HouseHampton 21 Houses for the 21 Century Michael McCann architect Westchester

The newly published book HouseHampton, 21 Houses for the 21st Century, is now for sale in the gift book section of Womrath's Bookstore in Bronxville NY on Pondfield Ave.

The book features local architect Michael McCann who designed a 8,000 sq ft home in Quogue NY for a New Canaan family. The book features only 21 houses and all the photos were taken by Ron Papageorge of The Hamptons. The dutch colonial designed by Michael on Shinnicock Bay is shown on 8 pages of HouseHampton.

Michael McCann architect Westchester Newly Designed Home Mamaroneck on Market

A house Michael McCann designed that is under construction has recently come to the market. The home is at 1010 Cove Road, Mamaroneck, NY in the Orienta Point estates area. The listing says:




Experience the quiet serenity of Cove Road in this gorgeous family home situated on half an acre of private property in the heart of prestigious Orienta Point.Spectacular New Nantucket Colonial is sunfilled & features elegance & refined architectual details thru-out with 5 bedrm, 4.5 baths, hard wood floors, large gourmet EIK flows to wonderful family rm/Fpl. Perfect for entertaining and every ammenity for todays lifestyle.This gem is just minutes from shops,schools and a short commute to NYC.

Pictures can be seen on Weikert real estate site and the Houlihan Lawrence site. Price of the house is $2,295,000.

Architect Westchester Michael McCann Westchester Home Magazine

Westchester Home Magazine has an article in their Fall issue "10 Most Beautiful Houses in Westchester". Michael McCann's design and construction of a home in Pocantico Hills, NY was selected to me in the article.

Michael McCann, an architect practicing in Westchester, Fairfield and the Hamptons, designed a large addition on an existing house. The home had a Cotswold feel to it and Michael's addition fit seamlessly into the original house, so that it is almost impossible to tell where the old house ended and the new addition began.

Note: The actual print magazine for Westchester Home included a mistake as to the house Michael designed. It has his name next to an Adirondack style house, not the Cotswold style house in Pocantico Hills. The magazine has corrected the on line website for Westchester Home. The link for the Westchester Home Magazine issue is:
http://www.westchestermagazine.com/Westchester-Magazine/Westchester-Home/Fall-2010/The-10-Most-Beautiful-Homes-in-Westchester/index.

Architect Westchester Michael McCann - Certified Aging in Place Specialist

With many people wanting to remain in their homes as they age instead of moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home, there is a demand for professionals knowledgeable as an Certified Aging in Place Specialist. What is aging in place? It means being able to remain and live in your home independently, comfortably and safely. If changes are made to the home, it might extend for years the ability of the homeowner to remain in their familiar surroundings.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, "Making changes to a home so you or your loved one can live in it longer is a growing trend among Baby Boomers and their parents. Modifications can range from simple to incredibly expensive...A CAPS certified specialist can do a home assessment for you and assist you in determining your needs."

Some age in place remodeling projects can include installing grab bars in the bathroom, securing floor coverings, changing door handles, installing walk-in showers or tubs and seats, rearranging appliances for easy accessibility, replacing light wall switches, increasing doorway openings, designing ramps for entrance into the home and other projects to make the home more user friendly for the older or disabled occupant.

Michael McCann is now a Certified Aging in Place specialist and as an architect and builder make the changes necessary to keep owners in their homes longer.

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www.HouseHampton21.com - HouseHampton has a new website

The newly published book HouseHampton 21 Houses for the 21st Century has its own website. Go to www.househampton21.com to see where you can purchase the book. HouseHampton features 21 outstanding residences build and designed in the Hamptons. The residential architectural book is unlike any on the market. The book contains over 400 beautiful photos by noted photographer, Ron Papageorge. The photos are breathtaking and unlike any other book (a search of Amazon will confirm that). Architect Michael McCann architect located in Westchester has an 8 page spread of the residence he designed for clients in Quogue, NY. These clients have been using Michael McCann AIA for other projects and picked him to design their home in the Hamptons. Sales of HouseHampton have been very strong and book stores in the Hamptons have had to restock.

