Maine & New Hampshire Kitchen

Designing the Heart of Your New England Home: A Guide to Authentic Kitchen Character

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Great Northern Builders
April 28, 2026

For many homeowners in the Seacoast, the kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it is the functional and emotional center of the home. Whether you own a historic 1906 property in Ogunquit or a modern coastal retreat in Kittery Point, your kitchen should reflect the timeless beauty of New England architecture. At Great Northern Builders, we specialize in
Aging-in-place bathroom renovations in NH and ME

The Forever Home: A Strategic Guide to Aging-in-Place Remodeling

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Great Northern Builders
March 16, 2026

Discover how Great Northern Builders transforms New England homes into safe, beautiful “forever homes” with aging-in-place renovations in NH and ME. Read our guide!
Natural stone fireplace

Custom Fireplace Remodeling in Southern Maine & Seacoast New Hampshire

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Great Northern Builders
February 16, 2026

Designing Warmth for Coastal & Second Homes Along the Southern Maine coast and Seacoast New Hampshire, winter light reflects off the water and coastal evenings turn cool — a reminder of how central a fireplace can be in a thoughtfully designed home. Many of the homes we remodel are second residences. While many homeowners return in the spring, the cooler
South Berwick Addition 2024

Bathroom Design Trends for 2026: Calm, Comfort, and Timeless Retreats

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Great Northern Builders
January 18, 2026

Bathroom design in 2026 is shifting toward calm, comfort, and thoughtful restraint. Rather than bold trends, homeowners are choosing materials, layouts, and lighting that support daily routines and long-term use. A well-designed bathroom should feel intuitive, restorative, and built to last.
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You Have a Renovation Project, but You Live Out of State: How Great Northern Builders Keeps You Connected

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Melanie Merz
October 1, 2025

Many homeowners we work with have a renovation project, but they worry about launching into the work while they are living far away. If you live out of state, you might wonder: How can I stay in control? Will I miss important decisions? At Great Northern Builders, we make it easy for out-of-state homeowners to stay fully informed and engaged
Priorities in Remodeling

Designing for Two: Blending Different Priorities in Remodeling

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Melanie Merz
September 23, 2025

Different priorities in remodeling don’t have to cause conflict, they often lead to more creative solutions. When couples begin a remodeling project, it’s natural for each person to bring their own ideas to the table. One might envision sleek finishes and a dramatic statement piece, while the other is focused on storage, efficiency, or long-term durability. At Great Northern Builders,
needs renovation after photo

Considering a Home That Needs Renovations? 10 Essential Questions to Ask Before You Buy

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Melanie Merz
August 21, 2025

Buying a home that needs renovations can be an exciting opportunity. It allows you to customize your space and potentially save money compared to a move-in-ready home. But homes that need work also come with unique challenges—unexpected costs, extended timelines, and tough decisions. Asking the right questions before you buy is crucial for avoiding surprises, planning effectively, and making a
how to remodel for empty nesters

How to Remodel Your Home After the Kids Leave for College

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Melanie Merz
August 21, 2025

Sending your kids off to college often leaves more than just an empty room — it can free up entire areas of your home that were once dedicated to their daily routines. This is the perfect time to reclaim those spaces and transform them into something that fits your lifestyle today. How To Remodel Your Bonus Rooms A former playroom
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Family Friendly In-Law Suite in South Berwick

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Melanie Merz
August 12, 2025

Some projects stand out not just for the craftsmanship, but for the story behind them. Our recent renovation of a 1,200-square-foot space above a garage is one of those projects—a perfect example of how thoughtful design and careful planning can bring a family closer together. When we first walked into the space, it was a wide-open blank canvas. The homeowners—a
tile vs hardwood flooring

Installing New Hardwood Flooring

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Melanie Merz
July 1, 2025

You’re Installing new hardwood flooring – so you need to rip out all of your existing first floor flooring… Now What? What to expect when you’re expecting new floors. Whether you’re saying goodbye to scratched-up hardwood, mystery-stained carpet, or tile that’s seen better decades, replacing all the flooring on your first floor is a big move—and a bold one. It’s