Last September, I visited Tassajara Zenshinji and hot springs, located in California’s Carmel Valley. (more…)
Tag Archives | Remodeling
How To Cut Existing Ceramic Tile For Fan Switch Or New Electrical Outlet
While replacing electrical wiring during a recent whole-house remodel, a fan switch had to be installed in a tiled bathroom wall. There were no spare tiles, so great care had to be taken to not cause cracks or other damage. With the right tools and a steady hand, here’s how to accomplish that task without […]
“Skipping the Architect: Wise or Otherwise?”
That is the title of a recent article in The New York Times that caught my eye. I interact with architects and engineers on most projects my company is hired for, so I have first-hand experience with the benefits and sometimes disappointments of working with design pros. I believe it comes down to just a […]
You Need A Building Permit
In its simplest form, a building permit is a piece of paper that allows you to demolish, construct, alter, or repair a building. It is typically issued by a local government agency after drawings and other details have been submitted and approved. In case of simple repairs, sometimes a permit is issued ‘over-the-counter’, meaning the […]
Why This Blog?
I started swinging a hammer in the early 80’s. My father was developing land in the hills of Oakland, CA, building beautiful homes with fantastic views of the San Francisco bay. As a former producer of art documentaries for Dutch television, he was more a visual artist than a businessman. For better or for worse, […]
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