Remodeling CostsOctober 8, 2026
Aging in place remodeling cost in 2026: safety, access, design
Aging in place remodeling cost in 2026: what safe bathrooms, zero-step entries, and wider doors involve, plus how to prioritize upgrades for later years.
Our journal
Notes from the workshop
Practical advice on custom homes, remodeling, cabinetry, and heritage restoration, for homeowners who care about quality work.
Home Systems & ElectricalOctober 8, 2026
EV charger installation cost in 2026: Level 2 wiring and rebates
What drives EV charger installation cost in 2026, from Level 2 wiring and panel capacity to trenching, permits, and the utility rebates worth checking.
Home AdditionsOctober 8, 2026
ADU garage conversion: design, permitting, and rental income in 2026
ADU garage conversion in 2026: design rules, updated permit paths, real cost ranges, and rental income potential backed by NAHB and Architectural Digest data.
Energy EfficiencyOctober 8, 2026
Home energy rebates 2026: federal incentives for efficiency upgrades
Home energy rebates 2026 explained: which federal and Tennessee programs cover insulation, heat pumps, and windows, plus the paperwork you need to claim.
Remodeling CostsOctober 8, 2026
Basement finishing cost in 2026: framing, egress, and waterproofing
Basement finishing cost 2026 explained: waterproofing first, egress window rules, framing choices, and which mechanical areas builders should leave exposed.
Landscape & DrainageOctober 8, 2026
Rain garden installation cost in 2026: drainage, plants, and ROI
Rain garden installation cost in 2026 depends on excavation, soil, edging, and native plants. See real price drivers, drainage options, and long-term ROI.
Home improvementOctober 7, 2026
Whole-home energy efficiency upgrades that pay for themselves
The home energy efficiency upgrades that actually pay for themselves fastest, with 2025 tax credit rules, ENERGY STAR rebates, and typical payback timelines.
Renovation PlanningOctober 7, 2026
Home renovation financing 2026: HELOC, loans, and refinancing
Home renovation financing 2026: compare HELOCs, home equity loans, cash-out refinancing, and FHA 203(k) loans, plus how to budget for unexpected cost overruns.
Cost GuidesOctober 1, 2026
Outdoor kitchen cost in 2026: appliances, utilities, and design
Outdoor kitchen cost in 2026: what grills, refrigeration, sinks, gas, water, power and drainage add to the budget, plus covered layouts built for Chattanooga.
Renovation CostsSeptember 30, 2026
Bathroom remodel cost 2026: fixtures, tile, and labor breakdown
Bathroom remodel cost 2026 broken down by fixtures, tile, plumbing, and labor, plus resale return figures and the scope choices that move your budget most.
Home RenovationSeptember 30, 2026
How to Budget a Kitchen Remodel in 2025: Costs by Project Scope
See real 2025 kitchen remodel cost ranges by project scope, plus a mid-range budget split, ROI figures, and hidden costs from NAHB, NKBA, and Cost vs. Value.
Outdoor & LandscapeSeptember 30, 2026
Fence installation cost 2026: wood, vinyl, and metal breakdown
Fence installation cost 2026 by material: wood, vinyl, aluminum, and chain-link pricing per linear foot, permits, site prep, and long-term maintenance.
Outdoor LivingSeptember 30, 2026
Deck construction cost 2026: materials, size, and labor pricing
Deck construction cost 2026 explained: how material choice, deck size, height, permits, and labor shape your budget, plus resale ROI from Cost vs. Value.
Cost GuidesSeptember 30, 2026
Home generator installation cost 2026: standby, portable, fuel
Home generator installation cost 2026 compared: portable versus standby pricing, natural gas, propane and battery fuel options, permits, sizing and upkeep.
RenovationSeptember 30, 2026
Historic home renovation: preserving character while upgrading systems
Historic home renovation done right: preserve original fabric, upgrade plumbing and HVAC, claim tax credits, and pass preservation review with confidence.
Historic RenovationSeptember 30, 2026
Historic home renovation tax credits: what Chattanooga owners claim
Historic home renovation tax credits explained for Chattanooga owners: federal 20% rules, National Register listing, and exactly the NPS paperwork you need.
Cost GuidesSeptember 30, 2026
Ductless mini-split cost 2026: single-zone and multi-zone systems
Ductless mini-split cost 2026 explained: single-zone and multi-zone price ranges, BTU sizing, line set length, rebates, and what your quote should itemize.
