Current Projects: Bathroom Vanity Update
Here is a long over-due update of the Master Bath Vanity -- hopefully we haven't been keeping you in too much suspense. Take a look and see what you think! The final picture is coming soon.
Current Projects: Bathroom Vanity
We are in the beginning stages of three bathroom remodels at the Lewis home. Joe has been hard at work building new vanities for the hall bath and the master bath, and they look great! The picture below shows the master bath vanity. Due to the space constraints in this bathroom, a majority of the
To Build or Not to Build
That is an important question. For many years we at Stearns Design Build (Stearns Construction at the time) insisted on only remodeling, or, as we like to put it, recycling homes. We have since justified designing and building new homes. The justification is that new building stock is necessary. The fact is that we love
Should You Replace Your Windows?
In February the Federal Trade Commission handed down a complaint against five window manufactures for making wildly false claims in their marketing material about expected energy savings from their replacement windows.
This is not to say that you should not pay attention to your windows with an eye toward energy savings and possibly even consider replacing them. But on average most window replacements will reduce overall energy bills less than 5%, not the 50% claimed by some manufactures. But there are other reasons than return on investment that may encourage you to replace your windows. One of those reasons is comfort. Good windows will make your home more comfortable. The other reason is aesthetics. Windows frame the world beyond and should be just as beautiful as your best framed work of art. Indeed, a properly placed window may be your best piece of art. A high quality window will encourage you to open it on a nice day, unlike poor quality windows that must be fought to get them opened and closed. These are good reasons to replace windows, but most people are sold new windows on the idea that they will have a short return on investment, which is seldom the case.
Recent Project: Private Courtyard
Take a look at one of our recently completed projects!
What Does Building Science Have To Do With You?
Building science looks at a house as a system, recognizing that it consists of parts that work together to make up the building enclosure. All of these parts, their connections, and their relations affect the envelope of the building, which in turn dictates performance, efficiency, and comfort. One part of a building that people don’t
The Design-Build Process
What is the Design-Build Process? How does it work? And what are its advantages? Find out in this weeks blog.
Honoring Black History Month: Ietef Vita
For Black History Month, we wanted to dedicate a weekly blog to an influential African American individual in a field related to the environment and/or building science. Sometimes championing a cause requires a unique approach, especially when reaching a younger audience. Such is the case with Ietef Vita, aka DJ Cavem (which stands for “Communicating
Windows & Concrete Sills
This is part of a project we recently completed on Hugh Stearns' personal home -- Take a look at the pictures!
Indoor meets Outdoor: Screened-in Porches
Screened in porch in Bryan / College Station, by Stearns Design Build. The perfect hang out spot. Adding a screened-in porch to your home is a great way to bring fresh air, daylight, and natural views into your daily living. Here are some things to keep in mind when dreaming up your porch!LocationIf
