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ISSUE 1 - June/July 2002
News and New
Choosing Healthier Paints and Finishes
Advice from a Contractor
As Green as It Gets:
The ReBuilding Center offers reusable building materials and deconstruction services.
Time To Paint

This "Green" Paint Comes In 14 Colors.
How To: Replacing a broken sash cord.
How To: Haunted by the Toilet Hiss?
Here's How To Fix It


ISSUE 2 - August/September 2002
News and New
Lighting: Music to your Eyes
Lighting: Selecting the Right Fixture
So, You Are Ready for a New Kitchen ...
Who's Afraid of the Permit Process?
Life's "Rosie" for Women in Construction
Recycling Plants Saves Pets
How To: Patching a Hardwood Floor
How To: Plot Your Electric Switches and Outlets
How To: Adding Glass Doors to Kitchen Cabinets

ISSUE 3 - October/November 2002
News and New
Radiant Heat: Retro fit radiant heating into your older home.
Weatherizing Your Home: Keep the weather outside this winter.
Got a Hot House to Sell?: You might be able to sell it without an agent. One couple did and you can too.
Hardwood Floors 101: With more hardwood flooring options today, learn a few basics to help you make an educated choice.
Hardwood Floor Care: General Do's and Don'ts
The Old House Challenge: Kitchen Design for a Room That Can't Be a Kitchen
How To
: Finishing Your Patched Hardwood Floor
How To: Winter Heating Tune-up


ISSUE 4 - December/January 2003
News and New
Interior Painting: Learn the basics to do a professional interior painting job.
Get the facts on Brushes and Rollers
.
Color by the Size: Learn how color can affect the size of a room. Color also has moods — set the mood to fit your room.
Heating Oil Tanks — The Hidden Problem: Answers common questions about decommissioning an in-ground oil tank.
Should You Be Your Own General Contractor?: One couple takes on the job of beaning their own GC.
Permits — You Need “Em for alot of reasons: Permits can protect your home and save you money.
How To: Replacing vintage wood windows with new vinyl.

ISSUE 5 - February/March 2003
News and New
The Countertop Encounter: Countertops now come in all types of surfaces. This short primer is to acquaint you to some of the options.
Remodel or Reface?: Refacing can give your kitchen or bath the feel of a full remodel at a fraction of the price.
Asbestos in Homes: This fire retardant wonder material of the 1920's shows up in more products than you thought.
Remodeling Fever: Are you inficted?
If so the Ten Commandments of Remodeling could ease the pain.
Designed for Retrofit—Mini-duct System with Radiant Floor Heating: These two heating/cooling systems together can be retrofited with little or no remodeling.
Harmony in Color: Using monochromatic or analogous colors can create a color flow in your home to reflect your style and personality.
How-To: Using steel studs in your remodeling project.
How-To: Anchoring solutions for lath and plaster, drywall, solid cement

ISSUE 6 - April/May 2003
News and New
Trends in Bath Design: Bathrooms turning into an urban Shangrila.
Bathtub Refinishing,
Can Save Time and Money:
Colored tubs from a few decades ago can be brought into the Twenty-First Century.
Seeing Colorful Exterior Results: Painting the exterior of your largest investment — your home. Learn how you can do the job right.
Identifing Oregon Architecture: Part One in a series. Starting in the 1860s to turn-of-the century. Six building styles covered.
Five Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Contruction Liens Planning a large remodel or painting your house, here's one tool contractors have: "Construction Liens."
Remarkable Home, Remarkable Moulding Give character and elegance to your home by adding detailed moulding
How-To: Replacing a Pedestal Sink

ISSUE 7 - June/July 2003
News and New
About Cabinets: Knowing the language of cabintery will help in communicating your ideas to a cabinet manufacturer or designer.
What About Local Cabinetmakers? Custom cabinetry offers more choices: One local business also offers options like bamboo and sustainable materials in their cabinets.
Gourmet Cooks, Gourmet Kitchen: One company takes direction from two cooks and creates one great kitchen for both.
Identifing Oregon Architecture: Part Two in a series. Four styles are covered in this issue.
Fixture Trends for the Gourmet Kitchen:
Sinks and faucets more than the old standard.
Water Filters — No Longer Luxury Appliances: Water quality is covered and how we can bring filtered water into our kitchens, along with answers to common questions we all have.
A Purveyor of Quility Hardwood Flooring — McGee Salvage Reclaims Flooring From a Number of Sources: Tobey Parsons whose passion for hardwood flooring has keep many board feet out of the landfills.
The Pros and Cons of Latex Over Oil-Based Paint: What Works Best Under What Conditions in the NW What makes up these two types of paint and how can one be better than the other.
How-To: Layout your own cabinetry for yor kitchen remodel.
How-To: Build A Workbench For Under $30.