Cost GuidesSeptember 30, 2026
Interior painting cost 2026: room prep, labor, and finish types
Interior painting cost 2026 breaks down by room, paint type, labor, prep, and finish. Compare DIY versus hiring a pro plus durable sheens that last for years.
Home renovationSeptember 30, 2026
Primary suite addition: design, permits, cost, and what to expect
Plan a primary suite addition with confidence: costs, permits, architecture, MEP, and bath design considerations for move-up owners who prefer to stay.
Energy EfficiencySeptember 24, 2026
Home insulation cost in 2026: types, R-values, and energy bill savings
Home insulation cost in 2026 runs $1,500 to $8,000 installed. Compare spray foam, blown-in, and batt with DOE R-values, tax credits, and 15% bill savings.
Foundation & StructuralSeptember 24, 2026
Foundation repair cost in 2026: cracks, settlement, and drainage
Foundation repair cost 2026: crack injection to helical piers, drainage fixes, and how soil, region, and home size shift your final quote per named sources.
Home SystemsSeptember 24, 2026
Water heater replacement cost in 2026: tank, tankless, and heat pump
Water heater replacement cost in 2026 by type and fuel: tank, tankless, and heat pump pricing, install factors, rebates, and long-term operating costs.
Renovation CostsSeptember 24, 2026
Kitchen remodel cost 2026: cabinets, countertops, and labor guide
Kitchen remodel cost 2026 breaks down by scope: cabinets, countertops, appliances, and labor pricing. See real ranges, ROI, and how to plan your budget.
Historic RestorationSeptember 23, 2026
Historic Homes in Chattanooga: What Owners Should Know
Own a piece of Missionary Ridge or Fort Wood? A working guide to designation, historic zoning review and restoration craft for historic homes in Chattanooga.
Home AdditionsSeptember 23, 2026
Garage addition cost in 2026: attached, detached, and two-car options
See the real garage addition cost in 2026 for attached, detached, and two-car builds, plus permits, ROI, and the finishes James & Co homeowners plan for.
Energy EfficiencySeptember 16, 2026
Solar panel installation cost in 2026: sizing, incentives, and payback
Solar panel installation cost in 2026 averages about $3.00 per watt before the 30% federal tax credit. See sizing, payback math, and true ROI factors.
Renovation Cost GuidesSeptember 7, 2026
Open floor plan renovation cost: structural risks and 2026 pricing
Open floor plan renovation cost guide for 2026: wall removal, structural beam sizing, permits, HVAC rework, and how to sequence the whole project right.
RenovationSeptember 7, 2026
Basement finishing cost in 2026: permits, moisture, and design pitfalls
Basement finishing cost in 2026: real per-square-foot ranges, permit and egress rules, radon prep, and the design mistakes that quietly wreck resale value.
Home AdditionsSeptember 7, 2026
Sunroom addition cost in 2026: budget, permits, and seasonal options
Sunroom addition cost in 2026 runs $30K-$80K. See three vs four-season pricing, permit rules, glazing choices, and resale ROI from NAHB and Houzz data.
Home ImprovementSeptember 7, 2026
Crawl space encapsulation cost in 2026: moisture control and savings
Crawl space encapsulation cost in 2026 runs from $5,000 to $15,000. See what drives the price, how sealing pays back, and which rebates you can stack today.
Outdoor LivingSeptember 7, 2026
Outdoor living space cost: decks, patios & screened porches in 2026
Compare outdoor living space cost for decks, patios, and screened porches, plus resale value, materials, permits, and design tips every homeowner needs.
Home AdditionsSeptember 7, 2026
In-law suite addition cost in 2026: design, permits, privacy
In-law suite addition cost in 2026 typically runs $80,000 to $160,000 for a 600-800 sq ft attached suite. See real budgets, permit rules, and design tips.
Home RenovationSeptember 7, 2026
Hardwood floor installation cost in 2026: solid, engineered, and ROI
Hardwood floor installation cost in 2026 by species, grade, and room: solid vs engineered pricing, ROI at resale, and contractor questions to ask.
Additions & ConversionsSeptember 7, 2026
Attic Conversion Cost in 2026: Dormers, Insulation, and Livable Space
Attic conversion cost in 2026 runs $40,000 to $100,000. See how dormers, insulation, permits, and ceiling height rules shape your final budget and ROI.
