Plants, People and Music Part 2: Plants Make Music?

Collage: Beautiful Musical Notes Falling from Tree
Image Credit: MS Office ClipArt: Tree + Dancing notes
"There is always music amongst the trees in the garden,
but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it." ~ Minnie Aumonier
Quote Source: All Nature, My Garden: The Music of Trees

Plants, People and Music Part 1: Listen for Life - The Connection between Biological Wellness and Music

Weeds be Jamming - The Ability of Plants to Make Music

Last time we looked at how plants seem to respond to music.

Well, what about the reverse: can plants make music?

We know the human response to music is often to join in, add to the beat, sing along, etc. Could it be possible that plants might exhibit a similar type of stimulus-response? And if so, might it be possible to "capture" that response as "music?"

The surprising answer is ... yes, quite possibly!

youtube.com: Can plants make music?
Plant orchestra and Biofeedback
Video by http://www.timewavezero.tv
Uploaded by TimeWaveZero on Mar 23, 2011

By connecting sensors to the plant and a simple synthesizer, researchers are able to capture the subtle shifts in electrical currents in the plants. These shifts are translated into notes and played by the synthesizer.

The plant seems to respond to the notes it hears that itself has played. One might be tempted to jump to the conclusion that the effect is pure stimulus-response. However, that would produce a very mechanistic result.

The following video from Damanhur, Italy, really sparks the imagination:

youtube.com: Singing Plants at DamanhurExperience what is was like to be in the Sacret Forests in Damanhur
and listen to the singing plants. It will change your perception on life.
Uploaded by RoatanBruce on Oct 24, 2011

What’s really going on here? On the surface it seems plants may have more in common with people than modern science would like to admit.

Peapod Life will pursue the phenomenon, and who knows? If our research and development produces similar results as those seen in Damanhur, we will dedicate ourselves to introducing and promoting a new experience of what it means to share living spaces with plants.


Attila Lendvai
VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

@peapodlife Tonight! Damanhur #Music of the #Plants presentation at The Rising Sun Centre http://t.co/A9J5zh5xuA pic.twitter.com/9FLOG7nLR6
— Wo-Built Inc (@wobuilt) February 6, 2014

links:
Music Thing: The Musical Life of Plants Part 1: Hendrix Killed My Petunia
Music Thing: The Musical Life of Plants Part 2: Can Plants Make Music?
Posted by Tom Whitwell

Data Garden Quartet – Live at The Philadelphia Museum Of Art
Data Garden presents a live exhibition recording of Quartet, the first plant-generated audio composition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
4 Tracks, 116 Minutes of Plant Generated Music: The musical compositions on Quartet were generated by four living tropical plants.

Scenocosme: Akousmaflore
Sensitive and interactive musical plants
by Grégory Lasserre & Anaïs met den Ancxt

Plants, People and Music Part 1: Listen for Life

Collage: Plants, People and Music
Image Credit: MS Office ClipArt:
Dancing music notes +
People dancing around a tree
Quote Source: Shakespeare On-Line:
Shakespeare Quotations on Music
from Henry VIII, 3.1.4-9 by William Shakespeare

The Connection between Biological Wellness and Music

It goes without saying that humans love music. Why not plants?

We are not the first to pose this question. Since the 1950’s everyone from scientists to botanists to curious students (think: science fair projects) have explored the effects of music on plants.

An online search of common databases will return contrary results, such as "no scientific research has been done" to "many controlled experiments by scientists have been performed."

So, with that in mind, after a fair bit of researching, it does seem that:

1. Music does have a profound influence on the growth of plants; and,
2. Classical music seems to have a much better influence on plants than heavy metal, rap, rock, or even country music.

Why might this be so?

Generally speaking, people know the difference between music people like and beautiful music. That is, while most contemporary genres of music (from rock to RAP, heavy metal, jazz, pop, etc.) might be fun to listen to (or even dance to), they just don’t have the same melodic / harmonic / rhythmic qualities as most classical, choral, sacred, traditional, acoustic music from around the world.

Consider also the kind of music that’s played in spas and during massage, reiki, meditation, and/or yoga sessions. We know intuitively what tones, harmonies, melodies, etc. are relaxing, rejuvenating, etc.

It turns out many professional greenhouses already play classical music for their plants. We doubt they would be doing it if it had no positive effect.

