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Most Recent PIHPs
How Many Upper Level Exits? UL-19.05
How Many Upper Level Exits? “Doesn’t Hurt to Ask” The code clearly states that you will need two exits from your upper apartment. Both exits must be code-compliant. This [...]
Exposed Brick UL-19.04
Exposed Brick “Where Do I Do It? How Do I Do It? What Can I Do to the Wall?” Exposing the original brick can be a great look for [...]
Do I Need a Sprinkler System? UL-19.03
Do I Need a Sprinkler System? “Could Be a Deal Breaker!” I get this question a lot! Sprinkler systems can be an expensive addition to your building. Worst of [...]
Exterior / Façade PHIPs
My Front Door – My Side Door FE-19.07
My Front Door - My Side Door “My Façade Has a Side Door that Leads Upstairs” Back in the day, it was typical to have a screen type door [...]
Mortar Testing FE-19.06
Mortar Testing “Wrong Mortar Can Do More Harm than Good” Testing mortar on your building can be pretty technical. Your first step is to find a mortar testing company [...]
I’m Afraid of My Slip Cover FE-19.05
I’m Afraid of My Slip Cover “Design - An Anxious Opening” Not knowing what is behind the wrapping is always filled with anxiety when the “present” can cost you [...]
Main Level PIHPs
Door Swing Clearances ML-19.05
Door Swing Clearances “Provide Space for ADA Compliance around Your Doors” Here is another code compliant topic that will need verification from your building official. The images [...]
Deadbolt Lock on my Door? ML-19.04
Deadbolt Lock on my Door? “More Complicated than It Needs to Be” Having a deadbolt on your door in a downtown building is not a bad idea. You do, [...]
Count The People ML-19.03
Count the People “Calculating the Occupant Load & What It Means” The chart below determines a number of requirements for your building. We have used it in other articles [...]
Upper Level PIHPs
Upstairs Egress Bedrooms UL-19.11
Upstairs Egress Bedrooms “Challenging but with Options” Determining the number of bedrooms one can design in an upper level building in the downtown district can be very challenging. If [...]
Staircase Going Up UL-19.10
Staircase Going Up “Think Twice Before Tearing It All Out” Rarely do I see an original staircase that complies with today’s code requirements. If you are considering moving it [...]
Spray Foam over Brick Walls UL-19.09
Spray Foam over Brick Walls “The Best Application” Do you want the best possible insulation package for your downtown building? Closed cell spray foam insulation will provide you the [...]
General Downtown PIHPs
Upstairs Egress Bedrooms UL-19.11
Upstairs Egress Bedrooms “Challenging but with Options” Determining the number of bedrooms one can design in an upper level building in the downtown district can be very challenging. If [...]
Staircase Going Up UL-19.10
Staircase Going Up “Think Twice Before Tearing It All Out” Rarely do I see an original staircase that complies with today’s code requirements. If you are considering moving it [...]
Spray Foam over Brick Walls UL-19.09
Spray Foam over Brick Walls “The Best Application” Do you want the best possible insulation package for your downtown building? Closed cell spray foam insulation will provide you the [...]