethan’s guide, Tiny House Decisions, has helped thousands of readers answer the big questions about tiny houses an...2021-05-0543 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenConsider Plant Intelligence in Garden DesignIn this episode I'm joined by Tigrilla Gardenia, a nature inspired business mentor. Tigrilla is a World Ambassador for Plant Intelligence and champions connection to nature as the basis for long-term health, happiness, and success. We discuss what plant intelligence means to the average homeowner who is planning their landscape and why those choices are more important than people think. About our guest: Fascinated by nature since her earliest memories, Tigrilla Gardenia turned that passion into her vocation.Her journey began in a polyethnic childhood. She earned a degree in music and electrical...2021-04-2840 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation Story- Little Cottage in the Woods of ChappaquaMark R. LePage joined me to tell the story of his little cottage in the woods of Chappaqua. Mark and his wife Ann Marie were young architects when they took on the cottage and the house grew with them as they raised their family. About our guest:Architect Mark R. LePage is the President & CEO of Gābl Technologies, Inc. & Gābl Media, Inc., the founder of EntreArchitect ™, and the Partner in Charge of Operations, McCarthy LePage Architects. From Gābl Media, his EntreArchitect Podcast features weekly interviews with inspiring, passionate people who share their knowl...2021-04-2141 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenEmpowering Women to diyCara Newhart of the Make Space Podcast joins me for a conversation about her work in the diy space.About our guest: Cara Newhart is a designer and diy queen and the host of the Make Space Podcast. After losing her dad to cancer and without his contractor-expertise to guide her in customizing her first home, she decided to dive in without fear and tackle epic diy projects all by herself- transforming her home solo, teaching herself to use power tools, and finding the confidence to bring her design ideas to life. ...2021-04-1428 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenTik Tok ArchitectTom Reynolds is TikTok architect, a real architect who shares his experience and love for architecture with his audience of almost 15,000 followers on TikTok. Tom and I had a long talk about what to expect when you will be renovating your house, his own home renovation experiences, his career, why to hire an architect, and more. About our guest:Tom Reynolds is an Artist, Architect and Activist currently managing a small design firm focusing on community redevelopment and affordable housing design. Additionally, he is a partner in a political data analysis firm focusing on progressive...2021-04-0750 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation Story- Mid Century Modern, GeorgiaJess Jones is a designer in Georgia who fell in love with her mid century modern house at first sight. Join us as we discuss the history of her house and neighborhood and what makes her house special. I met Jess through her account @tinymightymidmod on instagram. Follow her account for updates on her great house. ******************************************************************************************Help me spread the word about this podcast!If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Thank you for your support.Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovationsJoin...2021-03-3131 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenHVACDennis Stinson of Fujitsu joined me to discuss the latest in residential HVAC. He addresses the "Full House Family Dynamic” trend and offers a series of practical, innovative and creative tips and useful information including the latest HVAC systems, leveraging “smart” technologies, maximizing energy efficiency, minimizing utility cost, as well as a some easy, inexpensive changes homeowners can make in their houses to optimize energy use and family member comfort levelsAbout this week's guest: Dennis Stinson is the Vice President of Sales for Fujitsu General America, a national manufacturer with local distributors across the countr...2021-03-2433 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation Story- Vivacious VictorianAmy Heavilin joins me this week to discuss her experience with her 1902 Queen Anne Victorian that she and her husband Doug have been bringing back to life. I first became aware of her project on instagram, where she can be seen @amyleigh_1902 victorian. Her blog www.vivaciousvictorian.com is full of fascinating materials and beautiful photos. About our guest:Amy Heavilin is a high school music director from Indiana. She inspires others in the old house community to share their homes through #52weeksofhome on instagram. In her words, "My husband Doug and I are on...2021-03-1734 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenCountertopsSo many countertop choices these days to choose from, what is best for your situation? Lili Morris and I discuss the mainstream options, pros and cons of granite, marble, soapstone, quartz and other composites as well as laminates. In the episode enhancement I discuss alternatives as well.About the guest: Lili Morris is @house_on_everett_hill on instagram and has been helping homeowners choose their countertops in Tennessee for 4 years. ******************************************************************************************Help me spread the word about this podcast!If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it...2021-03-1027 