Have you ever wondered what the difference was between Georgian and Federal? Want to know if your house is shingle-style or stick?  AskTheArchitect.org, run by local architect Bruce Wentworth of Wentworth Studio, explains the history and identifying characteristics of the 12 most popular architectural styles found in the Washington area. You can see pictures of Italianate mansions in Georgetown, American bungalows in Cleveland Park, Art Decos in Silver Spring, and Tudors in Wesley Heights.

Although anyone considering a renovation would certainly have to do more in-depth research, this site offers useful information about the challenges of remodeling and preserving certain styles. Wentworth talks about seamlessly remodeling the kitchen and family room of a center-hall Colonial, renovating a 1920’s Tudor, and adding a second story to a single-story Folk Victorian without losing the home’s classic look.

I know you’re waiting patiently for more photographic evidence that I’m actually doing this renovation I write so much about.  Unfortunately, at the moment I’m in a holding pattern, waiting for some things I’ve ordered and for my bank account to get a little padding before I begin new projects.

In the meantime, I’ve been able to have a little vacation from the stresses of home renovation.  Ha, just kidding!  There is no such thing. Sometimes I don’t even realize how much this renovation is affecting my life. Perhaps most disconcerting, I’ve gotten “Renovation Tummy.”  While attempting unsuccessfully to put on my “good” jeans this weekend—I nearly tried the lay-on-the-bed-zip-up maneuver before giving up—I realized that my typical five-to-ten winter pounds had converted themselves into “The New Cabinets Are Going to Cost What” pounds.  Also known as “Oh God My Upstairs Window is Leaking And That Was Not in the Renovation Budget” pounds.  I worry that “Your Entire Electrical System Needs Upgrading” elastic-waist pants are in my future.

Snag a pine living room set for $200, or buy individual pieces from this Craigslister in Frederick, Maryland. We are especially enamored with the bookcase for $50, which could also be used as a hutch. It includes three shelves, two drawers, and two cabinets, with wrought iron accents. The piece appears to be in good condition, but looks heavy—so be sure to bring some friends along for pick-up. Other pieces that complete the set include a trunk, side table, night stand, dresser or buffet, and coffee table.      

Other good finds:
• Mahogany dresser for $250
• Two sleek red lamps for $30 each
• Rolling kitchen cart with stainless steel top for $125
• Side table for $25

Thanks, Craig!

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• Montgomery County’s planning board has rejected the Meridian Group’s proposal for a 16-story office building that was to be built directly above the Bethesda Metro station. [WBJ]

• Exterior work on The Providence, a residential development in the 1500 block of 11th Street in the Shaw neighborhood of DC, is nearly done. Once completed, the building will feature eight one-and-two bedroom lofts. [RenewShaw]

• DCMud has an interview with Michael Stevens of the Capitol Riverfront Business Improvement District. Stevens, who’s an ongoing champion for the development of the ballpark neighborhood, talks about new projects coming to the area. [DCMud]

This corner-unit condo, about a mile from the Ballston Common Mall, is loaded with amenities and upgrades. The renovated kitchen includes new maple cabinets, granite countertops, and slate floors. There’s no need to waste cabinet space on canned goods—you’ve got a separate pantry. Speaking of storage, the unit includes a walk-in closet in the bedroom, a coat closet, and a linen closet in the hallway. There are parquet wood floors in the living room and berber carpet in the bedroom. Our favorite feature is the archway in the living room. As part of the condo community, you have access to a shared laundry facility, bike storage room, free parking with extra spaces for guests, and a landscaped central courtyard. Click here for a photo tour of the unit.

Address: S. Old Glebe Rd. and Rt. 50, Arlington
Price: $1,400 a month, which includes gas and water.
Move-in: June 15

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Where: 4604 Rockwood Pkwy., NW
Listing Price: $2,750,000
Time on the Market: Four months
Bedrooms: Seven
Bathrooms: Six

I hope you’re all enjoying this heat wave as much as I am. The suddenly soaring temps have taught me yet another valuable lesson. While most of Washington is huddling near air conditioners for some blessedly cool air, I’ve been sleeping on my couch on the first floor with my new oscillating fan (from my emergency Target run on Saturday), trying to find any air that isn’t scorching. What was that lesson, you ask?  Making sure my brand new $14,000 air conditioning system works BEFORE the first heat wave strikes.

Yeah. Luckily my HVAC guys are pretty reliable and I have a ten year warranty, so—cross your fingers—they should be fixing the unit as we speak. I’m not a big fan of A/C generally, so it never even occurred to me to turn it on until the sweltering weather this weekend. Very sweaty lesson learned.

As far as the rest of the house, I’m about halfway done with the renovation work.  It’ll still be about a year until I’m totally done, but that’s only because I plan to spend the next six months saving up for the bathroom redo—a gut job that will set me back about ten grand.

So I’ve done enough work now that I can look back with a little perspective. Have I done a good job? Have I budgeted properly? Am I making good choices?