ISSUE 8 - August/September 2003
News and New
Kitchen Islands: The center of any kitchen design is an island. This element can be the most versatile part of your kitchen.
Tile Trends: Tile as art these days will add character to any room in your home.
From Rust to Renaissance: Finishing Up the Details: Bungalow Metal can return your hardware to its original beauty.
The CCB: A Friend to Oregon Property Owners: What does the CCB offer to protect you in all aspects of construction — licensed contractors.
Identifying Oregon Architecture: The last installment in this three-part series.
Retailer Schoolhouse Electric Lights Up with the Classics:
Vintage lighting for Portland home owners.
No Cover Charge at This Strip Joint: Fast and easy alternative to do-it-yourself paint and finish removal.
First Impressions...: Enhance the appeal of your home’s front door.
How-To: Install a Wireless 3-Way SwitchHow-To
How-To: Reupholstering a Captain’s Chair

ISSUE 9 - October/November 2003
News & New
Looking Through Your Window Options
Replacing your windows for energy loss or for historic theme, it's worth looking into.
The Vocabulary of Architecture
These terms willenrich your experience with architecture.
Treasure Hunt: Hippo Hardware
Three story building full of treasures.
What a Homeowner Should Consider Before Hiring a Designer
A few tips on what to ask and what to know when hiring a design firm.
ReBuilding Center to Expand
This five-year old nonprofit pland to expand and save more materials from the landfill.
Are You Ready for Winter?
Certified Arborist provides tips on what to look for when assessing your Northwest trees.
Replacement Windows:
Style, Selection, and Energy Efficient Too!
How-To
Re-Glazing Broken Windows

ISSUE 10 - December/January 2004
News& New
Choosing Your Kitchen Appliances — More Than Just a Color, Size, and Price Choice
A primer to what's available in appliances today.
Kitchen Appliances — A Major Design Element
Choosing appliances that complement your lifestyle and cooking habits.
Interior Features of the Historic Home Knowing what elements that were original to your older home can help bring integrity back when restoring its interior.
Tankless Water Heaters
Discover what the rest of the world has known for 75 years.
What to Do When Construction Deals Go Bad
Steps you can take when you have to go to court to correct a problem or obtain money damages.
Ladies Night Out— With Tools Provided
These hands-on sessions teach women that power tools aren't just for men any more.
Living An Adventure In Remodeling
We follow one couple's remodeling project. Adding a second story to their 900 sq ft bungalow.
Storing Paint
Knowing a few simple tricks, helps you keep leftover paint from "going bad."
How-To
Replacing A Mercury Thermostat With a Programmable Digital.


ISSUE 11 - February/March 2004
Shedding Light on Period Fixtures
Answers a few questions on vintage lighting.
Quality Lighting Choices
Don’t Have to Break the Bank

Lighting fixtures true to their period can cost as
little as $75 and bring back your home’s original charm.
Getting “Hipponatized“ with Lights
Hippo Hardware offers old and new lighting. You can also create your own in all types of styles.
Putting Light In Your Kitchen
After all the design choices have been made for your new kitchen start thinking about the lighting.
One Remodel — Two Points of View
We asked the homeowner and general contractor a few questions about their major remodel.
Commonly Asked Questions
About Obtaining Permits

Learn why and what’s needed in the permit process.
Converting From an Electric Water
Heater to Natural Gas

One homeowner changes from electric to a gas direct vent water heater and enjoys the energy savings from the conversion.
Recycling Color with Metro Paint
Using Metro’s color mixing guidebook can increase 13 standard colors to 66 blends.
News & New
Web Pick — www.schoolhouseelectric.com
How-To
Instant Hot Water at Every Faucet

ISSUE 12 - April/May 2004
Trends in Kitchen Design
With multiple cooks, today's kitchen must accommodate the increased traffic and provide efficient work areas.
Stainless Steel Sinks Shine
Complementing stainless steel appliances with durable, attractive stainless steel sinks can brighten up your kitchen.
"Cash and Carry" Cabinets — Buy Today, Install Tomorrow
Putting off that kitchen renovation? Parr Cabinet Outlet might make the task easier on you.
Custom Molding
Whether replacing damaged molding or adding decorative vintage detail, there are countless knife profiles to choose from.
Macerating Toilet System by Saniflo
Locate that new bath anywhere in your home, under a stairwell, attic, or basement leaving your floors intact.
Living an Adventure in Remodeling
In Part Two the remodel is complete and the Collins' baby boy is born.
Financing and Remodeling a Fire-Damaged Dream House
How Portland Development Commission financed a loan when other lending institutions would not.
Staking Your Claim: Filing a Complaint with the CCB
Addresses another piece of the recovery puzzle — recovering damages from the contractor's bond.
Choosing the Correct Paint Sheen for Your Project
Determining the amount of wear and tear on the to-be-painted surface is crucial when deciding on the paintÕs sheen.
News & New
The Future of Paint Is Here Portland Habitat for Humanity's Re-Store Decreases Landfill
Web Pick — www.creativewoodworkingnw.com
How-To
Coping an Inside Molding Corner


