Mark Philben

Massachusetts

Correspondent at The Boston Globe

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Articles

Ask the Remodeler: The blueprint for planning a project

4 days ago | boston.com | Mark Philben |John Waller

Something that still surprises us when meeting with potential clients are their expectations on timelines for planning and starting a remodeling project. While some smaller remodels are simple with fewer moving parts, most involve almost all the trades along with multiple suppliers and vendors that all impact planning and scheduling. We are a design-build firm that is typically brought in at the beginning of the planning stage.
Ask the Remodeler: The blueprint for planning a project

1 week ago | bostonglobe.com | Mark Philben

Something that still surprises us when meeting with potential clients are their expectations on timelines for planning and starting a remodeling project. While some smaller remodels are simple with fewer moving parts, most involve almost all the trades along with multiple suppliers and vendors that all impact planning and scheduling. We are a design-build firm that is typically brought in at the beginning of the planning stage.
Ask the Remodeler: Clearing the fog on replacement windows

3 weeks ago | bostonglobe.com | Mark Philben

Q. My partner and I have a question about our windows. The home we bought 20 years ago had “newer” windows that had replaced the original windows in the house. The house was originally built in the ’50s, part of the GI Bill housing for veterans. Over time, some of these newer windows have developed a haze or fog in between the two panes of glass. Is there any way to deal with that without full window replacement? Hoping for an easy and cost-effective solution. A.
Ask the Remodeler: Worried about tariffs? Don’t let it stop your renovation. - The Boston Globe

1 month ago | bostonglobe.com | Mark Philben

An issue that is coming up again and again with current and potential clients: Tariffs. We are asked quite often, If prices are going up, should we order this or that now? Will we regret not getting these things in the pipeline now vs. later? Well, there is good news and bad news when it comes to pricing and lead times. The good news is across the board, our various suppliers and subcontractors are not hearing of any drastic price increases in the near future.
Ask the Remodeler: Ways to keep your basement dry this spring

1 month ago | bostonglobe.com | Mark Philben

We are currently working on a renovation project at a house that has basement flooding issues. Given the spring rains and the already melted snow from the winter, the water tables in many areas are high right now. This reminded me of quite a few questions that I’ve received from readers, as well as some spirited feedback.
Ask the Remodeler: How a load manager can help conserve electricity

2 months ago | bostonglobe.com | Mark Philben

As a follow-up to my December 2024 column “Smart planning for your 2025 home renovation,“ I wanted to expand on a concern that is becoming more and more common: How to accommodate the increasing need for electricity in our homes. We are getting more calls from homeowners for heat pumps, car chargers, and HRV or ERV systems for in-home air quality as a result of tightening up insulation.
Ask the remodeler: Heat pump has become a noisy neighbor

Mar 5, 2025 | bostonglobe.com | Mark Philben

Q. Our next door neighbors recently installed a Mitsubishi heat pump system. We love the idea of heat pumps and have strongly considered installing one ourselves. However, our sleep at night and peace during the day have been destroyed ever since they started using their heat pump. Our house is getting hit with heavy, low frequency sound/vibrations.
How to make a cedar closet repel moths again

Feb 19, 2025 | bostonglobe.com | Mark Philben

Q. I have a house that was built in 1960 and comes with a cedar closet. I put a lot of my winter apparel in there, including cashmere sweaters. To my disappointment, when I opened it, it was filled with moths! A couple of sweaters I left out in my regular closet and drawers were fine. What’s going on here? Is there anything I can do to make the cedar closet work again? Maybe the door, which isn’t cedar, was not completely sealed? A.
How often should you have your chimney swept?

Feb 5, 2025 | bostonglobe.com | Mark Philben

With all of us firmly in the grip of another New England winter, everyone’s thoughts turn to skiing, skating, snowshoeing, etc., and staying warm. For those of you who are lucky enough to have a wood- or pellet-burning fireplace/stove, take steps to ensure you are heating your home safely. By far the most important concern for wood or pellet burning is keeping the flue free of hazards. The most common problem is creosote buildup.
Ask the Remodeler: Smart planning for your 2025 home renovation

Dec 10, 2024 | bostonglobe.com | Mark Philben

The New Year is fast upon us, and based on our new-client calls, a common resolution appears to be a remodeling/renovation project. We often work with clients who have a vision for their whole home but want only a smaller renovation now. That typically has us making accommodations in Phase 1 for work that may happen in Phase 2. This is becoming more the norm than the exception, and planning ahead is always a good idea.