When adding to or improving a building, nothing determines the success of the finished product more than how well structural and finishing details relate to existing works. When these details are well matched, new work blends with old creating a seamless integration of the features that helps your projects be all they can be. Read the rest of this article >>>
Building Articles
To Permit or Not to Permit: Is This the Question?
Published on December 19th, 2011
Whether you know it or not, most areas in Canada require a permit for new construction and structural repairs. Curiously, as builders and restorers, we’ve found that the first question that comes up in a discussion of building permits with homeowners is not the cost of, or necessity for, a permit. It is, instead, whether homeowners agree with the process of obtaining a permit for work taking place on their own homes. Read the rest of this article >>>
Building Addition Roofs: Thinking From The Top Down To Ensure Headroom
Published on October 9th, 2011
Adding a room onto an existing home is probably the most cost effective way to increase a building’s usable interior space. In this article, an addition means what a colleague calls a “three sided” addition. This phrase intends to avoid confusion with other sorts of home additions such as raising a building to create a new ground level space, or raising the roof to create a story between a ground level space and a roof area. The three sided addition means that the new and existing building will share an interior wall. Read the rest of this article >>>
How to Add a Hot Tub to a Sundeck
Published on August 30th, 2011
Although they may increase property value, the main reason to build a deck is leisure; sundecks are about creating a space for family and friends to make the most of leisure time in the great outdoors. And one of the best ways to maximise this leisure potential is to include a hot tub in your deck plans. In my opinion, there is no experience so grand as the opportunity to soak in a pool of warm water while staring up at the night sky, sipping a glass of wine, enjoying good company. Read the rest of this article >>>
Construction Drawings: This All-important Map for Building Projects Starts With Sketches
Published on March 10th, 2011
Most people wouldn’t dream of traveling somewhere they’ve never been before without a map. Why? Because not having directions is the best way to get lost. The same is true in building. Construction drawings are the “map” homeowners and builders need to show the best route to where they’re going with a project. And anyone with a pencil, paper, and a dot of imagination can get a building idea rolling. Read the rest of this article >>>