Wo-Built wholeheartedly believes in the healing power of music both for people and plants. That’s why Peapod Life will incorporate sound in new and exciting ways. Stay tuned!


Attila Lendvai
VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Plants, People and Music Part 2: Plants Make Music?
Weeds be Jamming - The Ability of Plants to Make Music


Also please read other interesting articles about healing power of music and plants:

Genesis Eco Fund for Advanced Human Habitat: Do Trees Communicate? Ecosystems and the Communication of Plants
Peapod Life: Applications for Better Living
Peapod Life: Health and Wellness through Indoor Garden Living Spaces
Affordable Home Additions that Rejuvenate Your Quality of Life: Herbs!
Living with Plants inside an enclosed Ecosystem: Doctor Tested and Approved

You’ve got all the toys for your home; but do you have the fun; the fantasy?

Collage: Beauty & Magic of Natural World
Image Credit: MS Office ClipArt: Fairy with Flowers
Quote Source: Shakespeare Navigators: Puck’s Epilogue to
"A Midsummer Night’s Dream" by William Shakespeare

Bring the Beauty and the Magic of the Natural World into Your Home

So you’ve got the iPhone, the iPod, the iPad (or the ‘Droids); the sheik brownstone or the shiny new condo with the latest in contemporary designs, colours and textures, complete with a matching set of stainless steel appliances in "the ultimate kitchen." But, do you have the fun? The fantasy?

The summer is nearly over and so is Canadian Stage Company’s production of Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" in High Park.

We cannot imagine a better way to stage the Bard’s famous romantic comedy of errors than outside at dusk. What better backdrop than nature to evoke and the fantasy, mischief and love as lived in the realms of pixies, Puck and the Fairy Queen!

Now, what if you could bring that level of exotic, fun-filled fantasy into your home; your life? You can, with Peapod Life.

Wo-Built’s Peapod Life brings the beauty and the magic of the natural world into your space with magical installations that delight the senses, inspire the mind and rejuvenate the soul.

With the best of contemporary designs and technologies blended harmoniously with the timeless beauty and wisdom of Mother Nature, that feels right and just works, Peapod Life’s indoor ecosystems are beyond stylish …they are downright magical.

If today’s modern world of must-get stuff, cold technologies, hectic efficiency-minded pace, and industrialized urban lifestyle "offends" ... Peapod Life "shall make amends."


Attila Lendvai
VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Please see other articles below for more details about Peapod Life:
Peapod Life: Applications for Better Living
Urban Farming and Peapod Life: Grow Kids’ Connection to Community, Culture and Curriculum
Indoor Landscapes: Companies See the Light of a whole New Level of "wow, cool!"
Fresh Air Indoors: Peapod Life Ecosystem Better Air Quality

Summer, Nature, and the Homestead

Image: Wo-Built’s vision for Peapod Life:
Bringing the best of summer and nature to homesteads everywhere!
Image Credit: MS Office ClipArt: agriculture, farms, fields, houses, nature

Peapod Life brings the best of rural Canada to your Condo

This past Sunday, I had the good fortune of attending a spiritual retreat held on a horse farm in Arva, Ontario.

The experience served to reinforce Wo-Built’s vision for Peapod Life: to bring the best of summer and nature to homesteads everywhere! From condos to suburbs; restaurants to spas; hospitals to clinics; offices to schools; everyone should be able to enjoy the pleasures I experienced on Sunday.

Among the many activities on the beautiful property was a nature walk. To be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature is always uplifting yet calming; invigorating yet soothing. Green was the backdrop for a symphony of colours.

It wouldn’t have been much of a gathering without a feast. Fresh garden herbs and vegetables, local fair of every kind, all served with warmth and hospitality that I believe is 100% supported by the environment of the homestead.

Cities are a necessary fact of life which come with a whole series of advantages, from employment to socializing to entertainment. Toronto recognizes the importance of greening urban landscapes, evidenced by the emergence of initiatives like Live Green Toronto, Evergreen and Food Forward (to name but a few).

When it finally came to leave Arva and return to Toronto, I did so with renewed determination. Peapod Life will do its best to bring the best of rural life to our urban spaces, with products and services both large and small for residential and commercial markets.

