Author Archives: Thor

In a way, all those homes with conventional pitched roofs are missing out on certain house function opportunities.  Consider what many commercial buildings put on the roof:  heating, air conditioning, ventilation, skylights, and nowadays, solar panels and sometimes even live … Continue reading →

I knew it was likely, but the first roofing contractor confirmed it. “The roof is shot and needs to be completely replaced.”  His matter of fact tone and manner, derived from years of roof installations and repairs, presented his diagnosis … Continue reading →

Rain garden is a new term for me.  My friend Rich introduced it to me a few years ago when he built one, but I promptly forgot what its purpose was. I shouldn’t have.  This has become an important part … Continue reading →

My son reviewed the photos of This Odd House and declared it awesome.  What needs to be changed?  It is already distinctive.  How can it be made any more so? After explaining my plans to replace the kitchen counters with … Continue reading →

With all the potential, all the visions and opportunities, and all the defects, what should I tackle first? It seems that priority should be given to any safety or structural issues.  I will need to get that beam in the … Continue reading →

One of the realtors I have worked with assured me that every buyer has it: remorse. Mine continues as a mild chronic condition.  I have long been torn between two desires.  On the one hand, I have been wanting to … Continue reading →

“Consideration” is a legal term that refers to something valuable that is offered in exchange for something else, a property perhaps. A purchase offer for a house often includes a contingency on a house inspection.  The buyer may rescind the … Continue reading →

A person’s home is a statement of who he is, how the world finds him in his native state, and how he chooses to live in the space he has selected.  The excitement of finding a house that meets some deep … Continue reading →