Front Porch

The Challenge:

This is a home across from the Boise Co-op, deep in the historic North End District. The challenge was to create a separate entrance from the triplex, and provide an entry/mudroom to buffer the noise and headlights from the market that were shining into the home. Any alteration of the front facade of a home in this district requires permission from the Historic Commission, and must meet strict specific national historic guidelines.

The Idea:

Demolish the 1970′s porch and enclose it, relocating the front door to improve security. We wanted to create a functional space that compliments the historic home while creating a noise and light buffer. The key was to  still allow natural light to enter the home.

The Solution:

We came up with a great design after locating an old images of the home in the 1950′s. We then produced renderings. Our case was an uphill battle and we had to argue the merits of the plan multiple times before the commission and city council. We were able to create a convincing enough argument to be allowed to complete the project.

The Details:

Custom arched Anderson window. Hardwood floors, marble tile inlay, re-purposed front door, harmonizing stucco, arched entry and portico

Investment Range: $34,000

Time Frame: 9 weeks

The Challenge:

Finished Egress

This was a 1960 home that was built well with foundations that were formed on both sides. The owner wanted to have his kids live in the basement but was worried about not having a way out in the event of an emergency. He also wanted the advantage of adding more natural light. The existing windows were placed very high, above the ceiling. Doing both windows at the same time saved our client $500.

The Idea:

Use the existing window width and extend down at the same width to achieve an egress qualified opening.

The Solution:

We found a way to use casement windows to extend low enough to meet all of the requirements and used 5′ deep metal surrounds to keep cost down as well as reflect light. Ladders were installed as part of the requirement.

The Details:

We found lots of clay to dig through. We waterproofed with a tar emulsion and used a sheet drain. The window was a tan vinyl double pane gridded low-e casement style with a double lock system and screens. The interior was left unfinished.

Investment Range $5,500

Time Frame 2 weeks

Finished Kitchen

The Challenge:

This is a home on a hillside in Boise’s North Endthat had a bathroom between the tight kitchen and the view. It also had a raised platform for a dining area that was a tripping hazard. We needed to relocate the bathroom and open up the kitchen.

The Idea:

To relocate the bathroom into an abandoned fireplace chimney chase and open the kitchen up to the dining area.

The Solution:

Took out the fireplace flu and relocated a closet to a cabinet. We also re-framed several walls finding an inadequate return air chase that we also fixed. We Also replaced all of the cabinetry and eliminated the dining room platform. We relocated the person door into the garage making the kitchen wide open.

The Details:

4′ white oak 31 flooring.  A custom 2- 3/4″ reclaimed oak counter top. Multiple specialty pullouts. New tile entry. Owner tiled vanity top and back splash.

Investment Range: $53,000

Time Frame: 6 weeks

Casement Egress

The Challenge:

This home had a functional basement without an egress window. It smelled musty and we suspected moisture in the walls.

The Idea:

To remove the windows and upgrade to vinyl and add an egress window. The client wanted a paver window alcove. We started with one window to replace and added the two others with a Change Order

The Solution:

We removed the windows and the wall we found mold and had to clean it up. We also found that the old aluminum windows were installed from the inside, leaving an open pathway for water to enter the home. We insulated with foam rigid board and re-framed the wall to enclose her main water supply shut off.

The Details:

New trim and drywall, paver window surround, Amsco windows

Investment Range: $4,200

Time Frame: 2 weeks

The Challenge:

New Sun room

This is a home in an area near HP. They had a covered back porch that was sinking and wanted to enclose it .

The Idea:

Tear out the floor and install footings and stem walls. Reinstall floor joists and connect to the existing HVAC system.

The Solution:

We added two foundation walls and hacked the overhung roof back into position. We provide and install new windows and relocate the existing back door.

The Details:

Dow dura-ceramic floor without grout lines, operable windows. bead board. Colorful paint palate.

Investment Range: $12,000

Time Frame: 3 weeks

The Challenge:

New Addition

This is a home in a fairly new subdivision with CCNR rules. In addition to a building permit we needed approval from the home owners association.The addition is at the rear of the home and created a 20 x 20 or 400 sf addition. There is only access from the front of the home along the side.

The Idea:

To build an addition that is the same height as the home and uses extensions of the HVAC system.

The Solution:

We added a the space and included a vaulted ceiling. During the project we noticed that the window we had specked was too small. We were able to enlarge the window at no additional expense to the owner.

The Details:

Pergo brand flooring, operable windows,vaulted ceiling, and french doors.