Attila Lendvai
VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

10th Anniversary Summer Networking Bash Follow-up

Collage: Wo-Built Shares Its Vision of Peapod Life with Toronto Summer Networking Bash 2012;
Counter-clockwise from top left: 10th Anniversary Summer Networking Bash; Wo-Built’s Display;
Peapod Life’s Condo/Apartment-sized Building Ecosystem & Technology was a Big Hit with Attendees.
Image credits: BizNETWORKnews.com + WoBuilt.com + PeapodLife.com

Peapod Life is "BEST" - Building Ecosystems & Technology

A big success in the first public appearance of condo @peapodlife at Ontario Place #sb2012 @wobuilt #Toronto #greenbuilding
~ Elida Huignard

Last night the 10th Anniversary Summer Networking Bash was held at Atlantis, Ontario Place. Wo-Built débuted its highly anticipated Peapod Life Indoor Ecosystem for condos, apartments, small homes and offices.

The fully-functioning prototype Peapod Life iEcosystem features a living wall growing out of an aquarium with living aquatic plants and fish in a balanced, self-sustaining aquaponic design.

Wo-Built also brought a vivarium module which also features iEcosystem Technology suitable for housing amphibians or small lizards.

Wo-Built’s display of Peapod Life iEcosystems generated a lot of excitement and attention from attendees of the Summer Networking Bash.

Considering how well the prototype units are being received, Wo-Built is looking forward to taking the next steps needed to bring Peapod Life iEcosystems to the market.

Attila Lendvai
VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Check out the following links for more information about Toronto Summer Networking Bash 2012:
facebook.com: Photo Album: 10th Anniversary Networking Summer Bash 2012 (19 photos)
By Solsnet.Com

facebook.com: Photo Album: Summer Bash 2012 (61 photos)
By Jim S Pagiamtzis

youtube.com: Summer Bash 2012 Follow up
Jim Pagiamtzis shares his insight and experience on Summer Bash 2012 Aug 15,2012 at Ontario Place-Atlantis
Published by pagiamt on Aug 16, 2012

Combining Old and New Technology - The New Paradigm for Building?

Images: Contour Crafting - Concrete is “printed” in layers through a nozzle
that moves around the building site with the help of a gantry;
Those behind Contour Crafting believe it could be used to develop entire neighbourhoods
Source: dailymail.co.uk: Contour Crafting builds house in 24-hours
Credit: Contour Crafting + TEDxOjai

3D printing technology could build a 2500 square foot house in one day, complete with fixtures and fittings

Who could have imagined inkjet printer technology would one day grow-up, off the two-dimensional page and into the world of three dimensions? Scientists and engineers, that’s who.

Now, an engineer from the University of Southern California is looking to grow the 3D printing phenomenon even further—to a size capable of building a house.

Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis calls the process of depositing layers of specially formulated concrete “Contour Crafting.” Combined with incorporated robotic assembly of pre-fabricated mechanical, plumbing and electrical modules, Professor Khoshnevis claims his Contour Crafting could build an entire house complete with fixtures and fittings in under 24 hours.

That may sound far-fetched, but consider the fact that 2D inkjet printers have only been around a few decades. Already, 3D printing is fast becoming the new standard for 3D modelling, rapid prototyping, even custom part manufacturing. So why not scale-up the technology for buildings?

Wo-Built believes we are due for a new building paradigm. It is one of the reasons we are pushing ahead with our Peapod Life initiative. Given finite resources and the incredible waste and greenhouse gas emissions conventional building methods produce, we applaud any approach that pushes the boundaries and encourages new innovation.

Consider the potential of Contour Crafting to lead to the discovery of new, more environmentally friendly and sustainable building materials. Wo-Built can foresee a biotechnological angle to such material development—producing sustainable, durable, even photosynthetic structures that are maintenance free and beyond carbon-neutral.

