For Sale/Rent

From castle-like single-families to a condo with a magical courtyard, check out these homes from Chelsea to Newport.

Our On the Market series features extraordinary homes for sale in the region every day. But even among the standouts, there are standouts. Here are five of our favorites from October.

Photo courtesy of Douglas Elliman

A Spellbinding Townhome in Beacon Hill20 Chestnut St., BostonPrice: $7,700,000Size: 3,640 square feetBedrooms: 4Baths: 3.5

Photo by Matthew Ortins of Luxe Life Productions

A Stately, Sprawling Victorian Townhouse in Newton53 Vista Ave. Unit A and B, NewtonPrice: $2,450,000Size: 3,707 square feetBedrooms: 2Baths: 3.5

Photo via Gustave White Sothebys International Realty

An Antique Castle in Newport97 Ruggles Ave., Newport, RIPrice: $3,325,000Size: 7,879 square feetBedrooms: 5Baths: 8

Photo by JFW Photography

A Provincetown Home with an Artsy History505 Commercial St., ProvincetownPrice: $3,100,000Size: 3,572 square feetBedrooms: 2Baths: 4

Photo by Bella Casa Marketing LLC

A Charming Colonial Revival in Chelsea112 Clark Ave., ChelseaPrice: $569,900Size: 1,768 square feetBedrooms: 4Baths: 1.5

The Boston Home team has curated a list of the best home design and home remodeling professionals in Boston, including architects, builders, kitchen and bath experts, lighting designers, and more. Get the help you need with FindIt/Boston's guide to home renovation pros.

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Five of the Prettiest Homes That Hit the Market in October - Boston magazine

AVON, CT Avon residents will head to the polls from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3 to vote in several key races including selecting a president and local representatives in the State General Assembly and U.S. Congress.

Nearly 500,000 absentee ballots have already been cast in Connecticut due to the ongoing effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

If you still have your absentee ballot it must be hand-delivered to the town clerk's office or placed in the drop-off box. Ballots must be received by the close of polls in order to count. Polls close at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

If you haven't voted by mail and are heading to the polls Tuesday here is what you need to know.

Voting on Election DayPolls in Connecticut are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can use the Secretary of State's website to find your polling place.

Connecticut also allows for Election Day registration at designated centers in each town. People must be registered by 8 p.m. in order to vote using Election Day registration.

The following are the key contested races that will be on the ballot for Avon voters:

Joe Biden/Kamala Harris (Democrat)

Donald Trump/Mike Pence (Republican) - Incumbent

Jo Jorgensen and Chip Cohen (Libertarian)

Howie Hawkins and Angela Walker (Green Party)

U.S. CongressU.S. House District District 5

Jahana Hayes (Democrat) - Incumbent

David X. Sullivan (Republican)

Bruce W. Walczak (Independent)

State Senate District 8

Melissa E. Osborne (Democrat)

Kevin Witkos (Republican) - Incumbent

Keith James McConnell (Independent)

State Representative District 17

Elenie Kavros DeGraw (Democrat)

Leslee Hill (Republican) - Incumbent

State Representative District 19

Tammy Exum (Democrat)

Registrar of Voters

Ann Clark (Democrat)

Kerry Ladouceur (Republican)

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Election Day In Avon: When, Where To Vote - Avon, CT Patch

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Consulting a licensed plumber before doing any demo work is recommended to see what can be saved and the condition of the existing plumbing

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By Ed Del Grande, Tribune News Service Published 5:39 p.m. ET Oct. 22, 2020

Dear Ed: We live in an older home with original kitchen plumbing. The sink is wall-hung with a custom wall-mounted faucet that has failed. New faucet/parts no longer available. How can I solve this issue and get our kitchen sink working?

-- Brian,Ohio

Dear Brian: I get many questions with this type of issue when dealing with old kitchen sinks. In my experience, if faucet or repair parts are not available for older sinks, chances are replacing the sink may be the next option to consider. However, keep in mind that now this may become a larger remodeling job to update and install a new kitchen sink and faucet.

If replacing an old kitchen sink, a new wall-hung sink may fit the existing sink area to help cut down on remodeling costs.(Photo: Kohler, TNS)

Consulting a licensed plumber before doing any demo work is recommended to see what can be saved and the condition of the existing plumbing.

Note that they still make new wall-hung kitchen sinks with new faucets. If you're lucky, a new wall-hung sink may fit the existing sink area to help cut down on remodeling costs.

Bottom line: With old kitchen sinks, you've got to know when to hold them and know when to fold them so you don't gamble on repairs, only to end up replacing the sink anyway.