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenHome InspectorsIf you are looking for a house to renovate and really have no idea how to identify the home inspector who is right for you, this episode will help. James Brock of Boston Home Inspections joined me to discuss what home inspectors do, how their work can differ, what to look for in an inspector and inspection report and how to find the home inspector that will meet your expectations.Jim started an instagram account a while back that now has over 15,000 followers and climbing, you can find him there @bostonhomeinspections. He is the owner of Boston...2021-03-0336 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenMid-century Ranch RenovationsDella Hansmann is an architect who lives the experience of a mid century ranch. We discuss how she came to specialize in the housing type, what she values about ranch houses, her approach to helping homeowners and her advice about bringing one back to life. Her podcast mid-mod remodel is a great resource for all those planning a ranch renovation https://midmod-midwest.com/subscribe/Check out her website for a plethora of great ranch related information: https://midmod-midwest.com***************************************************************************************Tell me your story! Renovation Stories features homeowners who have fun and...2021-02-2444 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenHow to expect the unexpectedThe idea for this episode came from a listener question. The question was- How to expect the unexpected? I immediately thought of asking the men at Behind the Studs, a home improvement podcast that I have been listening to lately. We discussed architect/contractor relationships and the importance of working together, and narrowed down what can come as a surprise during construction. About the guests this episode, Colin Shaw and Jimmy DriscollColin was raised on the CT shoreline. He's a husband, a dad, soccer coach extraordinaire, and all around awesome guy. He is the...2021-02-1735 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenPlanning your LandscapeJoin me as I speak with landscape designer Carol Moyles about how to go about planning your landscape renovation. About this week's guest:Carol A. Moyles is a landscape designer with more than 25 years of work and 300 completed projects. Her portfolio includes a wide range of academic, recreational, real estate, and residential projects. Carol strives for conceptual clarity in shaping landscapes, collaborating with owners, municipalities, institutions, and the public as part of an integrated design process. By listening to project requirements in relation to understanding context and specific site and environmental conditions, she is able...2021-02-1028 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovation Story- Bloomfield FarmThis episode is the first in a new series called Renovation Story. My guest for this renovation story is Kim Tierney, owner and caretaker of Bloomfield Farm, a beautiful stone house in Virginia built in the 1700s. I have been following her account on TikTok and am grateful that she took the time to record her story of acquiring the house, her approach to preservation, the history of the house and her challenges. Instagram: @bloomfieldfarmrestorationFacebook: Bloomfield FarmTikTok: @bloomfieldfarmYouTube: bloomfieldfarmVAAbout this episode's guest "We’re...2021-02-0350 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenHome Networks and Cyber SecurityNow that many of us are doing business out of our homes, is it time for an upgrade to your home network? What does that look like? Should you be concerned about cyber security? Michael Oh of TSP joins me to answer these questions and more. Check out TSP's website for more information about available smart home services tsp.spaceHere is a link to his podcast GrepcastA link to an interesting tech renovation in Cambridge MA hereabout this week's guest:Michael Oh was a freshman at...2021-01-2725 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenHigh Performance RenovationsIn this episode Anthony and Abbey Maschmedt of dwell development in Seattle join me to discuss sustainable construction and high performance renovations. Dwell development is an award-winning sustainable residential builder, and they strive to create the most energy efficient homes in the world. They believe that sustainable efficient design can create a better tomorrow. Learn more about their award winning work at www.dwelldevelopment.com****************************************************************************Tell me your story! I am working on a series called Renovation Stories, which will feature homeowners who have fun and dramatic stories to tell. We can all l...2021-01-2043 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenModernist HousesThis podcast is intended resource for homeowners hoping to learn as much as they can about home renovations before starting their own. In this episode I have a very enjoyable conversation with George Smart- the founder and executive director of US modernist and NC modernist, non profit organizations dedicated to the documentation, preservation and promotion of modernist design. He is a sought after speaker all over the country and I was thrilled to have him as a guest. I must have said his work was amazing a dozen times but I can’t help myself. We talked about th...2021-01-1338 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenArchitect vs Interior DesignerArchitect vs. Interior Designer with Amy EverardHave you ever wondered what the difference is between an architect