Joe’s Blog
This Blog is dedicated to the notion that remodeling is a fun, life long learning process.
Remodeling is my passion, If you are interested in remodeling your home, or just happen to stumble upon my site, please refer me to anyone in need of remodeling. You’ll be pleased that you did. The original content contained here is proof that when you are passionate about something it is easy to find stuff to talk about.
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Boise Weather
“If you don’t like the weather in Boise, Just wait 15 minutes”
Behind the scenes at Levco
We are remodeling like mad making homes work better for families.
There is an enormous appetite for remodeling in Boise at the moment. This fills me with joy.
We just invested in some amazing technology and are reinventing how we use our Design Process.
Books I am reading now:
Builder Mark Kerson
Thinking fast and slow Daniel Kahneman
Inspirational Quotes
“Architecture is inhabited sculpture”. -Constantin Brancusi, sculptor (19 Feb 1876-1957)
“Surround yourself with people you love and have fun. The rest is gravy”. Paul Tillotson (1965 -2016)
“I love the smell of sawdust in the morning”. Me, renaissance man (8-28-58) – Still going strong!
“Quality construction does not cost- it pays” as seen on a bumper sticker
“Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining.” Anne Lamott
“Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted.” Albert Einstein
Deconstruction is Alive and Well in Boise
Idaho has a libertarian streak. "The hell with government oversight or regulations" come the cries from our legislators. I for one do not see eye to eye with most of that sentiment. I believe that a little regulation is needed to establish what the community rules are...
Get Me The Board Stretcher, I Need a Joint
How many times have we used this to razz the new guy? The concept is not a new one. I recall being a new boy scout in Troop 6 Berkeley, camping with the guys running to each patrol chasing down the "Left-Handed Smoke Shifter". Eventually, someone made one and that...
Everything You Need to Know About ADUs
An ADU is an Accessory Dwelling Unit. The term is a legal way to describe a second dwelling on the same lot. Who Would Need One of These You Ask? First, I should say that my dad was building these in the Bay Area since the early '60's they are for all sorts of things....
Before You Remodel Your Bathroom, Consider These Things
A decent remodeling project should be modern behind the scenes, functional as in Universal design, safe as in bars or surfaces to grab if you need a hand with balance issues. Creating a great plan will make it spatially accommodating and easy to see what you are...
Use Trusses VS. Hand-Stack Old School
While remodeling and creating a residential addition to a 100-year-old home, a dilemma arose around how to tie in the old roofline to the new line correctly. One way is to tie in the roof with new trusses in the addition, the other way is to hand stack rafters as they...
Remodeling Photographic Documentation
As every contractor knows, pre-construction documentation is king. Getting imagery of existing conditions allows us to document where it hurts, it sets us up for post-construction documentation and how what the place looked like before we did our work. Pre-Photos...
What is Rebar and Why is it Important
IMHO Rebar is an essential component in sub-grade concrete construction. Rebar is the steel that is designed to be added to concrete to give it exponential structural strength. It's like Pizza & Beer. Sonny & Cher. Milk & Honey. or Cheese & Crackers....
Can You Get “It” Done Any Faster?
My staff is used to getting dogged about how fast, (or not) things are getting done, that anxious impatience is a normal reaction to the excitement of upgraded living spaces, it is also the sign that a schedule is, or is not being followed. As a contractor, I am...
Solving Problems is What We Do
As a remodeling contractor, I am at my best in the role of problem-solver. This means that if you cannot solve them in a timely fashion, your cup overflows in a bad way. I am fortunate enough to have a great team around me that supports the goals of the company and...
Shear and What it Means to You
Although shear is something that every builder is aware of. Plan checkers are asking for a shear plan prior to permitting. Boise and the surrounding jurisdictions require a shear inspection for shear when necessary prior to covering the project in house wrap....