Building

Meeting Modern Energy Code Requirements When Building a Small Home Addition

R-15 continuous exterior rigid insulation in addition to cavity insulation creates a true thermal break and moves the assembly toward net-zero performance. For homeowners planning a net-zero or near-net-zero energy home, this is one of the most impactful single investments. Radiant barrier roof sheathing in hot climates reduces cooling loads by reflecting radiant heat away

A Simple Plan for Lakeside Living: Building an Affordable Vacation Home

Building a vacation home on a lake does not have to drain your savings. Gene and Sharon DeSmidt proved that with careful planning and smart construction choices, you can create a beautiful 825 sq. ft. lakeside retreat for just $125 per sq. ft. Their design proves that simple does not have to mean shortchanged. By

Kitchen Layout Design: How Shape and Geometry Transform Your Cooking Space

When cabinetmaker Rex Alexander took on a kitchen remodel for Dan and Jerel Bathrick, he didn’t just resurface cabinets — he reshaped the entire kitchen around thoughtful geometry. The result was a space where circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles worked together to create something both beautiful and highly functional. Whether you are planning a full

Building a Rooftop Deck on an Urban House: Design, Structure, and Construction Guide

Urban homeowners seeking to maximize limited outdoor space are increasingly turning to rooftop deck construction as a way to create private outdoor living areas in dense city environments. A well-designed rooftop deck transforms an unused flat roof or accessible roof area into a functional extension of the home, offering space for relaxation, entertaining, and even

A New Face for an Old Cape: How One Architect Transformed a 1960s Cape Cod Home

Over a decade of designing mountain homes in Montana, architect Brian Hamor found his style evolving away from the traditional large timber frames and soaring stone fireplaces. He developed a more modern aesthetic inspired by the agricultural and industrial buildings of the old West. When he moved his family east to Stowe, Vermont, he carried