During the design process our design team and client considered a number of different flooring layouts and materials. Initially, the homeowner was interested in marmoleum in the kitchen, hardwood in the living room and halls, tile in the bathrooms, and a thick jute carpet in the bedrooms. Eventually this idea was abandoned for hardwood flooring throughout (with the ex...

The party wall separating the two units at 753 Fairmont Street from the adjoining residence was constructed with a double row of bricks and mortar. As was the case throughout the house, this wall was finished originally with a thick layer of plaster which we removed near the beginning of the remodeling project with the rest of the demolition work. (See Demolition for ...

Although water resistant sheetrock is an acceptable covering for walls exposed to a limited amount of moisture (above a kitchen sink and bathroom ceilings and walls), it should not be used in areas that will be subjected to heavy wetting, as it will eventually disintegrate. These areas include but are not limited to shower stall walls and tub surrounds and enclosures....

During any remodeling project there are aha moments. For lack of a better definition, an aha moment can be an abrupt period of clarity where “all the pieces fall into place” or, “a light bulb suddenly flashes on in your head.” Typically, the first aha moment during the actual construction phase of a project occurs once demolition is complete. It is always interesting ...

During the course of almost any remodeling project, periodic field inspections are required to ensure that the scope of work is aligned with the permit, and is being performed in compliance with local building codes. Special attention by the inspector is given to things like footings, plumbing systems, electrical wiring, fire blocking, and insulation. In the District ...

In order to conserve energy and maintain a sound-proof interior, a building must be adequately insulated. With this in mind, our designers developed a three-pronged strategy for insulating the exterior and interior walls at 753 using Icynene® spray foam, rigid foam, and fiberglass batt insulation. These materials along with their specific application in this particula...

The existing windows and exterior doors at 753 were all in rough shape and in desperate need of attention. The windows were all single-pane glass, and of the weight and pulley variety. (A lead counter weight concealed in the window cavity is attached to the window sash with a rope that runs over a pulley at the top of the window frame.) Many window panes were smashed ...

As with many other aspects of this remodeling project, the exterior brick needed prompt attention. While masonry products are some of the strongest materials in the construction industry (bricks and concrete blocks can last well over 100 years), they are not exempt from the tax of Father Time.Mortar joints in particular are susceptible to the grind of the natural elem...

Much like the electrical wiring, the plumbing portion of a remodeling project is generally done in two phases: rough-ins, and final hookups. (This two-stage process holds true in a project of any size, from small-scale kitchen and bath remodels, to large-scale house renovations.) Rough-ins take place once framing is complete, but before walls are closed in. Final hook...

Like almost everything else we encountered to date in the remodeling project, the main water supply line at 753 was obsolete and out of compliance with building codes. There were two primary issues that needed to be addressed: The piping carrying water into the house was lead. (Up into the early1900’s lead pipes were commonly used for interior plumbing and to connect ...