Melanie Merz
February 3, 2025
Should you hire a CAPS professional for your next renovation project? YES, you definitely should! A certified aging in place specialist (CAPS) is a professional trained in meeting the needs of older adults by assisting with aging in place home renovations. A CAPS professional must go through extensive training offered by the National Association of Home Builders to acquire this designation. Great
Aging In Place Addition
Melanie Merz
February 3, 2025
Building this aging-in-place addition in South Berwick required careful planning. We always want to ensure accessibility and comfort when we design aging in place projects. Aging in place addition for longevity We designed this project collaboratively with the home owner. Ultimately we landed on a 20 x 20 sleeping suite. The homeowners wanted more than just a sleeping suite though.
Choosing the Right Fireplace or Stove: What Homeowners Should Know
Melanie Merz
December 20, 2024
Adding a fireplace or stove to your home can do more than just keep you warm—it can boost your home’s value, elevate your interior design, and create a cozy space for gathering. But choosing the right fireplace or stove takes more than picking what looks best. It’s a decision that affects your daily life, energy use, and long-term comfort. Whether
Closing Out A Remarkable Year
Maya Srinivasan
December 18, 2024
As we wrap up 2024, I can’t help but reflect on what a truly remarkable year it’s been for Great Northern Builders. From completing inspiring projects to receiving nominations from the Women’s Business League and the Chamber Collaborative of Greater Portsmouth, this year has been filled with moments of growth and gratitude. These nominations are a testament to the heart
Interior Remodel in Kittery Point
Melanie Merz
December 17, 2024
The interior remodel of this Kittery Point home was completed while we were on site building a new attached garage . This cozy post-and-beam style home home had a Jotul woodstove, but they wanted to change this out to a gas fire place and also make some updates to improve the space’s functionality while preserving its original charm. Interior Remodel
Sustainable Home Remodeling Using Dekton
Melanie Merz
November 27, 2024
More frequently we have homeowners who are interested in using sustainable home remodeling products. Dekton, by Cosentino, has become one of our go-to materials because of its eco-friendly production. Homeowners agree that Dekton offers a perfect balance of beauty, durability, and sustainability. More Than Just a Sustainable Home Remodeling Product When you choose Dekton, you know you’re choosing a sustainable
4 Things To Consider When Refinishing Hardwood Floors
Melanie Merz
November 1, 2024
Refinishing hardwood floors can breathe new life into a home, but it’s a project that requires careful planning and consideration. Below are 4 things we look for before we recommend refinishing your floors: 1. Assess the Condition of the Floor 2. Understand the Sanding Process of Refinishing Hardwood Floors 3. Choose the Right Finish 4. Color Absorbtion When Finishing Hardwood
Refreshing a Historic Great Room in Ogunquit
Melanie Merz
November 1, 2024
This Great Room in Ogunquit is part of a larger project. If you haven’t already seen the kitchen portion of this project, read more about that here. As a part of a larger, whole-home renovation, we refreshed a charming 400-square-foot great room in Ogunquit. This beautiful space, dating back to the early 1900s, was the original structure that has seen
17 Years Leading Great Northern Builders
Maya Srinivasan
October 1, 2024
Today marks my 17th anniversary as the owner of Great Northern Builders, and it’s an incredible milestone to reflect on. When I first embarked on this journey, I had a vision of building not just homes, but relationships—ones built on trust, craftsmanship, and a commitment to excellence. Seventeen years later, that vision has come to life in ways I never
3 Uses for AI In Your Home
Melanie Merz
September 30, 2024
Great Northern Builders has incorporated AI technology into our remodeling and renovation projects most frequently to assist in Aging In Place home updates. AI in your home, or the home of an aging loved one, can play a critical role in helping older adults live independently, safely, and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible, but there










