Anyone who knows Rory, knows he has a soft spot in his wee heart for all things wood. He is well-known for his expertise in the restoration of heritage homes; fabricating intricate wood details, restoring original interior and exterior trims, and consulting on sympathetic additions. But you may not know that he is an emphatic advocate for the restoration and custom replication of wood windows and doors. You might even say, he loves them.

If you also love your wood windows and doors but do not consider yourself an expert, Rory would be happy to discuss their restoration, replacement and maintenance with you (reputty, fresh paint or storm windows, anyone?). Be prepared for him to extol the benefits (naturally insulating, long-lasting and environmentally-friendly) and the drawbacks (a little bit of care–see maintenance). 

You chose an historic home for many reasons, including an appreciation for built heritage meant to last many lifetimes, as well its quality, proportion and beauty. There aren't many Rorys in this business, its easier to replace with vinyl (please, don't) but the original windows and doors are an integral part of your home's unique character and deserve your consideration.

Catherine Cassidy is a Designer (and Rory's biggest fan) with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in restorations and renovations of old houses.

Cheers to the lovely red brick homes on Church Street! This one built in 1889 by James Corcoran, a Stratford business man, has a charmingly irregular design. A great example of late Victorian architecture; decorative bargeboards with a sunburst motif, detailed chimneys and brickwork, interesting rooflines and plenty of stained glass. The unique double front doors with bevelled glass were added in 1900. Our favourite standout heritage feature is the circular porch and veranda, a nice place to sit if spring decides to arrive this year!

Catherine Cassidy is a Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.

Thomas Ballantyne, the founder of Black Creek Cheese Factory had this Queen Anne house constructed in 1892. This extra wide bay and gable red brick facade has a delicately embellished entrance porch in the geometric Eastlake style. The repetition of the 3 second level windows create a nice balance to the sunburst in the gable and the Romanesque half round windows. Ultimately charming and worth noting is the decorative brickwork throughout.

Catherine Cassidy is a Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.

This 1848, Queen Anne home in Woodstock, has a variety of special features. The two large verandas with decorative details are particularly charming. As well as the pretty gable dormer above the front entrance. But the most distinctive is the segmented brickwork around the central, ellipse transomed, front door which creates a perspective effect drawing you in to this grand old house.

Rory McDonnell is a General Contractor, Licensed Carpenter and Architectural Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom home builds and renovations.

Ed Grundenberger, a furniture refinisher, built this house in 1899, where he lived with his wife and daughter. This Ontario Gothic Cottage has simple arched windows and a lovely rounded gable decoration. The elaborate portico is particularly nice with its double columns and turned balusters.

The one and a half storey cottages allowed for two levels at a lower tax rate which made them quite popular in Stratford and St. Marys. The symmetrical layout was also efficient and easy to build. This particular cottage is so tidy and pretty, one can not help but be charmed by it.

Catherine Cassidy is a Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.

David Scrimgeour built this house in 1896 where he lived with his wife Sarah, and six children. He and his older brother formed Scrimgeour Brothers Avon Planing Mill manufacturing building details. They were also contractors who did construction for businesses and residences in Stratford. He spent many years in public service and was city tax collector until his death in 1906.

This popular Queen Anne Revival style features an asymmetrical facade with a traditional sunburst patterned pediment over the front entry and beautifully detailed porch pillars. Another feature of note is the decorative yellow brick over Romanesque windows, as well as the two-storey bay.

Catherine Cassidy is a Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.

Build restored an elaborate Victorian porch to its former glory replicating its original details with new materials. This heritage Italiante home, built in 1877, had a beautifully ornate porch which was deteriorating in places with rot, and a number of older repairs were poorly detailed and executed.

I would drive by this wonderful house on my way to another project in Ayr, Ontario, and had to stop and snap a picture of it. Undoubtedly there is a story behind it.

​The window detailing above the porch roof is unique, and that porch is fantastic. I also admire what appears to be the original metal roof, long past the point of its expected lifespan I am sure, but still sheltering one of the more interesting houses in our area.

Rory McDonnell is a General Contractor, Licensed Carpenter and Architectural Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.

It is possible to design and construct an attractive, efficient and functional new build home within the restrictions of a modern subdivision. We did it by following the basic design rules that have worked for generations of architects in the past. 

When we were approached last year to design and build a home in a St. Mary's subdivision, we realized that there would be some inherent restrictions involved. The project was a success, a build that was on time and on budget for clients with open minds, good taste and great attitudes.

We reduced the size of the garage and made it a single door to minimize its appearance and bring the focus to the front door and entrance. The entrance is framed by appropriately sized and tapered columns with pillars matching the dramatic black brick of the lower level. The gables above the door and on the second level also bring the eye back to the entrance. The verticality of the black brick is contrasted by the horizontal white trim to add balance. The simple decoration of the brackets on the top gable, and the black casing on the windows give a hint of Craftsman influence which also ties into the interior space.

There are no unnecessary or illogical design elements that would make one go... hmmm. The design just makes sense, visually and functionally.

Rory McDonnell is a General Contractor, Licensed Carpenter and Architectural Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.