About OCN
Planning a practical renovation
You are about to spend real money on your house, and we write OCN Magazine to help you decide where those dollars go. We focus on the actual mechanics of a remodel. You will find practical articles to help you read a bid, write a contract, and track your expenses.
We organize the site into specific areas so you can easily find what you need. Readers will find guides on:
- Renovation Budgets
- Hiring Contractors
- Permits and Codes
- Kitchen Planning
- Bath Planning
- Additions and Conversions
We skip the fluffy design advice and focus on the hard numbers. A good project relies on solid preparation and clear communication.
Who writes the articles
The articles you read here are published under three pen names. Esmond Fairweather writes our guides on Renovation Budgets and Hiring Contractors. He explains how to compare a detailed bid against a vague one. Esmond also covers when to hold back a deposit and how to manage a change order.
Fiona Eckhart focuses on the heavy use areas like Kitchen Planning and Bath Planning. She looks at layout choices and how to maximize every square foot. Fiona writes about cabinet clearances, plumbing rough-ins, and realistic timelines for a gut remodel.
Ezra Fontaine handles Permits and Codes, along with Additions and Conversions. He writes about spacing requirements, load-bearing walls, and passing your final inspection. Building rules vary widely. Always check your state or local building department before starting any structural work.
Clear details over design trends
We focus on the hard choices that happen before the drywall goes up. A beautiful finish will not fix a bad layout. Esmond Fairweather, Fiona Eckhart, and Ezra Fontaine write about the practical steps of residential construction.
You need to know how deep a footing must be or how much space a new staircase requires. We provide the measurements in feet and inches to help you talk to your builder. A smart project starts with realistic expectations about time and money.
Get in touch
Do you have a question about a specific guide or a suggestion for a future article? We are glad to hear from people reading the magazine. You can send a message by visiting the contact page.