Episode Description In this highly-charged episode, Sarah and Bruce welcome energy efficiency gurus Mike and Gail Browne of Advanced Building Analysis. Mike and Gail dig deep on everything from what being a HERS Rater (Home Energy Rating System Rater) actually means to how to measure the energy performance and impact of a building correctly. Plus, Mike and Gail share tips on what products, … [Read more...] about Episode 23: Rating your Energy
Episode 22: Be Our Guest
Episode Description We're back for part two of Season Three!! With the holidays quickly approaching, Sarah and Bruce welcome award-winning designer and author, Mally Skok, who is here to teach us a thing or two about entertaining in our homes. Whether it's a intimate sit-down dinner or an open-house cocktail party, Mally shares her tips and tricks to make the effort of entertaining … [Read more...] about Episode 22: Be Our Guest
Conversations with Ed Sullivan: Home Winterization Tips
With Winter right around the corner, we welcome back our very own Ed Sullivan of S+H Construction to walk us through how to winterize your home. Sarah, Bruce and Ed share the many and things you should keep in mind as the colder months approach, so you’re not dealing with a disaster next spring! What is the first thing people should think about in the fall to winterize their home on the … [Read more...] about Conversations with Ed Sullivan: Home Winterization Tips
Prepare Your Home for Winter
Although it may be difficult to accept, Summer is coming to an end and Fall is rapidly approaching. As the weather changes, it's crucial to consider how it will affect your home and take steps to prepare for the colder temperatures. To assist you in ensuring that your home is in excellent condition, we have provided a checklist for you to follow. Clean Out Your Gutters Gutters are … [Read more...] about Prepare Your Home for Winter
Conversations with Josh Safdie
Home is your comfort space, and for many of us, it’s where we plan to stay to the bitter end! While the layout of your home may serve your needs now, there is a strong possibility that adjustments will have to be made as you age. Sarah and Bruce welcome Josh Safdie, Managing Principal at KMA Architecture + Accessibility to share his expertise on how to make sure your home is safely equipped for … [Read more...] about Conversations with Josh Safdie
Staircases
Staircases are significant in your home as they can impact your interiors' appearance and practicality. We've gathered some of our past favorite staircase designs to inspire you. Stair #1 Historic Meets Modern S+H worked on a complete renovation of this gorgeous nineteenth-century home before being hired by the new homeowners and, again, starting from scratch. This time around, they … [Read more...] about Staircases
Conversations with Rob Russo
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Rob Russo and discussing the topic of all things you should know about living on your own for the first time. Specifically focused on 20 something’s moving into their first rental apartment or home and the “tools” they need, both literally and figuratively, to thrive. Rob discusses the importance of what to have in a proper toolbox, and also goes over what … [Read more...] about Conversations with Rob Russo
Episode 21: The History of Architecture
Episode Description In our season three mid-season finale, Sarah and Bruce along with Patrick Hickox of Hickox Williams Architects dig deep into the history of architecture and the evolution of “home.” From ancient Egypt to modern day living, hear how the design of a home has always been a reflection of the human family, shaped by the surrounding habitation, means of survival and, more … [Read more...] about Episode 21: The History of Architecture
Episode 20: Aging in Place
Episode Description Home is your comfort space, and for many of us it’s where we plan to stay to the bitter end! While the layout of your home may serve your needs now, there is a strong possibility that adjustments will have to be made as you age. Sarah and Bruce welcome Josh Safdie, Managing Principal at KMA Architecture + Accessibility to share his expertise on how to make sure your home … [Read more...] about Episode 20: Aging in Place
Site Work and Landscaping
The outside of your house is every bit as important as the inside. S+H Construction’s Site Work and Landscaping Division specializes in creating outdoor spaces that are beautiful and enhance the functionality of your home. We work in conjunction with landscape architects and designers to bring your yard vision to life. Looking for some inspiration? Here we highlight some top landscaping trends for … [Read more...] about Site Work and Landscaping
Going Behind the Walls
While usually not a concern to most homeowners, what lies behind your walls, and how everything works, is in fact a critical part of your home design and construction. The building science of homes is ever changing and complicated, which is why it’s important you work with a team who is vetted and knowledgeable about the process. When it comes time to open the walls of your home, what exactly … [Read more...] about Going Behind the Walls
Episode 19: What’s Snow Got To Do With It?
