The answer to that question is not as clear as it used to be with new technologies in paint. The other question this brings up is when should you use an enamel paint versus an acrylic or elastomeric paint? The whole thing gets confusing so let’s unravel it and start with understanding what exactly enamel […]
The Best DIY Content Specifically for Old House Lovers You can restore every part of your old house and The Craftsman Blog is the place to get the know how, tools, and supplies you need to do it right the first time! If you’re a DIYer looking for help restoring an old house or you’re […]
Are we all having fun yet with the Coronavirus quarantine and social distancing? Not so much for me, but like anyone I’m trying to make the best of it and look for the silver lining in this dark cloud. I was feeling terribly uninspired to write a post this week, then enter my wife to […]
Everybody loves saving money, especially when you own an old house! My store has some incredible deals for this Black Friday that you won’t find throughout the year. Swing by and pick up some major savings while the deals last!
How much does it cost to restore an old window, patch a plaster wall, refinish historic wood floors? It’s not the same as a new house and this guide will help you get started figuring out your old house repair costs so you can plan and make a budget based in reality.
No matter the season or region attic insulation is a major part of any house. And when retrofitting an old or existing house you need to be very purposeful when it comes to how, where , and with what you insulate. Installing insulation willy-nilly can create serious moisture problems leading to a bunch of problems […]
Dear friend, No, I don’t want a new house. It’s not that I can’t afford new construction, it’s because I don’t like new houses. Those cold and lifeless stucco boxes, or vinyl wrapped tombs make me claustrophobic. Before we get into a shouting match, I’m not angry that you want a new house. I don’t […]
Back when I first started this blog in 2011 one of the very first series I wrote was called The 5 Worst Mistakes of Historic Homeowners. I went back and read those posts recently and realized that my conclusions close to a decade ago deserved a revisiting. Are those five items still the biggest mistakes, […]
In the 1950s a new style home came on the scene as the house of choice in America. Born in California the one-story Ranch Style house was a dramatic departure from previous styles and was unabashedly modern in its design and feel. With an open floor plan, geometric designs, modern materials and conveniences the Ranch […]
Do you remember when we used to make enduring things in this country? Solid, well-built things that would last for generations. I was too young to grow up in a time before plastics, solidly in the midst of the Replacement Generation. I grew up in suburbia surrounded by things of little value in houses that […]
Today is Earth Day where we celebrate taking care of our planet and leaving a greener and healthier world for the next generation. You may be thinking “why on earth is Scott writing about Earth Day on a historic preservation and DIY blog? I want to learn how to glaze a window or up my […]
Here we are on Christmas Eve! Can you believe how fast this year has gone? I hope your shopping is all done and you’re ready to cuddle up beside the fireplace to stay warm tonight perhaps with some eggnog, or perhaps you need something a bit stronger. I wanted to leave you a little Christmas […]