Ron Papageorge is releasing new book HouseHampton 21 Houses for the 21st Century to be sold in the Following bookstores

Ron and Toby Papageorge, Photographers are pleased to announce the release of their new book, HouseHampton 21 Houses for the 21st Century. The book features over 400 photos in a 9 inch by 13.5 inch Hardcover Book. HouseHampton will be sold in the following bookstores:
BookHampton - all locations
Sag Harbor, East Hampton, Southampton
Black Cat Books-Bridgehampton
Books and Books - Westhampton Beach
The Open Book - Westhampton Beach
Book Review - Huntington
Border Books-Bohemia

Westchester NY architect Michael McCann, Westchester Magazine Beautiful Exteriors

Architect Michael McCann, residential architect from Westchester NY will be featured in Westchester Magazine article showcasing beautiful exteriors.

Borders Books, Westchester architects, Westchester architect Michael McCann, New house to be built in Mamaroneck designed by Michael McCann AIA

Westchester County architect Michael McCann is featured in the book House Hampton, 21 Houses for the 21st Century. The house that Michael designed is in Quogue, NY. The book is about beautiful homes in the Hamptons and Westchester county architect Michael McCann has an 8 page spread in the book. There will be a book signing at Borders Books in the Hamptons during October.

Brown Harris Stevens hosted reception for stunning new book HouseHampton 21 Houses for the 21 Century

Real Estate company, Brown Harris Stevens of Southampton hosted a reception for the premier of the book HouseHampton, 21 Houses for the 21st Century. Photographer Ron Papageorge photographed all the Hampton homes featured in the book. A Wine and Cheese reception was hosed by Brown Harris Steven real estate and was attended by over 100 people in Brown Harris Steven's garden. The stunning new book features the architecture of Michael McCann. Michael McCann designed a home in Quogue The Hamptons that was photographed by Ron Papageorge and included in the book. Michael McCann AIA is an architect practicing in Westchester county, Fairfield county and the Hamptons.

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Houses in the Hamptons, NY Daily News Hot Hamptons Homes

HouseHampton is now available in all BookHamptons (Southhampton, Sag Harbor, East Hampton, Black Cat Books Bar Harbor, Book and Books WestHampton Beach, The Open book WestHampton Beach, Book Revue Huntington and borders in Bohemia. Those who had display copies sold them out and we are on second orders for most stores

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Houses in the Hamptons, NY Daily News Hot Hamptons Homes

NY Daily News Hot Hamptons Homes has published pictures from the book HouseHampton 21 Houses for the 21st Century. Westchester, Fairfield, NYC and Hampton architect Michael McCann is features. The NY Daily News say that their website gets 1.4 million hits per day.

Google NY Daily News Hot Hamptons Homes.

