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....
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...
Wrapped Up: How Strapping and Anchors Impact Shear Inspections
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....
Do You Have RV Garage Envy
There are a lot of folks out there with garage envy. I am proud to say I am not one of them. I built the garage of my dreams. It has lots of special features that I have incorporated. One man's garage mahal is just a starting point for the next guy. I use my shop to...
I Want a Second Kitchen in My Home
I recently went to visit a prospect who was interested in having their (new to them) home modified by adding a kitchen to the basement for Grandma. To educate him, I said that what he wanted to create was called an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) and that permitting...