Jeopardized Floor Joists “Full of Surprises” This topic is full of land mines. Depending on how bad your floor is, your best bet may be to consult with a structural engineer. This article is intended to provide you with basic information on what to look out for. Because issues [...]
Upstairs Egress Windows “Exit Requirements from Bedrooms” Just like your bedroom in your house, your upper level bedroom also needs a window large enough to properly crawl out of in case of a fire. Egress windows are pretty simple in definition. Window companies make it very easy for you [...]
Steps at My Back Door? “Do I Need ADA Compliance at All Doors?” Is your downtown built on a hillside? Many communities are developed up the side of a hill or on a hill that causes you back door to not be ADA compliant. The specific code states that [...]
Side Façade Window “Can I Cut in a New Window on the Side of My Building?” Adding a new window to the side of your building can be a risky venture. If you have a corner building and the window is on a public side street, your answer is [...]
Separation from Upper Level(s) “Apartment Above . . . Think Ahead on This One!” This topic is full of code challenges. Please discuss this topic with your local inspector and see what they will approve. There are multiple ways to provide a required two-hour fire assembly between your main [...]
Roof Insulation Requirements “Requiring More These Days” Roof insulation needs vary depending on what part of the country you live in. The image of the United States represents zoned areas for the required R value needed in your roof / attic space. I do not recommend sprayed insulation in [...]
My Hallway is Boring! "Safety First" The code book is full of “what ifs” on this topic. Exiting is very important, so the primary focus is to make sure there is a clear path out from all areas of your building. Hallway width starts with your occupancy load. We [...]
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 means ladder systems will only be allowed when other economical solutions have been explored. I have built apartments in a [...]
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 your space. I have definite opinions on the best way to achieve exposing your brick. The best way to communicate [...]
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 all, it doesn’t add to the visual improvement inside your building. In my area, sprinkler systems are quickly becoming a [...]