Attila Lendvai
VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

TEDxOjai - Behrokh Khoshnevis - Contour Crafting: Automated Construction
Published on Apr 28, 2012 by TEDxTalks

links:
contourcrafting.com: Contour Crafting (CC)
Contour Crafting (CC) is a layered fabrication technology developed by Dr. Behrokh Khoshnevis of the University of Southern California.

dailymail.co.uk: science & tech: Contour Crafting builds house in 24 hours
The end of the builder? The giant 3D printer that could create a HOUSE in 24 hours
• Printer can create all fixtures and fittings as it creates house layer by layer
• Could be used to build a 2500 square foot house in a day
PUBLISHED: 13 August 2012

gizmodo.com.au: 3D Printer Can Build You A House In 20 Hours: Welcome To The Future
Luke Hopewell, Gizmodo AU August 9, 2012

idesigntimes.com: Amazing Innovations: 3D Printer Can Build a House In 20 Hours
By Jacob Kleiman | August 13, 2012

smartplanet.com: A giant 3D printer builds a livable house
By Amy Kraft | August 11, 2012

core77.com: Contour Crafting: 3D Printing an Entire House
Posted by hipstomp | 2 Aug 2012

wobuilt.com/blog: A New Construction Paradigm for Buildings

10th Anniversary Summer Networking Bash 2012 in Toronto #sb2012

biznetworknews.com: 10th Anniversary Summer Networking Bash
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
3:15 - 4:45 pm: Social Media Made Simple
5-9 pm: Business Networking
Atlantis, Ontario Place, Toronto
Tickets - $35 advance; $45 at door
Credit: unleashpr.com and biznetworknews.com

We will be @ 10th Anniversary Summer Networking Bash 2012 on Wed Aug 15 @ ATLANTIS, Ontario Place showing off our Condo version of indoor eco system @PeapodLife … http://t.co/MvAs3ZRR
twitter.com/wobuilt

10th Anniversary
Summer Networking Bash 2012
~ Business Trade Show ~ Great Food ~ Connections ~ Giveaways ~ Spectacular Location ~

Wednesday, August 15, 2012
5 - 9 pm

ATLANTIS, Ontario Place
955 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
Driving Directions

BNN SUBSCRIBER TICKETS - $30
GENERAL TICKETS - $35
AT THE DOOR - $45

Subscribe to BizNETWORKnews.com
Register Now!

This annual summer event for professionals and business owners also includes a social media workshop at the Constant Contact Social Media Hub:

Social Media Made Easy for Online & Offline Networking

3:15 - 4:45 pm

This information-packed learning seminar will cover essential strategies, actionable tips & best practices to help you maximize your network on LinkedIn, Twitter & Facebook.
by Susan Corcoran, Managing Partner at Indigo Oceans

Organizer: unleash pr
Contact: Jennifer Beale
@JenniferBeale
416-865-3274
eventmanager@unleashpr.com
Website: http://conta.cc/M6XvmD
hashtag: #sb2012

Connect with 650+ business owners & professionals at the Summer's biggest Business Networking Event in Toronto!

links:
mediaintoronto.com: unleashpr: SUMMER NETWORKING BASH

linkedin.com: Small Business: The Globe and Mail: Discussions: Hello all, Set your calendars for August 15, 2012.
BizNETWORKnews.com will be holding their 10 annual summer networking bash at Atlantis, Ontario Place. Click link below for more information. #sb2012
by Lynn Wodman

youtube.com: Summer Networking Bash 2012 Contest
It's Wed Aug 15 at ATLANTIS, Ontario Place -- check out how you can win big prizes!
Published on Jul 4, 2012 by ecvd1

10 Reasons Why a Commercial Renovation is more Complicated and Costly than Residential

Photos: Wo-Built’s Commercial Building Renovation Project in Progress
2012 @ wobuilt.com

About to embark on your first commercial renovation?

Here are ten things to keep in mind, especially if you’re tempted to gauge your impending commercial project against residential renovations.

• 1. Design / engineering costs are higher. Due to larger size, greater complexity and/or other factors, commercial renovations require more upfront time and energy to be planned properly.
• 2. City requirements and permitting process more onerous. The City scrutinizes commercial renovations to a greater degree; asks for more engineering reports; etc.
• 3. Services are much more expensive. From mechanical systems through to electrical, sprinklers, fire alarms, HVAC, etc., commercial-grade services and systems require more time and effort to upgrade, relocate, work with and work around.
• 4. Fire/life safety requirements. These are numerous and require a high degree of precision and reliability, including emergency lighting and exits, addition of alarmed push-bars on emergency exit doors, etc. Attempting to change any emergency exit routes may lead to all sorts of project complications or delays.
• 5. Studs are metal. Metal studs are more expensive and more time consuming to work with.
• 6. Hospital-grade wiring and electrical systems. If you’re upgrading medical treatment rooms, standard commercial-grade wiring simply won’t do. Hospital-grade wiring is uniquely designed to meet the parameters of sensitive medical equipment.
• 7. Rules of the landlord. No doubt the landlord will want to have a say in how the project proceeds, making sure none of the building’s rules are broken and the disruption to other tenants is kept at a minimum.
• 8. Rules unique to residentially tenanted buildings. If the building is mixed residential / commercial there are additional rules and restrictions that must be adhered to that can complicate and/or delay a project’s progress.
• 9. Location of bins. This might not seem important, but renovations produce a lot of building waste. The farther bins are from the worksite, the more time is spent getting rid of waste.
• 10. Even relatively simple things become much more complicated. Take adding a bathroom for instance: you’ll likely have to drill through existing concrete structure which will require scans or x-rays (if they are permitted) which are not always conclusive. It should be wheelchair accessible, requiring more real estate.