Master Contractor/PlumberEd Del Grandeis known internationally as the author of the book "Ed Del Grande's House Call," the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visiteddelgrande.comor writeeadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.

Read or Share this story: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/home-garden/2020/10/22/plumber-old-kitchen-sink-may-out-repair-options/5984799002/

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The Plumber: Old kitchen sink may be out of repair options - The Detroit News

Gregg Bich, president and founder of Quality PM in Delmar, has built a strong business since he started the company in 2003. But 2020 has been the year of extremes for the contractor. Bichwas forced to shut down for 10 weeks because of the pandemic, but once his crew went back to work, business has been busier than ever before.

"It was very tough when (the pandemic) first hit. During the shutdown we were only allowed one worker on a job site. It was too dangerous, so we didnt get a lot done for eight to 10 weeks," Bich said. "But once that ended, the phone started ringing to a point it has been record calls. Families started noticing things about their homes they didn't like.

Bichdoes property management, remodeling and new construction. Last year, he was named best builder at the Best in Building Awards, hosted by the Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association. The company was also honored for best overall remodel and best bathroom in the over $40,000 category.

When Bich's team of six went back to work this summer, he realized a long-standing practice - sealing the work zone with plastic, setting up air purifiers and sealing air vents so dust doesn't travel to other parts of the house - had added value during the pandemic. A protocol Biche says he always used for the comfort of his clients now adds a layer of protection to prevent the spread of illness.

Bich says Quality PM does a lot of kitchens, bathrooms and expansion projects. Since the pandemic started, customers have been looking work to their basements and additions for a home office because parents are working from home and kids are doing school work at home.

Work has also picked up in second homes, Bichsaid.

"There are new clients coming into the market," he said. "And people who want to winterize camps they only used in the summer before, and now want to be there year-round."

The demand is coming from the Lake George area, Bich said. He also owns rental properties in the area, all of which were booked by the end of March.

Despite the welcome uptick in work, Bich said it hasn't all been easy because of supply chain issues.

"During the shutdown, we made lists for all the jobs we had going, and the materials we knew we were going to need, we bought and stored. It didn't get as bad as I thought it would, but we were prepared," he said.

Now, months later, lumber is much more expensive and anything that needs to be fabricated - siding, windows, doors, counters - in many cases is going to take longer. Biche advises "meticulous planning before the work begins. If a project involves installing a window or door, his carpenters don't cut the hole until the new piece is in hand.

Bichis optimistic about the future because people are placing more value in their homes.

"Our homes are our comfort zones, why not make it a place you want to be? Do the kitchen remodel, put a deck in, put a pool in - make those yearly vacations less of a priority."

Read this article:
Remodeler optimistic spike in business will continue - Times Union

The Clark Building, a popular Art Deco building used for community and private events in Hermosa Beach for decades, is due for a major makeover as the city plans to upgrade everything from its kitchen to adding ADA access to the building.

The renovations, discussed during a virtual forum on Oct. 19, include restroom remodeling; installation of new heating, air conditioning and ventilation; and ballroom improvements with new acoustic panels and lighting.

Clark's kitchen needs major work, according to Kelly Orta, the citys community resource manager.

It's been closed for quite some time now because of COVID-19, but even before then we did have very limited usage of it unfortunately, the kitchen has been fully gutted. So it really is just a shell, Orta said.

Orta said how the new kitchen takes shape depends on how the building's main hall will be used in the future.

If the desire is that we expand to allow large scale weddings or that type of event, then we would need to determine what type of equipment in the kitchen would be needed, Orta said.

The building opened officially on May 8, 1937, nearly five years after Mayor Logan Cotton and Councilmember John M. Clark, a former mayor, helped break ground on June 21, 1932.

Orta said the facility has not been formally designated a historical location or site, but whether its ADA or other upgrades, it is the city and architects intention to modernize the facility but with an eye on history.

There are certain elements and things in the facility that we just really want to preserve as much as possible, said Orta, of its Art Deco design elements. So not necessarily that we're required to per se, but the things that are beloved, even so much as the fireplace, some people would say has a historical significance to the facility.

Residents and users of the facility said at Mondays meeting there were various issues with the Clark Building, including noise, trash, and difficulty in finding parking, that should be addressed.

Usually it's noise when there are loud parties, or trash we find in front of the Clark Building on both sides, said a neighbor about the building. That has always been a problem especially when there are private events. Sometimes they will clean up to a great degree and sometimes they won't.

Orta said input will be used to create a final design, which will eventually be presented to the Hermosa Beach City Council. Residents will be able to weigh in on the project at future meetings.

