You already know that Portland is a haven for sustainable living, but lot of people think that fully sustainable homes are only for the upper crust. Portland-based design group Minimalist+ is working to change that by bringing pre-fabricated and affordable stylish homes to the metro area. The houses are architect-designed, modern wonders that are assembled in local Portland warehouses, so little carbon is wasted on transportation. These little gems pop up in a matter of days using light panels, preserving surrounding trees and landscaping.
Archive for the ‘Home Improvement’ Category
New Affordable & Green, Architect-Designed Housing in Portland
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010Inexpensive Ways to Save Electricity…And Money!
Friday, June 25th, 2010
In this age of high-end sustainable renovations, high-profile LEED certifications, and the seemingly never-ending marketing of the next popular Energy Star kitchen or home appliance, it sometimes feels like you need to spend a lot of money in order to cut back on energy use. However, like many things in life, small changes can add up to a big difference, and some of the most important adjustments you can make in your home are downright cheap.
Top Spots for Restoration Hardware and Supplies in Portland
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
Whether you’re restoring a historic home for sale or you’ve just purchased a diamond in the rough that needs some polishing, Portland has some amazing resources for classic restoration hardware, fixtures, and furniture that are true to the spirit of Northwest style and sustainability. What better way to be green when you’re fixing up a classic home than to use salvaged antique materials? Here are some of The McDonald Group’s favorite spots for browsing through classic tiles, old neon signs, gorgeous sustainable lumber, rusted scrolled keys, and giant boxes of original tin ceiling plates. Remember to use gloves, those edges can be sharp!
Irvington Neighborhood to be Placed on Historic Register
Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
This week, a 583-acre section of the Irvington neighborhood in Northeast Portland (north of NE Broadway and south of NE Fremont Street, between 7th and 27th Avenues) is being considered for placement on the National Register of Historic Places. The district under consideration includes around 2,800 buildings, largely comprised of historic houses built in Portland’s heyday of the early twentieth century. The organization overseeing the district’s proposal, the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission, recently changed the boundaries of the Irvington section up for consideration to eliminate several modern tracts of houses along NE Broadway. The modified proposal could be approved by the National Register by the end of the year.
“The Best Drinking Water In The World”: 10 Facts from the 2010 Portland Drinking Water Quality Report
Sunday, June 6th, 2010
If you’ve ever lived in a place where the tap water is less than appetizing, you’ll be amazed at the quality of Portland’s drinking water. I never take it for granted that I’m able to drink cool, delicious water straight out of my kitchen faucet, and it’s not a surprise to find out that Portland’s water is some of the highest-quality drinking water in the world. This week the Portland Water Bureau released their 2010 Drinking Water Quality Report, which is essentially a nutritional label for the drinking water of Portland, and I’ve culled through the 11 pages of data for the most interesting and relevant facts for Portland homeowners and out-of-towners looking to buy Real Estate in the Portland metro area.
(more…)
Home Warranty – Should I have one for my new home purchase?
Saturday, January 2nd, 2010
Should I get a home warranty? Depends…. alot of agents would say no, however I am a strong believer under the right circumstances and would frequently say ”yes”. New construction no (if it’s a builder who will be staying in business long enough, the home is warrantied for 1 year already), a home passing it’s home inspection with flying colors maybe not, but a home that has been rented, is over 15 years old and a bit rough, or a house that has been purchased from a bank or as a short sale, yes.
Investors & First Time Home Buyers Buying Homes with Converted Garage… BEWARE!
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
Many of the homes in SE Portland have converted garages…. if you are buying a home with a converted garage request the seller provide or obtain a permit, if you are selling a home with a converted garage be prepared to have to get one.
Greening & Renovating An Old House! Let’s do it in Portland!
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009
I know, Kristie is getting fixated on this whole “stop the new, let’s renew building homes vs. renovating them” thing. Edwin Hesse (an awesome home remodeler) sent me an article from TIME entitled “Greening This Old House” which further discusses renovating existing unwanted homes that are currently sitting on the market.
A Recycled Ranch Home- Stop Building Homes, let’s Renew Them!
Saturday, April 25th, 2009
I recently suggested to the Street of Dreams that instead of building more homes for the 2010 show, we should instead adopt a street of unattractive ranches homes or better yet, split levels and turn the builders loose!Countertops. Is Granite Old News?
Monday, February 9th, 2009It seems everyone has granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, what a change to find countertops in concrete, bamboo, cork, 
(more…)
A GREAT Buy and Fix That House Up LOAN
Sunday, January 18th, 2009
It’s not necessarily new but it’s been modified and lenders are excited to put it to work! I believe it’s referred to as the “203K FHA rehab loan”. I’m still learning the details but it sounds like it’s tailored to help those buyers out there that are wanting to purchase homes that are in need of cosmetic repair. I believe the amount (more…)
Check your pipes!
Thursday, December 18th, 2008So just a quick note here weve already had two clients have pipes burst
in their homes and flood the home; this is NOT something you want to experience or mess with. Make sure your home is heated, outside spiggets are covered and that you have cabinets open so pipes in the walls behind them can get that heat. Additionally if you’re going to be out of the home for any length of time leave a central faucet in the home running a dribble of water to keep the system moving. If you are selling a home that is vacant get it winterized NOW (actually, should have done it about a week ago). And last but not least, know where your water shut off is and how to use it! Other wise, we hope you’re enjoying the snowy day!
home improvement without breaking the bank
Monday, April 7th, 2008Today we’ll blog about something other than trends in Portland Real Estate. Home Improvement. CNN published a very good article on how to improve your home, and increase the value of your real estate, without spending spending a ton of money. Here are eleven tips for home improvement: