Blog | Michael Toppa

The shingle house in architectural design

Informal and eclectic, the shingle house style has been around since the late 1800s. The original shingle homes were built into natural surroundings, and today maintain their comfortable yet rugged appeal. With generously sized porches perfect for enjoying the afternoon shade, shingle homes evoke an idyllic connection with the natural ...

What’s the “Emotional” Return on Investment of a New Home?

Chances are, you’ve heard the expression, “Your home is your biggest investment.” For most homeowners, that’s true. So, when you’re shopping for a new home, it’s important to consider the financial opportunity of any purchase. Ideally, you want a home that is likely to increase in value over time. In other ...

Is Buying a House a Good Idea?

Purchasing a home may prove to be a good idea. In fact, there are many reasons to pursue a house, and these include: 1. You can purchase a home that you can call your own. There is nothing quite like the feeling an individual typically experiences after he or she buys a ...

What is a passive solar home?

As the topic of ways to save energy rises, many are now wondering how to make their homes more energy efficient. If you’re interested in building an energy-efficient home from the ground up, then perhaps a passive solar home is for you. Defining a passive ...