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Those of us in business long enough to have weathered several recessions are familiar with the arguments for and against to either staying in your home and renovating to get what you want or to move to a new home to gain what you're looking for.
On one hand it is sometimes more attractive to just move and not get into the whole design and construction process. But in reality, it is probably more cost effective to stay in your current residence and address those issues you would like to have in your residence. Besides the upheaval of selling and moving, assuming that you are happy with your neighborhood, schools etc. and have the room to improve, there are many expenses to moving such as financing the new purchase, closing costs, moving expenses, redecorating every room in the new home when those rooms might be finished in your present residence and it is only the renovated space that would be affected.
If you decide that to get what you want would be accomplished by renovating your present residence,(or even if you move and your new place is still missing something that you are looking for) what to be steps you would you take to begin the process. First, you must decide what it is that you want (new kitchen, new family room, additional bedrooms, master bedroom suite, etc.)You must also decide what your design style is. Do you like colonial architecture, tradition detailing, contemporary lines? Next, you must find out what can be construction wise to your residence. Do you have the space on your property to expand? What are the setback requirements in your neighborhood (how close to the lot line can you build)? To answer your first questions to see what's possible both physically and for your pocketbook, you need to find an architect.
Most towns and state building codes require an architect's plans for any renovation involving structural changes to your home. In some states like New York, any changes, such as renovating a bathroom, need plans filed with the local building department and the issuance of a building permit showing how the changes will be done under the rules in the building code.
How do you find an architect? These days most people are turning to the internet first to get some ideas. Many architects now have websites which display their portfolios with pictures. Do you like the style of the architect as portrayed on their sites? Each architect has a particular style. Some are only contemporary designers, some have worked primarily on commercial projects, some have no work to show that reflects what you like in a home. Your home is one of the sacred spaces in your life and when done must be a place where you retreat to and recharge. Once you see the kind of work that the architect has done that you like, you need to schedule a meeting and get a feel for this professional. You will be involved on a very personal basis with this person over many months and there has to be a good level of comfort between the architect and the clients. Is the architect a good listener? You have conveyed what you are looking for - does the architect seem to understand and ask the appropriate questions to reflect your needs, or are they pushing their own vision or agenda. Listening to you is extremely important since the architect must then translate your requests into a plan that works for you and your family.
Getting references should be the next step in choosing an architect and visiting several projects goes along with that. Take the time to speak to their clients and ask if you got what you first set out to accomplish with your renovation. Again, did the architect listen carefully to your criteria? Did the architect design within your budget? Anyone can give you a grand design, but you need to be able to afford it. The architect should have a good grasp of construction costs. See what the references have to tell you and look at their projects.
Questions to ask about the Architect:Was the architect good to work with? Did the architect design a project close to your budget? Did the architect fulfill your requirements? Did the architect work well with the Contractor? At what point are you left on your own? Does the architect stay with you until the project is complete or do you have to then deal yourself with the contractor without input from the architect? Many people like the design build concept and the architect is also the builder and therefore has intimate knowledge of building costs since they not only spec the materials, but also buy them and pay for them and know currently what electricians, plumbers, framers, sheetrockers, roofers, excavators, finished carpenters are charging these days. Most architects will not truly understand these costs and therefore a design builder might have a much more realistic cost analysis of your project.
It is most important for you to visit some projects completed by the architect and talk to past clients. It will help greatly in picking the correct architect for your project.

Westchester NY architect Michael McCann in book about Hamptons.

Michael McCann Westchester NY architect also practicing in Fairfield county and the Hampsons will be in HouseHampton 21 Houses for the 21st Century.

The book will be able to be purchased in Westchester NY at the following bookstores starting the Fall, 2010:

Andersons Bookstore in Larchmont on Chatsworth Ave, Larchmont NY

Womraths Bookstore in Bronxville, NY on Ponfield Road, Bronxville NY

Michael McCann Westchester architect, architects in Westchester ny on Marvin Windows

Westchester NY architect Michael McCann, AIA has designed many projects specifying Marvin Wsindows in various application. An architect who is a fan of traditional architecture, McCann originally used Marvin Windows because of their construction, namely Marvin Window's use of true divided lights. Marvin Windows can be purchased at Interstate Lumber in Greenwich, Ct.

Marvin Windows has the traditional details favored by Westchester architect Michael McCann. See his portfolio at www.mccann-craftinc. Marvin Windows also offer a good option for the architect looking for a custom window, especially in a renovation where a non-custom window may not fit the opening in the existing home. In addition, Marvin Windows are stocked at Interstate Lumber where the sales staff has been extremely helpful in obtaining the windows Westchester architect Michael McCann orders when he is also the builder. Marvin Windows incorporate features such as ease of operation and installation, features that Westchester architect Michael McCann finds very attractive for his clients.

Westchester architects,Home renovation and remodeling in Westchester,Building in a Flood Plain, FEMA rules and Westchester architect Michael McCann

Westchester architects face many challenges in trying to help clients modify homes in an area designated as a flood plain by FEMA and insurance companies. If a house is determined to be located in a flood plain, the owner is restricted to 50% of the value of the house or less as to the amount of money that can be spent on a renovation or remodeling. First the owner must determine the value of the house excluding the value of the land. That number must be arrived at independently by some sort of appraisal. Finding an appraiser willing to determine the value of the house only without the land is not easy in Westchester county. Very often vacant land nearby is used as a guide, but that value might approximate the value of the house and land together. If that is the case, once the value of the land is subtracted from the value of the land and house together, the house can come up with a very low value, thereby leaving not much dollar room to renovate the house.

For example, several towns have widespread flood plain designation, especially in Westchester county. If a home is purchased within that designated area, the owner purchasing or living in the house has restricted options as to how much work can be done. On a home worth $300K with out the land, that only leaves $150K that can be spent renovating the home. In Westchester county a home in battered condition purchased with the idea of fixing it up, $150 K does not go a long way, especially when you throw in a roof, a kitchen, siding and a couple of bathrooms. The Westchesterarchitect then is faced with finding other options so that the homeowner can make the required modifications.