Episode Description The recent snow has us thinking – have you taken the necessary steps to winterize your home? Sarah and Bruce welcome back S+H’s Ed Sullivan to talk about the proper ways to winterize your home and why it’s so important. Everything from gutter maintenance, to preventing freezing pipes, proper snow removal, and managing those dreaded ice dams, this episode will make sure … [Read more...] about Episode 19: What’s Snow Got To Do With It?
Episode 18: Ain’t It Fun, Living In The Real World?
Episode Description Sarah and Bruce welcome Rob Russo to talk all things living on your own for the first time! Specifically focused on 20 something’s moving into their first rental apartment or home and the “tools” they need, both literally and figuratively, to thrive. Rob discusses the importance of what to have in a proper tool box, and also goes over what to tackle vs. when to call in back … [Read more...] about Episode 18: Ain’t It Fun, Living In The Real World?
Conversations with Chris Zizza
Chris Zizza of C+R Flooring has been in the business or over 35 years. A master of his craft, we recently had Chris on ‘Builder’s Notebook: The Podcast’ to share his expertise on all things flooring. Chris taught us a lot, below are some of the highlights from our conversation. To listen to the whole podcast, and make sure you check out all our episodes! All right, so let's start off with a … [Read more...] about Conversations with Chris Zizza
Episode 17: To the Floor!
Episode Description We’re back for season 3! In this episode, Sarah and Bruce welcome flooring expert Chris Zizza of C & R Flooring. Chris, recognized as one of the industry’s leading experts in hardwood flooring and refinishing, shares his expertise on all things flooring. From discussing the different wood species, to what flooring works best in a certain environment, to the pros and cons … [Read more...] about Episode 17: To the Floor!
Episode 16: Window of Opportunity
Episode Description In our season two finale, Sarah and Bruce welcome experts Jane Egge of MacCleod and Moynihan and Jeremy Kindall of New England Window Works to discuss all things windows. First, Jane breaks down replacement windows and the many options available to homeowners. Then, Jeremy talks about rehabbing windows and shares how he works to restore them, making his case on why … [Read more...] about Episode 16: Window of Opportunity
Episode 15: A New Perspective
Episode Description In this episode, Sarah and Bruce welcome Clayton Schuller, President of Select Building Products who shares his new favorite green Sarah, and Bruce welcome Dee Elms, owner of Elms Interior Design, who gives a new perspective on the spaces you already have in your home. From color choices to millwork to the importance of furniture layout, furniture and rug sizing, and more, … [Read more...] about Episode 15: A New Perspective
Episode 14: It’s Easy Being Green
Episode Description In this episode, Sarah and Bruce welcome Clayton Schuller, President of Select Building Products who shares his new favorite green and sustainable wood products. Then, Clayton provides insight on steps homeowners can take to make sure their homes are running as efficiently as possible. Builder's Notebook is recorded and produced by JDCommunications, Inc. Theme music by … [Read more...] about Episode 14: It’s Easy Being Green
Episode 13: All About Kitchens
Episode Description The kitchen, once hidden behind closed doors, has become the centerpiece of a home. It is not only where people gather to eat, but more times than not has multipurpose use. In this episode, Sarah and Bruce welcome Alisha Serras, owner of Scavolini Showroom to talk about contemporary kitchens. From design aesthetics, to how to properly hide appliances, Alisha, who devotes her … [Read more...] about Episode 13: All About Kitchens
Episode 12: Diversifying the Future of the Trade
Episode Description Sarah and Bruce welcome Paul MacDougall, Principal of MacDougall Plumbing and Mechanical to talk all things heating and cooling. Paul shares some of the main things people want from their heating and cooling systems, along with some of the benefits, and drSarah and Bruce welcome Brendan Driscoll from Driscoll Electric and Ed Sullivan from S+H Construction to take a close … [Read more...] about Episode 12: Diversifying the Future of the Trade
Episode 11: What a Disaster
Episode Description Sarah and Bruce welcome Paul MacDougall, Principal of MacDougall Plumbing and Mechanical to talk all things heating and cooling. Paul shares some of the main things people want from their heating and cooling systems, along with some of the benefits, and drSarah and Bruce welcome Brendan Driscoll from Driscoll Electric and Ed Sullivan from S+H Construction to take a close … [Read more...] about Episode 11: What a Disaster
