You’re about to remodel, renovate, fix up, DIY or call a pro, and you’ve got questions! Get answers from design-build expert Mason Hearn, owner of Central Virginia’s HomeMasons.
C. Mason Hearn's Blog
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You\'re about to remodel, renovate, fix up, DIY or call a pro, and you\'ve got questions! Get answers from design-build expert Mason Hearn, owner of Central Virginia\'s HomeMasons.

Oct 17
2007

Dryvit Stair Repair - Beware!


Posted by C. Mason Hearn | Tags: renovation
hello,

I have Dryvit entry stairway on my house. They are cracking and peeling along the base and I would like to get it repaired. Can it be patched or is it a total redo? Any recommendations for a small repair?

Thanks,

kerry kelley

Kerry,

Dryvit is a brand name for EIFS (Exterior Finish and Insulation System), intended for use on vertical wall cladding. We’ve seen it used in other applications – some not so successfully. Due to the system’s limitations and potential problems if incorrectly applied, one must use extreme care and engage a professional applicator for all installations and repairs.

Oct 05
2007

Award-Winning Kitchen


Posted by C. Mason Hearn | Tags: remodeling

We’re quite proud of this recently-completed project, which won a Platinum award for kitchens in its cost category, in the national Best of the Best remodeling competition.

The kitchen work was part of a larger, whole-house remodel for a young couple in the West End. The Owners, local restauranteurs, wanted commercial-quality stainless equipment, and a whole lot of contemporary style.

 

Sep 30
2007

Critter Control


Posted by C. Mason Hearn | Tags: renovation
I have beveled wood siding - cedar I guess - on a 40 year old house. I had an instance last fall/winter where mice found an entry point in my garage. The entry point was just outside the door frame where it meets the bottom run of siding, underneath. It appears that all of the bottom run of my siding does have a little space (an inch or so) up behind it, and overtime, at least at the door frame entry point it appears that time took it's toll and allowed the mice to squeeze in. The house is in really good shape, but I was thinking of using caulk (or something) to fill in that inch of space
Sep 11
2007

Wallcovering Removal


Posted by C. Mason Hearn | Tags: wallpaper, DIY
Mason,

Help! I have planned to remove wallpaper in a small bathroom today while my husband takes our three children to a football game. I have done this before and generally know how to do it, but it isn't going well. I have scored the paper and am using the DIF wallpaper remover. I have covered it with plastic bags to allow the remover to soak into the paper prior to scraping. It isn't coming off and I fear that there is a coating on the paper. Do you have any suggestions?

Sara in Richmond

Sara,

A mother of three should not have to remove wallpaper. I take it that you are much less of a sports
Aug 21
2007

On Selecting a Contractor


Posted by C. Mason Hearn | Tags: select contractor, contractors
I am quite certain that all of our readers have seen an article on this at some time or another.  Every source will have some different “take” on it.  So here it is from this contractor’s perspective.

 

First, let me say that my firm does NOT try to be everything to everybody.  Just because it’s a repair or remodeling job, we don’t necessarily think we should be your contractor.  We’re looking for a “good fit” between us, our prospective client, and the project and process they have in mind.  I think that the client should be looking for the same.  If everyone is honest with each other in that

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