Orta said the tentative start for the project is summer or early fall 2021 with a goal of completion by the end of the year.

Our desire is to get it up and running as soon as possible, Orta said.

For more information on the project, visit hermosabeach.gov/clark.

Continued here:
Hermosa Beach readies for major renovations to its Art Deco Clark Building - Beach Reporter

The latest colors and trends are tempting, but a kitchen should be timeless, says Barbara Miller, design director for the Neil Kelly design and remodeling company.

Its expensive to remodel a kitchen, and cabinets can make up 30% of the costs, so make sure you or an owner five to 10 years in the future wont think the look has gone out of style, she says.

A sure-fire solution: White cabinets.

Since Neil Kelly started remodeling homes in Portland in 1947, we have never stopped selling white cabinets, says Miller, referencing a statement made by owner Tom Kelly, whose father founded the company.

She says styles and hardware have changed, but white remains popular in the Pacific Northwest, as does wood-grain.

The easiest way to ensure a kitchen has a timeless feel is to match key elements with the architecture and era of the house: A Colonial Revival house works best with traditional cabinets, while a midcentury design shines with sleek, flat panel cabinet doors and a Northwest ranch benefits from a transitional style in wood tones.

Selecting neutral materials and colors for cabinetry and large surfaces may seem unexciting, but there are ways to make a statement with wall color, knobs and pulls, and fixtures that can be changed in a day without having to undergo a full remodel.

A new pendant light over the island can help make a kitchen look up-to-date, Miller says.

People considering a kitchen remodel typically ask Miller if they can keep existing cabinets. She says cosmetic upgrades are possible if the design and layout still look and function well.

She explains what needs to be considered when deciding to renew or replace cabinets:

To upgrade the look, Miller says face frame and overlay cabinets can be fitted with new doors and drawers that cover the edges.

Once you start replacing drawers and door fronts, and making too many modification, you are over 50% into the cost of new cabinets," she says.

Trending now are modern, high-gloss cabinets in bright colors like deep green as well as blue or red ovens. Unless youre designing for exactly how you love it, I would stay neutral with cabinets and appliances if youre planning to resell your home within 10 years, says Miller.

Miller is recommending solid wood cabinets, which can be repainted, to a client set on having periwinkle blue.

You can paint them white for resale, she says. Ask yourself first, is this changeable? How much effort is required to modify it in the future? Being smart in those decisions will help your kitchen be timeless.

Home design and product experts with Neil Kelly will offer ideas and advice during a kitchen design and remodeling webinar starting online at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. Register for the free event at neilkelly.com/events.

Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman

Want to search Oregon real estate listings and use local resources? Click here.

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Kitchen cabinets are costly. Dont make them trendy - OregonLive

For Sale/Rent

On sale for less than $240,000, this riverside condo has industrial character to spare.

Photo by Andrew Snook

99 Allen St. #118, Woonsocket, RI Price: $239,900Size: 1,406 square feetBedrooms: 2Baths: 2

Looking for some primo loft living? Search no more. Formerly a textile mill, these premises, once used for wool dyeing in the 19th-century, are now nearly unrecognizable as open-concept condos. To be sure, the original character of the place persists, visible through the exposed ductwork, brick walls, metal poles, and warehouse windows. But the home has been retrofitted to bring in a homey feel and current flair, too. Take a look at the living room, where an abstract mural claims an entire wall, or the (huge) primary bedroom, where Mediterranean Sun paint embellishes the spaceand enhances the red brick accents.

Opposite the living room, the kitchenwhich sports granite counters, stainless appliances, and cherry-colored cabinetryexhibits a stroke of remodeling genius. Two arched brick doorways, which once led to a pair of water closets, have been reconstructed into one cute alcove, great for a pub-like dining area or out-of-the-way office nook.

While natural light pours in through all of the oversize windows and bounces off the Brazilian walnut floors, the loft itself doesnt have a private outdoor space. No need, though, as the property hosts a communal patio and a riverside garden, where you can enjoy some greenery while listening to the rushing water of Blackstone River below.

For information, contact Andrew Snook, William Raveis, raveis.com.

Photo by Andrew Snook

Photo by Andrew Snook

Photo by Andrew Snook

Photo by Andrew Snook

Photo by Andrew Snook

Photo by Andrew Snook

Photo by Andrew Snook

The Boston Home team has curated a list of the best home design and home remodeling professionals in Boston, including architects, builders, kitchen and bath experts, lighting designers, and more. Get the help you need with FindIt/Boston's guide to home renovation pros.