Episode 10: You’re Hot Then You’re Cold
Episode Description Sarah and Bruce welcome Paul MacDougall, Principal of MacDougall Plumbing and Mechanical to talk all things heating and cooling. Paul shares some of the main things people want from their heating and cooling systems, along with some of the benefits and drawbacks of various systems. Plus, Paul provides insider knowledge on automated systems. Builder's Notebook is recorded … [Read more...] about Episode 10: You’re Hot Then You’re Cold
Episode 9: Look Before You Leap
Episode Description Builder's Notebook is back! In the first episode of Season Two, Sarah and Bruce catch viewers up on what's kept them busy these past few months, then welcome Tracey Litt of Litt Home Inspection. Tracey de-mystifies the Home Inspection process, what she looks for, how she operates, and why a proper inspection is so important. Plus, Tracey divulges to Sarah and Bruce some of … [Read more...] about Episode 9: Look Before You Leap
Episode 8: Not Just The Curtains
Episode Description Sarah and Bruce welcome Michael Ferzoco, principal of Eleven Interiors, an award-winning Boston-based interior design firm, in our Season One finale. Sarah, Bruce, and Michael dive into the world of interior design, touching on the difference between hiring a designer for a decoration project vs. a design/build project. Michael explains the stages of the design process and … [Read more...] about Episode 8: Not Just The Curtains
Episode 7: Fusing Old and New
Episode Description ew England has one of the richest and most extensive collections of historic residential homes in the country. And while we love our old homes, renovating one of these masterpieces can often be an overwhelming undertaking. For this episode, Sarah and Bruce welcome Treff LaFleche, Principal of LDa Architecture & Interiors and expert on renovating historic homes. Treff … [Read more...] about Episode 7: Fusing Old and New
Episode 6: The Snowball Effect
Episode Description Sarah and Bruce welcome award-winning architect and principal of Zero Energy Design, Stephanie Horowitz. Learn the difference between a high-performance home, a zero energy or net-zero home, and a passive home, and what it takes to design them. Stephanie, Sarah, and Bruce also share their knowledge on updating an older home to make it more enSarah and Bruce are joined by … [Read more...] about Episode 6: The Snowball Effect
Episode 5: Our House is Sealed
Episode Description Sarah and Bruce welcome award-winning architect and principal of Zero Energy Design, Stephanie Horowitz. Learn the difference between a high-performance home, a zero energy or net-zero home, and a passive home, and what it takes to design them. Stephanie, Sarah, and Bruce also share their knowledge on updating an older home to make it more energy-efficient, and why windows … [Read more...] about Episode 5: Our House is Sealed
Episode 4: Let There Be Light!
Episode Description Sarah and Bruce welcome Lucy Dearborn, owner of Lucia Lighting in Lynn, MA to talk all things lighting! From proper layering in kitchens to creating the right ambiance outdoors to the evolution of LED lighting, this lively discussion provides tips on how lighting might just be one of the most important design decisions for your home. Builder's Notebook … [Read more...] about Episode 4: Let There Be Light!
Episode 3: Trusting your Senses
Episode Description Wood gutters, uneven flooring, cracking in the walls – should you be concerned? If you're considering buying an older home, what clues should you look for to help determine how well the home was cared for and what should make you run? Sarah and Bruce discuss how your eyes, nose, and feet can tell you a lot more than you think.. Builder's Notebook is recorded and produced … [Read more...] about Episode 3: Trusting your Senses
Episode 2: Basement Water
Episode Description Meet Our Hosts! Sarah Lawson, owner of S+H Construction and Bruce Irving, Water, water everywhere!! This year has seen an unprecedented number of rain storms, taking a toll on our homes. S+H's Field Director Ed Sullivan, joins Sarah and Bruce to tackle the topic of water in the basement– a homeowners' nightmare. Learn how it happens, why it happens, and what you can do to … [Read more...] about Episode 2: Basement Water
Episode 1: The Humble Brag
Episode Description Meet Our Hosts! Sarah Lawson, owner of S+H Construction and Bruce Irving, renovation and real estate expert, share how they started in the business, their bumps-in-the-road, their successes, and lessons learned along the way. Builder's Notebook is recorded and produced by JDCommunications, Inc. Theme music by Sean Ryan Peters. The podcast is available on the … [Read more...] about Episode 1: The Humble Brag
What Is Roxbury Puddingstone?
