The Village Carpenter

"This project represented all of the structural and aesthetic challenges for melding the “old” and “new.” It was the Classic Victorian era joining the current modern Pottery Barn type designs. This particular Client’s 1880 farm house and home is nestled into the heart and charm of Northern Baltimore County. The home is also vigilantly guarded by a large canine named “Buster.” The only bathroom in the two story farm house needed to be completely demo’d. Arrangements were made and the Client and loyal Buster left for a make shift vacation and trusted me with their home to complete a long awaited renovation. Out went all of the prior ”old” tiling, walls, sub-flooring, ceiling, electrical, plumbing, tub / shower / sink / toilet and debris. Of course, since it was a second floor project, it required maintaining dust barriers and clean walk pads while every piece of debris, lathe plaster, porcelain, tiles, wiring, piping, insulation and whatnot had to be bagged and carried down the stairs, through the home, down the driveway and trucked out. Left without square walls, twisted and aged joists, coupled with an unusual floor plan, the project began with Code upgrades and multiple areas of structural strengthening. Once the preparation and installation utilizing all of the modern materials and technology available, we were ready for application of the “new.” The result was truly a remarkable renovation. The Client’s impeccable tastes allowed a completed project with a Victorian period look and feel combined with modern accents, charm and convenience. Once again, I had the unique opportunity to take a Client’s concept and develop it into a reality. I was able to keep materials costs down by involving the Client in much of the selection and purchasing aspects of the project. This also gave the Client direct oversight of the often escalating costs of time and materials. In addition, the Client possesses a firm grasp of time restraints, potential delays of construction due to unforeseeable obstacles, time parameters for various stages of construction and a general sense of what it takes to get it all done. Fortunately, we encountered very few delays and the entire project came in well below budget. This will likely be another long time Client for the Village Carpenter for years to come."

"This project presented a reoccurring theme in renovation projects. That theme is simply "how" to maintain the integrity of the original architectural design and honor the bettina, age and current beauty of the home. Melding the old and the new has become an art. Not all new products and techniques are aesthetically pleasing to the aged beauty and character lines of an older residence. Often, the answer is old school techniques in combination with new product lines. Modernization of a single aspect of an older home has to blend well, so as not to look odd or “added on.” Everyone has seen examples of this type of work and immediately thought it could have been done better differently. This project was a ceiling collapse due to water damage. The roof had been repaired and the Client had been given alternatives of a quick new dry wall, taped and painted. She wasn’t comfortable with this approach and gave us a call. I was able to explain the process, limit the invasiveness of an admirably dusty project and complete the same to her satisfaction. I look forward to the “WOW” factor when a Client sees the completed project. We were able to timely schedule the project, keep the project on time, complete as promised and below the original estimate guidelines. I live for this type of project. Let the “big” Contractors focus on the “wham – bam” approach, I’ll take, “WOW” any day of the week (except perhaps Sundays, I can’t miss our Family Sunday dinners)."

"I received a call from this customer about replacing an older door for her potting shed. She noted that any new door would have to be custom fitted for the doorway. She had been through a tough lot of estimators for her project and entertained pricing up around the $2,500 mark. I couldn’t imagine the project merited such high pricing, but what piqued my interest was her description of her home. I came over on a rainy and basically blustery day. The customer and her home have a warming charm that justified taking the time for an estimate. Her potting shed actually looks part and parcel of the 1920’s residence. It could easily be mistaken as an entry to the back of the home if not for the fact that it is several feet above ground level on a grade. The door in place was original and stuck in location. Even opening the door as it stood threatened it structurally. I knew of a solid wood exterior door product line that would work well and was able to offer her a fair price. The project was timely scheduled, completed without a glitch and she was very pleased. The new door was similar in design to the original 1920’s décor and the new and old melded well. She is an exemplar Angie’s List member / Client. She is well versed in the process, well researched and savvy of the needs for renovating her home. Given the time and physical ability, she could easily tend to the structural needs of her home herself. Unfortunately for her renovation plans, she dedicates her time and energy towards caring for her Family. It was an absolute pleasure meeting her and offering her a little old school craftsmanship to a deserving home."

"I was called for a bid for a residential access ramp, only to discover that the Resident was basically unable to leave her home without assistance. We dropped all of our ongoing work and scheduled her right away. We were able to design a ramp by the ADA Guidelines and have it completed before the weekend. This was a rewarding endeavor and is was a pleasure to work on their home. In addition, a hurricane was looming in the area and we were able to clear the roof of accumulated debris, clear the gutter system and better prepare their home for the onset of tough weather. Initially as a Contractor, you don't actually "choose" your Clients. First, they call you and after the bidding process, they decide who will do the work. What makes Angie's List unique is that a Contractor has a better sense of potential Clients as well. I have to consider, "Who subscribes to a service for opinions about home repairs?" The answer is simple. Homeowners have concerns. People are inviting Contractors to their home for a particular project or repairs. They are concerned about the quality of work, fair pricing and need to establish a trust factor rapport in a short period of time. This can be an unsettling process. Nonetheless, Angie's List has become a trusted forum for BOTH Homeowners and Contractors alike. I know that if I receive a call from an Angie's List Member, I can have confidence in that potential Client being serious about the work they want / need done, they are concerned enough to utilize Angie's List reviews to instill a base of confidence for the potential project, and that many of the natural anxieties are dispelled before I even arrive to place a bid. I take pride in my work and I try to maintain a level of professionalism at a reasonable price. I make every effort to accommodate a Client's requests and complete the work in a timely and skilled workmanlike manner. I consider all of our Client's my Neighbors. Working on an Angie's List job means that one of my Neighbors needs a job done and my standing in the community will be reflected in my work."

"The Members are the perfect Clients. Well informed, they know what they want, they know what to expect and they know the difference between a good Contractor and a bad one! More importantly, they appreciate quality work at a fair price on their home and at their commercial business property. The work on their office was managed by a well organized and detailed oriented Office Manager (Leslie) who equally made the process both a productive and rewarding experience. There are still a few projects on the horizon (pending the weather) and I can see a long term working relationship with this Client. It was certainly my pleasure completing their projects to date."

"It is a privilege to work on these projects for two great Sisters on their Family home. Following up on the quality and attention to detail their Father put into this home makes it that much better! It helps any project when the Customers are knowledgeable and appreciate the overall process and its demands. Added projects along the way have actually turned into significant savings for them and the results are outstanding."

"Working for the Member's Family on their estate is both a privilege and an honor. The entire property is a tranquil workplace. The Family is cordial, friendly and appreciative of our work. I always get a hardy handshake and friendly “hello” if I am repairing work working from 1823, roofing, windows, doors, fencing, you name it. I’ve done their work in every extreme weather condition year round in the rain, heat, snow, cold, et cetera, and I hope I will always be called for their repairs."

"I appreciated the opportunity to tackle the Members unique roofing dilemma. I can only imagine what the bigger roofing companies would have gouged them to think out a tricky repair. Their home deserves quality repair work and they were a delight to meet and work on their project. I look forward to rescheduling them for the remainder of their repairs and I know I will eventually win over that dog!"