home rehab Archives - The Handbuilt City

old-light-switch-incandescent-light-bulb

A minor saga involving a dysfunctional lightswitch led me to thinking about some of the challenges of integrating smart home technology.

Energy Energy Efficiency Home Improvement & DIY

June 10, 2021June 16, 2021 Nat M. Zorach

Summer Breeze: Heat Pumps, Mini-Splits, and the Magic of Thermodynamics

Mini-splits are the coolest new thing. Literally. Here is a guide to how to figure out how to navigate the sea of product options based on a simple calculation.

Construction Energy Efficiency Home Improvement & DIY

October 23, 2020October 27, 2020 Nat M. Zorach

Glazed Over: Donald Trump’s Tiny Windows Conspiracy

US President Donald Trump’s claims that Democrats want to make the windows smaller in everyone’s houses were, while baseless, not the craziest thing he’s ever said. Glazing, energy, and you!

Construction Sustainability

October 21, 2020October 26, 2020 Nat M. Zorach

Old House Love: Ditch The Chemical Floor Finishes

Nat explores wood finishes using a domestically-made, zero-VOC linseed oil-based varnish for some 1895 hardwood floors.

Construction Energy Efficiency Historic preservation

June 22, 2020June 22, 2020 Nat Zorach

Major Home Repair: To Go Gas-Free, Perchance To Dream?

Is it worth the premium to go electric? Maybe– if you have a good excuse to, like part of your house falling down. But it’s still going to run you a pretty penny.

Cities & Urban Planning Environment

May 1, 2019May 1, 2019 Nat Zorach

April Showers Bring May Combined Sewer Overflows

I woke up several times last night to the sound of torrential rain drumming on the roof. The attic roof