An old house can be there by accident but most of the time it’s because someone cared. It could have been the craftsperson from 200 years ago. Or it could have been the handyman that cleaned the gutters. Or it…
Why Quality Matters
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. …
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.…
I Know A Guy
The “I know a guy” phraseology gets a lot of flak in Rhode Island. Being a small state knowing a guy can have its advantages, especially in contracting. People ask us a lot if we know a guy, asking for…
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…
How to Pick the Right Bid
Invitations for Bid (IFB), or basically asking multiple firms for a bid, based solely on price are bad. The trouble with a priced based IFB is while you may have the most detailed specifications and drawings, you have no idea…
Ice Dams and Your Sick House
The Internet can be a great thing when we are sick, right? We can find some reassurance or simple treatments to get us through or we can find that we are doomed. So to placate our freak out, we go…
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…
Online Coupon Scams
My friend Jeff shared a disturbing story with me. This falls into the category of trust no one until they earned your respect, have demonstrated a sufficient level of professionalism, or have the proper credentials. The story begins with Jeff…
Drink your water, not bottled water
I care about water. Granted I waste a bit by taking a long shower or water the garden too long. But I am conscious of conserving water in other areas like cleaning dishes, rarely washing my truck, and drinking water.…