ISSUE 13 - June/July 2004
”Plunging” into the History of Your Bathroom — Trends in Bath Design before World War II
It’s usually the smallest room in the house and a close second to kitchens when it comes to being updated.
Skylights and Roof Windows — Improve Interior Lighting, Ventilation, and Your Health
Fill your rooms with daylight, using fixed or ventilating skylights and roof windows. Add light to windowless spaces with a Sun Tunnel®.
Hiring an Architect Is a Valuable Investment when Remodeling
Architects can keep the integrity of your home intact, help with the bidding process, and keep schedules on track.
A Building Reborn in La Center
Century-old hospital transformed into state-of-the-art library, preserving heritage and period detail.
Deconstruction: Dismantling Offers Multiple Benefits
Help keep valuable building materials out of landfills and get a tax benefit too.
Composite Decking: Attractive and Low Maintenance Too
Wood-grain engineered deck materials makes having a beautiful, wood-grained deck a lot less work.
What You Can’t See Is What Makes a Great Paint Project
The most important part of any painting project is the part you do not see — the primer or sealer used under the topcoat.
News & New
New Enrollments at Schoolhouse Electric Co.
W.C. Winks Specializing in ”Hard to Find“ for 95 years
How-To
Installing a VELUX® Roof Window

ISSUE 14 - August/September 2004
Today and Yesterday’s Wood Flooring
An overview of flooring available today. Plus a look at reclaimed wood flooring, bamboo, and cork floors.
Decorative Hardware from any Century Brightens Up a Home
Decorative hardware can add a new look to any room in your home or bring back its charm and personality.
PROfile
Skändia Design and Remodeling —
The Personal Touch at Work

First of two professional profiles in this issue. This small firm offers the philosophy of Scandinavian craftsmanship in any design style.
PROfile
Arciform — Building a Design/Remodel
Business One Client at a Time

Arciform, a design/restore/remodel firm, specializes in pre-World War II homes. Creating cabinetry and house parts in its full function wood shop. There’s a coffee shop too, called the Craftsman Cafe, located with its offices in North Portland.
House Parts — Where to Find Them
Focuses on five companies that offer vintage restoration parts and flooring. Plus learn about Houck’s Process Stripping Center to remove years of paint and rust.
Estimating How Much House Paint to Buy
Knowing how much paint to buy can save you a lot of money. This article explains how to calculate paint quantities.
News & New
100% Recycled Cast Aluminum Counter Tiles By Eleek Inc.
How-To
Eliminate Wood Floor Squeaks!How-To
Color Texturing — Scrubbing-in Color for a Camouflage Effect

ISSUE 15 - October/November 2004
Replacement Windows — Today’s Choices Are Vast and Surprisingly Inexpensive
When to replace windows? A brief explanation of the eight different window styles and the different materials available.
Good Intentions Gone Astray: Full Disclosure About Oregon’s New Property Disclosure Law
Jonathan Norling, partner of the law firm Lovinger Norling Kaufmann LLP provides insight into Senate Bill 515. If you plan on buying or selling a house this is a must read.
PROfile
Truax Builder’s Supply — 58 Years of Providing Doors and Windows

Small, unique, family-owned, intimate, and wildly busy business hosts a full line of door and window products.
PROfile
“I Found It at Winks”

When you can’t find a solution to a hardware or home improvement project, Winks Hardware is often the place to turn for answers.
The Best Time to Paint
Knowing when to paint is just as important as knowing what to paint.
News & New
McCoy Millworks offers a Craftsman-tapered square column in wood and MDF
How-To
Create a Custom Sanding Block for Molding

ISSUE 16 - December/January 2005
Innovations in Cooking: What Today’s Appliances Are Capable of Performing
The world of kitchen appliances is going through an incredible change.
Dealing with the Savage Interruption:How to eat your way through a kitchen remodel and other survival tips
Living through a kitchen remodel can be a stressful experience.
Heating — Good, Better, Best
With the cost of utilities increasing, we need to take a hard look at how we heat our homes.
The Second Installment of a Three-Part Series Earth Advantage 1909 House A Really Open House!
The 1909 House progresses through its first months from deconstruction, leveling, new roof, electrical, plumbing, and more.
Tankless Water Heaters — High Tech Comes to America
Ttake advantage of the savings offered by a tankless water heater system.
PROfile A-Boy — 44 Years of Providing Customers with Quality Products and Services
This family-owned company offers electrical and plumbing supplies.
Dealing with Mold and Mildew Before You Paint
Simply re-painting will not remedy the most common cause of paint discoloration.
News & New
• Bosco-Milligan Foundation’s Architectural Heritage Center opens to provide a resource for historical preservation education.
• MetroPaint moves to its new production facility.
• Cool products to check-out.
• Web Pick — www.1909house.com Track the progress of this project by Arciform LLC and presented by the ReDirect Guide.