Investment Range: $21,000

Time Frame: 4 weeks

The Challenge:

Tub with elevated window

This was a 1936 home with one functional bathroom centered between the two bedrooms of the first floor. With a new baby on the way, a larger more efficient bathroom was necessary. There is still a potential master bathroom downstairs. The window was too low for a shower and the space was too small. We also wanted to keep the interior hallway lighted with natural light. Lead testing services provided by Lead Locators LLC. Storage was important to maintain.

The Idea:

Steal some closet space from the larger bedroom and relocate the toilet. Raise the window and use tile. Consider a window in the door.

The Solution:

We used a pocket door and installed a custom frosted half window in it. We raised the window and used a stock window that had been ordered incorrectly on a previous project. Lots of plumbing in the basement was corrected and upgraded to ABS.

The Details:

We used an acrylic tub that was narrow and deep. We used a tempered frosted window in the pocket door. Custom shelving and a cabinet over the toilet ended up providing as much storage as there was prior to the remodel. An additional closet was constructed in the bedroom to make up for what was borrowed. Marmolium flooring. round front toilet and sconces on either side of the medicine cabinet were added. Special roofing shingles were used to blend the exterior siding. One wall was leaded and the cast iron tub was removed using LSWP  (lead safe work practices). Post project cleaning verification was accomplished and passed.

Investment Range $16,000

Time Frame 4 weeks

The Challenge:

Completed Project

This was a 1937 non contributing home in Boise’s North End Historic District. It used to have a separate access from outside into a basement apartment. The new owners wanted to change the use and add safety as well as additional light.

The Idea:

Change the existing door into a large sliding Egress window with a concrete retaining wall.

The Solution:

We got permission from the neighbors to waive the 10 day appeal process

The Details:

We did not disturb any paint so lead testing was not necessary. Water proofed with a tar emulsion and used a sheet drain. The window was a vinyl double pane gridded low-e window. The interior was left unfinished.

Investment Range $3,200

Time Frame 2 weeks

Vanity and Garage

This was a 1965 home in Boise’s foothills that had a tight narrow space without enough natural light. It had a sunken shower and door separating the shower & toilet room from the vanity area. It had baseboard hydronic heat and carpeted floor. Another bathroom had been remodeled by others and they liked the modern look. Additional closets were desired. Lead testing was done by Lead Locators LLC

The Idea:

Eliminate the pocket door and add a window in the shower.  create a half wall over the toilet. Make the shower wall glass. Add a dresser and makeup area. create another closet opposing the existing one.

The Solution:

We had custom cabinets made with an appliance garage. We used “bone-yard” granite counter tops. We added an additional window and upgraded the existing one. We replaced the hydronic heater with a hydronic heater/towel warmer. Under counter lighting and a shower valve location that you don’t have to get wet turning on.

The Details:

Walk in custom tile shower with multiple niches. Panasonic fan, Wood clothing rods, mirrored closet doors.Tile floor, Kohler elongated comfort height toilet with a slow close seat. Moen faucets. Lead was found during inspection of the tiles, so LSWP were used. Post testing clean verification was done.

Investment Range $20,000

Time Frame 6 weeks

The Situation:

Child's Room

Remodel an existing home in Boise Idaho North End adding a bedroom to accommodate a new child. Make it look like it has always been there. Update the bathroom as well.

The Idea:

Create a dormer that looks original without disturbing the owners that will live in the home during construction.

The Solution:

We created a second story scaffolding system the we were able to do the majority of our work on. During the project we added a whole house fan and raised the ceiling of the rest of the second story and upgraded the insulation

The Details:

We had to create matching siding because the original siding was not available. Tamarack whole house fan with remote. Extensive electrical upgrades were required because a prior remodel to the kitchen was done poorly.

Investment Range $70,000

Time Frame 14 weeks

The Situation:

Remodel an existing home on a hillside that had an awkward basement into a living space that can double as a separate apartment. Poor access prevented a bobcat from being able to be used. There was no simple way to get rid of the excess soil. Natural springs were present in the area and the basement was prone to flooding.

The Idea:

Hold the home up create the space by excavating beneath.

The Solution:

We placed drove a Dingo up the stairs and through a hole in the wall we cut. We did and extensive amount or preparation and anticipation of water. A sump pump was placed with a water alarm as well as rubber membranes sheet drains and lava rock. Use a series of 2  20′ conveyer belts and a Dingo to dig it ourselves. Use cribbing and house jacks to hold the home up without causing collateral damage.

