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. What makes for good lighting? A really good friend of … [Read more...] about Conversations With Lucy Dearborn: What Makes Good Lighting?
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Going Up! High-Rise Renovations in Boston
S+H Construction is known for their craftsmanship and unparalleled transformations throughout greater Boston. Of all the different types of projects we work on, one of the most challenging types of projects is the renovation of a high-rise condo. However, the finished product is hard to beat! This month, we highlight a few of our favorite hi-rise projects. Millennium Tower A lively … [Read more...] about Going Up! High-Rise Renovations in Boston
Conversations with Alicia Serras: All About Kitchens
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 entire career to … [Read more...] about Conversations with Alicia Serras: All About Kitchens
Conversations with Chris Brown: A Getaway Home
In this episode, Sarah and Bruce welcome Chris Brown, award-winning principal of b Architecture Studio and author of “Our Guide to Your Getaway Home.” Chris shares with Sarah and Bruce the steps in the “self discovery” process that is critical if you’re considering buying or building a second home. Everything from how to design the space based on typography of a location to the number of people – … [Read more...] about Conversations with Chris Brown: A Getaway Home
Victorian Home Renovation: A Project Showcase
As Spring arrives, it's the perfect moment to envision your outdoor sanctuary and how you want to embrace it. S+H collaborates with leading landscape architects and designers in the area to craft extraordinary exterior hardscapes and landscapes. One standout project is our Victorian Home renovation. The exterior was transformed with stainless steel railings, expansive open decks featuring … [Read more...] about Victorian Home Renovation: A Project Showcase
Conversations with Ben Marshall: Stretch Codes
Sarah and Bruce welcome Ben Marshall of GreenStamp Co., who updates us on the latest when it comes to Stretch Codes. Ben explains in detail the significance of the “stretch code” and what it means for a homeowner looking to start a major addition or renovation. Plus, Ben divulges the ‘gotcha’ items that people run into that require you to bring your home to meet new construction standards, the … [Read more...] about Conversations with Ben Marshall: Stretch Codes
Weston Home Addition: A Renovation Video Series
We are thrilled to introduce our Weston video series! Follow along as we track this unique home renovation and addition. In order to increase the overall square footage, while still maintaining a one-level home, our Project Manager, Pete Ferrero walks us through how this space is built out, instead of up. Plus, Pete explains the special challenges of the property and building into the sloped site. … [Read more...] about Weston Home Addition: A Renovation Video Series
Basement Remodeling Ideas: Maximize Space
Sometimes, the best way to add additional livable space to your home is going down, instead of up. We are seeing a shift with many homeowners finishing or remodeling their basements to add extra square footage to their homes for their family needs. There are a few important aspects to consider when renovating a basement. The first is being aware of the zoning laws for where you live, … [Read more...] about Basement Remodeling Ideas: Maximize Space
Conversations with Mally Skok: Entertaining Tips
We are thrilled to welcome Mally Skok to talk to us about all things entertaining! Whether it’s a sit-down dinner or an open-house cocktail party, Mally shares her tips and tricks to make the effort of entertaining effortless! Bruce: You know this is way outside our normal subject matter I feel a little foofy in a good way. Sarah: It's so true. I mean builders aren't really known for their … [Read more...] about Conversations with Mally Skok: Entertaining Tips
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
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
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
Job Site Dangers in the Construction Business
By Doug Hanna Building construction is a dangerous business. At a time when many jobs have moved from factory floors to cubicles, and from farms to malls, construction remains something that must be done on-site, by actual people. Those people, the people who work on your homes, face potential dangers every day. Electrical hazards fall, and injuries from tools make up the majority of injuries … [Read more...] about Job Site Dangers in the Construction Business
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?
Disoriented & Double Hung Window
Our carpenters’ ingenuity is constantly being challenged to produce real-world construction solutions that charm, function, and endure, but typically this ingenuity is hidden in the work. They are satisfied with that, as impeccable workmanship is their constant and ultimate aim. Generally, if the carpenter is seen in the work, then a mistake was made! A disorienting sideways double-hung window … [Read more...] about Disoriented & Double Hung Window
Aging in Place: Renovations for Senior Living
By Doug Hanna More and more, people of my generation and older hear the phrase "aging-in-place." It could be taken to mean standing still until you shuffle off this mortal coil, and indeed, standing still would no doubt hasten the process. But aging-in-place is the current term used to describe methods that allow people to remain in their homes as long as possible, as they grow old. This is a … [Read more...] about Aging in Place: Renovations for Senior Living
Building Renovation Staircase
Stairs are perhaps the most exacting of tasks required of the carpenter. Usually, framing specialists execute the structural frame, but for this demanding project, the finished carpenter insisted on building it himself. There were issues, such as code requirements for a continuous handrail, and accommodations made for a salvaged, original Victorian newel post. The master carpenter knew exactly … [Read more...] about Building Renovation Staircase
The Radiance of Radiant Heating
By Doug Hanna Radiant heating heats objects like the furniture, the drapes, the dog, and you. We are big fans of radiant heat and have been installing both kinds, forced hot water, and electric since it became popular about 15-20 years ago. In whole house renovations, the walls and ceilings are exposed so the opportunity for installing radiant heating is easier and therefore less … [Read more...] about The Radiance of Radiant Heating
Historic Building Documentation by Carpenters
