Sandy Crowe, master craftsman
Crowe Development Corporation
Did you know that a properly restored historic wood window has higher e-value than most new windows on the market? Save your windows and the huge unnecessary expense of buying replacement windows by attending this hands-on demonstration of wood window restoration techniques. You’ll learn the anatomy of historic windows and what are the best tools and products for restoring your windows. Wear old clothes and bring a “can-do” attitude. The number of hands-on participants may be limited but anyone can watch.
Kenneth H. Thomas Jr., professional historian/genealogist
Melissa Forgey, executive director, DeKalb History Center
Ever wanted to know when your house was built and by whom? Who lived in your house and how it has changed over the years? Learn from the foremost expert on historic house research where to look for building records, census data, city directories, old photographs, historic Sanborn maps, and so much more. The information is out there if you just know where to look. When we say that Ken wrote the book on research in Georgia, we aren’t kidding!
What is the difference between a Craftsman home and a Foursquare? Are all Victorians the same style? What is the origin of the bungalow? This fascinating seminar led by the director of the DeKalb History Center will educate you on identifying the styles and types of homes and their historic significance. Also, bring in a photo of your house and we’ll tell you the style and approximate date of construction!
Heather Shuster, project development director, Renewal Design-Build
Does your kitchen or bath desperately need a makeover? Creating new space or remodeling existing space in old houses can be a challenge. Choosing fixtures and cabinets is just one part of the puzzle. Learn from one of the top-ranked design-build firms in Atlanta how to transform your kitchen or bathroom into one that accommodates your lifestyle and fulfills your every need.
Bill Clark, architect, Stevens & Wilkinson
If you think all storm windows are alike, you need to come to this seminar. The storm window technology has changed dramatically in the last 50 years. The options are many and the quality and looks are amazing. Learn from a formerly frustrated homeowner who created his own storm window system and cut his heating and air conditioning bills in half. These aren’t your grandmother’s storm windows. This is one of the most well attended seminars offered so come early to get a good seat!
Joe Thomas, Renewal System Solutions
Many deficiencies in your old house have simple, cost-effective remedies to increase energy efficiency and comfort. Taking a holistic approach to your home means identifying and correcting problems, ensuring you’re making the right energy efficiency improvements. This seminar focuses on home performance improvements that make your old house feel as good as it looks – without breaking the bank.
Pam Dooley, Plants Creative Landscapes
Interviewing contractors can be intimidating and overwhelming. When taking on a home improvement project, whether it is a small project or a more extensive renovation, it is important to choose the right contractor for the job. Not just the contractor with the best price, or the one who guarantees immediate availability, but the best fit for your vision. Historic homes often have historic gardens that not just any contractor would be qualified to work in. This seminar will provide information on what you should look for, and what you should expect, in a professional landscape contractor.
Maryellen Higginbotham, preservation/design consultant
“What Shall We Do with Our Walls?” – an age-old question always on a homeowners mind. Maryellen Higginbotham thinks of historic dwelling places as history books and poems of people and their homes across time. Decoration of their interior walls is just one of their many chapters and stanzas. She has been “reading” Georgia historic interiors for many years and says walls really can talk and their stories offer insight and inspiration for guiding us in answering that question today. Come and join Maryellen in a “reading” of Georgia historic interiors and ponder what your walls may be saying to you.
In addition to the traditional seminars we offer, we’re changing things up a bit with what we call “Short Bites” — brief talks about a variety of topics.
Peter Michelson, CEO and owner of Renewal Design-Build, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)
Will you or a family member be living in your home long-term or throughout retirement? Adapt your home to meet the immediate and long-term needs of your active lifestyle and maintain your independence comfortably, without sacrificing modern style and design.
Joe Thomas, Renewal System Solutions
As the owner of an older home, almost every decision you make – whether it’s about design, utility, comfort, or convenience – is an opportunity to make your home a little greener. With the right resources, incorporating “green” into your home can benefit your wallet, health, and peace of mind. In this Short Bite, you’ll learn about energy efficiency, water efficiency, green building materials, and more.
Michelle Bray, Bray Electrical
Phillip Raines
Every old house needs a working fireplace. Nationally awarded mason and author Phillip Raines shares his thirty years of experience explaining methods and procedures to bring an old chimney and fireplace back to life. Phillip will describe restoring chimneys and fireplaces built between the mid 1800′s to the late 1920′s. “Masonry repair can be like archeology, “says Raines, “discovering the motives and means of the past.”
Representative, M. Cary and Daughters
Tim Inglis, Certified building Inspector, SAFEbuilt
The Building Inspector plays a critical role in home renovation projects. Learn what the role of the inspector is, who they work for, the codes they enforce, and how they coordinate with your general contractor. If you are planning a major renovation, this session is a must-attend event. View the presentation here.
Duncan Cottrell, The Enforcer
Duncan advises homeowners about door, window, and deadbolt security and installs five lines of steel door jamb reinforcing hardware to prevent break-ins.
Grout and Caulk Renewal • 1-1:30 pm, Henry Oliver E
Stuart Green, Encore Refinishing
The session will cover the basics of grout and caulk and will cover tools, application and even cleaning.
Representative, APlus
Insulation is the number one tool to creating energy efficiency in older homes. Learn about the kinds of insulation that are used in residential construction, the advantages/disadvantages, and which one is best for your old house.