The Details:

Ada County highway district allowed us to dump soil near by. We cut a hole in a garage and had a series of conveyer belts take soil through a wall and through a ceiling into our trailer. Kitchen, Bathroom with re-purposed cabinets, Lots of natural lighting, and a fireplace.

Investment Range $90,000

Time Frame 16 weeks

The Challenge:

Basement Bath

This was a basement storage area under the stairs and a perfect place to add a bathroom. determine what was under the floor. Finding a way to get the sewage out. It was a tight space and an enclosure would make it feel claustrophobic. Finding a way to access the sewage pump while it was hidden away beneath the stairs. Finding the right shaped curtain rod.

The Idea:

Add a sewage ejection pump. configure the floor with a sunken shower rather than a raised curb. Add a custom curved curtain attached to the ceiling.

The Solution:

We placed the ejection pump behind a rolling cabinet we had salvaged so it could be easily worked on. We found a supplier of mailable curtain rods.

The Details:

Sunken floor shower, custom curtain rod, can lighting and eclectic tile.

Investment Range $17,000

Time Frame 3 weeks

This project allowed us to be clever and resourceful, we found a place where water was entering by looking at the walls we could see effervescence and by digging outside we located the cold joint and patched it prior to furring out the walls. The floor was dirt already so plumbing was not as difficult as expected. We did have to provide a new vent to the toilet.

There goes the shop

The Challenge:

A fire completely destroyed a garage / work shop. There was ample coverage but rebuilding the shop required code upgrades and an opportunity to use the space more efficiently.

The Idea:

Design a shop that incorporates the owners vast capabilities for woodworking and auto mechanics under one roof. it must have ample storage while maintaining space to work. Create a energy efficient year round comfortable environment that is well lit. incorporate exhaust and air circulation with a duct collection system and dedicated plumbed in compressed air.

The Solution:

We managed to keep the orientation and placement of the structure but increased the height, we also created storage in the attic with a bonus room truss design. We provided gas, and separate electric meeter, as well as insulated the structure to new residential code. We used copper to plumb the compressed air, and incorporated a dust collection system

The Details:

Bonus room trusses, 2 x 6 construction, Insulated garage door with windows, insulated doors, Hot Dawg furnace Exhaust fan with damper.

The Time Frame: 2 months

The price range: $45,000

I saw what looked like my friend Ron on Channel 7 standing in front of his burning garage. Turns out the fire was caused by a rechargeable battery he had just had rebuilt. He placed it in the charger just before he went in for a bite of supper. It was shortly after sitting down for a meal in the house adjacent to the garage, when the lights began to flicker and he ran out to see his shop nearly engulfed. Unfortunately (or not) The fire Department was out of position and had trouble finding his home. The deck gun ultimately put the fire out from the street. By the time it was done, we weren’t even able to save the foundations.

Updated island

The Challenge:

This is a home that was fairly original, built in the 1970′s and recently put on the market. It suffered from being too tight in the kitchen with 3′ between island and stove with oppressive dark oak and a formal dining room the made the home feel cramped . The challenge was to open up the kitchen dining room and living room while dealing with a bearing wall holding up a terracotta tile roof.

The Idea:

The original plans were available and the new owners wanted to make sure the project was possible. Once I explained what was possible the plan quickly jelled. Remove the formal dining room and relocate the island

The Solution:

The owners had magazine pictures of what they wanted and within a few modifications of the description of work we were able to come up with the plans. After supporting the roof with a temporary wall we removed and rebuilt the bearing wall in a structurally sound way to accomplish the task

The Details:

Granite counter tops, 4′ between the cabinets and the island. Closing off the octagonal window and tiling the back splash, hardwood flooring thought to harmonize with the kitchen.

Before Whole House Remodel

The Challenge:

This whole house remodeling project at 1301 N 25th Street in Boise Idaho is being done for several reasons. The first and foremost is that it is a spectacular example of a Spanish Revival home in Boise’s North End. The Owners, a young couple felt that they loved the character of the home but found it too compact for their taste. Fortunately there is an architect in the family, armed with a new set of plans set out to find a professional qualified remodeler. The home was built in 1936 and remodeled once in 1994. As it turns out it had a twin to the north and used to be housing for ranch hands. The North End Historic Society considers it a contributing home and therefore is being protected as far a character and style. Lead Locators was initially contacted to do pre-renovation lead testing and found the home was heavily leaded. being a certified firm Levco Builders was selected to do the project based upon relationship, client recommendations, NARI membership and having a passion for older homes.

