“Feroza! There’s water everywhere,” my husband exclaimed to me one evening after hearing a loud crash in our kitchen. The culprit? Our undermounted sink, which decided to detach from the countertop after 14 years. The sink’s sudden fall twisted the pipes, creating a full-blown indoor sprinkler. After shutting off the water, we assessed the damage and decided to call a plumber. The plumber informed us he couldn’t help until the sink was reattached to the countertop—something outside his expertise. Countertop companies we called weren’t interested in such a small repair, offering instead to replace the entire counter. After calling five companies and receiving the same answer, my husband asked, “Out of curiosity, if this were to happen to you, who would you call?” The woman on the phone said, “Oh, Garret from CounterTech.” Garret explained that our sink was poorly installed—secured only with silicone, which had loosened over time due to water exposure. He said it was common in companies that choose to cut corners to save time. With his expertise, he reinstalled the sink, reinforced it properly and even resealed it, saving us from costly countertop replacement. This made me wonder, “We spend thousands of dollars renovating our homes, how often do we think about maintenance?” To help homeowners avoid similar disasters, we consulted industry experts for their tips on keeping your home in tip-top shape.
Also in our semiannual homes issue, we focus on the front porch. It is more than just a transitional space. It is the threshold between the outside world and the heart of the home. As the first thing guests see and experience, the porch sets the tone for what lies beyond the door. Whether you’re like me and adorn your porch with seasonal décor or a simple doormat, the porch is a reflection of your home’s personality and a signal of welcome. We chat with an interior designer about how to decorate this integral part of the home and how to easily transition the porch from season to season. We also look at how homeowners are leaning into whimsy when it comes to their bathrooms and walls.
May this issue inspire you to incorporate into your home what you love and what makes you unique.