Home AdditionsSeptember 7, 2026
Second story addition cost in 2026: structural planning and permits
Second story addition cost in 2026: $100 to $300 per square foot. Get structural planning, permit fees, engineer costs, timelines, and resale value here.
Exterior RenovationSeptember 7, 2026
Home siding replacement cost in 2026: materials, labor, and ROI
Home siding replacement cost in 2026 runs $3 to $16 per square foot installed. Compare vinyl and fiber cement pricing, ROI, and how to hire a contractor.
Home additionsSeptember 7, 2026
Home office addition cost: what to expect and how to plan in 2026
Home office addition cost varies by conversion type, acoustics, and permits. Here is how to plan for room conversions, bump-outs, and boost resale value.
Home Energy & SystemsSeptember 7, 2026
Heat pump installation cost in 2026: HVAC upgrade and energy savings
Heat pump installation cost in 2026 runs $4,000-$30,000 by system type. Compare air-source vs ground-source, tax credits, and long-term savings.
Cost GuidesSeptember 7, 2026
Swimming pool installation cost in 2026: inground and above ground
Swimming pool installation cost in 2026 explained: fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl budgets, permits, upkeep, and resale impact by pool material type today.
FlooringSeptember 7, 2026
Luxury vinyl plank flooring cost in 2026: durability & design
Luxury vinyl plank flooring cost in 2026 runs $2 to $7 per square foot for materials, plus installation. Compare wear layers, cores, and styles by room.
Home RenovationSeptember 7, 2026
Roof replacement cost in 2026: materials, labor, and what to expect
Roof replacement cost in 2026, explained: material, labor share, tear-off, decking repair, tax credits, rebates, and how to vet a roofing contractor.
RemodelingSeptember 7, 2026
Bathroom remodel cost guide: scope, materials, and ROI in 2026
Bathroom remodel cost guide for 2026: real budgets by scope, fixture value picks, permit rules, timelines, and resale ROI backed by NKBA and Houzz data.
Home Systems & ElectricalSeptember 7, 2026
Electrical panel upgrade cost in 2026: EV charging, solar, and safety
Electrical panel upgrade cost in 2026 runs $1,300 to $8,000+ depending on amperage, EV chargers, solar loads, permits, and rebates. Budget the right way.
Home additionsSeptember 6, 2026
Mudroom Addition Cost in 2026: Layout, Storage, and Design Ideas
Mudroom addition cost in 2026 spans $5,000 for a closet conversion to $30,000 for a full build. See layouts, storage picks, permits and resale value here.
Renovation PlanningSeptember 6, 2026
Window replacement cost 2026: energy savings, options, and rebates
Window replacement cost in 2026: compare vinyl, fiberglass, and wood frames, energy savings per year, and the 30% federal tax credit up to $600.
Exterior & Curb AppealSeptember 6, 2026
Driveway replacement cost in 2026: materials, labor, and curb appeal
Driveway replacement cost in 2026 by material, square footage, prep, and permits, plus rebates and contractor vetting for lasting curb appeal.
Historic RenovationSeptember 5, 2026
Renovating a Frank Lloyd Wright home: lessons from the Shavin House
Preservation lessons for renovating a Frank Lloyd Wright home, drawn from the Shavin House sale and Usonian craft: repair over replace, patina, review.
Historic Home RenovationSeptember 4, 2026
The Shavin House: Frank Lloyd Wright's Only Tennessee Home
The Shavin House, Frank Lloyd Wright's only Tennessee residence, sold for $4 million in August 2026. Here is what its next chapter should now look like.
Home DesignJuly 22, 2026
Universal design home principles for every age and stage
Universal design home strategies that add lasting value, quiet safety, and multi-generational livability without institutional look or costly late retrofits.
From our workshop
What we build
- Custom Cabinets & KitchensHandcrafted in our Chattanooga workshop and installed by our own team, with options ranging from high-gloss finishes to solid oak, mahogany, and American walnut.
- Remodels & RenovationsTransforming lived-in homes with respect and artistry you can feel in every detail. We bring clarity to complexity, uncover what others may have covered up, and deliver spaces that feel completely renewed yet unmistakably solid.
- Custom Homes & New BuildsThoughtfully designed, deeply considered homes built from the ground up. With over thirty years of international experience behind every decision, we create homes that feel personal, enduring, and truly one of a kind.
- Heritage RestorationCareful, respectful restoration of historic and character-filled homes. We work with patience and skill to preserve original beauty, revive lost detail, and honor the story of the home while preparing it for the next century.