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On the Market: A Hip Rhode Island Loft in a Repurposed Textile Mill - Boston magazine

Chelsea and Logan Hawley came into five acres of farmland in Florida in 2019.

At the time, the couple were living in a 2,500-square-foot home with their two kids, Madison and Maverick.

They planned to build a farmhouse on the land over the next five years, but they didn't want to have to live paycheck to paycheck while they saved for the house.

Downsizing seemed like the perfect solution to the Hawleys' problem.

The first thing you see when you walk into the home is a daybed.

The daybed serves as a couch in the living room area of the home.

The entire RV has vinyl hardwood flooring that gives the space an elevated look.

The kitchen is next to the living room.

The farmhouse sink takes up a large chunk of the small kitchen, and it makes a statement in the space.

The kitchen only has a refrigerator and a stovetop in terms of appliances, which saves room.

Built-in, open shelving above the sink keeps things organized and pretty.

Chelsea describes the decor aesthetic as modern farmhouse.

Farmhouse touches, like the white walls and wood cabinets, mix with industrial elements, such as the tile on the kitchen walls and the black faucet.

The kitchen also features a separate coffee bar.

The cute addition adds character to the space.

Plus, it ensures the family's main kitchen countertops don't get overcrowded.

Chelsea and Logan's master bedroom is on the other side of the main living area.

Their bed is nestled into a nook in the wall.

The majority of Logan's clothes fit in the cubbies next to the bed.

Chelsea keeps her clothes in the nearby closet, and she told Insider it's more spacious than people would think.

Madison and Maverick's bedroom is the only private room in the house.

The Hawleys intentionally made the kids' bedroom private, as it gives them a space for their toys and enables Chelsea and Logan to continue to walk around and talk after the kids have gone to bed.

"It's really designed for them," Chelsea said of her kids' bedroom. For instance, the ceiling is painted to look like the night sky, which Madison loves.

The kids' room features floor-to-ceiling storage, as does the rest of the RV.

The family also remodeled the bathroom in the RV.

The bathroom originally only had a shower, but Chelsea said they completely gutted it and added a tub for the kids.

Despite the upgrades, the bathroom is Chelsea's least favorite part of her home because of its small size.

Because they're stationary much of the year, the Hawleys also have outdoor space they make use of.

The family has a patio with seating and toys for the kids.

The patio sits on the family's five acres of land, where they've already started growing their farm.

At the time of writing, the Hawleys own one pig, one rabbit, two cows, five goats, and 18 chickens.

Chelsea said that the money the family saves with the RV is what allowed them to start the farm.

"We have been able to save for our farmhouse," Chelsea said. "We've been able to start a farm. We were able to start a lifestyle that we wanted much earlier."

Chelsea is a stay-at-home mom, so the extra income is a big help for the family.

Although they're in one place much of the year, the Hawleys also get to travel in their RV.

"We are able to do monthly RV trips, and we've been able to see a lot of cool places in Florida," Chelsea said.

They're hoping to explore other areas in the South once it's safer to travel.

Living in the RV can be difficult for the Hawleys when they can't spend time outside.

It rains frequently in the summer in Florida, so the Hawleys had to stay inside for most of the hot months.

"When you're inside in a tiny space, there's so much clutter and you're just on top of each other all day long," Chelsea said. "That was definitely a challenge of trying to figure out how we could manage in a small space."

She told Insider that keeping the home clean, giving the kids chores, and teaching them to play by themselves helped a lot.

"My kids have learned to be content with less, and they have learned to entertain themselves," Chelsea told Insider of what it's like raising children in a tiny space.

"I've noticed that their imagination has soared because there are fewer things for them to do," she said. "They've had to kind of create their own play, which has been so cool."

The small space has also helped the kids' bond with each other flourish.

"They are the best of friends," Chelsea said of Madison and Maverick. "I'm sure that would've happened in a big space, too, but I definitely think the tiny space has made them rely on each other more."

"It's been precious to watch," she added.

Chelsea advises people who are considering downsizing to really focus on their purpose.

Whether you want to live minimally or save money, focusing on the reason you're downsizing will help you transition successfully, according to Chelsea.

Chelsea and Logan gave away the majority of their belongings when they moved into the RV, and focusing on why they were doing it helped her a lot.

"Take a good look at what you have and think about what you could live without," she said. "It's very hard to get rid of your things at first, but the moment you start doing it, you get a new perspective."

"For me, it was very freeing," Chelsea said.

You can follow Chelsea on Instagram here.