ISSUE 17 - February/March 2005
Retro Lighting Trends for 2005
With a multitude of fixture styles ranging from Classical to the Atomic Age, the opportunity to distinguish your home is endless.
Lamps and Lampshades
How to choose a good vintage lamp, and how to take care of a lampshade are addressed.
Let There Be Light
Lighting can make all the difference in how you feel about your house.
The Architectural Heritage Center
Ready to Open in February

The Architectural Heritage Center located in the
historic West Block Building is slated to open Feb. 19.
Chosen Wood Window Offers New Life
for Your Vintage Wood Windows

A local company has developed a new mobile workshop to replace single-pane glass with one-piece double pane insulated and energy efficient glass.
Four Combo Tool Kits
Combo tool kits provide the homeowner with basic tools. We take a look at four major manufacturers’ kits.
PROfile
Parr Is on Par as One of the Last Great Oregon Companies

Back in 1930, it took six tries before Dwight Parr senior succeeded in opening a lumber store that 75 years later has 25 locations and prides itself with superior customer service.
The Hiding Power of Quality Paint
Failure of paint to conceal the previous coating is a
common painting problem that is often easy to solve without applying an extra coat of paint.
News & New
• McCoy's New Catalog No.14
• MetroPaint Video Helps Those with Color Phobia
How-To
Transform a Dated Bookcase with a New Look

ISSUE 18 - April/May 2005
Gather ‘Round the Hearth: Kitchen Trends Tie Old World Values to Contemporary Ideas
More than a place to cook, eat and do the dishes, today’s kitchens have evolved into the top hangout room in the house.
Mix and Mash: Power Tools for the Kitchen Simplify Cooking Chores
Choosing a vintage lamp, faking a great lamp, and how to take care of a lampshade are addressed.
From Outback to Outdoor Den: Add “Rooms” to Your House by Amping Up the Garden
Today’s gardening trend suggests turning the outback into an outdoor den.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters —
How Do You Know If They Are Safe?

GFCIs should be located in your kitchen, bathroom, garage, or any place where water and electricity are in close proximity.
Make Your Home Office "Green" in Five Easy Steps
When applied to remodeling, the concept of "green" means recycling and reusing as much as possible, selecting the least toxic materials, and making purchases that balance longevity with price.
MetroPaint Moves to New Location on Swan Island
After producing and selling recycled latex paint from its Oregon City garbage transfer station for 13 years, MetroPaint has moved to its own Swan Island facility.
News & New
• Schoolhouse Electric Adds a Location, Expands Its Product Line, and Publishes a New Spring Catalog
• Tool Library Lets North Portland Residents Borrow Instead of Buy
• "Green" Bedding Comes to Portland, OR

How-To

Applying Oil Finish to an Unfinished Adirondack Chair

ISSUE 19 - June/July 2005
Bath Trends 2005 More than the Basics

From a spa experience with aromatherapy and mood lighting to a toilet that resembles a hat box.
Ten Tips to a Better Bathroom
Electric faucets, showerheads, and storage are a few of the tips covered in this article.
First in a two-part series: Bathrooms
Final Resting Space — Aging-In-Place

Aging-in-place bath designs promote safety for the entire family.
GREEN FOCUS
From Fabulous Finishes to Frugal Flushing:
Eco-Sound Products for Your Home

Do-it-yourself plaster, new “green” line of paint, and a toilet with a dual flush system to save money.
Portland’s Storybook Houses
Jack Bookwalter presents a primer on these fun and whimsical cottages that dot the greater Portland area.
PROfile
Out of the Landfill, Onto the Roof
Recycled Rubber Used to Cap Homes

One of the latest innovations in roofing materials is using recycled rubber tires. One of the companies that has harnessed this technology most effectively is GEM Euroslate.
Painting or Remodeling? Lead Paint Can Poison: Learn How to Protect Your Family
Lead poisoning often occurs before parents are even aware their child has been put at risk. Learn how to protect your family from this ever-present problem that can be avoided.
Don’t Cry Over Spilled Paint
A little thought on protecting surfaces, preventing paint spills, and removing the mess.
News & New
• McCoy Adds to Its Craftsman Series and Creates New Loft Series
• 1909 House Project Receives Top Honors
Bath Settee Turns Toilet Into Cushy Chair
How-To
Installing a Solar-Powered Attic Fan

