Blog
Getting Shellacked
March 6, 2020
For over two thousand years, shellac was a product of choice for dyes, flooring, woodwork, furniture and as a sealer. Its use as a wood finish flourished in America from the 1600’s through the first half of the 20th century. The qualities making it so popular are ease of application, fast drying time, ease of
Read more: Getting ShellackedRats with Bushy Tails
March 6, 2020
I know most folks think squirrels are cute and adorable. Not me, I consider them to be no more than rats with bushy tales. Not only are they pesky, they’ve had trouble adjusting to city life. It seems they like to play with moving vehicles, giving them the dubious distinction of being one of the
Read more: Rats with Bushy TailsGetting Floored–To Grind or Not To Grind?
March 6, 2020
Over the years I’ve come to the conclusion that we are murdering the wonderful hardwood floors in our homes. The warmth of hardwood floors in America has been popular since the Victorian era of the late 1800’s right up to new construction today. We tend to want the old to look new again and I
Read more: Getting Floored–To Grind or Not To Grind?Counter Top Reality
March 6, 2020
In the mid-1970’s some clothing designer came up with the brilliant design for polyester leisure suits. For about five years everyone just had to have one. Why, you wouldn’t be groovy if you didn’t wear one to work, the disco or even church. We look back now and wonder why anyone would purposely dress like
Read more: Counter Top RealityOld House Unveilings
March 6, 2020
In the past, nothing epitomized neighbor helping neighbor more than a rural barn raising. Today, in our central city, historic neighborhoods, a modern day version of a barn raising is bringing neighbors together, old house unveilings. An old house unveiling is a coordinated event bringing neighbors together to remove replacement siding from one or more
Read more: Old House UnveilingsMyths About Insulating Old House Walls
March 6, 2020
I was recently chatting with a neighbor who asked, ” We love our 100 year old home. However, it sure is a drafty old place! We’re interested in blowing insulation into the walls, what do you think Bob?” Let me start by saying, if you live in an old house you are part of a
Read more: Myths About Insulating Old House WallsHistoric Districts Protect Your Property Rights
March 6, 2020
Some people will tell you that if you live in a historic district or the community is thinking about making your neighborhood a historic district, the world is coming to an end. They say things like, “It’s nothing but a left wing conspiracy to take my property rights away” or “The paint police are coming
Read more: Historic Districts Protect Your Property RightsAbandoned Lots – What’s a Community To Do?
March 6, 2020
Abandoned lots dot the central city landscape in small towns to big cities throughout America. Tearing down an existing historic house is one of the least green things a community can do. Doing so also takes away the cultural and historic context of our neighborhoods. Vacant lots are magnets for crime, trash and despair as
Read more: Abandoned Lots – What’s a Community To Do?What It Means to Be Green
March 6, 2020
There’s a lot of talk these day about being environmentally “green”. So, what does it all mean and why should we care? Well, we apparently do care. Gallup’s annual environmental poll in April 2008 showed that 83% of Americans reported they have made either major or minor changes in their lifestyles to protect the environment.
Read more: What It Means to Be GreenWhy Shouldn’t I Replace My Windows?
March 6, 2020
Many people have said to me they need new windows because they fear lead paint, want better soundproofing, energy efficiency and easy cleaning. Then the answer is to restore original windows, not replace them. Restoration will cost less and the windows will be lead free, soundproof, energy efficient and easily cleaned. I have trained many small
Read more: Why Shouldn’t I Replace My Windows?