See original here:
A family of 4 moved into a 250-square-foot RV to save money while they build their dream farmhouse - Insider - INSIDER

Heroes of the Crisis

From medical professionals to social-justice activists to culinary stars, here are some of the locals who have helped get us through the most challenging of times. By Daniella Byck, Rob Brunner, Rosa Cartagena, Sherri Dalphonse, Mimi Montgomery, Luke Mullins, Jessica Sidman, and Anna Spiegel.

For the first time in memory, there are serious questions about whether the worlds oldest democracy can actually pull off a democratic election. We asked a bipartisan group of five experts to unspool their own disaster scenarios. Compiled by Benjamin Wofford.

Inside Washingtons super-luxe lockdowns. By Mimi Montgomery and Jessica Sidman.

Cosponsored by Washingtonian, these annual awards honor distinguished reporters and editors. Meet the 2020 winners.

Bidens Mar-A-Lago?: Would Rehoboth become Joe Bidens Mar-a-Lago?By Washingtonian Staff.

Dating Games: The DC dating guru who will play a better you online. By Jane Recker.

ESPN Goes G0-Go: How Trouble Funk got on SportsCenter. By Andrew Beaujon.

Bird Watching: The Twitter account that IDs helicopters. By Rob Brunner.

Netflix Heads to Gallaudet: Deaf U captures students sometimes messy lives. By Rosa Cartagena.

Big Picture: A swimsuit-company-turned-face-mask-factory in Vienna. By Lauren Bulbin.

Books, movies, TV, music, and other things were loving this month.

Interview: Howard president Wayne A.I. Frederick leads a historic university. And performs cancer surgery. Interview by Michael Schaffer.

Politics: A top Republican operative on why the GOP is dead. By Benjamin Wofford.

Culture: The challenge of marketing a Covid vaccine. By Jane Recker.

Drinking Responsibly: Six nearby wineries with big outdoor spacesso you can sip safely with a great view. By Sherri Dalphonse.

Lesson Plans: Six ways private schools have changed in the wake of coronavirus. By Sherri Dalphonse.

Status symbol: The $4,295 treadmill. By Mimi Montgomery.

Winter Restaurant Preview: There will surely be heartbreaking closures in the coming months. But a surprising number of new places are on the way, too. By Ann Limpert, Anna Spiegel, Jessica Sidman, and Daniella Byck.

Brass Appeal: Five stunning kitchensall with brassplus our directory of kitchen remodeling resources.

The Briefing: Bethesda:Whats new in the popular suburb.

Our New Home: Look inside Washingtonians new offices.

Off the Market: The months luxury home sales.

Svetlana Legetic on her first jobat a Serbian casino. As told to Ann Limpert.

Join the conversation!

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October 2020: Heroes of the Crisis - Washingtonian

ST. LOUIS These are unprecedented times for the airline industry. With business pummeled by the pandemic and federal aid expiring October 1, furloughs and layoffs loom.

American Airlines flight attendant Allie Malis is one of more than 30,000 airline industry employees holding out hope for a last-minute stimulus agreement.

Its crazy. Tomorrow Im unemployed and today Im waiting for Congress to do something, she said.

Dan Reed, a senior contributor for Forbes, says COVIDs effect on business travel created a problem the airline industry it might never solve.

Without those higher business fare travelers on board, or without as many of them, something is going to have to change in the back of the plane, something is going to have to change in the schedule. Which all affects the economics, he said.

Reed says the longer planes and the people who operate them sit idle, the more difficult and expensive it becomes to recertify them.

Now with a third of the employees being removed from the equation, and probably 45 percent of the fleet being parked, its just hard to see how the equation ever comes back to being the way it was, he said.

Even for Southwest Airlines, the lifeblood of St. Louis-Lambert International Airport, and one of most nations most financially healthy airlines, Reeds outlook is grim.

If it gets worse, and the delay of a return to travel extends deep into next year, all bets are off, even on Southwest when it comes to layoffs, Reed said. This is an unprecedented time when were seeing an industrys foundational economic equation being changed. How it will come back together is hard to predict.

And for airline workers like Malis, navigating a holding pattern unlike any theyve ever experienced.

I mean, I dont know how to feel right now. Do I feel sad? Do I feel scared? Do I feel angry and frustrated? Theres so many emotions that are pulsing through my veins and through the veins of, you know, a thousand other American Airlines flight attendants who are also on this last day of the payroll support program, which is stabilize our jobs, maintain our health care, and we dont know whats going to happen next, she said.

More here:
Uncertainty grows within airline industry amid grim outlook for the future - fox2now.com