The wide variety of older homes that grace metropolitan Boston represent a priceless heritage passed down by generations of talented craftspeople and proud homeowners. We are carrying this legacy forward by adapting homes to meet 21st century environmental and social needs.
Of course, we want your home to look and feel great when your renovation is complete, but we care even more how it looks and feels long after we have pounded in the last nail and applied the last coat of paint. We won’t be satisfied unless you can look back years and even decades later and confidently say that our work has stood the test of time.
Too many people are uncomfortable in their homes. Some are afraid to air seal and insulate for fear that their homes will no longer “be able to breathe.” We can’t tell you how many clients are relieved when we disabuse them of this myth and reassure them that they don’t need to sacrifice efficiency for comfort (not to mention that flaws in their home’s envelope aren’t a reliable source of fresh air to begin with).
We follow best practice for ensuring comfort and healthy indoor air quality. First, we remediate any existing contaminants (such as radon, asbestos, and mold). Second, we build as tight as we can for the sake of efficiency and comfort, taking care to avoid introducing new potential contaminants. Third, we implement a carefully planned ventilation strategy that effectively exhausts pollutants at their source, such as those produced by cooking, and ensures a steady supply of fresh air.
Energy-efficient, low-carbon homes aren't just better for the earth, they are also better prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
We can no longer afford to be profligate about our use of finite natural resources especially fossil fuels. We have a moral obligation to future generations to do everything we can to reduce carbon emissions. And because of the long service life of our work, we need to think ahead and anticipate how each home we work on will meet occupants' energy need twenty, thirty, even fifty years from now. Homes that operate efficiently are able to do more with less and are also better able to withstand disruptions in critical services.
Beauty and style should never be an afterthought in a renovation. Throughout the planning process, we pay very close attention to the character of the home as well as our clients’ aesthetic and aim to create a design that remains true to both.
When it comes to execution, we match the thoughtfulness of the design with master craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Character and beauty are deeply important to us, and not only because they enhance our clients’ enjoyment of their homes. Homes that are beautiful are also lovingly cared for and much more likely to endure, providing shelter and satisfaction for generations to come.
We measure the service life of our work not in months or years, but in decades and centuries. This is why we make sure that what we build is built to last.
Buying a home is often the single largest financial investment that people make. Yet, maintenance, repair and renovation costs over the life of a house often exceed the original purchase price by a significant margin. Too often, these ongoing costs are needlessly burdensome. By choosing materials and employing techniques that maximize the lifespan of a home’s components we simplify and lessen future maintenance and repair needs, making homes more sustainable both financially and environmentally.
The capacity of a home to meet the current and future lifestyle needs of its occupants with ease is a top priority of every home renovation. Many people embark on a renovation focused on their immediate needs. Perhaps a baby is on the way and there’s a need for casual living and play space. Perhaps a kitchen is dated and cramped and can’t gracefully accommodate both cooking and dining.
What is often overlooked is the relationship between livability and adaptability. Using smart design principles we strive to create spaces that are flexible enough to fulfill multiple uses and to evolve over time.
We started out in 1983 as a group of friends with limited carpentry experience, no business experience, and — our most impressive credential — charter subscriptions to Fine Homebuilding.
Nearly four decades later, we’re much more experienced and sophisticated. And we’re still as excited to get up every day and help homeowners make their homes more livable, comfortable, durable and efficient.
Interior Designer, ASID
Architect, AIA
Project Manager & Performance Manager
Estimator
Apprentice Carpenter
Carpenter
Lead Carpenter
Architect, AIA, LEED AP
Carpenter
Production Manager
Products & Finishes Coordinator
Business Manager
Interior Designer
Lead Carpenter
CEO
Carpenter
How do you preserve the historic integrity of a home, while adapting to the 21st century? For any home, but particularly older homes, this process must be holistic. Here are the best practices we have honed over our years of working with older homes.
