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Are you planning a home renovation and interested in learning all you can about the process? Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is an educational and entertaining podcast that will ease your fears. Join architect Katharine MacPhail as she interviews contractors, vendors, other architects and homeowners and gathers tips and cautionary tales about home renovations. Learn about materials, what to expect, what to avoid and how to make the most of the money that you will spend on your renovation. 

Talking Home Renovations is now a part of  Gabl Media

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About the host: Katharine MacPhail is an old house architect interested in new technologies and helping people achieve their dreams.  She is a practicing architect in Massachusetts, where she works on additions and renovations to existing homes.  She is working toward a practice focused exclusively on high performance and sustainable renovations to old houses.  The podcast is produced by her architecture firm dEmios Architects, www.demiosarchitects.com
Another renovation story- this one from historic Meridian Park in Indianapolis. Jess is a non profit executive who is obsessed with his architect designed 1907 Dutch Colonial revival. We talked about researching the inhabitants, the original architects, the importance of high quality paint and more. Instagram- @1907DutchColonial Thanks so much for being with us this...
This episode is another renovation story, this one a Neo classical house in Omaha, Nebraska. Em Kinghorn is a historic home enthusiast and antique aficionado who breathes life into forgotten gems. Restoring a home built in 1896 in Omaha, Nebraska, her husband Ben and their two dogs-Winifred and Bemis-are along for the ride. She has...
How does your personality intersect with your home aesthetic? What is important to keep in mind when buying an old house? Donna joins me to discuss her experience with her charming Gothic Revival home. Instagram: @wan2bdecorator Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes...
Taylor and her family moved from a 1950s split level into their 1764 farmhouse affectionately named “The Moneypit” during the pandemic. While she anticipated the usual old-house problems, Taylor soon realized she needed to learn how to triage an antique house.  Taylor and her dad, Christopher, are old house enthusiasts and spend much of their...
In this episode I’m joined by Stacey and Rick Forgensi, owners of a glorious Queen Anne house in Buffalo New York. This is their 5th house renovation and they have plenty of experience and wisdom to share. Have you been wondering how to remove bad smells from your house? Stacey can tell you how (it...
The Buckley Bishop House is a folk victorian outside of Philadelphia. Kurt and Emma Leuschner purchased the historic house in summer 2022. Emma joined me to discuss the resources she has used to explore the history of the house and what she has learned. About our guest: Emma is a stay at home mother, former...
This week’s renovation story comes from an instagram account I have been following, @ourgreekrevival. Deepa and Eric moved into their Hudson Valley New York house about a year and a half ago and have been working away at reversing some improvements, insulating the house, they’ve perfected lime wash painting and gotten to know a bit...
Hugh Siler is back with me on this episode talking about the renovation of the J.W.Wilson House in Old Towne Orange, California. Hugh was the guest on episode 70- How to Find, Buy and Restore Your First Historic Home. About our guest: Hugh Siler has been making waves with his innovative restorations of homes in...
This episode it about home kitchens- how we live in them, cook in them, entertain in them- all of which we should really think about if we are going to be creating our own custom kitchen. I say this all the time, but I encourage you to design for the way that you want to...
Michael MacPhail is back talking about the progress on the Smart Old House project. We talk about ordering windows, embarking on the new bathroom build out and dreaming about house concerts when the Spring comes. Follow along on Instagram @Smartoldhouse ***** Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement...

Listen to all the episodes on your favorite podcast player or listen on my website here. 

Episode Enhancements

Episode 95- Sustainable Design- Vermont

Episode 95

I met Alan Benoit last summer through Context and Clarity, the group of architects from all over the world that gather to discuss topics that matter to small firm architects.