One of the distinct advantages of the design/build model is that most, if not all of your design is done in-house. This means that projects are designed with the end goal in mind: a beautiful space that is both buildable and functional. It’s easy to design something that is functional in theory and extravagant on paper but ultimately, is impractical and impossible to ...

Constructing a water-tight shower pan and drain is an art, but is arguably the most important step when installing a tiled shower during a bathroom renovation. Grout joints between tiles are not watertight, so water will inevitably leak through these joints to the shower pan below. Therefore, the shower pan must have a system whereby leaking water is channeled into th...

Designing accessible master bathrooms on both the first and second floors at 753 was of particular importance to our clients as they have an elderly in-law who is confined to a wheelchair. Therefore, our design team recommended curb-less showers for both master bathrooms. One of the main concerns with a curb-less shower is controlling water flow and splashing. When de...

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 ...