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?
Podcast
The Builder’s Notebook Podcast shares practical advice to help listeners make informed and intelligent decisions about renovating or building a home. Hosted by Sarah Lawson and Bruce Irving, this informative, nuts and bolts series on home design, construction, and renovation will welcome industry experts and touch on a variety of topics.
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?
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