and an interior designer? Amy Everard is an interior designer working in NYC and is the host of her own helpful design podcast, Soft Landing. She and I discuss how our jobs overlap and differ. About this episode's guest: Amy Everard is an interior designer sharing over a decade of experience and knowledge to make interior design accessible to everyone. It is her mission to Demystify Interior Design! Soft Landing is a weekly independent podcast that disseminates...2020-12-3024 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenExterior Renovation Trends in 2021The exterior home is the face shown to the world, but how often do people consider changing the look of their home to express their personalities? Kriss Swint of Royal Building Products discusses exterior renovations and what they can do for your property. Check out their very helpful website at www.royalbuildingproducts.comyou'll find design tools and a great blog- worth exploring!About this episode's guest, Kriss Swint: Kriss is the Director of Marketing Communications at Royal Building Products and the Managing Editor of LiveAbode.com, Royal’s exterior design in...2020-12-1621 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenYou Can Do It Yourself- with Ward SchraederWard Schraeder has noticed that many of us don't really know how to complete simple projects ourselves and he is giving us the opportunity to learn. Through his YouTube series Working with Ward he is reaching out to people who did not grow up learning how to build and create. Link to his YouTube channel- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9wLuLpwyBX_PkNXmvrBJZg/videosWard is also the co-host of Bargain Mansions on HGTV with his daughter Tamara Day. This is a really great show, if you like home renovations then you'll enjoy this one. They transform...2020-12-0243 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenHow to find a contractor and what are ADUs and do you need one?Paul Dashevsky, of GreatBuildz in California, takes time out to talk about how he connects homeowners with contractors, how to go about hiring a contractor and how to make the construction process smoother. The main focus of his visit is his advice about how to build an ADU- accessory dwelling unit. ADUs have been in the news lately as a way to gain additional living space on your property without adding to the house. This may be a solution for people (zoning permitting) who are looking for a home office, place for their parents or adult children to live...2020-11-1833 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenLearning from the mistakes of others #4Join my conversation with California architect Michele Grace Hottel as we discuss mistakes people make during their renovations- so that you can avoid them!About this week's guest: Michele Grace Hottel, Architect is a firm practicing Architecture, Interiors, and Visual Arts, specializing in Custom and multi-family Residential and smaller Commercial and Institutional projects since 1994.Prior to her current practice, Michele was a consultant with other Architecture and Engineering firms in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas for twelve years before and after attending Cal Poly, Pomona for Architecture. One can read her...2020-11-0452 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenWindow restorationIf you have an older home that is still lucky enough to have original windows, please consider restoring the windows before throwing them out and replacing them with modern windows. Why? Listen to this episode and Alison Hardy will explain it to you. This episode's guest: about Alison Hardy of Window Woman of New England : "Window Woman of New England was established in 2003 by Alison Hardy. The idea for the business came about after years of frustration living in old houses with drafty broken windows and dissatisfaction with replacement window options. Call it Yankee thrift, but it...2020-10-2123 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenSmart HomesWhat is a smart home? Should you consider the role of technology when you are planning a renovation to your home? I think so! You don't even have to wait until you are renovating, join the growing movement today. Jennifer Mallet is the CEO and founder of Level Up Your Home. Learn more about how they can improve your life at https://levelupyourhome.comDo you need a bit of design help? Check out my new Ask an Architect design help-line for an hour of advice on zoom. www.askanarchitect.liveHelp me...2020-10-0736 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenTips for an Attic RenovationAre you looking for more living area in your house? If so, you may be thinking of renovating your attic space. Attics can be tricky due to code requirements for head height and local zoning regulations. This episode will help you think of all the variables that you will need to consider. Do you need a bit of design help? Check out my new Ask an Architect design help-line for an hour of advice on zoom. www.askanarchitect.liveHelp me spread the word!Send a link to this show to 3 of your...2020-09-2316 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenTips for a basement renovationEveryone is looking for extra space in their houses these days. Are you thinking of renovating your basement? As you plan your project, here are some tips for a smooth basement project. Do you need a bit of design help? Check out my new Ask an Architect design help-line for an hour of advice on zoom. www.askanarchitect.liveHelp me spread the word!Send a link to this show to 3 of your friends who you think could use