ISSUE 20 - August/September 2005
Cabinets: Unsung Heroes of a Kitchen Remodel
Cabinetry — more than the sole support for countertops and storage for glasses and plates, cabinets can determine whether a remodel is successful. Read about a few trends in kitchen cabinets.
What’s Cooking in Countertop
From natural wood and granite to man-made products, learn about the large array of products to top-off kitchen cabinets.
Land Ho! Islands Create an Oasis of Space in Kitchens
Aging-in-place bath designs promote safety for the entire family.
Portland’s Bungalows
The bungalow is perhaps the most common house style in Portland’s pre-World War II neighborhoods. Jack Bookwalter provides a primer on bungalows.
Second of a Two-Part Series —
Kitchens Final Resting Space

Planning for the future in design promotes
self-sufficiency and safety for seniors.
Radon Is a Common Threat: Is Your Home Safe?
Any home — old, new, with or without a basement or crawlspace — may harbor a dangerous concentration of radon.
Bring Northwest Beauty to Your Garden
Incorporating natives into most garden settings is easy. Natural plants can bring native wildlife to your garden.
Hiring a Painter
Many do-it-your-selfers can paint their home, but some are not satisfied with their effort. Tips on hiring a professional painter can help with the end result.
News & New
The ReBuilding Center: Waste Liability Becomes an Environmental and Social Benefit
How-To
Creating a Living Patio

ISSUE 21 - October/November 2005
Put a New Face on Your Place! Windows Add a Finishing Touch
Windows and doors are often described as the “face” of a house. Consider the possibilities of views, work with the quality of light, and the many faces of windows.
It’s an Open and Shut Case: Doors Add Charm, Security to the Home
By concentrating on door size, style, and applied finishes the front door can reflect both your personality and the era of the home.
GREEN FOCUS
Hottest Trends in “Green” Flooring

One of the first places that many people look to make eco-conscious changes to their homes is right under foot.
The Four-Square House in Portland
Virtually every older neighborhood in Portland has examples of this popular style.
GREEN FOCUS
Can a Hot Water Heater be Considered Green?A Tankless Water Heater Provides Continuous Hot Water and Saves Energy Too

As all energy costs increase — saving water, gas, and electricity can be considered a green thing to do and a tankless water heater system can help.
Autumn Gardening
Because conditions now are less extreme, many plants that peak in autumn put on a prolonged performance lasting for weeks or even months.
Ceiling: The Heaven of Every Paint Project
Most people are painting their already white ceiling white. New ceiling paint shows missed spots and streaks in a different color but dries to its original color.
News & New
New SANIGRIND System Offers Wider Choice by Fitting All Conventional Toilets

How-Tos
Create a Rain Barrel Collection System

Make Your Own Futon Chair/Bed

ISSUE 22 - December/January 2005-06
The Latest Trends In Kitchen Appliances
Whether you are replacing a worn-out appliance or planning a full-scale renovation, appliances that combine technology, ergonomics, and improved design continue to top the must-have list.
Selling Your House? Set the stage for top dollar
Like raising the curtain on opening night, a staged home creates a feeling of anticipation and helps potential buyers envision themselves living in that space.
The Air We Breathe . . .
Homeowners nationwide are increasingly becoming aware that the air inside their homes is probably more contaminated and polluted than the air we breathe outside.
The Owner-Builder Craze
Home owners have always been involved some way in building their own homes or remodel projects. Read about a school and companies that can help you do it right.
Keep the Home Fires Burning
Fireplaces, stoves make a comeback as energy prices soar.
Fireplace Safety Tips
Modern Is HistoricMid-Century Modern in Portland
The years between World War II and the Vietnam War saw the rise of a sleek, forward-looking style of architecture known simply as “Modern.”
GREEN FOCUS
Using Biodiesel to Heat Your Home Can Make You Feel Good

Biodiesel is a readily renewable, non-petroleum product that is gaining favor.
Part One: Buying Rugs Should Be Fun... and Informative
A short primer of rug buying and hand-knotted rugs is covered in part one of this two-part series.
Paint It White
While white reflects all the colors in the spectrum it isn’t a color but remains the most widely used interior hue.

