How homeowners can work best with designers and architects
For this article, we spoke to Jenny Guggenheim, award-winning Principal Designer and Design Director at Guggenheim Architecture + Design Studio located in Portland, Oregon. A: In the past, architects were hired more for their style and artistry. Today, there’s no doubt that homeowners want to be heard, understood and be an integral part of the […]
Great Room Ideas: a Residential Builder’s Perspective
It’s very common for us to be involved in a home residential project that includes creating a great room where the kitchen, dining room and living room are part of an open floor plan. They are very popular; in fact, a recent survey reported that 79% of respondents prefer a kitchen and family room open […]
How to get the most out of a basement remodel
In a recent by the Wall Street Journal about basements, it commented that “Wealthy Londoners have long built basements reaching two, three, and even four stories below ground” and that there is a trend towards more basement remodeling. We agree! In fact, an unfinished basement is like having an unrecognized real estate asset and homes […]
Giving back is what we Portlanders like to do
As the owners of Hamish Murray Construction, this article hits home on a very personal level. Often, we are humbled by the extent of the philanthropic spirit of so many people across greater Portland. You continue to inspire us with your goodwill and generosity. During this December holiday season of giving, we want to encourage you […]
Weatherproofing and Best Insulation Techniques for Homes
With our rainy climate here in the Northwest, it’s wise to protect a home well from the elements, especially with the rising costs of gas and electricity. We’re often asked by new clients for our advice on weatherproofing homes, best insulation techniques for homes and home energy saving tips. This article gives you a few […]
Aging in Place Features to Create Your Forever Home
If you are like most homeowners, by the time you can afford your dream home, you are already noticing wrinkles, some gray hair or increased muscle soreness after working out. Of course, we will get old – so there is wisdom in designing a home that can support any physical limitations in later years. Residential […]
How Supply Chain Issues Are Affecting Home Construction 2022
If you are thinking of starting a home remodel, addition or new home construction project, you may be wondering how supply chain issues may affect your project. Our project management team got together and discussed what would be helpful for homeowners to know. This article is a result of that conversation. Since the pandemic, there […]
Elevate Your Home With Must-Have Unique Luxury Features
When you make improvements to a home, it’s common to wonder if certain improvements will increase its value, just in case one day you sell your home. One way to know if these improvements could pay off is by understanding what buyers want in a home today. This article addresses what homebuyers seek in a […]
The Complete Checklist for Building a New House in Oregon
Building your own custom home can be exciting and very satisfying. For most homeowners, however, undergoing custom home construction is unfamiliar territory. Here is our checklist so you don’t miss any important steps. 1. Should you build or buy? There’s something incredibly fulfilling about building a dream custom home built for you. But will […]
How to Choose An Architect to Build Your Dream Home: 7 Tips
Building that home or home remodel that is perfect for you includes choosing the right quality builder, but also the right architect. We continually work with many independent architects and designers and so we offer our advice on how to find the right residential architect for you. This article focuses on how to find your […]