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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Your Back Deck “It’s Okay to Have a Little Fun with the Deck” The poor deck is one of the first to get watered down when the budget gets too high! In my world, the back deck is as important as any room in the apartment. Either take advantage [...]
What Is My Upper Level Address? “Don’t Get the Cart in Front of the Horse” This article may sound like a no-brainer, but I made the mistake. I worked hard and long converting my unused upper level space into a nicely-designed apartment. I was under the impression that I [...]
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 your building is not on the corner lot and has party walls on both sides, this requirement can be very [...]
