Check out the article in The Chapel Hill News, September 27, 2009, on the front page of the Real Estate section. Correspondent, Sally Keeney, has written a wonderful article about Tom Howlett’s new house. Hacienda Under the Oaks: Bold colors say ‘bienvenido’ at builder’s personal residence By Sally Keeney Correspondent If you’ve ever tasted the mango salsa at Flying Burrito in Chapel Hill, then you know the intensity of ... Read full post »

Move-in was on the 15th and it went well. Being in feels very good. The colors work. The floor finish is impressive. The stained finish on the interior doors is beautiful. The kitchen countertop goes very well. It’s been neat starting up all the new appliances. I’ve cooked several meals already. The Zephyr range hood is striking. The built-ins by the fireplace, after getting the books and handicrafts on the shelves, lend that homey ... Read full post »

The septic tanks are in. There are two tanks, this being a pumped system in which the septic field is in the upper part of the property. The stucco is on and looks fabulous.  Jose was a perfectionist.  He started with a skim coat of portland cement and sand.  That was necessary to smooth out the imperfections of the AAC block work. Then the base coat was put on.  We used a product by MasterWall, Inc. It came in bags and got mixed ... Read full post »

Progressive Construction Company places Emphasis on Enviroment-friendly and Budget-friendly Living Spaces By Benji Cauthren, Correspondent CARRBORO — Some of the best houses Rick Allen and Tom Howlett build begin on cocktail napkins rather than as architect’s blueprints. That’s because Allen and Howlett get just as much of a kick out of the creative process as they do watching the actual bricks and mortar building. Th ... Read full post »