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Home Additions & Structural Remodels (Basements & Attic Conversions)
Expert discussions and practical guidance for homeowners considering home additions, basement conversions, attic remodels, structural modifications, and compliance with permits and codes.
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Discussions
Foundation quotes may be pricing different problems
How do you compare a foundation quote focused on drainage with one proposing piers or other structural support? They’re not equivalent scopes, and correcting water management shouldn’t automatically…
How much interior space does a continuous basement insulation layer cost?
Rigid foam seems to make it easier to keep a continuous thermal layer across concrete, while mineral wool is appealing for fitting between studs. But how much does…
Keeping a useful doorway in an attached ADU fire separation
A doorway between an attached ADU and the main dwelling could be convenient, but I’m unsure how much it changes the required fire separation. Do local code and…
Moisture at sunroom window edges, but where is it coming from?
What observations help distinguish condensation on the room side of cold glass from water getting in around a window or through the wall? Does it matter whether moisture…
How much fresh-air ventilation does a sealed attic bedroom need?
A tightly insulated attic bedroom shouldn’t automatically need its own heat-recovery ventilator, but I’m not sure when the existing whole-house ventilation is enough. How do airtightness, how often…
Utility rerouting can change a wall-removal quote
When an interior wall comes down, how do you compare quotes if the wiring, plumbing, or ductwork inside it hasn’t been fully mapped yet? I’m curious whether good…
how would you handle a house that's slowly sinking?
Okay, so here's a hypothetical that's been bugging me lately. Imagine you bought this older house - nice neighborhood, charming little porch, the whole deal. But after a…
Heat-pump or standard electric water heater for a small ADU?
I’m comparing a heat-pump water heater with a conventional electric tank for a roughly 500-square-foot ADU intended for one or two occupants. The unit would have one bathroom…
A dormer’s floor space depends on where the roof gives you headroom
How much usable attic space a dormer adds seems to depend on the existing roof pitch and framing, not just the dormer’s footprint. A dormer might make part…
Helical piers or concrete underpinning for one settling corner?
I’m evaluating repair options for a roughly 110-year-old brick house with a stone-and-mortar foundation. The settlement is limited to the rear corner: there is a diagonal crack in…