Bottom line? Make sure you’re working with a design / build contractor you can trust; someone who will keep your interests top-of-mind as they work through the many challenges and pitfalls that any commercial renovation project is bound to present.


Attila Lendvai
VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

links:
msn.com: MSN Real Estate: 10 things contractors won't tell you
Learning a few tricks of their trade will help you ensure you get the job done right and at a fair price.
By SmartMoney

ezineArticles.com: 10 Tips for Commercial Real Estate Investing
"Any plan to invest in commercial real estate calls for right mental attitude, enormous patience and foresight. Not only do they take time to buy and close the deal, but also to repair, restore, remodel and resell. This apart, you should also be prepared to spend long hours of research, cultivate the right business relationships and take crucial investment decisions at the appropriate time...."
By Lincy Stewart

squidoo.com: Commercial Remodeling: Commercial Construction Versus Residential Construction
by wecomparebooks

wobuilt.com/blog: Medical Facilities - Building Image and Branding of Your Spaces

Home Maintenance Costs: Save Your Money

Collage: Save Money with Regular Home Maintenance and Repair
Image Credit: MS Office ClipArt: Home Improvements, Maintenance, Repairing
2012 @ wobuilt.com

"Regular maintenance and upkeep of your home should have been a priority all along ..."
~ wobuilt.com

On average, routine home maintenance costs will amount to roughly one percent to three percent of your home’s actual sale price annually. That may come as a surprise to you, but the fact is, no matter how conscientious a homeowner you are, many things in your home simply don’t last forever.

Let’s face it, in a hyper-competitive world of frenzied globalization, cost-cutting measures, planned obsolescence and “life-by-monthly-payment,” the old cliché “they don’t make ‘em like they used to,” has never been more pertinent or held greater meaning than today.

In 2008, the National Association of Home Builders in the U.S. published a Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components. Here is a partial list of the estimated life expectancy of items in your home.

• Dishwasher- Five to Twelve years
• Garbage Disposal - Five to Twelve years
• Washer - Five to Fifteen years
• Dryer – Ten to Twenty-five years
• Water Heater- Five to Fifteen years
• Electric Water Heater - Ten to Fifteen Years
• Refrigerators - Fifteen to Twenty years
• Gas Stoves - Fifteen to Twenty years
• Oven and Range – Fifteen to Twenty years
• Warm Air Furnace – Ten to Twenty-five years
• Oil Tank - Twenty years
• Central Air - Ten to Fifteen years
• Heat Pumps - Ten to Fifteen years
• Gas Chillers- Eight to Fifteen years
• Water/Steam Boiler Welded Steel- Fifteen to Thirty years
• Water/steam Boiler Cast Iron- Thirty- Fifty years
• Water Pipes- Twenty to Twenty-five years
• Septic/Sewer Pump - Five to Ten years
• Roofs, Gutters and Downspouts - Twelve to Fifteen years
• Wood Shingles - Ten to Twenty years
• Fiberglass – Fifteen to Twenty years

It should go without saying that these are rough estimates at best. There are many factors that determine the longevity of home components, everything from usage rates to climate. What one should count on is for the maintenance and repair costs for these items to increase an average of 10 to 20 percent annually.

So, if you are currently living with major components “on the brink of failure,” it may make more economic sense to replace or repair them sooner rather than later.


