From admin on February 19th, 2010 in Pittsburgh
Here's to the fact that you don't have to be a pro to make a house look awesome. We're going to tell you a story. It's a story with a hero and a happy ending. It's a story meant to inspire you and encourage you.
First, let’s set the stage. Think old. Like, a long time ago. It’s a 100-year-old
house in Lawrenceville. Now, think young. Think a 27-year old fresh-faced
Pennsylvanian who has a nice office job as an urban planner. Sounds like the beginning to a scary story, right?
The home was, to use a modest expression, a “fixer upper.” As friendly as he was, Chuck (the 27-year old) wasn’t quite sure what “fix” meant, and wouldn’t know a hammer if he tripped over one. OK, so that’s an exaggeration, but you get the idea. Chuck just bought a house that would have been a nightmare even to the
experienced handyman with a lot of cash and time on hand. Chuck had neither, and when he purchased the home, his family contemplated checking him into the mental hospital....
Continue reading Pittsburgh Remodeling Novice Becomes Pittsburgh’s Pro
January 14th, 2010 in Pittsburgh
Bet Your Basement Doesn’t Look Like This!
Most people have great dreams for their basement. I do. But if you look in my basement right now, all you’ll see are exposed rafters, cinder block retaining walls and HVAC vents. One Pittsburgh-area couple, the Hammels, had dreams for their basement, too. Their dreams came to reality, and now it’s worth talking about.
Way back in 1905, someone built a house. Today, in 2010, the Hammels live in that house. But even after the home celebrated its 100th birthday, nothing had happened to the home’s basement. It looked like mine—maybe even worse. Theirs was dank, had mold and was extremely unlikely as a place where dreams could sprout wings and fly.
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January 8th, 2010 in Pittsburgh
At the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, 1422 Greystone Drive is a prime example of green living for Lissa Rosenthal and Nathaniel Glosser. Their mid-century Pittsburgh house is in close proximity to both Whole Foods and the finest coffee bar around, Enrico’s Tazza D’Oro. Located just blocks from Bryant Street dining and Shadyside shopping at local favorites like Prantl’s Bakery (serving up the famous burnt almond tortes), the house isn’t half bad itself.
Stripped down to its original studs in 2006, the Highland Park residence was smartened up with the same savvy as what you’d see around the neighborhood. Just greener.
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