Structural Archives • Page 4 of 5 • Maison Mass

3 Eco-Friendly Building Products for Your Home

Everyone wants to have a healthier, more energy-efficient home. So, in honor of Earth Day, we’re showcasing three eco-friendly building products for your home you’ll want to consider for your next project! (more…)

5 Home Improvement Projects Worth Spending Your Tax Refund On

When it comes to home improvement, there’s what you need to do, what you want to do, and the biggie – what you can afford. (Spoiler: if you can afford to do everything you want to your house – congratulations, this post isn’t for you.) But, if you’re like the rest of us who have to weigh the pros and cons of making improvements to our homes, read on!

When considering where to spend your hard-earned dollars (or tax refunds), how do you decide which remodeling project is worth it in the long run (read: resale value)? Maison Mass looked into it and we found five home improvement projects with real payback. (more…)

Window Replacement: Insert vs. Full Frame

Recently, I sat down with a good friend and old colleague, Chris O’Connor from Ricci Lumber. I asked Chris to help us understand window replacement because he is the guru. He is a Boston native and has been working in the window industry for 15 years – and Chris has been a licensed contractor in the State for over 20 years.

So, let’s dig in. Like so many building products these days, windows have become very complex. There are energy efficiency guidelines today’s windows need to meet, new materials on the market and a plethora of brands to choose from. It’s enough to make you feel like you need a PhD to make the right decision. And let’s face it, replacing all the windows in your house is an expensive proposition, so you want to choose wisely.

What You Need to Know:

There are two ways you can go about having your windows replaced: (1) use insert or replacement windows or (2) use new construction windows. So, what’s the difference? (more…)

How to Hire an Architect

Thinking of hiring an architect for your next project, but want to understand the process better first? Learn how to hire an architect with this free guide from the Boston Society of Architects (don’t worry, the guide is relevant for anyone who is thinking about working with an architect).

Source: Boston Society of Architects

Each year, the Boston Society of Architects updates the guide and offers it free to homeowners thinking about undertaking a home improvement project. Called the Homeowner’s Project Handbook (HPH), it’s designed as an introduction for anyone using an architect for the first time. In it they cover topics like:

Working with an architect
Budgeting a project
10 Questions to ask your architect
The role of the builder
Energy management…

…and more. If you’ve thought about bringing on a professional to help your design ideas become reality but are unsure how to proceed, this guide is a great first step to understanding how to work with an architect.

And, for those living in Massachusetts, to help you start your search, the guide also includes a clickable list of BSA member architects who do residential work.

You can view the HPH online at the BSA’s website or request a printed copy by emailing: hph@architect.org.

Framed vs. Frameless Cabinet Construction

There are two main types of construction for cabinets: framed and frameless. So what’s the difference and more importantly, should you care? Let’s dig in…

The backstory

A long time ago, I worked for a millwork company that had a custom division. As head of marketing, it was my job to get pictures of the beautiful, high end cabinetry they created for the division’s portfolio. I remember walking into the multi-million dollar residences that would be home to the millwork and being in awe. I’d go home at night and daydream about how I could infuse a bit of that aesthetic into my more modest floorplan.

So, one year, when the guys at the shop mentioned they were a little slow and asked if I was interested in any cabinetry to keep the schedule full (read: at a price I could actually afford), I jumped at the chance. Back then, I didn’t pay much attention to the construction of the cabinets – but I knew the look I was going for from my photo shoots.

Since then, I’ve had another set of built-ins created (with a different shop) and my kitchen remodeled using cabinetry from a commercial custom cabinet manufacturer. But each time, I choose the same construction type because it fits my Colonial-style home: framed with inset doors. And I couldn’t be happier with the result.

So, what’s your cabinet construction style? (more…)