Ask Mason tagged 'additions'

Gardeners and Addition Contractors - Unite!

Mason — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 -1800

Is it possible to build an addition and not seriously damage the landscaping? I have a lot of well-established foundation plantings and trees that I don't want damaged, or worse, by heavy equipment crossing over my property. This has been a major deterrent to moving forward with an addition.

- J.L. Powhatan, VA

J.L.:

I understand your concern very well. Gardening is a great passion around the Hearn home. My wife protects her azaleas and do [...]

House Lust

Mason — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -1800

Highly recommend this book for anyone involved, interested or intrigued by the housing industry. House Lust: America's Obsession with our Homes by Daniel McGinn is an entertaining and easy read (those aspects of any book being important to me). The premise of McGinn's study is the evolution of the American mindset wherein those things previously considered luxuries are becoming necessities - particularly regarding real estate and housing.

The book covers the gro [...]

Cutting-edge Country

Mason — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -1800

I just had to show y’all this recently-completed project in Manakin-Sabot. It is a 1400 SF master suite addition - the second major remodel designed and built by HomeMasons at this property.

The first, a den extension with a sunroom, screened porch and exterior improvements, won a “Best of the South” Award in 2004. The Homeowner declares these new enhancements to be “HomeMasons’ best work ever”.

Build Up? Build Out?

Mason — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -1800

Dear Mason,

Seriously ready and eager to put a large addition onto our late 1970’s rancher…. Should we build up or build out? Is a second story addition far more expensive to engineer and build than a first floor expansion? Does building up add more value in the long run or is every house different?

Tracy B, Ashland, VA

Tracy,

When it comes to the expected magnitude of investment for remodeling and additions, it most often holds true that [...]