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 ...

Light, or the lack thereof, plays a significant part in all of our lives. High-quality lighting can affect an individual’s quality of life and positively influence their mood. Conversely, poor lighting can cause frustration, contribute to loss of eyesight, and exacerbate depression. Therefore, it is of upmost importance to carefully consider all your options when plan...

Once framing was complete, we were ready to run our electrical wires. In most remodeling projects (whether it’s a smaller kitchen or bath remodel or full house rehab), the electrical work is done in two phases: The first phase, often referred to as “rough-ins”, involves disconnecting and removing obsolete wiring, and running new. Wire is run from the main breaker pane...

In large remodeling projects there is a delicate balance between day-to-day minutia, and the end goal; which presumably is to create the most comfortable and efficient living space, while staying within budget. Onsite personnel such as the project manager and carpenters are particularly prone to losing site of the bigger picture, getting caught up in daily responsibil...

After much deliberation, the clients decided to go with the three bedroom floor plan outlined in Option 3. (See Floor Plan and Design post for floor plans of all 10 layouts that were considered.) When framing interior walls, one of the most important and often time consuming tasks is “laying out” the walls. Layout involves physically marking wall footprints on the sub...

While the client pondered floor plan options, we forged ahead with the necessary structural framing. Once the first floor replacement joists were set on the bolstered foundation configuration (see Foundation post),and the subfloor fastened down, we were ready to get to work on thestructure supporting the second floor. Our first task was toconstruct a support system to...

The most important part of any house is the foundation, which at 753 was in dire need of attention. The existing foundation was a variation of the traditional “pier and beam” model. Typically, a pier and beam foundation incorporates spot concrete footings (dug into the ground below frost level), upon which concrete or wooden piers sit. These in turn hold up support be...

During the design phase,our in-house designers work closely together with each client todevelop a plan that matches their functional and aestheticrequirements. We then produce conceptual and construction drawings andhelp to select specific materials and finishes, while staying withinbudget. This is one of the most important and time consuming portionsof the entire rem...