That warm summer sun may be the perfect backdrop for a day of barbecuing, hiking or swimming – but can it help you save for the future, too? With some home-renovation projects, it’s easy to calculate a return on your investment: More square footage, an extra bathroom and a finished basement almost always add value [...]
Is solar really worth doing?
June 13th, 2013How to get your house ready for summer
May 11th, 2013It seemed to arrive a little late this year – no thanks to an overly optimistic groundhog – but spring has finally sprung. That means summer and its hazy days are just around the corner. But before you plan that first barbecue, consider getting your home hot-weather ready. Whether it’s a major upgrade or minor [...]
Good spring projects
April 3rd, 2013It’s a glorious time of year: Spring means fresh air through open windows, birds singing, plenty of sunshine – and the perfect season to make your home more beautiful and functional than ever. Proper planning – starting before you pack away your parkas for the season – is key to a good spring home transformation, [...]
The homeowner and contractor relationship
March 2nd, 2013Whether you meet in a club, a church or a chat room, relationships – even good, long-lasting ones – can be complicated. And while you’re not likely to be annoyed with them for leaving dirty socks on the floor, your relationship with contractors can seem a bit like a marriage: feeling compatible is key. Still, [...]
Why Malcarne does what we do
February 12th, 2013Take four walls, add a roof and a door, and you’ve got a house. But nearly anyone would agree: It’s who lives inside those walls that make a home. For the better part of two decades, Malcarne Contracting has approached every renovation, every construction and every design with that simple thought. The people we serve, [...]
Preventing Ice Damming on Your Roof
January 10th, 2013Winter snows may be pretty and serene, but they bring with them a not-so-lovely side effect: ice. While shoveling and salting may work for your driveway and walkways, your roof is at risk for ice dams, which result in damage that may have you wishing for a year-round warmer climate. Still, a little prevention not [...]
Using renewable energy to offset your heating bills
December 3rd, 2012Whether your gifts are all wrapped and neatly stacked under the tree or you’ll be running on some late-night shopping sprees, holiday merriment hangs heavy in the air – although wallets are usually somewhat lighter. Hold on to the seasonal cheer – and some hard-earned dollars – all year long by taking advantage of renewable [...]
The Most Efficient Ways to Heat Your Home
November 1st, 2012A chill’s in the air, the leaves are falling, and it’s almost time to talk turkey. But ever since you switched the thermostat to “heat,” chances are you’re also thinking about how to stop those energy bills from gobbling up your bank account. Typical homes, even those built in recent years, have the potential for [...]
Preparing your home for winter
October 1st, 2012Sandal and swim-suit season seems like only yesterday, but Old Man Winter’s right around the corner. You can procrastinate over digging out that fleece-lined parka and your fuzzy mittens, but, take it from the experts at Malcarne Contracting: No matter how difficult it is to say so long to summer, don’t put off getting your [...]
Net-Zero Energy Homes
September 3rd, 2012You know the feeling: You’ve had out-of-town family visiting for two weeks, which means your dishwasher, showers and clothes dryer have been running practically nonstop. Sure, the grocery bill is through the roof, but it’s those energy prices that truly make you want to head for a vacation of your own. Now imagine the same [...]