My favorite power tool isn't my Delta table saw nor my router table. It's my central vacuum. In terms of sheer usefulness, it's done more work on the house and
Steve Manes is president of Brooklyn Technical Services LLC, a technology consultancy specializing in enterprise web development. He's been renovating old houses and NYC lofts since his teens and is an experienced woodworker, carpenter and stained glass builder. You can also read him on his renovation blog at www.BrooklynRowHouse.com .
Recent posts:
Insteon Home Automation
By: Steve Manes , Contributing WriterIn: Uncategorized, Home Improvement Tips, Technology
In my previous two articles I talked about my experience with the X10 home automation protocol. After having been burned by X10, one might rightly assume that
Home automation — not just for McMansions anymore | Part II
By: Steve Manes , Contributing WriterIn: Old Houses, House Styles, Technology
Continued from Home Automation--not just for McMansions anymore | Part I Another X10 device I purchased was a bedside controller which operated every light
Home automation -- not just for McMansions anymore
By: Steve Manes , Contributing WriterIn: Old Houses, Home Improvement Tips, House Styles, Technology
As an old house lover and a high technology fanboy, I have to balance two competing aesthetics. On the one hand, I love old lamps and light fixtures. On the
How to skimcoat a wall like a pro (almost)
By: Steve Manes , Contributing WriterIn: Old House Construction, Home Improvement Tips, Technology
Some people like the clean, flat look of drywall. It's cheap, easy to install and finish and the repairs are relatively painless. But, like most old home