information about home renovations. If you like the podcast, please leave a review and...2020-09-0920 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenDesign your projectFor whatever reason, you might not want to hire a designer to work for you when planning your renovation. Someone has to do it, so get ready to do it yourself!Do you need a bit of design help? Check out my new Ask an Architect design help-line for an hour of advice on zoom. www.askanarchitect.liveHelp me spread the word!Send a link to this show to 3 of your friends who you think could use information about home renovations. If you like the podcast, please leave a review and a...2020-08-1214 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenWhat a Contractor Wants You to Know #1If you've never renovated your house before or been involved in a construction process, you probably don't know exactly where to start, who to hire or what to do. In this episode I share a conversation with a contractor about what he wants you to know. Should you expand your home or move? Should you live in your house during construction? Should you phase work if you don't have the cash to cover the whole project now? We covered these topics and more. Help me spread the word!Send a link to this show to 3...2020-07-2931 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenWhat is a Passive HouseWhat is a Passive House? How could you incorporate this concept into a full home renovation? Is it possible to create a house that doesn't rely on outside sources of energy? Kurt Neiswender joined me for a discussion in which we covered the basics and how homeowners could pursue Passive House standards in their home renovation. Kurt can be reached at kurt@urbancolab.designHis podcast is Coffee Sketch http://www.coffeesketchpodcast.comHelp me spread the word!Send a link to this show to 3 of your friends who you think...2020-07-1546 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenIn Consideration of WallsI was copied on an email recently from a client to a contractor referring to me as “Katharine who is-oh-so-fond-of-walls”. Was I supposed to see that? I don’t know. The truth is, I am fond of walls. Walls form our spaces, create privacy, allow differentiation, block sound. In this particular case I am really failing in my attempt to persuade this young couple that opening up their long living room wall to the long central hall in their new-to-them but classic 1920s house will not create the space they think it will and certainly won’t be worth the...2020-07-0107 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenWhat you need to know about TILEDo you look through Houzz and Pinterest and see so many tiles you love but don't know what would be right for your house? Or how much they really cost? Or where to find the tiles that you see online? This episode will help to unravel the mystery and hopefully inspire you to get creative with tile. Susan Hager of Tangotile.com explains tile. About our guest: Susan Hager is the owner of Tango Tile : "Tango Tile was created to share our love of tile with others and offer an easier and more convenient way to buy...2020-06-1728 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenLearning from the Mistakes of Others #3Experienced project manager Will White gives his best tips about scheduling your job, the importance of avoiding change orders, befriending the building inspector and more. Help me spread the word!Send a link to this show to 3 of your friends who you think could use information about home renovations. If you like the podcast, please leave a review and a rating. I would really appreciate any of the above.Join our mailing list! Get insider information and other exciting news http://eepurl.com/gFJLlTThanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of th...2020-05-2033 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenPsychology of Space, part 2Kathryn Goldenoak of Spring Green Interior Design continues her advice in this episode on how to fix spaces that aren't working in your house. About this episode's guest:Kathryn Goldenoak is an interior designer, founder of Spring Green Interior Design in Arlington MA: ”Good design should speak to the heart of the occupant. Functionality is not enough; in order to delight the spirit, a space must also resonate with its daily inhabitants on a personal level. My passion is creating homes that celebrate and reflect the unique interests and tastes of each client.” She can be re...2020-05-0632 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenThe Psychology of Space, part 1Interior designer Kathryn Goldenoak is back, speaking to us about how humans react to spaces and why. How can we take this knowledge and make our homes somewhere that make us feel good? About this episode's guest: Kathryn Goldenoak is an interior designer, founder of Spring Green Interior Design in Arlington MA: ”Good design should speak to the heart of the occupant. Functionality is not enough; in order to delight the spirit, a space must also resonate with its daily inhabitants on a personal level. My passion is creating homes that celebrate and reflect the un...2020-04-2230 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRethinking home spacesWhen it comes to what the future may hold, I have no idea. A friend described this feeling as "standing at the edge of what I know". I feel more comfortable sticking to what I know, which is residential spaces. Personally I am giving some thought to what homes of the future might include. This is a solo episode, just me sharing some thoughts on-Home offices reimaginedHomeschooling