There is an old debate among builders and plumbers: should you caulk the base of a toilet, or leave it unsealed? On one side, caulking creates a clean finished look and prevents water from spills, showers, and cleaning from seeping under the toilet where it can rot the subfloor and produce unpleasant odors. On the […]
In the heart of Seattle’s historic district stands a remarkable testament to early 20th-century design: a 1912 semi-bungalow crafted under the influence of the Olmsted Brothers, the legendary landscape architects who shaped some of America’s most beloved public spaces. This Craftsman classic, recently highlighted by Fine Homebuilding’s Old House Journal, offers an extraordinary case study
Why Residential and Commercial Buildings Use Different Roof Systems Walk through any city or suburban neighborhood, and one observation stands out immediately: nearly every house has a pitched, sloped roof, while most commercial buildings sit under a flat roof. This distinction is so consistent that most people never stop to ask why. The answer involves
One cracked clapboard does not mean you have to strip an entire wall. A single damaged section of wood siding can be removed and replaced without disturbing the rest of the board. All it takes is an oscillating multitool, a few hand tools, and attention to the details that keep water out. This article walks
When serial restorers Evan and John Degenfelder bought their 1948 clapboard and Roman-brick Ranch in Lebanon, Oregon, the house was in such poor condition that it was uninsurable. The previous owner had spent 35 years giving the property zero maintenance: pipes froze and burst, the roof leaked, and the interior was covered in layers of
Design a Swedish Arts and Crafts kitchen with warm colors, honest materials, handcrafted details, and period-appropriate fixtures. A complete guide to the style and its execution.
The Original Design: A Cross-Plan Modernist Vision Built in 1958, the glass house was conceived as a Le Corbusier-inspired retreat that prioritised an uninterrupted connection to its wooded lakeside setting. The original architect designed the home as a simple cross-shaped plan on one level, without air conditioning, relying instead on natural ventilation and the shade
Historic Queen Anne Victorian Restoration: Lessons from a Grand Coastal Rescue Restoring a historic Victorian home is one of the most rewarding challenges a builder can undertake. The 1892 Queen Anne/Stick Style house in Astoria, Oregon, that Mike and Laura Brosius purchased in 2016 presented every restoration challenge imaginable: a crumbling foundation, 38 seized sash
Wiring a Range Hood for Safe Operation Electrical work requires careful attention to safety and code compliance. Always turn off power at the breaker panel before beginning any wiring work. Understanding residential electrical wiring code requirements will help ensure your installation passes inspection and operates safely for years. Understanding the Junction Box Many range hoods
Kitchen islands have become the centerpiece of modern home design, yet one persistent challenge remains: how to provide convenient countertop power without cluttering the look or violating electrical code. The National Electrical Code (NEC) now requires that outlets on kitchen islands and peninsulas be installed above the countertop surface rather than below, eliminating the once-common
