Every old building has a story. That story is told through what we see now, but sometimes there is a lot more to tell. We can certainly understand a building’s evolution by physical clues, but sometimes the clues are masked…
Craft vs Assembly
Once and awhile I get a frustrating call about someone hiring a contractor where the skills did not match the promise. Sometimes the work is poor, isn’t finished, or is in such a state that it needs to be redone. …
Saving Old Buildings
More historic buildings are here by chance than you think. Consider this. According to census data, there are over 330,000 Rhode Island buildings over 30 years old, with maybe 250,000 in the 50 years or older category of “historic”. There…
How can we all work to preserve Rhode Island buildings?
I have been in Rhode Island for almost 30 years. I love our community and the friends that are our family, the beauty and diversity of our landscapes and vistas, and without a doubt, I am crazy about the buildings.…
Rhode Island and the 4th of July
This 4th of July I am thinking of why we save old buildings. I am fortunate to live in Rhode Island, which is one of the most architecturally diverse states with buildings spanning from 1680 to the modern day. Many…
Saving Rhode Island’s Architectural Treasures
Rhode Island has some of the oldest, greatest architecture in the country. Our built environment reflects our ability to adapt and create. It’s a response to our environment, politics, culture, and art. It reflects function and our industrial and mechanical…
Why old windows are better than new
We are told old windows are drafty, do not function well, and lose energy through the single panes. Window replacements are pitched as giving us better energy efficiency and longevity. But is it true? And with claims replacement windows can…
Vinyl repairs and function
The vinyl siding on my house looks dull and has some damage. I can see some old shingles underneath. What can I do to make it look better? Can I fix it? Can I take the vinyl siding off? What…
Communication gets the job done….or better yet, started.
The biggest complaint I hear from people is contractors do not communicate well. The top of the complaint list is they don’t call back after they look at a project. I am here to tell you that it may not…
Climate Change?
There has been a lot of talk about climate change. Sifting through the banter and rhetoric is exhausting and confusing. There are champions for change, and those seeking the status quo. You can dispute if humans are the cause or…