spacesFood and dry good storageEnhanced front halls with washing elementsLet’s say you’re re...2020-04-0816 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenInstalling solar panels on your homeHave you thought about getting solar but you don’t know where to start looking for an installer, don’t know what to think of those people who come to your house selling solar panels, don’t know how much it is going to cost or if your house is a good candidate? Should you include solar in your renovation plans? Listen to this episode with Malcolm Littlefield who fills me in on the solar details. Help me spread the word!Send a link to this show to 3 of your friends who you think could use information about hom...2020-03-2538 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenMold in the home3rd episode in the three part series on lead, asbestos and mold in the home with Ron Peik of Alpine Environmental (https://www.alpine-environmental.com)Do you have mold issues at your house? Are you ready to address the underlying issues? Listen to this episode about mold with expert Ron Peik and learn what you can do to improve your indoor air quality before and after a renovation. About this week's guest: Ron earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, with a focus on thermodynamics, HCAC systems a...2020-03-1128 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenAsbestos in the home2nd episode in a series of episodes on lead, asbestos and mold in the home with Ron Peik of Alpine Environmental (https://www.alpine-environmental.com)About this week's guest: Ron earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, with a focus on thermodynamics, HCAC systems and indoor air quality. He worked for tow years as a civilian engineer for the US Air Force before getting into the environmental remediation industry in 1988. He founded Alpine Environmental with his father, Ed Peik, in 1991. Ron served as president of the Leand and Environmental...2020-02-2619 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenLead in the homeDo you have lead in your home? If you will be disturbing any surfaces, you need to find out. Ron Peik of Alpine Environmental talks about what we need to know when it comes to renovating an older home that potentially contains lead paint. About this week's guest: Ron earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, with a focus on thermodynamics, HCAC systems and indoor air quality. He worked for tow years as a civilian engineer for the US Air Force before getting into the environmental remediation industry in 1988...2020-02-1230 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenLearning from the mistakes of others #2Ryan Schwartz shares stories of projects that didn't go well, offering lessons on planning, communicating with your partner, taking the time to plan out elements of the project. About this week's guest: Ryan Schwartz is a licensed practising architect in Canada, specializing in the design and construction of new custom homes. That beautiful project on the episode art is the project he mentions that included a green roof. Check out his website at www.nordhaus.caHelp me spread the word!Send a link to this show to 3 of your friends...2020-02-0522 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRoofingRoofingWe all have a roof, but maybe we don’t think too much about it. If you are in a position to install a new roof, you’ve got options. Episode Recap What should people consider when they are getting ready to choose a new roof? Do the roofs all have to be asphalt? Are there any other options? Why is metal roofing here so expensive but metal roofing is all over the place in rural areas north of us? Shingles that reflect heat are available and will help...2020-01-2928 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenLearning from the Mistakes of Others #1I'm part of a facebook group for architects and I asked them if any of them would be willing to share stories of when something went wrong on a project. Here is the first of bonus episodes in the Learning From Mistakes of Others series. Help me spread the word!Send a link to this show to 3 of your friends who you think could use information about home renovations. I would really appreciate that.Chat with me! Join the community on Flick, a podcasting chat app. You can ask questions, chat with other liste...2020-01-2217 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenEnvironmentally Friendly RenovationsEnvironmentally friendly renovations discussion with Debbie BentleyDesigning your house for the future:Build lessDo you really need to build more and increase your footprint? Think about how you use your house now and list everything that you would like to change. Are there areas in your house that are under-used? These days that is often the formal dining room. Can you change how you think about your spaces and alter them to suit your needs? Many clients are looking for extra room as their children grow, but once they fully grow...2020-01-1541 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenBath and Kitchen FixturesEpisode 8- Kitchen and Bath FixturesJason Sevinor, President of Designer Bath and Salem Plumbing Supply, discusses what to look for in bath and kitchen fixtures and how to get professional help.Episode RecapWhy shop at a showroom rather than on the internet or a big box store?What to look for when choosing fixturesIs there really a $10,000 toilet? What is the difference between that and a $400 toilet?Trends in bath fixtures right nowIdeas for an environmentally friendly bathroomHow to make your bathroom feel