Attila Lendvai
VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

links:
Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Home Maintenance Schedule - Regular Maintenance is the Key + Seasonal Home Maintenance

Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Maintaining a Home
For most Canadians, their home is their most important investment. It's where your family spends a lot of time, so keeping it healthy, well tended and safe is important. A regular schedule of seasonal maintenance and repairs can help you protect your investment by putting a stop to the most common and costly problems before they occur.

The Globe and Mail: Globe Investor: Personal Finance: Home Cents: Don't let home maintenance costs crush your budget
"... But as the owner of a 1940s bungalow in Toronto, I couldn’t help but ask myself: Is spending a few hundred bucks each month really so bad? Depending on its age and condition, maintaining a home can be painfully expensive, especially when the repair work (i.e. cracked foundation? leaky roof? broken air conditioner? you name it) is unexpected...."
by Katherine Scarrow, Published Thursday, Oct. 06 2011

wobuilt.com/blog: Home Maintenance and Repair Projects

wobuilt.com/blog: Buildings need Doctors, too!

Five Things to Remember when Making Your Old Bungalow New Again

Photos: Before and After Bungalow Renovation Project: Second Storey Addition
A second storey was added onto a bungalow and over the garage.
The first floor was gutted and rearranged into open plan concept.
2012 @ wobuilt.com

It is not always easy to make the move from an old bungalow to a new house, especially given sky-rocketing prices in the GTA’s real-estate market. The answer: renovate instead of moving.

Here are five tips to make sure your new bungalow renovation is the house of your dreams.

Let’s face it: there’s very little chance you’re going to move out of an old bungalow somewhere in Toronto into a stunning example of new architecture somewhere else in the city. Even with ultra-low interest rates, the economics are just not there given the GTA’s red-hot real estate market.

But why put yourself into all kinds of debt when you can increase the value of your house? Whether you want to update a builder’s bungalow or build a ranch bungalow addition, a major renovation can really raise property values by combining old and new architecture. Here are five tips to keep in mind before embarking on the project.

• 1. Make sure it’s just a "renovation." Even if you’re effectively building a new house where the old bungalow once stood, you want to be sure structurally-sound elements from the old architecture are preserved and incorporated into the new design. This way your project will technically be a renovation and not a “new build.” Your contractor should know this.
• 2. Be prepared for the unexpected. Old houses harbour many secrets. It’s not until walls and floor coverings are opened up that years of sub-standard handyman repairs might be revealed. Removing and/or correcting these can often add extra time and cost to your project. An experienced design and build contractor should be prepared for this and suggest a suitable contingency fund be included in the budget.
• 3. You get what you pay for. Beware low-ball quotes that sound too good to be true, or contractors who claim they can do high-end design and build quality for bargain-basement prices. Once your old bungalow has been ripped apart, you will be in no position to renegotiate terms with your contractor, and what seemed cheap at the outset can balloon "unexpectedly." Remember: you are ultimately trying to increase the value of a house and raise property value…what you don’t want is a barn renovation (unless you live on the outskirts of the GTA, in which case a barn renovation might be just the thing to increase your property value).
• 4. Don’t try this alone. No matter how handy you may think you are, a major renovation is almost certainly beyond anything you’ve ever tackled before. From the permit process with the city to demolition logistics and a myriad other considerations that probably wouldn’t even cross your mind, bungalow additions or rebuilds are not to be trifled with. Call a professional. You will be glad you did.
• 5. Have confidence in your design & build contractor. It’s no use getting involved with someone you don’t "feel right" about. Remember, you will be working with this person for weeks; and, you will be living with the results of your relationship with them for years! Talk to a qualified, experienced design & build contractor who specializes in combining old and new architecture. Ask for references and follow-up with them. A trustworthy professional will always be willing to have their past work and working relationships with former clients scrutinized.

The bottom line is simple: there’s no reason you can’t update your existing bungalow (or backsplit, sidesplit, etc.) by combing old architecture with new designs to create the home of your dreams and a renovation that raises the value of your property.


Attila Lendvai
VP of Strategic Development
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Collage: Wo-Built's Renovation Projects: the Ranch and the Tower
Interesting Bungalow Additions with Architectural Merit.
Credit: MS Office ClipArt: Silhouettes

links:
wobuilt.com/blog: How to Turn Your Bungalow into a Dream House Mansion

wobuilt.com/blog: What to Do When You Outgrow Your House? Move or Be Moved?