One such option is to raise the house up above the FEMA level of flood stage level of 12 feet. Once the house is raised, the 50% rule is no longer the determinant as to what amount can be spent. This means that any area below now as a basement must be considered only for storage and not for staging any utilities (heat, A/C, electrical) or living space. And raising the house up also is constrained by the number of stories allowed in an area by zone laws. An architect in Westchester who has been through this process is essential before considering renovating a home in a flood plain area as the renovation might not be possible or might require that the home be raised up. This is especially true for anyone looking to purchase a home in Westchester county located in a flood plain. These flood plain rules are national.

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A new home is being built on Cove Road in Mamaroneck, NY designed by Michael McCann AIA. The home faced several hurdles involving flood plain and wet lands issues, but all issues were resolved and the building permit was issued by Mamaroneck. We will show progress on this colonial house and post pictures during the construction.

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Michael McCann Westchester architect Fairfield architect profiled in East Coast Home + Design

East Coast Home + Design requested that Michael McCann, architect practicing in Westchester, Fairfield, NYC and the Hamptons submit a project for the amazing transformation issue, which just got published. The magazine, which features beautiful residential properties which underwent significant changes, can be viewed on line by searching East Coast Home + Design magazine.

Michael's project was a Costwold style home in Pocantico Hills, Mt. Pleasant, New York which had once been a caretake's cottage. The bent wood roof (done by Pana, Inc.) on the major addition was seamlessly blended to the original house. The addition included a new kitchen, family room and master bedroom suite and you can't tell where the original house ended and the new part begins. Stone work was meticulously matched to the original.

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HouseHampton 21 Houses for the 21st Century profiles Westchester and Fairfield architect Michael McCann

Michael has been profiled in a recently published book, HouseHampton 21 Houses for the 21st Century. The book, which showcases a home Michael designed in Quogue, New York, is exclusively devoted to beautiful residential architecture in the Hamptons. Michael's project graces 8 pages of the book. The book should be available in bookstores in about one month and online with Borders and Barnes and Noble booksellers. Several bookstores in the Hamptons will carry the book.

The coffee table sized book is published by Prestige Photomedia Corp and features the photography of Ron Papageorge, a noted architectural photographer.

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New York architect Michael McCann AIA New York City Duplex

Upper east side duplex was created from several apartments. The last apartment added was the lower three room residence. The entire area on the upper floor was gutted to the walls, with not interior walls left standing except one interior bathroom. The result was a stunning space including a master bedroom with bath, 2 other baths (one off the kitchen), a huge kitchen with four windows, a gas fireplace and a walk in pantry. The duplex now boasts a formal dining room with sitting for 12, a spacious living room with inglenook and gas fireplace. Also, the main floor has 2 offices (his and hers) and large den/family room with stairway leading to lower level. Lower level includes 2 bedrooms, living room and small kitchen. Lower level also has laundry room and separate entrance for use by adult children.

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East Coast Home + Design magazine has asked again to profile Westchester residential architect Michael McCann AIA in an article of before and after pictures showcasing exteriors.
Michael chose to submit a project built in Pocantico Hills NY (Mt. Pleasant) for which he was both architect and builder. The Cotswold styled residence was originally the caretaker's cottage as part of a larger estate. The estate was broken up a number of years ago and the cottage became a free-standing property, still of substantial size. The cottage, large by most standards, lacked some modern amenities like a spacious master bedroom suite, family room and updated kitchen. The exterior of the residence had the stone and wood roof features reminiscent of Cotswold architecture found in the area of England of the same name. Michael included features such as eyebrow windows with bent wood shingles and detailed stone work in keeping with the original architecture of the residence. The goal was to present a finished product which looked seamless between the original structure and the substantial additions. The article in the July issue of East Coast Home + Design will feature this project, with before and after pictures (the pictures above are the "after" photos.) The owners, both writers, have enjoyed the secluded quiet of their home while being able to recreate at bit of Old England right in Westchester County.

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Check out the article on Pools and Pool houses in the June issue of East Coast Home + Design.

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