like a spaAbout this episode’s guest...2020-01-0133 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenSkylightsEpisode recapNew Velux skylights don’t leakSkylights bring in more daylight than vertical windowsVe= Ventilation, Lux= light, hence the company name VELUXIntegrated blinds can be programmedYou still need to air out your space even if you have air conditioningModern skylights have UV blocking glassLearning from mistakes of others- use the right skylight for the right application. A deck mounted skylight is for a pitched roof. A curb mounted skylight is for a flat roof. Don’t put a b...2019-12-1832 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenWindows and DoorsRick Bertolami, an owner of JB Sash and Door in Massachusetts, explains what you need to know about choosing your windows and doors for your project. Episode recapThe internet is a good place to start research on window options, but there isn’t a substitute for going to a showroom and seeing and touching the windows in personTypes of windows that are availableHow to narrow down window choices?What are the advantages and disadvantage of triple glazed windows?Are windows really designed to fail after 15 years?What is the difference between insert replacement windows and a t...2019-12-0432 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenHow to get what you wantHow to get what you want- working with "a guy"In this short episode I answer a listener question about getting what you want from a project. When you don’t work with a licensed contractor, but hire “a guy” that has been recommended to you, how do you communicate the scope and the details of the job? Answer: Document what you want no matter who you are working with, be it a contractor or a jack-of-all-tradesAbout this episode’s guestThere is no guest this week, it’s just me answering...2019-11-2706 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenLighting DesignEpisode RecapHow layers of light work and why they’re helpfulAmbient vs. task vs. accent lightingWhy our eyes like varied rather than uniform lightHow we respond to various levels of illuminationHow different kinds of fixtures shed different shapes of lightRecessed vs. flush vs. semi flush vs. sconce vs. lampColor temperature and how it affects the ambience of a spaceColor rendering index (CRI) and why it’s way more important than most people knowAbout this episode’s guestKathryn Goldenoak is an interior designer, founder of Spring Green Interior Design in Arlington MA: ”Good des...2019-11-2030 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenRenovations can be Stressful and the Value of an ArchitectStress and the value of an architectBritish architect Debbie Bentley explains the emotional aspects of renovations and the value of hiring an architect. Episode RecapMany people underestimate the full psychological impact of renovating their houseFinancial issues will be raisedWhat is the value of an architect? book about designing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Your-House-Right-Marianne-Cusato/dp/1402791038About this episode’s guestDebbie Bentley is an architect living in Carlisle MA. From her Houzz profile: Transition I Space focuses on designing sustainable buildings that integrate landscape and architecture to cre...2019-11-0620 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenDo you really need a contractor?Do you really need a contractor?Architect Karl Leabo explains why he believes that hiring a (good) contractor will save you headache, time and money.Episode RecapThe best outcome is when you hire a contractor early on in the design processContracting your renovation can be a full time job, even a project that seems small.What restaurant would your contractor be?Some projects require a higher end contractor, some do notWhen calling for references, ask about their subcontractorsLiving in the house through a renovationBudget and scope creep- the contractor can help with this...2019-10-2333 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenReal Estate and Renovations Real estate and RenovationsElizabeth Hayes is a realtor at Sotheby’s in Cambridge MA and she helps us understand what to look for if you’re hoping to buy a house that needs a major renovation. She also talks about how much to renovate in order to sell your house. Episode RecapWhat to look for if you are hoping to find a fixer-upperWhen should you not buy a house that needs a renovation?Should you renovate before you sell your house?Sustainable and environmentally friendly features are attractive to buyersVinyl might not be as...2019-10-2330 min
Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenWhere to start with your home renovationWhere to start with your home renovationWalter Russell from Home Sweet Home Builders of Woburn MA joined me on this first episode to discuss how to get going with a project, Walter brings the perspective of a contractor in a discussion about how to kick off your home renovation.Episode RecapStep 1: Know what you want Step 2: Know what you can affordOur fictional homeowner is trying to figure out how to start a project that would be a two story addition, kitchen on the first floor and a...2019-10-2325 minTalking Home Renovations with the House MavenIntroduction to Talking Home Renovations with the House MavenThis podcast is for homeowners about to begin a home renovation and for people who are interested in hearing architects, contractors, vendors and homeowners talk about their expertise or experiences with home renovations. You don't know what you don't know, so listen in and enjoy the show! 2019-09-2802 min