News & New
• Brew Express™ built-in-the-wall and self-filling coffee system
• Cool and free Old-House Style Guide “The Wheel” offered by Rejuvenation
• Book Review
The Survival Guide: Home Remodeling Plesset’s Principles for an Almost-Perfect Project

ISSUE 23 - February/March 2006
Lighting To Mix or to Match?
Choosing the right lighting makes all the difference in how you feel about your house but the decision does not have to be daunting.
New Mid-Century Modern Lighting
Mid-century modern is making a comeback. Historic lighting manufacturers are embracing this era’s style.
Lighten up! Decorate Mid-Century
Homes with Lamps from the Same Era

Vintage table and floor lamps are available at antique and thrift stores. These old lamps can enhance any retro decorating scheme.
The Craft of Lighting
Behind the scenes of a local vintage lighting manufacturer.
First Time OLD Home Buyers Know What to Look for in Your Dream House
Tips on what to look for when purchasing an older home.
Touch-Ups: Getting It Right the First Time
Tips on making the chore of touch-ups as good as the first time the wall was painted.
Control the Mood of Your
Home with Dimmer Switches

Setting the mood for a romantic dinner is not the only feature that these high-tech modern dimmer switchs offer.
Mid-Century Modern Interiors
Houses that were built in the 1950s and 1960s have a modern interior with mass amounts of glass and open floor plans.
Wallpaper Packs a Wallop!
Today’s papers are modern, come in a range of colors and patterns, are easy to hang, and just as easy to remove.
Part Two:
Buying Rugs Should Be Fun... and Informative

Hand (gun) tufted rugs, power loomed/machine-made, and woven rugs — wool and synthetics are addressed in the second part of a two-part series.

 

ISSUE 24 - April/May 2006
Portland’s Pittock Mansion
Built in 1914 by Oregonian newspaper founder and publisher Henry Pittock and his wife Georgiana, many would say that it is the grandest of the great homes of early Portland.
What’s in a Trend?
Kitchen Ideas Span Continents; Capture the Style of Both Old Europe and Asia

Gathering ideas for a kitchen remodel the message is clear: Today’s top trend is all about capturing the essence of Italy. Define your own style, it doesn’t matter if your favorite kitchen look is in, out, or in transition — it’s your kitchen.
Nobody Here but Us Chickens
If you’ve been thinking about adding some fauna to your life, forget cats and dogs — spring is the perfect time of year to get chickens.
Get Organized! Control Clutter; Create Space with a Custom Closet
What’s in your closet? If you’re living in an early- or mid-century bungalow, the answer could well be “Nothing!” A custom closet might be a better answer.
Advertorial
A-Boy Plumbing and Electrical —Old Fashion Service with a New Contemporary Look
There is something reassuring about being helped in a plumbing and electric store by a friendly salesperson who actually has knowledge and experience.
Border Your Yard in Berries
Blueberries, huckleberries, and raspberries require little space, are easy to grow, and are generally pest-free, as long as you follow a few rules.
State Building Officials Offer Five Tips for Safe Decks, Balconies
Summer means increased use of elevated decks and balconies. For homeowners and renters who worry about the safety of their decks and balconies, the state Building Codes Division offers Oregonians five important tips.
Paint this House Sold
When it comes to painting a home for resale, color selection is not about us but about what buyers find attractive.
News & New
• Sanivite Gray Water Pumping System: Small Enough to Fit Inside a Kitchen Cabinet
• You Grow Girl Book, Website Offers Gals How-To Tips to Get their Garden on.

ISSUE 25 - June/July 2006
‘I’ Candy in the Bath — Latest Trends Focus on Self-Indulgence, Simple Pleasures
Manufacturers want you to believe that every minute you spend on your morning ablutions should occur in a palatial, spa-like setting.
Need to Add a Bath?
Macerating technology makes conversions a snap in the attic, basement, or anywhere else.
Renovating to Sell Your Home?
Read these Realtor’s Tips First

Diane Ingalls, a realtor with the Meadows Group, provides a few tips on how to update an older home without compromising its original style
A Building with No Community Energy
MetroPaint to the Rescue

A Community Energy Projects building needed a face-lift With the volunteers from Reynolds High School's Future Business Leaders of America and help from MetroPaint, this building has a new life.
The Rose and the Chrysanthemum —
Japanese Influence in PDX House Design

Japanese design and culture have played a role in Portland. This influence is seen in early 20th century styles such as Prairie, Bungalow/Craftsman, and Four-Square.
Hardhats Off to Tradeswomen

Four women share their reasons and dreams for starting their own business in a male-dominated industry.
Five Green Building Products
You Should Know About

It's getting easier to find building products considered “green,” or environmentally friendly, which are also attractive and affordable.
Create Your Own Organic Vegetable Garden
Raising vegetables takes planning, persistence and some hard work, but the rewards are tremendous.
News & New
The Latest Dirt…
• New to this issue is JJ De Sousa dirty bits about what's going on around town for the home gardener.
• Discounted compost bins for sale at Metro year-round
• Local business owner Kay Newell, of Sunlan Lighting, honored with the Gladys McCoy Award
Gadget Guru

Three great products, the PowerHook, Panel Clip, and the Maxlife 369.