By Doug Hanna Sometime in the mid-1990s, S+H Construction was hired to perform a renovation on an old, but quite grand, wood-frame building on Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge. The structure was originally built as a single-family residence but had been purchased by Lesley College, and at that time served as the administration building. Part of the project involved restoring and improving the … [Read more...] about Historic Building Documentation by Carpenters
Less Can Be More With Minimalist Design
Clean, uncluttered minimalist design is a modern look, appealing for what it leaves out, such as installation of the door, floor, and window trim. Certainly, there will be savings with such a design since the carpenters get to skip this step and go home early? Actually, the reverse is likely to be true. To understand why one needs to understand the function of trim on windows and doors. … [Read more...] about Less Can Be More With Minimalist Design
The Old Is New – Walnut Library
The interior of this elaborate Victorian in Harvard Square had been gutted in the early ’60s. The new owners had a vision to create a room, a paneled library, which would feel as if it had been entirely original to the building itself. Their designers procured a couple of period architectural objects which provided focal points for the design of the room. One was an antique, Dutch-produced … [Read more...] about The Old Is New – Walnut Library
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
Why Use a General Contractor
Live and learn. That still holds true for us at S + H Construction, even though we’ve been in this business for almost 35 years. Some of what we learn falls under the category of “you can’t make this up,” while other things are just old realizations that get reinforced with each passing year. We’ve noticed that the learning process is also true for a new generation of homeowners who, just as with … [Read more...] about Why Use a General Contractor
Outdoor Deck Durability Construction Tips
Over the last century, taste in outdoor structures has evolved from the traditional covered porch to the open outdoor deck. An open deck is obviously subject to the elements in a way that a roofed porch is not, and its expected service is much reduced because of that fact. Victorian roofed porches over a century old are still performing with minimal maintenance while mid-century open decks have … [Read more...] about Outdoor Deck Durability Construction Tips
The Carpenter’s Apprentice
I write to share a story that had us laughing, at first and then got us talking about changes in the building industry, the culture, and in the generations. First the funny part: Recently one of our master carpenters was installing a wood panel and needed to round the edge, so he turned to his young assistant and said "get me a router”. The truck was just down on the street, so he should have … [Read more...] about The Carpenter’s Apprentice
Preliminary Guesstimates
We are often asked to provide preliminary estimates for building and renovation projects, prior to the development of clear and definitive plans and specifications. Estimates are, of course, more accurate, with a fully realized set of construction documents. But we know that preliminary estimates are a good way for architects and owners to get a rough idea of the cost of projects before fully … [Read more...] about Preliminary Guesstimates
A Win for Solar Energy Installations in Massachusetts
By Doug Hanna A recent court decision should help increase the number of solar panels installed in the Commonwealth. Last month, the Massachusetts Superior Court issued a summary judgment that overruled part of a 2009 memorandum to wiring inspectors from the Massachusetts State Board of Electrical Examiners (BSEE). The BSEE memorandum stated that only companies controlled by master electricians … [Read more...] about A Win for Solar Energy Installations in Massachusetts
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
Pride and the Master Carpenter
By Doug Hanna Recently, the guy who does web marketing for our company, John Corbett, suggested that I write a blog post about the role of pride in producing top-level craftsmen. Having worked at S + H maybe 20 years ago for a year or two, John recalled that every carpenter that he knew at S + H aspired to be the best, and had definite opinions on what constituted quality work. The carpenter’s … [Read more...] about Pride and the Master Carpenter
What to Know About the Cambridge Historical Commission
The Cambridge Historical Commission is the official historic preservation authority for the City of Cambridge. If your property is in a formally designated historic or neighborhood conservation district, no permitted work can proceed without a Certificate from the Commission. Interior changes or existing exterior repairs (restored as original) will usually be approved administratively by … [Read more...] about What to Know About the Cambridge Historical Commission
Cost-Plus vs. Fixed Cost Contracts
By Doug Hanna Recently I attended a three-day retreat with a group of contractors from different areas of the United States. This was an introductory meeting to see if our company would "make the cut" and be voted into this advisory group of contractors. We were indeed voted into the group, and so will attend a couple of meetings a year going forward. We regularly meet with local … [Read more...] about Cost-Plus vs. Fixed Cost Contracts
Glass Slab Walls
These glass slabs make a beautiful wall for a shower stall, one with one of the best views in Cambridge, across the Charles River to the Boston skyline. They were an exacting task to install, as they are massive, half an inch thick, weighing 150 to 200 pounds each, the attachment points fixed and all parts transparent. There was no room for error in this part of the project. The master … [Read more...] about Glass Slab Walls
New Systems – Old Radiators
Existing cast-iron steam radiators can be easily reused in modern heating system upgrades. Sometimes richly detailed, these radiators are often part of the original design fabric, and homeowners want to retain them, just as they would for any original historical element in their home. In addition to their historic beauty, their greater mass enables them to hold and radiate heat for a longer time … [Read more...] about New Systems – Old Radiators
Historic Victorian Porch or Modern Deck – Which Is It?
This historic Victorian porch restoration had us guessing for a while. Every architectural era is defined by the contemporary lifestyle and building technology, but every once in a while we encounter a building that jumps the rail, so to speak, into another era. An example is this surprising Victorian residence in Somerville. Note the modern feel to the 8 foot deep unroofed deck. That can’t be … [Read more...] about Historic Victorian Porch or Modern Deck – Which Is It?