One of the most beautiful and interesting local historic materials found in the greater Boston built environment is what is called Roxbury Puddingstone. This is a native sandstone inlaid with granite pebbles and fragments of quartz and then metamorphosized into something hard enough to build with. Historically, it was used to build masonry walls and foundations throughout the Boston area and … [Read more...] about What Is Roxbury Puddingstone?
Want More Living Space? Lower Your Basement!
It's been a couple of years since Cambridge and Somerville relaxed their zoning ordinances regarding living space in basements. It's now far easier to increase the floor-to-ceiling dimension far beyond the 7-foot mark, which defines living space, without running afoul of FAR (floor area ratio) regulations. "You can dig to China if you want to," was how a building inspector in Somerville responded … [Read more...] about Want More Living Space? Lower Your Basement!
Stay or Go? Living in a Construction Site
It's one of my favorite Clash songs. But it's also the subject of this month's letter because I'm referring to the decision many owners face when renovating their home. Along with other questions we typically ask people, today it is more important than ever to know whether an owner or family intends to stay in their home during a renovation. Living in a work zone, or right next to one, is never … [Read more...] about Stay or Go? Living in a Construction Site
Child Safety With High Rise Buildings & Balconies
It is the job of small children to test limits, and their parents’ job to keep them safe. During a 7th floor renovation in a high-rise building in Cambridge, our client was concerned over the fascination their active 22-month-old had with the windows and railings. The child was fascinated with the four double sash horizontal sliding windows. Each had an A/C … [Read more...] about Child Safety With High Rise Buildings & Balconies
How to Build a Hatch Door in a Deck?
Sometimes the master carpenter is like a musician, exhibiting the technical skill to make complex moldings turn a corner, leaving a perfect joint, one too tight to get a hair or a razor into. And sometimes they are there to solve deceptively simple but stubborn problems, like basement access that is so awkward and inconvenient that it can’t be used from year to year. The stick is backup, not … [Read more...] about How to Build a Hatch Door in a Deck?
Geothermal Heating & Cooling With Hot Water Wells
Yes, you can drill for free energy in your own backyard, without fracking or contributing in the slightest to your carbon footprint, by sinking a geothermal well. This technology enables you to tap into the earth to provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Outdoor temperatures change with the seasons but below ground, they remain steady. About four feet below grade (in … [Read more...] about Geothermal Heating & Cooling With Hot Water Wells
Finding the Carpenter in the Craftsman Style
he Craftsman style is familiar to us all, and is still with us in a way that the Victorian is not. We are often called upon to apply Craftsman style detail in very un-Craftsman buildings. The Craftsman sensibility endures because it has a humane feel to it, as it retains the visible presence of the hand of the craftsperson (carpenter, mason, metalworker, etc.) that made it. The Craftsman … [Read more...] about Finding the Carpenter in the Craftsman Style
Reproducing Historic Spaces With Veneer Plaster
After a century and a half or so of building settlement and aftermarket alterations, the walls of any wood framed structure will be somewhat misaligned. When those walls are behind a mansard type roof, and intentionally tilted inward, then the forgiving virtues of a skim coat veneer plaster wall system becomes a critical tool for rendering wall planes in a faithful and consistent way. As … [Read more...] about Reproducing Historic Spaces With Veneer Plaster
Happy Accidents in Historic Restoration
Change happens to every building, as styles and standards evolve. Where to draw the line between preservation and evolution is a matter of judgement and taste. An example of this was the abatement of asbestos floor tile from a concrete floor in a classic mid century modern residence, by the noted architect Samuel Glaser. Mid century concrete floor. Materials go in and out of style, as … [Read more...] about Happy Accidents in Historic Restoration