ISSUE 26 - August/September 2006
Recycled Ranch With Style
A kitchen remodeling project morphs into a seven-year, full-scale renovation, where almost everything is recycled vintage artifacts from other people's homes or businesses.
Bamboo’s Popularity
Pumped by Products, Quest for Peace
The desire to use earth-friendly products in the home and the aura of timelessness that bamboo provides drive three local businesses to focus on the versatility and tranquility that bamboo offers.
Wrap Your House!
Although every home has siding, not all siding is created equal. NWR offers a primer on 10 common varieties of siding for the exterior of your home.
The American Front Porch
Jack Bookwalter leads us on a brief history of the American porch and a glimpse into a few styles of architecture that shaped the front porch.
Gardening for the Birds
What you need to create a bird-friendly
garden that is low maintenance and connected with nature’s rhythms and tranquility.
Skinny Houses, Big Ideas
Portland’s Bureau of Development Services
offers two winning designs to counter complaints about “skinny” or “infill” houses in our community.
Chip off the Old Color Wheel
Because paint chips are small and walls are large, paint chips are only the first step. Learn how to use these chips in selecting your paint color.
How-To: Remove Rust off Hardware
Gadget Guru
New generation of utility knives and blades offer distinct and innovative features.

 

ISSUE 27 - October/November 2006
Bring the Outside In. Expand your home's horizons with new doors and windows.
Today's window and doors don't just frame the view, they make it. This issue looks at over-sized patio and French doors, and Marvin introduces a new venting picture window.
A Room With a View: Window Coverings Add Flair to Any Décor
Formal or informal, today’s window coverings are designed to filter light, provide privacy, protect the furniture, and add color and charm to any room.
NWR PROfile
Count on Customer Care at Hamilton’s Appliance

In business since 1962, Hamilton's Appliance still does business the old-fashioned way. Their intent is to satisfy the customer and along the way make a sale.
Mail-Order Houses in Portland
Many homes in the early 20th Century were ordered through catalogs. One giant retailer used one-step distribution and a money back guarantee to sell homes.
Growing Glorious Garlic
Related to onions and a member of the lily family, garlic is one of the oldest known cultivated plants. Learn how you can grow your own glorious garlic.
Holiday Decorating on a Dime and Less Time
Don't have time to spend looking for holiday decorations? You'll love these tips on beating the crowds and spending less.
Should You Upgrade Your Breaker Box?
Answers to that question are covered by Jason Jenkins, instructor for the NEC-IBEW Local 48 Training Center.
Squelch the Stench: Breathe Easy and Say “No!” To Smelly Paints
Low-to-no VOC paints make it healthier to paint indoors year-round.
Gadget Guru
PlugGrip/SwitchGrip makes it safer to work with plugs and switches; Lefty-Righty tape measure; and The Quad saw/driver.


ISSUE 28 - December/January 2006-07
Appliance Roundup:A Home for the Range, Refrigerator, and Dishwasher, Too.
When it comes to kitchen appliances, looking cool has never been so hot.
Simplify Cooking With Kitchen Power Tools
Today's kitchen tools let you grind, pound,
and smooth your way to culinary success.
Moving Toward Greener Living
With a Heating and Cooling System That
Makes It Easy to Be Green.

Three systems come together — solar, radiant,
and geothermal — to produce an ultra green heating and cooling solution.
The Bungalow Bathroom
Brief history of the first indoor bathrooms and their progression.
Winter in the Garden
Designing a garden with winter in mind may compel a look at the more obscure attributes of plant groups.
A Kitchen Remodel Six Years in the Making
An old Laurelhurst kitchen is transformed at last into a 21st century gem with a lot of bells and whistles.
Electrical Safety During the Holidays
Tips from the NECA-IBEW Local 48 on how to keep this season safe from fires and electrical shocks.
Touching All the Bases
Learn how the right paint base can make any paint application perform and look better.
News & New
The Latest Dirt…
• Brighten your winter days with colorful winter plants
• Reclaimed Lumber Yard in North Portland
Gadget Guru
A look at a combination center punch and nail set by Spring Tools; Vix-bit, a self-cenering drill bit, by S. E. Vick Tool Co.; and Tajima Tool's Plumb-Rite, a quick plumb finder.

ISSUE 29 - February/March 2007
Lightingting Design: You Can Bring Period Lighting into the Twenty-First Century

Period lighting doesn't mean poor lighting. Use modern technologies in lighting to improve your lighting condition.
Light Up Your Bathroom
Jill Blanchard from Schoolhouse Electric Co. shares
what you need to consider when choosing output,
quality, placement, and safety.
Out of the Dark About Light Bulbs
Four types of bulbs are discussed: Neodymium,
incandescent, halogen, and compact fluorescent.
The Portland Duplex
A glimpse at the varied styles of two-family homes throughout Portland.
Venerable Vintage
Rideout Reclamation gives new life to old wood.
We Built It Ourselves! With a Little Help.
Being your own GC can be a lot easier when using experienced consultants.
How-To
Replacing a Front Entry Door
Gadget Guru
Japanese Handsaws