The Idea:

To use the basic structure and massing of the home and improve the interior flow by rearranging the bathroom and adding a master bedroom suite and a guest area as well as covered parking.

The Solution:

We added 12’ to the side of the home to add a modern kitchen and developed the a master suite and a climate controlled studio space. We also added a separate two car garage

The Details:

Custom cabinets, High performance insulation, Granite counter tops,  Metal clad wood windows. Stucco siding

The Time Frame: 5 months

The price range: $200.000

Double casements

The Challenge:

Adding Egress windows is a favorite project of ours because it instantly increases the value of your home. It has the advantage of adding natural light and, heaven forbid if you do need to get out of your home in an emergency, it will make that task easier.

The Idea:

Add as much light as possible and fresh air by adding side by side egress windows in the same room.

The Solution:

We hand dig our window wells to avoid ruining any wiring and or piping near your home. Then we dig well below the area that will be cut into your concrete wall. We waterproof the wall and back fill the area with drain rock and take the excess dirt away. Exterior window wells come in all shapes and sizes it just comes down to a personal choice. Interior trim out of the window usually harmonizes with the existing trim in the home.

The Details:

A temporary wall was added and a new micro-lam beam was inserted with a center support engineered to withstand the load of an exterior wall. Two vinyl windows were added below grade so historical review was passed. One large tiered window well was added with specially reinforced mesh cloth to support the retaining wall. The concrete path had to be broken out and relocated.

Investment Range range $6,800

Time Frame 7 days

Water heater compartment

The Challenge:

We often encounter water damage problems that require immediate action. Some are acute and others are chronic. This one was acute caused by a braided steel  flex line from the water between two bathrooms that springing a leak. The owner responded to a phone book ad.

The idea:

Rebuild the two bathrooms quickly as they were living in a hotel, and update them as we could not find preformed tubs and showers we had to make new ones. This project was more involved than originally thought, as the damage was wide spread by the time it was uncovered.

The Solution:

Whatever the problem, we explore it and expose it all looking for the smoking gun. Once identified, we deconstruct as much as necessary but as little as possible working with the insurance adjustors to repair the immediate problem and settle upon a repair solution.

The Time Frame: This project took 8 weeks to complete.

The Challenge:

This is a home where the owners noticed some hardwood floor cupping on a Friday and called to set an appointment for Monday at 3pm. Upon our arrival the owners had heard a loud snap and greeted us at the door.

The Idea:

On removal of counter tops and cabinetry, the owners decided to upgrade from laminate to granite, and replace their sink too.

The Details:

We tore into the flooring and cabinetry to find the problem and had it fixed within a few minutes. Turns out a refrigerator water line fractured and sprung a leak.

The Solution:

The owners decided to upgrade from laminate to granite, and replace their sink to just to get the fridge out and stop the leak. Cleanup and repairs were extensive however, the result are stunning. We assisted the owners with material selections and were able to keep a temporary kitchen operational. I even took them to dinner the night their floors were being sealed.

The Time Frame: 7 weeks

The Challenge:

The Owner found an older home in the north end and wanted to add additional 12′ to the rear of the home and develop the second story into a master suite and a home office. During the project a new front porch was added. and the home was resided.

The Idea:

To use the basic structure and massing of the home and improve the interior flow and combine 2 rooms to make a proportionally correct living room.

The Solution:

We added 12’ to the rear of the home and developed the upstairs into a master suite and office space. We also remodeled entire first floor including the kitchen. We also added a separate upstairs HVAC system and a gas fireplace into the kitchen.

The Details:

Stained cedar shingled siding, Concrete counter tops,  Mud room, Incorporated the chimney into the master bedroom, Metal clad wood windows.

The Time Frame: 4 months

The price range: $250.000

The Challenge:

This is late 1970s household with an enclosed kitchen. The owners wanted to have a more ‘open’ concept with natural lighting. They hired an architect to design and draw the plans, and came to us to implement the plan. They gave us a photograph of the desired final look.

The Idea:

Eliminate multiple walls and have an exposed glu-lam beam to support the roof. Use bamboo in the cabinetry.

The Solution:

We eliminated multiple walls in the kitchen, added 6 tall windows for natural lighting including 2 casement windows for ventilation. We also added a large skylight to the kitchen, installed a 30 foot glu-lam beam, upgraded the kitchen electrical/lighting plan. The results were spectacular.

The Details:

Velux skylight, Pella windows, 30 foot architectural glu-lam beam, Cabinetry and flooring were done outside of the contract.

Time Frame 6 weeks

Investment $80k