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...
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....
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 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...
In residential remodeling, as in life, we often set out to accomplish a task and discover that our plan needs altering. We have to adapt in order to keep going in the right direction. This pattern repeats itself. Getting stuck is not an option. I share my philosophy...
"We recently had a child and we love our home, but it would be so much better if we could do a small addition." This is a common consultation for me. A family bought a home they were comfortable in that fit the budget at the time. Then the family grows. This...
Building Memories: A Case Study in Crafting the Ideal Family Gathering PlaceThe Challenge This 1999 home is part of a tight knit subdivision. The family wanted to have a gathering place for themselves to relax and enjoy time together, and a place away from the daily...
2 Story Addition in Historic North EndThe Challenge The home had an enclosed back porch that was a transition to a basement with plans to have the second story enlarged to finally have a Master Bedroom Suite. The home is in the Historic District and it is a...
Redefining a Ranch-Style Home: Levco’s Second Story BreakthroughThe Challenge Our client, who is an Architect, wanted to add square footage to her home. Her lot was constrained and could not go sideways or down.The Idea To use bonus room trusses to create a second...
New Space Discovered Beneath a HomeThe Challenge 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...