ISSUE 30 - April/May 2007
Basement Remodeling
Basements offer the availability to add more living space
to your home. Insights and tips from three design/build companies with years of conversion experience.
Living in a Time Capsule Decorating Mid-Century
If you can relate to the black and white TV shows
of the 1950-60s then you‘re in luck because the
furnishings are back in style.
Treat Your Kitchen to a Touch of Texture
There are many ingredients that make a kitchen
overhaul or update successful, and texture tops the list. Gain a few texture tips.
Starting a Garden Indoors
Pictorial how-to on getting a jump on planting this year‘s garden.
Peeling Paint
Painted surfaces don't last forever. Learn why and
tips to postpone this unsightly side effect.
Gadget Guru
Flashlights revisited with two new and one remake

ISSUE 31 - June/July 2007
The Settlemier House
Just south of Portland is a most amazing Victorian treasure box of a house.
Banish the Boring Bath Blues
Give your bath a new look, mixed and matched to your budget.
NWR PROfile
Save Money! Install Your Own Heating and Air-Conditioning System

With the help of Do-It-Yourself Heating you can install your own heating and air conditioning system.
Oh Baby! Decorating Trends for Tots to Teens
The baby business is booming, and with it comes an endless array of options.
Because I Said So: A Few Decorating Tips for a Child’s Room Choosing a Landscape Designer
If you have specific issues in your yard, or just want to renovate a weedy backyard, you may be considering hiring a landscape designer. Before you do, there are some factors to consider.
The New/Old Oil-Heated Home
Can Be Both Green and Cozy

If you're looking to buy a home, or you have home with oil heat, no need to convert to gas; this very warm system can be green with biodiesel fuel.
VOCs: It’s More Than the Odor
Low- and no-VOC paint are not created equal. Information you need to know when painting the interior of your home.

ISSUE 32 - August/September 2007
Green Building Materials and Products: From the Roof Down
An overview of green home products.
Re-Building Green: Easier Than You Think
Deconstruct, reuse, recycle, and use sustainable products to convert your remodel into a green home.
The Craftsman House in Portland
These homes celebrate the true craftsmanship that illustrated a movement in the first decades of the 20th century.
Green Incentives Programs and Agencies
Learn about the Energy Trust, Energy Star, Green Seal, and the EPA WaterSense programs.
Painted to Sell: Interior Color Choices Can Improve Your Bottom Line
No need to paint the rooms “realtor's beige” to sell your house.
Gadget Guru
Panasonic's cordless impact driver.

ISSUE 33 - October/November 2007
Windows and Doors The Ins and Outs
What you need to know before replacing your windows and doors.

A Tale of Two Windows
A look at two replacement windows and the newcomer, fiberglass.Plus window materials defined.
New Options for Updating Old Vintage Windows
Local company offers an energy-efficient alternative to window replacement.
Cleaning Gutters Is a Necessary Maintenance
Tips on how to clean and de-gunk those gutters.

The Arts and Crafts Movement in England
Jack Bookwalter visits the British Isles and gets a first-hand look at the architecture produced by this turn of the 20th century movement.
What Is Green Seal Certification? Or
The Many Shades of Green Paint Certification

Read about how Green Seal Certification works.
New Architectural Salvage and
Antique Shop Opens in Portland

Architectural salvage-hounds in the Northwest have a
new destination for discovering recycled treasures.
A Pocket Door Without the Pocket
Want the space-saving characteristics of a pocket door, but can't make one work? Here's an alternative.
Gadget Guru
The Teeny Turner screwdriver

Issue 34 - December/January 2007-08
Exotic Reclaimed, Recycled,
Re-used, and Sustainable Flooring

Local wood reclaimers and national manufactures offer great green flooring options.
Green Floor Fundamentals
Wood, bamboo, cork, linoleum, and wool carpet are choices in today's flooring.
Five Steps to Take When Buying a Tankless Water Heater

Mike Filbin of A-Boy Supply offers tips for buying a tankless water heater.
The Historic Balch Hotel
One couple takes on the challenge of restoring and reopening the hotel to weary travelers.

Clean Dust When Sanding Floors
Redo your wood floors without the all the dust.

Three Hot New Sustainable Finishes for the Home
From the 2007 USGBC Greenbuild Conference and Expo.

The Architectural Designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret MacDonald
Jack Bookwalter concludes his architectural tour of the British Isles
with a visit to Glasgow, Scotland, and the work of the Mackintosh movement.
Paint Brushes 101
Learn all about using, cleaning, and storing your paint brushes.
Sustainable Solutions

Wheat core laminated doors
Gadget Guru
The TruLaser by Stanley Tools

   











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